From findspot to site: a spatial examination of the Mesolithic resource in Surrey

Surrey has a diverse range of Mesolithic occupation evidence, spanning the Early Mesolithic, Horsham period and the Later Mesolithic. This paper collates these data and then quantitatively analyses the relationships between the geographical distributions of Mesolithic material and a range of environmental characteristics. The distribution of material is also analysed using a GIS to understand where ‘hotspots’ (and ‘coldspots’) of activity may be located and takes into account variations in collecting activity and modern discovery opportunities. There is evidence that the environment may have been important in determining the spatial extent of Mesolithic hunter-gatherer behaviour, and this is assessed through comparison of the Mesolithic resource and a range of environmental variables. The record shows a prevalence of hunting-type assemblages in the south-west of the county, where the majority of microliths and points were identified, together with sites with evidence for occupation (often excavated as such, or with evidence for domestic activities such as burning). There was also evidence that records identified on higher elevations and steeper slopes appeared to represent items used, discarded or lost on hunting trips and potentially highlighted the importance of these regions as lookout or observation locations; however, there was a lack of occupation sites based near these optimal viewing locations. The majority of occupation sites were located across an east--west Greensand band, and situated within 5km of the Clay-with-Flints outcrops. These were wet/dry marginal regions, probably conducive to settlement owing to the benefits these locations may have had for hunting and gathering. A lower density of records from north-west and south-east Surrey appear to indicate these areas were used primarily for the processing of material while people were moving across the landscape. The overall high proportion of findspots and scatters within the dataset may result from the nature of hunter-gatherer living, with high levels of mobility within the landscape alongside ephemeral occupation and activity sites

Effect of exercise-induced muscle damage on vascular function and skeletal muscle microvascular deoxygenation

Citation: Caldwell, J. T., Wardlow, G. C., Branch, P. A., Ramos, M., Black, C. D., & Ade, C. J. (2016). Effect of exercise-induced muscle damage on vascular function and skeletal muscle microvascular deoxygenation. Physiological Reports, 4(22), 12. doi:10.14814/phy2.13032This paper investigated the effects of unaccustomed eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) on macro-and microvascular function. We tested the hypotheses that resting local and systemic endothelial-dependent flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and microvascular reactivity would decrease, (V) over dotO(2max) would be altered, and that during ramp exercise, peripheral O-2 extraction, evaluated via near-infrared-derived spectroscopy (NIRS) derived deoxygenated hemoglobin + myoglobin ([HHb]), would be distorted following EIMD. In 13 participants, measurements were performed prior to (Pre) and 48 h after a bout of knee extensor eccentric exercise designed to elicit localized muscle damage (Post). Flow-mediated dilation and postocclusive reactive hyperemic responses measured in the superficial femoral artery served as a measurement of local vascular function relative to the damaged tissue, while the brachial artery served as an index of nonlocal, systemic, vascular function. During ramp-incremental exercise on a cycle ergometer, [HHb] and tissue saturation (TSI%) in the m. vastus lateralis were measured. Superficial femoral artery FMD significantly decreased following EIMD (pre 6.75 +/- 3.89%; post 4.01 +/- 2.90%; P 0.05). At each progressive increase in workload (i.e., 0-100% peak), the [HHb] and TOI% responses were similar pre-and 48 h post-EIMD (P > 0.05). Additionally, (V) over dotO(2max) was similar at pre-(3.0 +/- 0.67 L min(-1)) to 48 h post (2.96 +/- 0.60 L min(-1))-EIMD (P > 0.05). Results suggest that moderate eccentric muscle damage leads to impaired local, but not systemic, macrovascular dysfunction

New insights into late Devensian late glacial and early Holocene environmental change: two high-resolution case studies from SE England

The Late Devensian Lateglacial to early Holocene transition across north-west Europe was characterized by a rapid shift in climate from the cold, harsh conditions of the Loch Lomond Stadial to the warmer climate of the early postglacial. However, our knowledge of this transition in south-east England has been hampered by the paucity of mires with sedimentary records spanning this period. We present two new high-resolution paleoenvironmental records from Langshot Bog and Elstead Bog B (Surrey, UK), which provide a clear signature of vegetation succession and fire history. Organic sedimentation at Langshot Bog commenced prior to 12,640–12,410 cal. BP (95% probability) and continued until 8430–8350 cal. BP (95% probability). Providing a robust chronology for Elstead Bog B proved to be problematic, although available dates suggest sediment accumulation commenced prior to 11,820–11,400 cal. BP (WM-168, 2σ). The sites are characterized by similar vegetation records, indicating a regional signal from locations over 20 km apart. Scrubby tundra-style vegetation is characteristic of cold conditions associated with the Lateglacial. The identification of Alnus and Corylus, taxa not normally associated with this period, indicates that microclimates may have permitted the survival of these species. Expansion of Betula followed by Pinus dates to the onset of the Holocene, forming mixed coniferous-deciduous woodland, during a period which is punctuated by short climatic events identified from stable isotope analysis. Subsequent expansion of thermophilous taxa Corylus, Ulmus and Quercus results in the formation of deciduous woodland. A rise in micro-charcoal, heathland and herbaceous taxa indicates development of heathy-scrubby clearings within this Holocene landscape

Theorising the value of collage in exploring educational leadership

This article contributes to theorising the value of collage as a methodological approach. It begins with a discussion of the methodological difficulties of exploring hidden meanings and individual experience through the research process. The illuminative potential of arts-based methodologies in qualitative research is then investigated. The article makes the case for the specific advantages of using collage to explore the experience of leadership, through a discussion of two collage-based studies. It proposes a variant of the ‘think aloud’ process, used in conjunction with collage, as a route to producing deep understandings of the multiple ways in which leadership is experienced and understood as a social process. The argument is made that collage enables the accessing and sharing of profound levels of experience not accessible through words alone, and considers the impact of the physicality of collage on its potential to release these profound insights. A five-stage process for the analysis of collage is then set out. The article concludes by offering a theory of the value of collage as a methodological approach to exploring experiences of leadership, through use of the concepts of physicality, wholeness and participant agency.Peer reviewe

Climate and vegetation dynamics of the northern Apennines (Italy) during the late Pleistocene and Holocene

This study reconstructs the regional vegetation and climate dynamics between the upper Late Pleistocene and Holocene around Pian del Lago, a coastal mountain marshland located at 831 m asl in western Liguria (NW-Italy), based on the pollen analysis of a 13 m-long sediment core. The record provided a unique opportunity to study a poorly documented period in northern Italy and across many parts of southwestern Europe. We propose an event stratigraphy based upon the identification of seven interstadials (NAI-7 to NAI-1) spanning the upper Late Pleistocene. The correlation with other terrestrial records in Italy, and with Mediterranean marine sequences and the Greenland ice cores, permitted a coherent reconstruction of main environmental changes from >∼43,000 cal. BP. Significantly, the pollen record indicates the persistence of a mesophilous mountain vegetation cover, mainly composed of Quercus (deciduous and evergreen), Abies, Fagus and Alnus over the whole time period recorded. At the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and during the Late Würm Lateglacial, despite the presence of steppic vegetation composed of Artemisia, woodlands dominated by Pinus, with Abies, Picea, Fagus, Alnus and Betula are present. This forest composition provides an important insight into the history of Picea in southern Europe and Late Pleistocene refugia for mesophilous species. During the Early Holocene, Pinus is first replaced by Abies and then by deciduous Quercus and mixed temperate species as the dominant forest component. Both arboreal and herbaceous anthropogenic pollen indicators only make their appearance during the Late Holocene, attesting to the increasing importance of human activities

South Georgia blue whales five decades after the end of whaling

Blue whales Balaenoptera musculus at South Georgia were heavily exploited during 20th century industrial whaling, to the point of local near-extirpation. Although legal whaling for blue whales ceased in the 1960s, and there were indications of blue whale recovery across the wider Southern Ocean area, blue whales were seldom seen in South Georgia waters in subsequent years. We collated 30 yr of data comprising opportunistic sightings, systematic visual and acoustic surveys and photo-identification to assess the current distribution of blue whales in the waters surrounding South Georgia. Over 34000 km of systematic survey data between 1998 and 2018 resulted in only a single blue whale sighting, although opportunistic sightings were reported over that time period. However, since 2018 there have been increases in both sightings of blue whales and detections of their vocalisations. A survey in 2020 comprising visual line transect surveys and directional frequency analysis and recording (DIFAR) sonobuoy deployments resulted in 58 blue whale sightings from 2430 km of visual effort, including the photo-identification of 23 individual blue whales. Blue whale vocalisations were detected on all 31 sonobuoys deployed (114 h). In total, 41 blue whales were photo-identified from South Georgia between 2011 and 2020, none of which matched the 517 whales in the current Antarctic catalogue. These recent data suggest that blue whales have started to return to South Georgia waters, but continued visual and acoustic surveys are required to monitor any future changes in their distribution and abundance

Adaptive capacity of farming communities to climate change in the Peruvian Andes: past, present and future (preliminary findings of the ACCESS project)

Climate variability has had a marked influence on water availability, traditional farming (agro-pastoral) practices, and therefore the livelihood of human communities in the Peruvian Andes since at least the Middle Horizon cultural period (AD 600-1000). Current global climate warming poses a more significant threat, however, enhancing vulnerability and creating a greater risk to all assets. To better understand the challenges faced by rural communities living with climate variability, as well as the opportunities afforded through appropriate adaptive strategies, a research pilot project (ACCESS) was conducted in the Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Negra, Ancash region. The preliminary findings reveal that variability in precipitation over the past 1500 years was coincident with major cultural changes and advancement in water management practices, although the precise temporal relationships remain uncertain. Nevertheless, the construction of canals and reservoirs, as well as agricultural terraces, clearly indicates that past cultures in the Ancash region recognised the need to enhance resilience and for the sustainable management of natural resources. At the present day, our data indicate that local communities in both Cordilleras are experiencing the effects of climate change, especially water shortages, increasing temperatures and glacier retreat, soil degradation, and greater problems with crop pests. These concerns are worsened by a shortage of agricultural land, conflict between communities and a lack of state intervention. Adaptive strategies proposed by communities include improved water management, economic diversification, greater community collaboration and state investment. The concerns over water availability are in agreement with the preliminary hydrological and crop-water modelling findings of the project, which indicate that with rising temperatures and variable precipitation patterns, improved water management in both cordilleras will be required to maintain effective levels of irrigation for sustainable farming and economic development. Finally, we highlight the importance of restoration of ancient water management and agricultural infrastructure, as well as the significance of indigenous knowledge amongst local communities, as a means of enhancing adaptive capacity in the face of climate change

Enlargement and the Historical Origins of the European Community's Democratic Identity, 1961–1978

This article examines how and when democracy entered the discursive politics of the European Community to become one of the fundamental tenets of European political identity – and in the process influenced how decision-makers approached the question of enlargement. Building on multiple archival sources, the article traces how all three Community institutions (Commission, Council and European Parliament) legitimised the expansion and continuation of the process of European integration through the discursive construction of democracy. It focuses on the debates elicited by the attempts of southern European countries to accede to the EEC in the 1960s and 1970s

Aquatic food security:insights into challenges and solutions from an analysis of interactions between fisheries, aquaculture, food safety, human health, fish and human welfare, economy and environment

Fisheries and aquaculture production, imports, exports and equitability of distribution determine the supply of aquatic food to people. Aquatic food security is achieved when a food supply is sufficient, safe, sustainable, shockproof and sound: sufficient, to meet needs and preferences of people; safe, to provide nutritional benefit while posing minimal health risks; sustainable, to provide food now and for future generations; shock-proof, to provide resilience to shocks in production systems and supply chains; and sound, to meet legal and ethical standards for welfare of animals, people and environment. Here, we present an integrated assessment of these elements of the aquatic food system in the United Kingdom, a system linked to dynamic global networks of producers, processors and markets. Our assessment addresses sufficiency of supply from aquaculture, fisheries and trade; safety of supply given biological, chemical and radiation hazards; social, economic and environmental sustainability of production systems and supply chains; system resilience to social, economic and environmental shocks; welfare of fish, people and environment; and the authenticity of food. Conventionally, these aspects of the food system are not assessed collectively, so information supporting our assessment is widely dispersed. Our assessment reveals trade-offs and challenges in the food system that are easily overlooked in sectoral analyses of fisheries, aquaculture, health, medicine, human and fish welfare, safety and environment. We highlight potential benefits of an integrated, systematic and ongoing process to assess security of the aquatic food system and to predict impacts of social, economic and environmental change on food supply and demand