Context-related acoustic variation in male fallow deer (Dama dama) groans

While social and behavioural contexts are known to affect the acoustic structure of vocal signals in several mammal species, few studies have investigated context-related acoustic variation during inter-sexual advertisement and/or intra-sexual competition. Here we recorded male fallow deer groans during the breeding season and investigated how key acoustic parameters (fundamental frequency and formant frequencies) vary as a function of the social context in which they are produced. We found that in the presence of females, male fallow deer produced groans with higher mean fundamental frequency when vocal males were also present than they did when no vocal males were in close vicinity. We attribute this to the increased arousal state typically associated with this context. In addition, groan minimum formant frequency spacing was slightly, but significantly lower (indicating marginally more extended vocal tracts) when males were alone than when potential mates and/or competitors were nearby. This indicates that, contrary to our predictions, male fallow deer do not exaggerate the acoustic impression of their body size by further lowering their formant frequencies in the presence of potential mating partners and competitors. Furthermore, since the magnitude of the variation in groan minimum formant frequency spacing remains small compared to documented inter-individual differences, our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that formants are reliable static cues to body size during intra- and inter-sexual advertisement that do not concurrently encode dynamic motivation-related informatio

Koalas use a novel vocal organ to produce unusually low-pitched mating calls

SummaryDuring the breeding season, male koalas produce ‘bellow’ vocalisations that are characterised by a continuous series of inhalation and exhalation sections, and an extremely low fundamental frequency (the main acoustic correlate of perceived pitch) [1]. Remarkably, the fundamental frequency (F0) of bellow inhalation sections averages 27.1 Hz (range: 9.8–61.5 Hz [1]), which is 20 times lower than would be expected for an animal weighing 8 kg [2] and more typical of an animal the size of an elephant (Supplemental figure S1A). Here, we demonstrate that koalas use a novel vocal organ to produce their unusually low-pitched mating calls

The complexities of managing historic buildings with BIM

Purpose The adoption of building information modelling (BIM) in managing built heritage is an exciting prospect, but one that presents complexities additional to those of modern buildings. If challenges can be identified and overcome, the adoption of historic BIM (HBIM) could offer efficiencies in how heritage buildings are managed. Design/methodology/approach Using Durham Cathedral as a case study, we present the workflows applied to create an asset information model to improve the way this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site is managed, and in doing so, set out the challenges and complexities in achieving an HBIM solution. Findings This study identifies the need for a better understanding of the distinct needs and context for managing historic assets, and the need for heritage information requirements (HIR) that reflect this. Originality/value This study presents first-hand findings based on a unique application of BIM at Durham Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study provides a better understanding of the challenges and drivers of HBIM adoption across the heritage sector and underlines the need for information requirements that are unique to historical buildings/assets to deliver a coherent and relevant HBIM approach

William Weber, The Rise of Musical Classics in Eighteenth- Century England: A Study in Canon, Ritual and Ideology. Oxford; Clarendon Press, 1992. 174 pp.

Weber's book is partially about Britain's persistent failure to cast off "the thrall of this social [ruling] class". But it is concerned generally about the manipulation of culture and modern communication by the elite, so it has its wider warnings. The privileged everywhere will appropriate religion, charity, music, or what you will, in order to exert "proper authority." Others will be influenced without realizing the significance of that influence. In the face of the nontraditional, the elite become allied in their struggle for survival. Eighteenth-century Britain was in the ascendant, but the same laws apply to communities in decline. What does it mean when, with this in mind, we musicians consider that "the classics" are still central to our preservation? Weber's text is profoundly nonpartisan and undogmatic, strict in its adherence to its particular field. But it will prove all the more valuable for this in time, since it is a book of rare distinction in music history

Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Material Use in Endodontic Treatment: A Review of the Literature

Objective The purpose of this paper was to review the composition, properties, biocompatibility, and the clinical results involving the use of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) materials in endodontic treatment. Methods Electronic search of scientific papers from January 1990 to August 2006 was accomplished using PubMed and Scopus search engines (search terms: MTA, GMTA, WMTA, mineral AND trioxide AND aggregate). Results Selected exclusion criteria resulted in 156 citations from the scientific, peer-reviewed dental literature. MTA materials are derived from a Portland cement parent compound and have been demonstrated to be biocompatible endodontic repair materials, with its biocompatible nature strongly suggested by its ability to form hydroxyappatite when exposed to physiologic solutions. With some exceptions, MTA materials provide better microleakage protection than traditional endodontic repair materials using dye, fluid filtration, and bacterial penetration leakage models. In both animal and human studies, MTA materials have been shown to have excellent potential as pulp-capping and pulpotomy medicaments but studies with long-term follow-up are limited. Preliminary studies suggested a favorable MTA material use as apical and furcation restorative materials as well as medicaments for apexogenesis and apexification treatments; however, long-term clinical studies are needed in these areas. Conclusion MTA materials have been shown to have a biocompatible nature and have excellent potential in endodontic use. MTA materials are a refined Portland cement material and the substitution of Portland cement for MTA products is presently discouraged. Existing human studies involving MTA materials are very promising, however, insufficient randomized, double-blind clinical studies of sufficient duration exist involving MTA for all of its clinical indications. Further clinical studies are needed in these areas

Food for thought: the collegiate way of living

The purpose of this dissertation was to examine the collegiate way of living; how it began, how it developed and changed, and why institutions have adhered to it. Communal dining was emphasized in an attempt to determine why colleges have believed it to be important enough to require it of differing student populations, under widely varying circumstances, over a period of at least four hundred years.;The College of William and Mary in Virginia was selected as a case study for this project. One of America\u27s earliest colleges, William and Mary was founded on the British (Oxbridge) model, and has required its students to live collegially throughout its history.;official rationale for an emphasis on collegial living is contrasted with the available evidence (or non-official rationale). An attempt was made to learn how or if the rationale changed with the evolution of society in general and higher education in particular.;It was concluded that while official rationale has evolved somewhat, it consistently has emphasized the development of the whole person. That official rationale is accompanied, however, by unofficial supporting evidence suggesting that collegial living was financially attractive and that viable alternatives often were limited.;Additional institutional case studies would be useful, as would studies which concentrate on different components of collegial living. Examination of commuter versus residential college experience also would be of value in considering this topic

A preliminary investigation into the use of the emotional contagion effect in the exercise environment

Based upon the theory of Emotional Contagion, the purpose of this investigation was to examine whether the use of positively-charged imagery could create a more positive exercise experience. Participants were randomly allocated into one of three test conditions (‘neutral’, ‘happy’ and control) whereupon they performed two step-aerobic sessions; baseline/familiarisation and experimental. Upon completion of the trials various exercise related, psychological measures were taken (Session RPE, FS, Enjoyment and Subjective Exercise Experience). A 3 × 2 Factorial MANOVA was used to assess for main effects and between condition interactions. There was no evidence of any effect for any of the DVs. ES data appeared to support this conclusion. Numerous recommendations are made to direct future research into this area

The Vegetation and Flora of Edwards Air Force Base, Western Mojave Desert, California

Edwards Air Force Base extends over 121,000 ha in the Antelope Valley of the western Mojave Desert, with much of the area part of a closed endorheic basin that held the Pleistocene Lake Thompson. Notable topographic features are Rogers, Rosamond and Buckhorn dry lakes, while rounded domes and scattered hills are present to the north and east. Elevation gradients are limited, ranging from a low of 690 m to 1044 m near the eastern margin. Diverse communities of saltbush scrub dominate the lower plains, while creosote bush scrub and Joshua tree woodlands are present away from the old lake basin. In many ways EAFB is a biogeographic crossroads with the broader central Mojave Desert to the east, Owens Valley and Great Basin to the north, and cismontane Central Valley and foothills to the west. The flora as currently known contains 403 vascular plant taxa, with 324 (80%) of these native. The eight largest families comprise more than 68% of the flora, led by the Asteraceae with 84 taxa (72 native). Annual plants make up over two-thirds of the total flora