title: Neural networks for predicting the output of wind flow simulations over complex topographies

authors: Mayo, Michael

subjects: computer science

abstract: We use deep learning techniques to model computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of wind flow over a complex topography. Our motivation is to "speed up" the optimisation of CFD-based simulations (such as the 3D wind farm layout optimisation problem) by developing surrogate models capable of predicting the output of a simulation at any given point in 3D space, given output from a set of training simulations that have already been run. Our promising results using TensorFlow show that deep neural networks can be learned to model CFD outputs with an error of as low as 2.5 meters per second.

text: Neural networks for predicting the output of wind flow simulations over complex topographies We use deep learning techniques to model computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of wind flow over a complex topography. Our motivation is to "speed up" the optimisation of CFD-based simulations (such as the 3D wind farm layout optimisation problem) by developing surrogate models capable of predicting the output of a simulation at any given point in 3D space, given output from a set of training simulations that have already been run. Our promising results using TensorFlow show that deep neural networks can be learned to model CFD outputs with an error of as low as 2.5 meters per second.

year: 2018

title: Mindfulness-based stress reduction in a correctional facility: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis on the impact of violent behaviour

authors: Edward, Mtakwa

subjects: MBSR

abstract: Criminal behaviours can often lead to a prison sentence, and a prison sentence suggests that justice has been served. It appears that correctional facilities worldwide have been inundated with prisoners serving time for a variety of reasons.  Though a prison sentence serves as punishment for perpetrators, it can often cause psychological harm for both prisoners and their families. As a result of more relevant research being conducted, several intensive rehabilitative programmes are being run in correctional facilities worldwide to address criminal behaviours such as violence. These intensive programmes aim to teach prisoners to understand the relationships between intrusive thought patterns that may or may not be associated with past traumatic events, emotional dysregulation, and poor behaviour leading to violent offending.  The present study examined the impact of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on prisoners' psychological wellbeing in correctional facilities worldwide. It was completed by running a meta-analysis on four studies based in the United States of America (USA), China, and the Netherlands and across various ethnic and cultural groups, which analysed this relationship. The results indicated that MBSR could be an effective treatment modality to run alongside intensive therapies.
Furthermore, the overall effect size suggested a positive but not significant relationship between MBSR and improved psychological wellbeing. It is suggested that further research using experimental designs be explored in this field to allow for further analysis to be examined. The main objective of this review was to answer two questions: 'Is the use of MBSR in correctional facilities effective in helping reduce recidivism rates?' and 'Will the use of MBSR be effective with different cultural and ethnical populations in correctional facilities?' The conclusion of the meta-analysis in the current study suggests that yes, it is possible to reduce recidivism rates through using MBSR as an effective treatment in correctional facilities. Furthermore, it can be successfully implemented across people of different cultures and ethnicities.

text: Mindfulness-based stress reduction in a correctional facility: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis on the impact of violent behaviour Criminal behaviours can often lead to a prison sentence, and a prison sentence suggests that justice has been served. It appears that correctional facilities worldwide have been inundated with prisoners serving time for a variety of reasons.  Though a prison sentence serves as punishment for perpetrators, it can often cause psychological harm for both prisoners and their families. As a result of more relevant research being conducted, several intensive rehabilitative programmes are being run in correctional facilities worldwide to address criminal behaviours such as violence. These intensive programmes aim to teach prisoners to understand the relationships between intrusive thought patterns that may or may not be associated with past traumatic events, emotional dysregulation, and poor behaviour leading to violent offending.  The present study examined the impact of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on prisoners' psychological wellbeing in correctional facilities worldwide. It was completed by running a meta-analysis on four studies based in the United States of America (USA), China, and the Netherlands and across various ethnic and cultural groups, which analysed this relationship. The results indicated that MBSR could be an effective treatment modality to run alongside intensive therapies.
Furthermore, the overall effect size suggested a positive but not significant relationship between MBSR and improved psychological wellbeing. It is suggested that further research using experimental designs be explored in this field to allow for further analysis to be examined. The main objective of this review was to answer two questions: 'Is the use of MBSR in correctional facilities effective in helping reduce recidivism rates?' and 'Will the use of MBSR be effective with different cultural and ethnical populations in correctional facilities?' The conclusion of the meta-analysis in the current study suggests that yes, it is possible to reduce recidivism rates through using MBSR as an effective treatment in correctional facilities. Furthermore, it can be successfully implemented across people of different cultures and ethnicities.

year: 2021

title: Lifting barriers: Leadership, tactical, and strategic issues from, and for, indigenous community development

authors: Murthy, Vikram

subjects: indigenous communities

abstract: This paper uses learnings from a project with indigenous youth to engage with a recurring challenge in indigenous community organisation (ICO) development initiatives: The unwitting detraction from outcome efficacy by charismatic and influential indigenous leadership leading with an out-of-date repertoire. Using material from recent literature in the fields of non-profit management, new leadership, and social enterprise, the paper suggests guides to improved practice for meeting this challenge. It also sets out to effectiveness, will better underwrite sensitivity in entrepreneurial environments with complex cultural and social beliefs and practices. Such a repertoire will energise intraorganisational communal and consensual processes, which would resonate culturally with the ICO's normative behaviours and values, and would thus help the organisation marshall its collective will to frame futures that best capture their stakeholders' hopes and aspirations. Finally, it recommends that future research examine interfaces between these fields and the spiritual frameworks of indigenous world-views.

text: Lifting barriers: Leadership, tactical, and strategic issues from, and for, indigenous community development This paper uses learnings from a project with indigenous youth to engage with a recurring challenge in indigenous community organisation (ICO) development initiatives: The unwitting detraction from outcome efficacy by charismatic and influential indigenous leadership leading with an out-of-date repertoire. Using material from recent literature in the fields of non-profit management, new leadership, and social enterprise, the paper suggests guides to improved practice for meeting this challenge. It also sets out to effectiveness, will better underwrite sensitivity in entrepreneurial environments with complex cultural and social beliefs and practices. Such a repertoire will energise intraorganisational communal and consensual processes, which would resonate culturally with the ICO's normative behaviours and values, and would thus help the organisation marshall its collective will to frame futures that best capture their stakeholders' hopes and aspirations. Finally, it recommends that future research examine interfaces between these fields and the spiritual frameworks of indigenous world-views.

year: 2006