Painting Geometry: an abstract language in concrete form

My thesis is that geometry is an abstract and universal language that can reflect the inner being of the world in concrete form. I propose that the ideal forms of geometry, like those of harmony in music, have an aesthetic and metaphysical dimension that is capable of touching the most essential part of our being in the world. In this context, I suggest that painting geometry may be understood as an art practice that is closely aligned with the ideals of philosophical reflection, and how, as a consequence of this understanding, my approach to painting geometry is directed towards the realisation of the ideals of beauty, truth and freedom in particular; an approach that I claim shares much in common with the origins of both abstract and concrete art in post-Kantian German Idealist thought and Romantic art. On this basis, I argue that my painting practice is engaged with the possibility of the realisation of an ideal form of expression. This goal may be summarised as the achievement in painted form of a visual or spatial equivalent to the formal language of harmony of music. The paintings that I have submitted for examination may be understood as a direct consequence of my research findings, in view of which my intention is to make a contribution to the current and evolving language of abstract and concrete art. To this end, my thesis serves as an exegesis for the paintings submitted for examination in fulfilment of the requirements of my doctoral candidature

The application of S isotopes and S/Se ratios in determining ore-forming processes of magmatic Ni–Cu–PGE sulfide deposits: a cautionary case study from the northern Bushveld Complex

The application of S/Se ratios and S isotopes in the study of magmatic Ni–Cu–PGE sulfide deposits has long been used to trace the source of S and to constrain the role of crustal contamination in triggering sulfide saturation. However, both S/Se ratios and S isotopes are subject to syn- and post-magmatic processes that may alter their initial signatures. We present in situ mineral δ34S signatures and S/Se ratios combined with bulk S/Se ratios to investigate and assess their utility in constraining ore-forming processes and the source of S within magmatic sulfide deposits. Magmatic Ni–Cu–PGE sulfide mineralization in the Grasvally Norite–Pyroxenite–Anorthosite (GNPA) member, northern Bushveld Complex was used as a case study based on well-defined constraints of sulfide paragenesis and local S isotope signatures. A crustal δ34S component is evident in the most primary sulfide assemblage regardless of footwall lithology, and is inferred that the parental magma(s) of the GNPA member was crustally contaminated and sulfide saturated at the time of emplacement. However, S/Se ratios of both the primary and in particular secondary sulfide assemblages record values within or below the mantle range, rather than high crustal S/Se ratios. In addition, there is a wide range of S/Se ratio for each sulfide mineral within individual assemblages that is not necessarily consistent with the bulk ratio. The initial crustal S/Se ratio is interpreted to have been significantly modified by syn-magmatic lowering of S/Se ratio by sulfide dissolution, and post-magmatic lowering of the S/Se ratio from hydrothermal S-loss, which also increases the PGE tenor of the sulfides. Trace element signatures and variations in Th/Yb and Nb/Th ratios support both an early pre-emplacement contamination event as seen by the S isotopes and S/Se ratios, but also a second contamination event resulting from the interaction of the GNPA magma with the local footwall country rocks at the time of emplacement; though this did not add any additional S. We are able to present an integrated emplacement and contamination model for the northern limb of the Bushveld Complex. Although the multitude of processes that affect variations in the δ34S signature and in particular S/Se ratio may be problematic in interpreting ore genesis, they can reveal a wealth of additional detail on a number of processes involved in the genetic history of a Ni–Cu–PGE deposit in addition to crustal contamination. However, a prerequisite for being able to do this is to utilize other independent petrological and mineralogical techniques that provide constraints on both the timing and effect of various ore-forming and modifying processes. Utilizing both bulk and in situ methods in concert to determine the S/Se ratio allows for the assessment of multiple sulfide populations, the partitioning behaviour of Se during sulfide liquid fractionation and also the effects of low temperature fluid alteration. In comparison, S isotopes are relatively more robust and represent a more reliable indicator of the role of crustal S contamination. The addition of trace element data to the above makes for an incredibly powerful approach in assessing the role of crustal contamination in magmatic sulfide systems

Renewal theory sleep time optimisation for scheduling events in Wireless Sensor Networks

This paper addresses the problem of optimised decision making in scheduling non deterministic events for WSN nodes. Scheduling events for highly constrained WSN nodes with finite resources can significantly increase the lifetime of the network. Optimising the scheduling of events ensures that under any given constraint the network lifetime is maximised. The presented technique uses Renewal theory to formulate a stochastic decision making process. By observing network events, optimised decisions are made regarding node sleep times. This technique links the time a node spends in the sleep state to the rate of traffic throughput in the network making the process able to adapt to changes. The proposed technique also has the added advantage of using data available locally to a node thus minimising control overheads. It can be employed in both static and ad hoc networks, as well as for autonomous decision making in nodes that have to self configure. Finally, this policy driven technique exploits the heterogeneous nature of a typical WSN architecture by using less constrained nodes for formulating policies which can then be implemented in more constrained nodes. Theoretical and empirical results are presented

Merging Nitrogen Management and Renewable Energy Needs

The ARBRE (ARable Biomass Renewable Energy) project, the first large-scale wood-fueled electricity generating plant in the U.K., represents a significant development in realising British and European policy objectives on renewable energy. The plant is fueled by a mix of wood from short rotation coppice (SRC) and forest residues. Where feasible, composted/conditioned sewage sludge is applied to coppice sites to increase yields and improve soil structure. In the Yorkshire Water region, typical total N:P:K composition of composted/conditioned sludge is 2.9:3.8:0.3, respectively. Sludge application is calculated on the basis of total nitrogen (N) content to achieve 750 kg N ha-1, for 3 years’ requirement. Willow coppice forms a dense, widely spaced, root network, which, with its long growing season, makes it an effective user of nutrients. This, in combination with willow’s use as a nonfood, nonfodder crop, makes it an attractive route for the recycling of sewage sludge in the absence of sea disposal, banned under the EC Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (UWWTD). Further work is required on the nutritional requirements of SRC in order to understand better the quantities of sludge that can be applied to SRC without having a detrimental impact on the environment. This paper suggests the source of N rerouting under the UWWTD and suggests the likely expansion of SRC as an alternative recycling pathway