Fluvial spatial taphonomy: a new method for the study of post-depositional processes

Traditional taphonomic analyses do not consider the emergent properties resulting from the relationship of variables. Several of these emergent properties are expressed spatially. Here, we present a spatial taphonomic approach to the understanding of post-depositional processes affecting experimental assemblages modified by fluvial currents. Spatial statistical methods are a great tool to understand how different taphonomic variables relate at a spatial scale. The results of the application of this method to bone assemblages affected by low- and high-energy flows show the loss or modification of most of the original spatial taphonomic relationships. It also shows the degree of bone loss according to element, anatomical section and bone structure, and shape types. Anisotropy is identified in both experimental contexts. These results add new criteria to assess the impact of water flows in bone assemblages and contribute to define the properties of lag assemblages.     

EFFICIENT ALGORITHMS FOR CONSTRUCTING PROPER HIGHER ORDER SPATIAL LAG OPERATORS*

ABSTRACT. This paper extends the work of Blommestein and Koper (1992)–BK–on the construction of higher-order spatial lag operators without redundant and circular paths. For the case most relevant in spatial econometrics and spatial statistics, i.e., when contiguity between two observations (locations) is defined in a simple binary fashion, some deficiencies of the BK algorithms are outlined, corrected and an improvement suggested. In addition, three new algorithms are introduced and compared in terms of performance for a number of empirical contiguity structures. Particular attention is paid to a graph theoretic perspective on spatial lag operators and to the most efficient data structures for the storage and manipulation of spatial lags. The new forward iterative algorithm which uses a list form rather than a matrix to store the spatial lag information is shown to be several orders of magnitude faster than the BK solution. This allows the computation of proper higher-order spatial lags “on the fly” for even moderately large data sets such as 3,111 contiguous U. S. counties, which is not practical with the other algorithms.     

A Local Indicator of Multivariate Spatial Association: Extending Geary's c

This paper extends the application of the Local Geary c statistic to a multivariate context. The statistic is conceptualized as a weighted distance in multivariate attribute space between an observation and its geographical neighbors. Inference is based on a conditional permutation approach. The interpretation of significant univariate Local Geary statistics is clarified and the differences with a multivariate case outlined. An empirical illustration uses Guerry's classic data on moral statistics in 1830s France.     

Minority nations and attitudes towards immigration: the case of Quebec

Growing international migration constitutes a tremendous challenge for contemporary democracies, no more so than for minority nations. An important challenge for the latter is one of acceptance of immigration from the native‐born population, in a context in which immigrant can be seen as both a cultural and a political threat. In this article we ask what explains attitudes towards immigration in minority nations. More specifically, we seek to provide answers to these questions: What is the impact of cultural insecurity on attitudes towards immigration in minority nations? Is strong attachment to a minority nation associated with less positive attitudes towards immigration? And finally, are proponents of independence for minority nations more likely to favour a reduction in the level of immigration than those who oppose it? The article seeks to answer these questions by exploring the case of Quebec.     

技术视角下西方骨器研究的理论与实践

骨器是以骨、角、牙、蚌为原料,运用多种技术制作而成的副产品、工具和装饰品.近年来,在石器研究的影响下,西方骨器研究经历了四个逐渐发展完善的阶段,并在骨原料生物力学特性、埋藏学、操作链和时空分布模式等理论基础上,通过多学科相结合的分析方法和技术手段进行骨料选择和利用、功能分析、象征意义、特殊组合等多方面的研究,从经济和社会双重维度复原古代社会.相比之下,中西方骨器研究层次存在较大差异,要从传统研究和技术分析相结合的角度探索中国骨器研究的独特范式.     

Interpreting for the Afghanistan Spanish Force

The participation of interpreters as linguistic and cultural mediators is considered essential to the success of military operations in a foreign country. This study examines the situation of two categories of civilian interpreters who worked for the Spanish armed forces in Afghanistan: interpreters recruited in Spain and interpreters recruited in Afghanistan. The distinct positionalities of these groups of interpreters emerge as a recurring theme in the interviews carried out as part of this research. The findings indicate that the interpreter’s positionality impacted the interpreter’s agency, the trust placed in him or her by the armed forces, and exposure to danger. In highlighting interpreters’ active participation in the communicative situation, this paper increases understanding of the positionality of interpreters in war zones.