Spillover effects in spatial models: Generalizations and extensions

In this paper, we consider two different cases of spillover effects: the first is a case where the model does not contain any additional endogenous regressors. Related to this, we give a variance formula that can be used to make inference for estimated spillover effects. In the second case, we extend the discussion of spillover effects to a model containing additional endogenous variables. We suggest approximations to the spillover effects that according to the results of our Monte Carlo experiment are quite accurate. However, our variance formula can not be determined unless the equations of the entire system are known. Suggestions for approximations in this case are left for future research.     

Multidisciplinary analysis of a mummified cranium claimed to be that of a medieval execution victim

This article presents a multidisciplinary analysis of a human skull with preserved soft tissue curated by a small museum in Boscastle, Cornwall, UK. The skull lacks a mandible and is coated in a black tar-like substance. Records left by a previous museum curator (now deceased) claimed the skull to be the head of a medieval execution victim. The skull was purportedly recovered from a London church that was destroyed during the Second World War where it had been kept in a carved oak box. If these details are correct, the skull would appear to have been venerated as a relic. The skull and box have been analysed using a range of techniques including computerised tomography, laser scanning, microscopy, infrared spectroscopy and radiocarbon dating. These analyses demonstrated the skull in fact to be that of an Egyptian mummy dating from the Ptolemaic period. Other instances have been noted of parts of Egyptian mummies being presented as European saintly relics, and the ‘Boscastle skull’ would appear to be an example of such. A wider point illustrated by the work presented here is that sufficient application of modern analytical techniques may reveal considerable information regarding human remains which otherwise have little or no provenance. This point strengthens arguments for the retention of such remains by curating institutions.