First evidence of industrial fly-ash in an Antarctic ice core

Spheroidal carbonaceous particles (SCPs) are a component of fly-ash, the particulate by-product of industrial high temperature combustion of fuel-oil and coal-series fuels. We provide the first evidence that these indelible markers of industrialisation have been deposited in Antarctic ice, thousands of kilometres from any potential source. The earliest observed particle was deposited in an ice layer from 1936 CE. While depositional fluxes are low, chemical analysis of individual SCPs indicates a coal combustion origin

North Atlantic ocean circulation and abrupt climate change during the last glaciation.

The most recent ice age was characterized by rapid and hemispherically asynchronous climate oscillations, whose origin remains unresolved. Variations in oceanic meridional heat transport may contribute to these repeated climate changes, which were most pronounced during marine isotope stage 3, the glacial interval 25 thousand to 60 thousand years ago. We examined climate and ocean circulation proxies throughout this interval at high resolution in a deep North Atlantic sediment core, combining the kinematic tracer protactinium/thorium (Pa/Th) with the deep water-mass tracer, epibenthic δ(13)C. These indicators suggest reduced Atlantic overturning circulation during every cool northern stadial, with the greatest reductions during episodic Hudson Strait iceberg discharges, while sharp northern warming followed reinvigorated overturning. These results provide direct evidence for the ocean's persistent, central role in abrupt glacial climate change

Establishing a monitoring programme for the Allt a’Mharcaidh river restoration project: Monitoring sites and initial surveys

The Allt a’Mharcaidh is a stream located on the western side of the Cairngorm Mountains, Scotland. The catchment rises to 1111m above sea level (ECN, 2015) and drains via the River Feshie to the River Spey. Although originally naturally meandering, a stream section of approximately 1150m was artificially straightened in the early1800s (Henderson, 2014) to power saw-mills on the River Feshie and to ease the floating of timber downstream. Despite changes in ownership and catchment land-use over the intervening two centuries, this section of the Mharcaidh has remained straightened. In 2014, a restoration programme for the site was initiated with several objectives (Henderson, 2014) including: 1. enhancing sediment transport to improve the morphology of the straightened channel; 2. improving the stream’s connection with the flood plain; 3. creating erosion and deposition features to improve stream habitat. This was implemented through the addition of woody debris along the stream and the (re-)opening of sediment sources to allow for gravel injection. In addition, riparian tree planting has been undertaken along the course of the straightened section (Spey Fishery Board, 2014). In October 2015, a programme of monitoring at the Allt a’Mharcaidh was established by UCL MSc Aquatic Science students to ascertain changes in stream morphology and substrate at a location where woody debris had recently been introduced. A second ‘control’ section, with no added debris, was later established a few hundred metres upstream. The aim of this monitoring programme is to develop a long-term data-set of morphological changes during MSc field classes undertaken annually in October. This document describes the initial condition of the ‘experimental’ and ‘control’ sampling stretches of the Mharcaidh at the start of this programme as a base-line against which to assess any future change

An EWMA control chart for the multivariate coefficient of variation

This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Giner-Bosch, V, Tran, KP, Castagliola, P, Khoo, MBC. An EWMA control chart for the multivariate coefficient of variation. Qual Reliab Engng Int. 2019; 35: 1515-1541, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1002/qre.2459. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving.[EN] Monitoring the multivariate coefficient of variation over time is a natural choice when the focus is on stabilising the relative variability of a multivariate process, as is the case in a significant number of real situations in engineering, health sciences, and finance, to name but a few areas. However, not many tools are available to practitioners with this aim. This paper introduces a new control chart to monitor the multivariate coefficient of variation through an exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) scheme. Concrete methodologies to calculate the limits and evaluate the performance of the chart proposed and determine the optimal values of the chart's parameters are derived based on a theoretical study of the statistic being monitored. Computational experiments reveal that our proposal clearly outperforms existing alternatives, in terms of the average run length to detect an out-of-control state. A numerical example is included to show the efficiency of our chart when operating in practice.Generalitat Valenciana, Grant/Award Number: BEST/2017/033 and GV/2016/004; Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad, Grant/Award Number: MTM2013-45381-PGiner-Bosch, V.; Tran, KP.; Castagliola, P.; Khoo, MBC. (2019). An EWMA control chart for the multivariate coefficient of variation. Quality and Reliability Engineering International. 35(6):1515-1541. https://doi.org/10.1002/qre.2459S15151541356Kang, C. W., Lee, M. S., Seong, Y. J., & Hawkins, D. M. (2007). A Control Chart for the Coefficient of Variation. Journal of Quality Technology, 39(2), 151-158. doi:10.1080/00224065.2007.11917682Amdouni, A., Castagliola, P., Taleb, H., & Celano, G. (2015). Monitoring the coefficient of variation using a variable sample size control chart in short production runs. The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 81(1-4), 1-14. doi:10.1007/s00170-015-7084-4Amdouni, A., Castagliola, P., Taleb, H., & Celano, G. (2017). A variable sampling interval Shewhart control chart for monitoring the coefficient of variation in short production runs. International Journal of Production Research, 55(19), 5521-5536. doi:10.1080/00207543.2017.1285076Yeong, W. C., Khoo, M. B. C., Tham, L. K., Teoh, W. L., & Rahim, M. A. (2017). Monitoring the Coefficient of Variation Using a Variable Sampling Interval EWMA Chart. Journal of Quality Technology, 49(4), 380-401. doi:10.1080/00224065.2017.11918004Teoh, W. L., Khoo, M. B. C., Castagliola, P., Yeong, W. C., & Teh, S. Y. (2017). Run-sum control charts for monitoring the coefficient of variation. European Journal of Operational Research, 257(1), 144-158. doi:10.1016/j.ejor.2016.08.067Sharpe, W. F. (1994). The Sharpe Ratio. The Journal of Portfolio Management, 21(1), 49-58. doi:10.3905/jpm.1994.409501Van Valen, L. (1974). Multivariate structural statistics in natural history. Journal of Theoretical Biology, 45(1), 235-247. doi:10.1016/0022-5193(74)90053-8Albert, A., & Zhang, L. (2010). A novel definition of the multivariate coefficient of variation. Biometrical Journal, 52(5), 667-675. doi:10.1002/bimj.201000030Aerts, S., Haesbroeck, G., & Ruwet, C. (2015). Multivariate coefficients of variation: Comparison and influence functions. Journal of Multivariate Analysis, 142, 183-198. doi:10.1016/j.jmva.2015.08.006Bennett, B. M. (1977). On multivariate coefficients of variation. Statistische Hefte, 18(2), 123-128. doi:10.1007/bf02932744Underhill, L. G. (1990). The coefficient of variation biplot. Journal of Classification, 7(2), 241-256. doi:10.1007/bf01908718Boik, R. J., & Shirvani, A. (2009). Principal components on coefficient of variation matrices. Statistical Methodology, 6(1), 21-46. doi:10.1016/j.stamet.2008.02.006MacGregor, J. F., & Kourti, T. (1995). Statistical process control of multivariate processes. Control Engineering Practice, 3(3), 403-414. doi:10.1016/0967-0661(95)00014-lBersimis, S., Psarakis, S., & Panaretos, J. (2007). Multivariate statistical process control charts: an overview. Quality and Reliability Engineering International, 23(5), 517-543. doi:10.1002/qre.829Yeong, W. C., Khoo, M. B. C., Teoh, W. L., & Castagliola, P. (2015). A Control Chart for the Multivariate Coefficient of Variation. Quality and Reliability Engineering International, 32(3), 1213-1225. doi:10.1002/qre.1828Lim, A. J. X., Khoo, M. B. C., Teoh, W. L., & Haq, A. (2017). Run sum chart for monitoring multivariate coefficient of variation. Computers & Industrial Engineering, 109, 84-95. doi:10.1016/j.cie.2017.04.023Roberts, S. W. (1966). A Comparison of Some Control Chart Procedures. Technometrics, 8(3), 411-430. doi:10.1080/00401706.1966.10490374Roberts, S. W. (1959). Control Chart Tests Based on Geometric Moving Averages. Technometrics, 1(3), 239-250. doi:10.1080/00401706.1959.10489860Lucas, J. M., & Saccucci, M. S. (1990). Exponentially Weighted Moving Average Control Schemes: Properties and Enhancements. Technometrics, 32(1), 1-12. doi:10.1080/00401706.1990.10484583Wijsman, R. A. (1957). Random Orthogonal Transformations and their use in Some Classical Distribution Problems in Multivariate Analysis. The Annals of Mathematical Statistics, 28(2), 415-423. doi:10.1214/aoms/1177706969The general sampling distribution of the multiple correlation coefficient. (1928). Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series A, Containing Papers of a Mathematical and Physical Character, 121(788), 654-673. doi:10.1098/rspa.1928.0224Paolella, M. S. (2007). Intermediate Probability. doi:10.1002/9780470035061WalckC.Handbook on statistical distributions for experimentalists. Tech. Rep. SUFPFY/96‐01 Stockholm   Particle Physics Group Fysikum University of Stockholm;2007. http://inspirehep.net/record/1389910BROOK, D., & EVANS, D. A. (1972). An approach to the probability distribution of cusum run length. Biometrika, 59(3), 539-549. doi:10.1093/biomet/59.3.539Castagliola, P., Celano, G., & Psarakis, S. (2011). Monitoring the Coefficient of Variation Using EWMA Charts. Journal of Quality Technology, 43(3), 249-265. doi:10.1080/00224065.2011.11917861Vining, G. (2009). Technical Advice: Phase I and Phase II Control Charts. Quality Engineering, 21(4), 478-479. doi:10.1080/08982110903185736Scilab Enterprises: Scilab: Free and open source software for numerical computation Version 6.0.0.http://www.scilab.org;2017.Nelder, J. A., & Mead, R. (1965). A Simplex Method for Function Minimization. The Computer Journal, 7(4), 308-313. doi:10.1093/comjnl/7.4.308PAGE, E. S. (1954). CONTINUOUS INSPECTION SCHEMES. Biometrika, 41(1-2), 100-115. doi:10.1093/biomet/41.1-2.100Über die hypergeometrische Reihe . (1836). Journal für die reine und angewandte Mathematik (Crelles Journal), 1836(15), 39-83. doi:10.1515/crll.1836.15.3

North Flinders Reef (Coral Sea, Australia) Porites sp. corals as a candidate Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point for the Anthropocene Series

Corals are unique in the suite of proposed Anthropocene Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) archives, as living organisms that produce aragonite exoskeletons preserved in the geological record that contain highly accurate and precise (<±1 year) internal chronologies. The GSSP candidate site North Flinders Reef in the Coral Sea (Australia) is an offshore oceanic reef, and therefore less vulnerable to local human influences than those closer to the coast. Here, we present geochemical records from two Porites sp. corals sampled at an annual to pluri-annual (i.e. 3–5 years) resolution that shows clear global and regional human impacts. Atmospheric nuclear bomb testing by-products (14C,239+240Pu) show a clear increase in the Flinders Reef corals coincident with well-dated nuclear testing operations. By contrast, the radionuclides 241Am and 137Cs are present at low or undetectable levels, as are spheroidal carbonaceous fly-ash particles. Coral δ13C shows centennial variability likely influenced by growth effects in the 18th century and with a progression to lower values starting in 1880 and accelerating post-1970. The latter may be related to the Suess Effect resulting from 13C-depleted fossil fuel burning. Coral δ15N decreased between 1710 and 1954 with a reversal post-1954. Coral temperature proxies indicate prominent centennial variability with equally warm conditions in the 18th and end of 20th century. However, the exact mechanisms responsible for the mid-20th century changes in these parameters need to be scrutinised in further detail. Plain Language summary: This work proposes a candidate natural archive for the official marker of the Anthropocene that geologists will use to mark this important interval in time. Our candidate is a live coral from North Flinders Reef in the Coral Sea (Australia), located 150 km east of the Great Barrier Reef, a location that is remote from direct local human influences. Corals are a unique archive of tropical ocean change because they incorporate the geochemical signature from seawater into their limestone skeleton during their long life-spans. Here we investigated a number of geochemical markers in yearly growth layers of the corals to define several markers for the Anthropocene based on changes in temperature, water chemistry, chemicals from pollution and fertilisers, radioactive products from nuclear bomb testing, and by-products from burning fossil fuels. We have detected clear human influences in several of these markers

Big data and data repurposing – using existing data to answer new questions in vascular dementia research

Introduction: Traditional approaches to clinical research have, as yet, failed to provide effective treatments for vascular dementia (VaD). Novel approaches to collation and synthesis of data may allow for time and cost efficient hypothesis generating and testing. These approaches may have particular utility in helping us understand and treat a complex condition such as VaD. Methods: We present an overview of new uses for existing data to progress VaD research. The overview is the result of consultation with various stakeholders, focused literature review and learning from the group’s experience of successful approaches to data repurposing. In particular, we benefitted from the expert discussion and input of delegates at the 9th International Congress on Vascular Dementia (Ljubljana, 16-18th October 2015). Results: We agreed on key areas that could be of relevance to VaD research: systematic review of existing studies; individual patient level analyses of existing trials and cohorts and linking electronic health record data to other datasets. We illustrated each theme with a case-study of an existing project that has utilised this approach. Conclusions: There are many opportunities for the VaD research community to make better use of existing data. The volume of potentially available data is increasing and the opportunities for using these resources to progress the VaD research agenda are exciting. Of course, these approaches come with inherent limitations and biases, as bigger datasets are not necessarily better datasets and maintaining rigour and critical analysis will be key to optimising data use

Evidence and ideology as a rationale for light-therapy in Russia: from the Soviet Union to the present day.

Light therapy is still used to treat a number of common diseases in Russia. The practice is firmly anchored in history: Soviet clinical practice was divorced from the emerging field of evidence-based medicine. Medical researchers were cut off from international medical research and scientific literature, with much Soviet scientific activity based on a particular socialist ideology. In this study, the use of light therapy serves as a case study to explore tensions between international evidence-based medicine and practices developed in isolation under the Soviet Union, the legacy of which is to the detriment of many patients today. We used four different search methods to uncover scientific and grey literature, both historical and contemporary. We assessed the changing frequency of publications over time and contrasted the volume of literature on light therapy with more orthodox treatments such as statins and painkillers. Our search found an increasing number and comparatively large body of scientific publications on light therapy in the Russian language, and many publications emanating from prestigious Russian institutions. Combined with our analysis of the historical literature and our appraisal of 22 full text articles, this leads us to suggest that light therapy entered mainstream Soviet medical practice before the Stalinist period and still occupies an important position in contemporary Russian clinical practice. We propose that this outdated treatment survives in Russia in part due to the political, economic and social forces that helped to popularize it during Soviet times, and by the seeming justification offered by poorly executed studies

Comparative proteomic analysis of metabolically labelled proteins from Plasmodium falciparum isolates with different adhesion properties

The virulence of Plasmodium falciparum relates in part to the cytoadhesion characteristics of parasitized erythrocytes but the molecular basis of the different qualitative and quantitative binding phenotypes is incompletely understood. This paucity of information is due partly to the difficulty in working with membrane proteins, the variant nature of these surface antigens and their relatively low abundance. To address this two-dimensional (2D) protein profiles of closely related, but phenotypically different laboratory strains of P. falciparum have been characterized using proteomic approaches. Since the mature erythrocyte has no nucleus and no protein synthesis capability, metabolic labelling of proteins was used to selectively identify parasite proteins and increase detection sensitivity. A small number of changes (less than 10) were observed between four different P. falciparum laboratory strains with distinctive cytoadherence properties using metabolic labelling, with more parasite protein changes found in trophozoite iRBCs than ring stage. The combination of metabolic labelling and autoradiography can therefore be used to identify parasite protein differences, including quantitative ones, and in some cases to obtain protein identifications by mass spectrometry. The results support the suggestion that the membrane protein profile may be related to cytoadherent properties of the iRBCs. Most changes between parasite variants were differences in iso-electric point indicating differential protein modification rather than the presence or absence of a specific peptide