Thermal and Sedimentation Stress Are Unlikely Causes of Brown Spot Syndrome in the Coral Reef Sponge, Ianthella basta

Background: Marine diseases are being increasingly linked to anthropogenic factors including global and local stressors. On the Great Barrier Reef, up to 66% of the Ianthella basta population was recently found to be afflicted by a syndrome characterized by brown spot lesions and necrotic tissue.\ud \ud Methodology/Principal Findings: Manipulative experiments were undertaken to ascertain the role of environmental stressors in this syndrome. Specifically, the effects of elevated temperature and sedimentation on sponge health and symbiont stability in I. basta were examined. Neither elevated temperature nor increased sedimentation were responsible for the brown spot lesions, but sponges exposed to 32°C developed substantial discoloration and deterioration of their tissues, resulting in death after eight days and a higher microbial diversity in those samples. No shifts in the microbial community of I. basta were observed across a latitudinal gradient or with increased sedimentation, with three previously described symbionts dominating the community of all sponges (Alphaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria and Thaumarchaea).\ud \ud Conclusions/Significance: Results from this study highlight the stable microbial community of I. basta and indicate that thermal and sedimentation stress are not responsible for the brown spot lesions currently affecting this abundant and ecologically important sponge species

Vision collision

This work stems from working through ideas that are related to geometric forms generated in Premiere. Colliding streams of images generate these forms and create images together to construct random patterns within a structured layered system (see static statements for a pictorial view). This method allows for an exploration of pictorial imaging, which is not predicted by normal narrativity. This process enables the viewer to examine this process through emotional and physical responses. The room is enlightened by luminosity of the image. The work is both active and passive at the same time. Using a different combination of mats and motion files with the images layered through transparency keys have enabled this work to be developed. These works have developed into a rich form and structure, which is not predictable in any way. It follws a paintly experience but within a digital framework

Definitive stories: new forms of expression?

This project investigates the deployment of high definition technologies in an exhibition context. The research posed the question: Will HD technology deployed in an exhibition context, generate new forms of expression for artist/filmmakers? Consequently, inviting artists and filmmakers to work with HD technology new approaches to the artefact itself have emerged; several of the participants have developed new techniques in their personal practice as a result of the project

Experiments in moving image

This is an exhibition catalogue for an exhibition of the same name held at The University of Westminster Old 'Lumiere' Cinema during January 2004 in London. Experiments in Moving Image is a major retrospective of expanded and single-screen film, video and digital moving-image by artists from the late 1960's to date. An intensive chronological programme over seven days, the show provides a rare opportunity to view a large body of rich and diverse work, and a history of endeavour spanning a forty-year period. It includes artists who have pushed the boundaries of concept, medium and audience reception, or have experimented with illustion and representation often within the critical context of materials and anti-narrative theories

Supporting Informal Communication via Ephemeral Interest Groups

In this paper, we introduce ephemeral interest groups for supporting informal communication. Ephemeral interest groups are electronic discussion groups that, in contrast to bulletin boards and the like, are short-lived and ad hoc. They are designed as a medium for informal discussions of items broadcast to a wider community. We have implemented a prototype system to explore ephemeral interest groups. We discuss the goals of the system, characterize its evolution over the last ten months of deployment, and sketch our plans for future developments

Maddy Burns In Hell

About to step on stage for her comeback, a stand-up comedian in the grip of chronic stage-fright finds herself in a deadly stand-off. This short film was made by lecturers, fellow industry professionals, and students and graduates from the University for the Creative Arts (UCA), as part of a research project commissioned by Stephen Littman of UCA Farnham's Digital Film & Screen Arts course and funded by the University's Research and Enterprise Department. Directed by Nigel Bristow

Relation between malodor, ambient hydrogen sulfide, and health in a community bordering a landfill

BACKGROUND: Municipal solid waste landfills are sources of air pollution that may affect the health and quality of life of neighboring communities. OBJECTIVES: To investigate health and quality of life concerns of neighbors related to landfill air pollution. METHODS: Landfill neighbors were enrolled and kept twice-daily diaries for 14 d about odor intensity, alteration of daily activities, mood states, and irritant and other physical symptoms between Jan–Nov, 2009. Concurrently, hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) air measurements were recorded every 15-min. Relationships between H(2)S, odor, and health outcomes were evaluated using conditional fixed effects regression models. RESULTS: Twenty-three participants enrolled and completed 878 twice-daily diary entries. H(2)S measurements were recorded over a period of 80 d and 1-hr average H(2)S = 0.22 ppb (SD = 0.27; range: 0–2.30 ppb). Landfill odor increased 0.63 points (on 5-point Likert-type scale) for every 1 ppb increase in hourly average H(2)S when the wind was blowing from the landfill towards the community (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.29, 0.91). Odor was strongly associated with reports of alteration of daily activities (odds ratio (OR) = 9.0; 95% CI: 3.5, 23.5), negative mood states (OR = 5.2; 95% CI: 2.8, 9.6), mucosal irritation (OR = 3.7; 95% CI = 2.0, 7.1) and upper respiratory symptoms (OR = 3.9; 95% CI: 2.2, 7.0), but not positive mood states (OR = 0.6; 95% CI: 0.2, 1.5) and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms (OR = 1.0; 95% CI: 0.4, 2.6). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest air pollutants from a regional landfill negatively impact the health and quality of life of neighbors