The objective of this study is to develop a numerical model to simulate the wave-induced loads on a ship that is moored in a harbour or coastal region. The starting point of this study is an existing non-hydrostatic wave-flow model (SWASH). To study the wave-induced loads on a moored ship, we extended SWASH to include a restrained (i.e., nonmoving) ship. Preliminary results indicated that the extended model is capable of simulating the wave transformation in the vicinity of a restrained ship. Next, we wish to validate if this numerical model is capable of accurately predicting the wave-induced forces and moments on a restrained ship. For this purpose, we wish to compare model results with measurements from a laboratory experiment. The laboratory experiment was conducted in a wave basin of approximately 40m x 40m. In prototype scale, this is equivalent to a domain of 4km x 4km. At these scales, full three-dimensional simulations on a single processor range from hours to days, which clearly shows the need for parallel computing.

Dissociative symptoms refer to disturbances in the integration of thoughts, feelings, and experiences into consciousness and memory. They overlap with schizotypical features, notably paranoid thinking. In recent studies, I found evidence that labile sleep-wake cycles a) lead to dreamlike mentation invading the waking state, b) produce memory failures, and c) fuel dissociative symptoms. This pattern of findings may inspire new treatments for dissociative symptoms (e.g., interventions that focus on normalization of the sleep-wake cycle), which is important because dissociative symptoms are notoriously recalcitrant to pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions. In this proposal, I aim to study the mechanisms underlying the link between sleep problems, dissociative symptoms, and paranoid thinking. One candidate mechanism might be emotional memory processing during REM sleep. I propose to conduct three studies; 1) a cross-sectional study to look at the correlations between dissociation, paranoid thinking, sleep aberrations, and memory measures; 2) a sleep deprivation experiment to test whether sleep disruption per se induces dissociative symptoms, paranoid thinking, and deteriorated emotional processing, and 3) a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) intervention study aimed at sleep normalization to explore whether sleep improvement reduces dissociative symptoms and paranoid thinking through the improvement of emotional memory processing.

A quantum spin liquid (QSL) is a magnetic system that does not settle into a long-range ordered configuration, even at zero temperature. Instead it resides in a nontrivial quasi-disordered ground state. QSLs form ideal breeding grounds for exotic excitations, which in turn lead to fascinating phenomena. Examples include high-Tc superconductivity as well as the actively sought-after Majorana states. For decades, research in this field consisted mainly of theoretical debate. Experimental realizations of QSLs are being explored, but suitable chemical compounds are difficult to find and little can be done to tune their precise atomic geometries. Here I propose to construct quantum spin liquids through a dramatically new approach. I intend to build lattices of magnetic atoms from the bottom up, literally atom-by-atom. Using the probe tip of a sub-Kelvin scanning tunneling microscope I will position the atoms on a surface into various one- and two-dimensional lattices, and with the same tip I will probe their spin states with atomic precision. The key indication for QSL behavior, the existence of an excitation gap due to lack of long-range order, should be readily observable through inelastic cotunneling spectroscopy. Among other things, these experiments will make it possible to carefully control and investigate various quantum phase transitions and may shed light on the dynamics of quasiparticle excitations. As an experimental approach, the technique presented here has the potential to revolutionize the field of quantum magnetism.

The chance that people with psychoses become victim of a violent crimes is three times higher than in the general population. This is partly due to the clinical syndrome that is associated with misperception of social cues, self-stigma, decreased self-esteem and a lack of assertiveness. Earlier experiences with violence also increase the risk of victimization. To tackle this downward spiral, an assertiveness training in which psychomotor interventions are combined with kickboxing techniques was developed. The effects of the intervention will be studied using questionnaires and fMRI in both a pilot, a randomized clinical trial and a follow-up study