The Mg/Ca–temperature relationship in brachiopod shells: calibrating a potential palaeoseasonality proxy

Brachiopods are long-lived, long-ranging, extant organisms, of which some groups precipitate a relatively diagenetically stable low magnesium calcite shell. Previous work has suggested that the incorporation of Mg into brachiopod calcite may be controlled by temperature (Brand et al., 2013). Here we build upon this work by using laser ablation sampling to define the intra-shell variations in two modern brachiopod species,Terebratulina retusa (Linnaeus, 1758) and Liothyrella neozelanica (Thomson, 1918). We studied three T. retusa shells collected live from the Firth of Lorne, Scotland, which witnessed annual temperature variations on the order of 7 °C, in addition to four L. neozelanica shells, which were dredged from a water depth transect (168–1488 m) off the north coast of New Zealand. The comparison of intra-shell Mg/Ca profiles with shell δ<sup>18</sup>O confirms a temperature control on brachiopod Mg/Ca and supports the use of brachiopod Mg/Ca as a palaeoseasonality indicator. Our preliminary temperature calibrations are Mg/Ca = 1.76 ± 0.27 e<sup>(0.16 ± 0.03)T</sup>, R<sup>2</sup> = 0.75, for T. retusa and Mg/Ca = 0.49 ± 1.27 e<sup>(0.2 ± 0.11)T</sup>, R<sup>2</sup> = 0.32, for L. neozelanica (errors are 95% confidence intervals)

Satellite tracking of offenders and integrated offender management: a local case study

This article reports findings from an evaluation of a Global Positioning System (GPS) pilot that took place in the Cardiff Integrated Offender Management Unit (IOMU). The evaluation was based primarily upon qualitative interviews with about half of the tracked sample of offenders, plus interviews with key stakeholders from the IOMU, police and courts. The findings revealed a general consensus of positive views from both offenders and practitioners about the experience of GPS tracking. However, these generally positive outcomes were clearly related to the voluntary and relatively targeted nature of the pilot, which would be challenged if/when GPS tracking was introduced more widely

The classicism of Hugh Trevor-Roper

Hugh Trevor-Roper was educated as a classicist until he transferred to history, in which he made his reputation, after two years at Oxford. His schooling engendered in him a classicism that was characterised by a love of classical literature and style, but rested on a repudiation of the philological tradition in classical studies. This reaction helps to explain his change of intellectual career. His classicism, however, endured: it influenced his mature conception of the practice of historical studies, and can be traced throughout his life. This essay explores a neglected aspect of Trevor-Roper's intellectual biography through his ‘Apologia transfugae’ (1973), which explains his rationale for abandoning classics, and published and unpublished writings attesting to his classicism, especially his first publication ‘Homer unmasked!’ (1936) and his wartime notebooks

An analysis of stiffened plating subject to extreme ice loads

Discovery of large oil and natural gas deposits in arctic and subarctic regions of Canada has led to vastly increased offshore activity in these areas. This activity has increased the exposure of marine structures to ice loads. The ability of designers to assess accurately the response to ice loading is essential for the efficient design of these structures. In arctic areas, structures regularly encounter various forms of ice such as level ice, pack ice and pressure ridges, which are composed of both first-and multi-year ice. In contrast, in subarctic regions (for example, off the coast of Newfoundland), structures have much less frequent encounters with first-year pack ice and icebergs. In these situations, inadequate consideration of ice loads could make the risk level of operations in ice unacceptably high. -- This study is focussed on gaining an understanding of stiffened plating behaviour when subject to ice loads. Literature in three main areas was studied: ice failure processes during ice-structure interaction, definition of stiffened plate failure modes (or limit states) and reliability analysis, which incorporates these limit states into a probabilistic framework for design. The estimation of the response of a stiffened plate to extreme loads is greatly facilitated through an experimental analysis. To this end, a small-scale stiffened plate panel, subject to a lateral patch load, was tested to failure in the Structures Laboratory at Memorial University of Newfoundland. The patch loading is an idealisation of the two possible ice interaction scenarios in the waters off Newfoundland. The first is when level ice (or pack ice) acts upon, say, a ship's side shell. The second is the impact of a growler or bergy bit on a ship or platform leg. A detailed description of the physical model is given, along with results obtained. The use of finite element (FE) modelling techniques has greatly improved the study of complicated loading scenarios and structural response. A comparison of experimental results with those from a finite element analysis was carried out to assess the accuracy of the developed model. Once verified, the FE model is used in a sensitivity analysis of stiffener size to determine the effect size has on the ultimate strength of a stiffened plate. This will help understand the role the stiffeners play in structural design. Finally, a sample analysis is conducted to show how information regarding stiffened plate behaviour is implemented in reliability-based design

Developing and implementing programmes for early detection, management and prevention of kidney and cardiovascular disease

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) appear to be closely linked but also share common risk factors, making prevention, early detection and management for both diseases similar. In 1998 CVD accounted for 30% of deaths worldwide and in South Africa for almost 40% in the same year. The number of these deaths due to underlying CKD remains unanswered, but it is clear that early detection and management of CKD through screening of patients at high risk, e.g. those with uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes and proteinuria or proteinuria alone, is an appropriate way to control this massive chronic disease burden. Added to this equation is the impact of HIV and/or proteinuria as a cause of CKD and CVD. Against a backdrop of poor control and management of chronic illnesses, there is a growing number of clinicians attempting to tackle this problem through the development of CVD and CKD prevention and early detection programmes. Recognising the common risk factors makes it easier to plan and implement such programmes.This article looks at an “Integrated Model” for managing chronic illnesses, which has been adopted internationally and locally. It discusses the experiences and challenges faced in attempting to implement programmes for CVD and CKD

The Effectiveness of Using Diversity to Select Multiple Classifier Systems with Varying Classification Thresholds

In classification applications, the goal of fusion techniques is to exploit complementary approaches and merge the information provided by these methods to provide a solution superior than any single method. Associated with choosing a methodology to fuse pattern recognition algorithms is the choice of algorithm or algorithms to fuse. Historically, classifier ensemble accuracy has been used to select which pattern recognition algorithms are included in a multiple classifier system. More recently, research has focused on creating and evaluating diversity metrics to more effectively select ensemble members. Using a wide range of classification data sets, methodologies, and fusion techniques, current diversity research is extended by expanding classifier domains before employing fusion methodologies. The expansion is made possible with a unique classification score algorithm developed for this purpose. Correlation and linear regression techniques reveal that the relationship between diversity metrics and accuracy is tenuous and optimal ensemble selection should be based on ensemble accuracy. The strengths and weaknesses of popular diversity metrics are examined in the context of the information they provide with respect to changing classification thresholds and accuracies

Petunia violacea: hallucinogen or not?

A report in an Ecuadorian anthropological monograph that Petunia violacea was used as a hallucinogen by some native South American people under the name Shanin. (Alvear, 1971) stimulated interest in the ethnobotanical literature (Schultes, 1975). This was particularly interesting because the species is a member of the alkaloid-rich Solanaceae family. No reports of its containing alkaloids have been published to date (Raffauf, 1970). We have unsuccessfully attempted to isolate an alkaloid from this plant grown in the greenhouse, and recently interviewed the author of the original report. This communication will summarize the results of the laboratory work and the interview.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/24322/1/0000589.pd

Robotic Testing of Proximal Tibio-Fibular Joint Kinematics for Measuring Instability Following Total Knee Arthroplasty

Pain secondary to instability in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been shown to be major cause of early failure. In this study, we focused on the effect of instability in TKA on the proximal tibio-fibular joint (PTFJ). We used a robotics model to compare the biomechanics of the PTFJ in the native knee, an appropriately balanced TKA, and an unbalanced TKA. The tibia (n = 5) was mounted to a six-degree-of-freedom force/torque sensor and the femur was moved by a robotic manipulator. Motion at the PTFJ was recorded with a high-resolution digital camera system. After establishing a neutral position, loading conditions were applied at varying flexion angles (0°, 30°, and 60°). These included: internal/external rotation (0 Nm, ±5 Nm), varus/valgus (0 Nm, ±10 Nm), compression (100 N, 700 N), and posterior drawer (0 N, 100 N). With respect to anterior displacement, external rotation had the largest effect (coefficient = 0.650; p \u3c 0.0001). Polyethylene size as well as the interaction between polyethylene size and flexion consistently showed substantial anterior motion. Flexion and mid-flexion instability in TKA have been difficult to quantify. While tibio-femoral kinematics is the main aspect of TKA performance, the effects on adjacent tissues should not be overlooked. Our data show that PTFJ kinematics are affected by the balancing of the TKA. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:47–52, 201

Precariousness, gender, resistance and consent in the face of global production network’s ‘Reforms’ of Pakistan’s garment manufacturing industry

This case study of the restructuring of Pakistan’s garment manufacturing industry explores how attempts to increase capital’s control over the labour process intersect with local patriarchal structures and trigger workers’ reflexivity and agency causing unanticipated consequences. Using Archer’s notion of agency, the article examines the theoretical space where capitalism meets patriarchy, and both are reproduced. The focus on reflexivity, anchored between objective contexts and agents’ personal concerns, helps theorize capital–labour–gender relations in global supply chains and explains workers’ impactful resistance to protect a supposedly precarious work regime. Our findings challenge the notion that globalization reduces workers’ agency and their potential for impactful resistance

Performing That Which Exceeds Us: Aesthetics of Sincerity and Obscenity During 'The Refugee Crisis'

Focusing on examples from theatre (On the Move festival, London International Festival of Theatre/Royal Court Theatre, London 2016), film (Gianfranco Rosi’s Fuoccoamare, 2016) and the visual arts (Ai Weiwei’s Safe Passage, Berlin 2016), this article proposes that in order to think through questions of efficacy and value of performance that seeks to engage with the pain of others, we must consider the interrelation of migration and excess. I explore the multiple meanings and performances of excess in artistic practice and interrogate the contradictions and potentialities that emerge in works that perform excess as a form of what Judith Butler and Athena Athanasiou have defined as ‘political responsiveness’. In an attempt at understanding excess as a sensibility that underpins the ethics and politics of performance in response to the ‘refugee crisis’, the article focuses on two interrelated areas: the aesthetics of the sincere and the obscene. In doing so, I attempt to offer a way of thinking of the performance of ‘refugee crisis’ as excess in the logic of the neoliberal system, which perpetuates that system