Assessing wave energy effects on biodiversity: the wave hub experience.

Marine renewable energy installations harnessing energy from wind, wave and tidal resources are likely to become a large part of the future energy mix worldwide. The potential to gather energy from waves has recently seen increasing interest, with pilot developments in several nations. Although technology to harness wave energy lags behind that of wind and tidal generation, it has the potential to contribute significantly to energy production. As wave energy technology matures and becomes more widespread, it is likely to result in further transformation of our coastal seas. Such changes are accompanied by uncertainty regarding their impacts on biodiversity. To date, impacts have not been assessed, as wave energy converters have yet to be fully developed. Therefore, there is a pressing need to build a framework of understanding regarding the potential impacts of these technologies, underpinned by methodologies that are transferable and scalable across sites to facilitate formal meta-analysis. We first review the potential positive and negative effects of wave energy generation, and then, with specific reference to our work at the Wave Hub (a wave energy test site in southwest England, UK), we set out the methodological approaches needed to assess possible effects of wave energy on biodiversity. We highlight the need for national and international research clusters to accelerate the implementation of wave energy, within a coherent understanding of potential effects-both positive and negative.

Frenchay Aphasia Screening Test: validity and comparability.

The Frenchay Aphasia Screening Test1 is a reliable test which can be used by non-specialists to discriminate between aphasia and normal language. Preliminary studies have shown good test-retest reliability, and the test itself is quick and simple to use. The present investigation examines the validity of the test by comparing the results of this test with those on more structured, detailed and frequently used assessments of aphasia -the Minnesota Test for Differential Diagnosis of Aphasia (MTDDA) and general performance in communication as reflected by the Functional Communication Profile. The results demonstrate a positive correlation between the tests, and this allows confidence in the use of this test by non-specialists as a screening instrument.

Long-term recovery patterns of severe dysarthria following head injury.

This study gives detailed information regarding the changes of bulbar dysfunction in a long-term follow-up of four severely brain-damaged young persons. There are similarities in the pathology and symptomatology of the four and all made measurable improvements albeit these did not start for some considerable time following injury. Few gains in bulbar function were noted in the first 18 months. One subject began to improve after 24 months, another after 30 months with the most substantial changes for all subjects being seen by 48 months post-injury. Further small improvements continued to be recorded up until the end of the study. The four subjects with severe dysarthria and profound physical disability following head injury were monitored for 7 years. All were assessed using the Frenchay Dysarthria Assessment (FDA) at regular intervals. The gains were not so significant that any became independent oral speakers. Although the subjects remain severely dysarthric and all use communication aids, the improvements are seen to have functional relevance. The timing of the maximum improvement was noted to follow the cessation of specific remediation of bulbar function. The results of this study raise interesting questions with regard to neurological recovery and rehabilitation management. It is possible to speculate that oral/motor therapy should be implemented at a later stage with severely head-injured patients in an attempt to exploit and extend returning function.