SpinLink: An interconnection system for the SpiNNaker biologically inspired multi-computer

SpiNNaker is a large-scale biologically-inspired multi-computer designed to model very heavily distributed problems, with the flagship application being the simulation of large neural networks. The project goal is to have one million processors included in a single machine, which consequently span many thousands of circuit boards. A computer of this scale imposes large communication requirements between these boards, and requires an extensible method of connecting to external equipment such as sensors, actuators and visualisation systems. This paper describes two systems that can address each of these problems.Firstly, SpinLink is a proposed method of connecting the SpiNNaker boards by using time-division multiplexing (TDM) to allow eight SpiNNaker links to run at maximum bandwidth between two boards. SpinLink will be deployed on Spartan-6 FPGAs and uses a locally generated clock that can be paused while the asynchronous links from SpiNNaker are sending data, thus ensuring a fast and glitch-free response. Secondly, SpiNNterceptor is a separate system, currently in the early stages of design, that will build upon SpinLink to address the important external I/O issues faced by SpiNNaker. Specifically, spare resources in the FPGAs will be used to implement the debugging and I/O interfacing features of SpiNNterceptor

Future wave climate over the west-European shelf seas

In this paper, we investigate changes in the wave climate of the west-European shelf seas under global warming scenarios. In particular, climate change wind fields corresponding to the present (control) time-slice 1961–2000 and the future (scenario) time-slice 2061–2100 are used to drive a wave generation model to produce equivalent control and scenario wave climate. Yearly and seasonal statistics of the scenario wave climates are compared individually to the corresponding control wave climate to identify relative changes of statistical significance between present and future extreme and prevailing wave heights. Using global, regional and linked global–regional wind forcing over a set of nested computational domains, this paper further demonstrates the sensitivity of the results to the resolution and coverage of the forcing. It suggests that the use of combined forcing from linked global and regional climate models of typical resolution and coverage is a good option for the investigation of relative wave changes in the region of interest of this study. Coarse resolution global forcing alone leads to very similar results over regions that are highly exposed to the Atlantic Ocean. In contrast, fine resolution regional forcing alone is shown to be insufficient for exploring wave climate changes over the western European waters because of its limited coverage. Results obtained with the combined global–regional wind forcing showed some consistency between scenarios. In general, it was shown that mean and extreme wave heights will increase in the future only in winter and only in the southwest of UK and west of France, north of about 44–45° N. Otherwise, wave heights are projected to decrease, especially in summer. Nevertheless, this decrease is dominated by local wind waves whilst swell is found to increase. Only in spring do both swell and local wind waves decrease in average height

Dynamics of methane ebullition from a peat monolith revealed from a dynamic flux chamber system

Methane (CH4) ebullition in northern peatlands is poorly quantified in part due to its high spatiotemporal variability. In this study, a dynamic flux chamber (DFC) system was used to continuously measure CH4 fluxes from a monolith of near‐surface Sphagnum peat at the laboratory scale to understand the complex behavior of CH4 ebullition. Coincident transmission ground penetrating radar measurements of gas content were also acquired at three depths within the monolith. A graphical method was developed to separate diffusion, steady ebullition, and episodic ebullition fluxes from the total CH4 flux recorded and to identify the timing and CH4 content of individual ebullition events. The results show that the application of the DFC had minimal disturbance on air‐peat CH4 exchange and estimated ebullition fluxes were not sensitive to the uncertainties associated with the graphical model. Steady and episodic ebullition fluxes were estimated to be averagely 36 ± 24% and 38 ± 24% of the total fluxes over the study period, respectively. The coupling between episodic CH4 ebullition and gas content within the three layers supports the existence of a threshold gas content regulating CH4 ebullition. However, the threshold at which active ebullition commenced varied between peat layers with a larger threshold (0.14 m3 m−3) observed in the deeper layers, suggesting that the peat physical structure controls gas bubble dynamics in peat. Temperature variation (23°C to 27°C) was likely only responsible for small episodic ebullition events from the upper peat layer, while large ebullition events from the deeper layers were most likely triggered by drops in atmospheric pressure

The impact of host species and vector control measures on the fitness of African malaria vectors

Many malaria vector mosquitoes in Africa have an extreme preference for feeding on humans. This specialization allows them to sustain much higher levels of transmission than elsewhere, but there is little understanding of the evolutionary forces that drive this behaviour. In Tanzania, we used a semi-field system to test whether the well-documented preferences of the vectors An. arabiensis and An. gambiae s.s. for cattle and humans respectively are predicted by the fitness they obtain from host-seeking on these species relative to other available hosts. Mosquito fitness was contrasted when humans were fully exposed, and when they were protected by a typical bednet. The fitness of both vectors varied between host species. The predicted relationship between host preference and fitness was confirmed in An. arabiensis, but not in An. gambiae s.s. whose fitness was similar on humans and other mammals. Use of typical, imperfect bednets generated only minor reductions in An. gambiae s.s. feeding success and fitness on humans, but was predicted to generate a significant reduction in the lifetime reproductive success of An. arabiensis on human relative to cows. This supports the hypothesis that such human-protective measures could additionally benefit malaria control by increasing selection for zoophily in vectors

Virtual reality in the assessment, understanding, and treatment of mental health disorders

Mental health problems are inseparable from the environment. With virtual reality (VR), computer-generated interactive environments, individuals can repeatedly experience their problematic situations and be taught, via evidence-based psychological treatments, how to overcome difficulties. VR is moving out of specialist laboratories. Our central aim was to describe the potential of VR in mental health, including a consideration of the first 20 years of applications. A systematic review of empirical studies was conducted. In all, 285 studies were identified, with 86 concerning assessment, 45 theory development, and 154 treatment. The main disorders researched were anxiety (n = 192), schizophrenia (n = 44), substance-related disorders (n = 22) and eating disorders (n = 18). There are pioneering early studies, but the methodological quality of studies was generally low. The gaps in meaningful applications to mental health are extensive. The most established finding is that VR exposure-based treatments can reduce anxiety disorders, but there are numerous research and treatment avenues of promise. VR was found to be a much-misused term, often applied to non-interactive and non-immersive technologies. We conclude that VR has the potential to transform the assessment, understanding and treatment of mental health problems. The treatment possibilities will only be realized if - with the user experience at the heart of design - the best immersive VR technology is combined with targeted translational interventions. The capability of VR to simulate reality could greatly increase access to psychological therapies, while treatment outcomes could be enhanced by the technology's ability to create new realities. VR may merit the level of attention given to neuroimaging

Clinical leadership: evaluating the benefits of action learning using co-operative inquiry

Background: Developing clinical leadership, to ensure the culture of care is strengthened, is the thrust of the ‘leading with compassion’ campaign by the English National Health Service (NHS) (NHS England, 2014). Senior clinicians are charged with invigorating compassionate leadership yet the roles of nurse and therapist consultants the most senior clinical role in the UK healthcare system, are often solitary ones, in which they are expected to embrace a myriad of responsibilities and where there continues to be ambiguity about their role and scope of practice. In such exposed positions in any healthcare system from a global perspective, consultant nurses and therapists are vulnerable to the vagaries of the demands made upon them and the need to strive ever harder to improve the quality of services and patient care (McIntosh & Tolson 2008). Mentorship can be seen as a way of supporting clinicians, even on a global exchange system but a system (Buckner et al 2015) where the consultants can support themselves through action learning (McGill & Beaty 2001) reinforces their commitment to each other and to the potential benefit of their organisation. The aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of an action learning set (ALS) to enhance clinical leadership and extend their scope and confidence more strategically Methodology: Using an approach advocated by Heron & Reason (2001), co-operative inquiry is a way of researching with rather than on people, of working with those who have similar interests and who wish to collectively understand their world and create new ways of exploring it. This approach helps also to learn how to change and enhance our working practices. With all active subjects fully involved as co-researchers in all research decisions, three cycles have been completed of four phases of discussion of reflection, analysis and action. The process is planned to last for 18 months. Data were analysed thematically. Findings: Four themes began to emerge from the data: development of scholarship, responding to changing need, extending networks and empowerment in role. Whilst the consultants had grown considerably in confidence in their leadership role, they did not feel that collectively they fully embraced the four dimensions prescribed by the Department of Health for the role. Nevertheless, the co-operative inquiry helped them realise how much they had gained from their collective learning in the group (ALS) and how, from the group they feel empowered to lead. The ALS has enabled them to remain focused and reflect critically both personally and within the group. Their reflections helped them value the importance of the role for the organisation, their credibility within the organisation and they have been keen to retain their peer support to ensure its sustainability. Conclusion: Whilst their motivation to ‘make a difference’ remains palpable, the outcomes of the co-operative inquiry included an enhanced understanding of the importance of openness and trust of each other and a willingness to share and learn from each other in a respectful and confidential environment with a receptiveness to change. They believe that they are more aware of their influence on others and feel more able to challenge their medical colleagues with greater conviction and now have a recognised voice within the organisation. Clinical relevance: Time away from their clinical responsibilities to consider improvement of issues challenging these autonomous practitioners has proved invaluable to the improvement of their specialist services and enhanced the confidence of those new to role. Additionally, this collaboration has improved communication across the organisation, enhanced their strategic leadership capability and given confidence to disseminate externally. Key words: leadership, action learning, co-operative inquiry, Words: 569 3 Bullet points as to how your work contributes to knowledge development in the selected theme: • The value of action learning sets for consultant therapists using a co-operative inquiry approach can lead to further empower individuals to address the complex problems in practice and lead to change. • Co-operative inquiry has been a powerful tool to engage these senior consultants in a number of cycles of reflection and evaluation, researching with each other and experiencing first hand the value of the ALS to each of them individually. • Action learning sets can help senior clinicians, early on in their leadership role, take ownership of their complex problems and commit to each other by supporting their development of creative thinking and problem solving. References: Bell M., Coen E., Coyne-Nevin A., Egenton R., Ellis A. and Moran L. (2007) Experience of an action learning set. Practice Development in Health Care 6(4) 232-241. Buckner, E.B., Anderson D.J., Garzon, N., Hafsteinsdottir, T.B., Lai, C. and Roshan, R. (2014) Perspectives on global nursing leadership: international experiences from the field. International Nursing Review, 61, 463-471. Heron, J. & Reason, P. (2001) The Practice of Co-operative Inquiry: Research ‘with’ rather than ‘on’ People. In Reason, P. & Bradbury, H. (editor) Handbook of Action Research: Participative Inquiry & Practice, pp179 -188. Sage, London Jackson C. and Thurgate C. (2011) Action learning: maximising learning in the workplace. British Journal of Healthcare Assistants, 5(9), 454-456. McGill I. And Beaty L. (2001) Action Learning: A Guide for Professional, Management and Educational Development (2nd edition). London, Kogan Page. McIntosh J. and Tolson D. (2008) Leadership as part of the nurse consultant role; banging the drum for patient care. Journal of Clinical Nursing 18, 219-227. NHS England (2014) Building and Strengthening Leadership: Leading with Compassion. NHS England, Accessed at https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/london-nursing-accessible.pdf on 22.1.16 Young S., Nixon E., Hinge D., McFadyen J., Wright V., Lambert P., Pilkington C. and Newsome C. (2009) Action learning: a tool for the development of strategic skills for Nurse Consultants? Journal of Nursing Management, 18, 105-110

A search for double beta decays of tin isotopes with enhanced sensitivity

A search for the various double beta decay modes of 124Sn and 112Sn has been performed on 75 kg.days of data. New half-life limits for excited states in 124Sn have been obtained including a lower limit for the decay into the first excited 2+ state of 124Te of T_half > 0.87e20 yrs (90% CL) and into the first excited 0+ state of T_half > 1.08e20 yrs (90% CL). Ground state and excited state transitions of 112Sn have also been experimentally explored. A limit for the 2 neutrino double electron capture of T_half > 1.8e19 yrs (90% CL) is obtained. The non-observation of de-excitation gammas from the 0+ at 1888.5keV results in a lower half-life limit on the 0 neutrino double electron capture decay of 112Sn of T_half > 0.8e19 yrs (90% CL), despite a possible resonant enhancement of the decay rate due to degenerated states.Comment: 6 pages, 7 figures, updated analysis and tex

Morphodynamic evolution of an estuary inlet

This paper presents the application of a morphodynamic model based on 2D reduced-physics principles to investigate morphology change of a complex estuary inlet system in the United Kingdom. The model combines a simple governing equation with a set of measured bathymetry data in order to model morphology change. The modelling method suggests that this simplified approach is able to recognise principal medium term morphodynamic trends in the estuary. However, the length and quality of the estuary bathymetry data set limits the applicability of the model to inter-annual scale