Utility of ocean wave parameters in ambient noise predictiona).

This study is concerned with prediction of the "wind noise" component of ambient noise (AN) in the ocean. It builds on the seminal paper by Felizardo and Melville [(1995). J.

Verifying models of the underwater soundscape from wind and ships with benchmark scenariosa).

Models of the underwater acoustic soundscape are important for evaluating the effects of human generated sounds on marine life. The performance of models can be validated against measurements or verified against each other for consistency. A verification workshop was held to compare models that predict the soundscape from wind and vessels and estimate detection ranges for a submerged target.

Detection range of a passing submerged emitter of sound in ambient noisea).

An underwater acoustic detection problem is studied in which the ambient noise present at a receiver is calculated, given information describing environmental conditions, including windspeed, and the positions of nearby ships which act as sources of background noise. The signal, whose detection is sought, is narrowband and transmitted from a source that passes by the receiver along a straight track. Cumulative Probability of Detection (CPoD) is calculated along a series of tracks with increasing closest-point-of-approach distances to the receiver.

The Structural Genomics Consortium: A Knowledge Platform for Drug Discovery: A Summary.

The Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC) supports drug discovery efforts through a unique, open access model of public-private collaboration. This study presents the results of an independent evaluation of the Structural Genomics Consortium, conducted by RAND Europe with the Institute on Governance. The evaluation aimed to establish the role of the SGC within the wider drug discovery and PPP landscape, assessing the merits of the SGC open access model relative to alternative models of funding R&D in this space, as well as the key trends and opportunities in the external environment that may impact on the future of the SGC.

The Future of Public Health: A Horizon Scan.

Public Health England (PHE) commissioned RAND Europe to undertake a horizon scanning study exploring the future of public health and related scientific services. This work was intended to help inform thinking at the strategic level within PHE, firstly in relation to the wider vision of the Agency (which was only established in April 2013) and, secondly, in relation to the proposals for the creation of an integrated public health science hub. The study is based on a literature review, a brief Delphi exercise using the ExpertLens platform and key informant interviews with a range of PHE staff and external experts.