Bone density studies in zooarchaeology

Accurate bone density data are essential for assessing the influence of destructive processes in archaeological faunal assemblages. Unfortunately, the diversity of methods employed by different researchers to derive density values has resulted in recent confusion. Two recent publications in this journal [J Archaeol Sci 29 (2002) 883; J Archaeol Sci 29 (2002) 979] exemplify this state of misunderstanding. Both studies argued that the role of bone density in shaping archaeological faunal assemblages has been largely overrated, but both based their conclusions on density values that were inaccurately derived. The former employed a method of calculating bone density that has been largely discredited over the past decade [J Archaeol Sci 29 (2002) 883]. Within a larger discussion of zooarchaeological methodology, the latter provided an assessment of the current state of bone density research that inappropriately characterized the discrepancies between available sets of density data as a reflection of the differences between two technologies—photon densitometry and computed tomography [J Archaeol Sci 29 (2002) 979]. The actual dichotomy exists—irrespective of the technology employed—between studies that account for variation in the shape of bone cross-sections and those that do not. The different sets of density data currently available to zooarchaeologists vary tremendously in their accuracy. We review and evaluate the different techniques employed in the research of bone density patterns of mammalian fauna. Computed tomography produces the most accurate density data. For elements without medullary cavities, photon densitometry may provide density values of similar accuracy but only if a method of cross-sectional shape-adjustment is applied.     

Environmental Reform,Technology Policy and Transboundary Pollution in Hong Kong

The focus of this contribution is the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of China, and more particularly the processes of environmental reform in the region. The authors discuss developments in environmental policy over the past three decades and explore the utility of Ecological Modernization Theory as a basis for future environmental reform at the local level and as a mechanism for tackling broader regional environmental concerns. The contribution also explores linkages between technology policy and the environment in Hong Kong, arguing that while the SAR possesses certain competitive advantages, greater attention must be given to fostering and facilitating technological innovation in the environmental sector.     

Displacement-Controlled Behavior of Asymmetrical Single-Story Building Models

Displacement controlled behavior is a feature of low to moderate seismicity areas where the peak displacement demand on structures could be limited despite significant structural strength and stiffness degradation. In this article, the extension of the displacement controlled phenomenon to torsionally unbalanced framing systems is investigated. It is shown that the displacement demand of critical elements within a building can be insensitive to changes in eccentricity and torsional stiffness properties. While torsional actions is a well-researched topic, the incorporation of displacement controlled phenomenon into the analysis is original and represents a new development.     

Holocene Elevated Sea Levels on the North Coast of Vietnam

We present evidence of elevated Holocene sea levels on the north coast of Vietnam, comprising radiocarbon dating of raised coastal geomorphological and palaeobiological features at localities on the margins of the Bac Bo (Red River) Plain. This evidence indicates that by ca. 5500 cal yr B.P. mid‐tide lay approximately 5.4 m above national datum, that is 3.25 m above present local mid‐tide. By c. 3500 cal yr B.P., sea level was lowering and, by ca. 2000 cal yr B.P., mid‐tide lay at or above 1.5 m above present local mid‐tide. It is not yet possible to infer patterns of sea‐level fluctuation other than an overall lowering of elevation, although the separation of the raised and modern erosion notches does suggest two dominant mid to late Holocene periods of erosion — probably periods of sea‐level still‐stand or relatively slow sea‐level change. The intervening period of relatively rapid sea‐level change and associated reduced erosion probably dates to after ca. 2000 cal yr B.P..     

Does neighbourhood count in affecting children's journeys to schools?

This study examines two factors affecting children's school journeys – independent mobility and accessible school opportunities. Two time-geography based indicators, the spatial extent of potential path area and the number of weighted school places reachable (labelled OPP), are estimated. Multi-level modelling has been developed to analyse the interplay of individual, household and neighbourhood factors. Hong Kong is used as a case study because the neighbourhood effects on school provision within compact cities have not been well studied. The results show that 30.4% of the children's school journeys were made without adult companions. Half of the children walked to schools. The multi-level analysis suggests that nearly 90% of the variance in both indicators was found at the individual level. Neighbourhood, though not a decisive factor, does have impacts on the number of accessible school choices.     

Concrete Stories in Southern Europe: Financialisation and Inequality in the Construction Chain

This article seeks to tackle less researched areas of financialisation, namely class relations within the sphere of production. We ethnographically explore the trajectories of two small construction family-firms in Greece and Spain, traditionally perceived as the backbone of the Mediterranean economy but also lying at the very heart of the last financial bubble. Looking at the boom and bust of such ventures, we argue that the penetration of credit in this particular production structure, built through subcontracting chains, has reproduced and intensified deep inequalities: privileged position regarding financing enabled profit to be channelled upwards whereas risk and exploitation was transferred downwards. At the same time, rent-making or rent-extraction practices have become pervasive not only in the circulation and consumption spheres but also inside production.