The RESET project: constructing a European tephra lattice for refined synchronisation of environmental and archaeological events during the last c. 100 ka

This paper introduces the aims and scope of the RESET project (. RESponse of humans to abrupt Environmental Transitions), a programme of research funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (UK) between 2008 and 2013; it also provides the context and rationale for papers included in a special volume of Quaternary Science Reviews that report some of the project's findings. RESET examined the chronological and correlation methods employed to establish causal links between the timing of abrupt environmental transitions (AETs) on the one hand, and of human dispersal and development on the other, with a focus on the Middle and Upper Palaeolithic periods. The period of interest is the Last Glacial cycle and the early Holocene (c. 100-8 ka), during which time a number of pronounced AETs occurred. A long-running topic of debate is the degree to which human history in Europe and the Mediterranean region during the Palaeolithic was shaped by these AETs, but this has proved difficult to assess because of poor dating control. In an attempt to move the science forward, RESET examined the potential that tephra isochrons, and in particular non-visible ash layers (cryptotephras), might offer for synchronising palaeo-records with a greater degree of finesse. New tephrostratigraphical data generated by the project augment previously-established tephra frameworks for the region, and underpin a more evolved tephra 'lattice' that links palaeo-records between Greenland, the European mainland, sub-marine sequences in the Mediterranean and North Africa. The paper also outlines the significance of other contributions to this special volume: collectively, these illustrate how the lattice was constructed, how it links with cognate tephra research in Europe and elsewhere, and how the evidence of tephra isochrons is beginning to challenge long-held views about the impacts of environmental change on humans during the Palaeolithic. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd.RESET was funded through Consortium Grants awarded by the Natural Environment Research Council, UK, to a collaborating team drawn from four institutions: Royal Holloway University of London (grant reference NE/E015905/1), the Natural History Museum, London (NE/E015913/1), Oxford University (NE/E015670/1) and the University of Southampton, including the National Oceanography Centre (NE/01531X/1). The authors also wish to record their deep gratitude to four members of the scientific community who formed a consultative advisory panel during the lifetime of the RESET project: Professor Barbara Wohlfarth (Stockholm University), Professor Jørgen Peder Steffensen (Niels Bohr Institute, Copenhagen), Dr. Martin Street (Romisch-Germanisches Zentralmuseum, Neuwied) and Professor Clive Oppenheimer (Cambridge University). They provided excellent advice at key stages of the work, which we greatly valued. We also thank Jenny Kynaston (Geography Department, Royal Holloway) for construction of several of the figures in this paper, and Debbie Barrett (Elsevier) and Colin Murray Wallace (Editor-in-Chief, QSR) for their considerable assistance in the production of this special volume.Peer Reviewe

Modifying affective and cognitive responses regarding body image difficulties in breast cancer survivors using a self-compassion-based writing intervention

The body image-related concerns of breast cancer survivors following treatment are not always adequately addressed. Self-compassion, which is the capacity to adopt a kind, caring attitude to oneself in times of difficulty, has been linked to decreased psychological distress. The aim of this study was to determine the affective and cognitive impact of a self-compassionate writing activity regarding adverse bodily changes. Female breast cancer survivors (N = 105) were recruited through an Australian consumer organization and completed an initial background questionnaire including Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, Body Image Scale, Body Appreciation Scale and Self-Compassion Scale. Participants were then randomly allocated to either a self-compassion-focused (experimental) or unstructured writing (control) condition regarding their experiences of body image difficulties after cancer treatment. Ratings of affect and cognition were assessed immediately prior to, and following, completion of the paper-based writing activity. Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA), controlling for pre-intervention levels of affect and cognition, indicated a significant main effect for the experimental condition, F(2, 104) = 4.70, p = 0.01, and ηp² = 0.08. Univariate tests revealed significantly lower negative affect and greater self-compassionate attitude in experimental compared to control participants. Writing according to self-compassionate-focused prompts resulted in lower levels of negative affect and an increased self-compassionate attitude during exposure to difficult memories related to body image, compared with unstructured writing about these experiences. These findings provide preliminary evidence for the usefulness of a relatively simple and inexpensive self-compassionate writing intervention to address body image-related issues in breast cancer survivors, with potential application of this model to many other client settings.14 page(s

My changed body : background, development and acceptability of a self-compassion based writing activity for female survivors of breast cancer

Objective: To assess consumer and health professional user acceptability of a web-based self-compassion writing activity to minimize psychological distress related to the negative impact of breast cancer on body image. Methods: “My Changed Body” is a web-based writing activity that combines expressive writing with a self-compassionate approach that focuses on cancer-related adverse body image alterations. Breast cancer survivors (n = 15) and health professionals (n = 20) provided feedback via a survey regarding the appearance, organization and content of the website and writing activity. Results: Both breast cancer survivors and health professionals rated the website highly in terms of design, layout and content. Participants commented positively on the website’s clear wording, appealing design and ease of navigation. Suggestions for improving the website included simplifying the instructions for the writing activity and allowing participants’ writing to be saved. Conclusion: Results from both breast cancer survivors and health professionals suggest a moderate to high level of user acceptability and positive ratings for the overall impression of the website. Practice implications: Self-compassion based writing interventions can be translated to a web-based self-administered activity for body image difficulties after breast cancer treatment in a format that is acceptable to consumers and health professionals.5 page(s

Identification of the risks posed by mass movements in the urbanized areas of Gdansk and Gdynia

Celem artykułu było przedstawienie zasadniczych problemów kartograficznych przy rozpoznawaniu i dokumentowaniu osuwisk oraz terenów potencjalnie zagrożonych ruchami masowymi w obszarach miejskich Gdańska i Gdyni. Określenie lokalizacji i stopnia aktywności osuwisk oraz zagrożeń związanych z ich ponownym uruchomieniem wspomoże władze lokalne we właściwym zagospodarowaniu przestrzeni oraz wypełnieniu obowiązków dotyczących problematyki ruchów masowych wynikających z odpowiednich ustaw i rozporządzeń. Rozpoznanie lokalizacji i zasięgu osuwisk jest pomocne w tworzeniu planów odnoszących się do ryzyka osuwiskowego, czyli w ograniczeniu w znacznym stopniu szkód i zniszczeń wywołanych rozwojem osuwisk oraz zaniechaniu łub dostosowaniu budownictwa drogowego i mieszkaniowego w warunkach panujących w obrębie osuwisk.The aim of this article is to depict the fundamental cartographic difficulties towards appropriate recognition and evidence of landslides and areas potentially at risk of mass wasting, within urban zones of Gdańsk and Gdynia. Designation of landslide location, activity, and assessing a threat of landslide reactivation, is going to support the local authorities spatial planning accuracy - an obligation resulting from the adequate laws and regulations. A proper recognition of landslide location and coverage helps to apply suitable arrangements, aiming to reduce the damage caused by landslide development, as well as omission, or adaptation of road construction and housing, within areas being at risk of mass wasting and landslide activity