English Hill Towns: Some Further Steps in Appreciating their Identity in the Wider Landscape

The notion that English hill towns can be identified as a particular type of settlement is reinforced and a systematic analysis of the characteristics that contribute to their identity in the wider landscape is undertaken. Fourteen towns that meet the working definition of an English hill town are examined in terms of four sets of characteristics that constitute their distinctive features: the continuing imprint of their origins, location and early functions; the influence of natural physical features on their founding and subsequent development; their morphological form; and the visual characteristics that are the medium through which their identity is mainly experienced — pre-eminent amongst these are a town's visual profile, its figure - ground relationship with the landscape, and its skyline. Groups of hill towns with consistent characteristics are identified, including 'classic' English hill towns. While the analysis is not directed explicitly towards the development and implementation of planning policy, the fuller understanding of hill towns gained through the analysis should enrich the policy process.     

Modelling instream nitrogen variability in the Dee catchment, NE Scotland

The Integrated Nitrogen in CAtchments model (INCA) was applied to the River Dee, Aberdeenshire, NE Scotland. To a first approximation the model was able to simulate the annual mean streamwater NO3-N concentrations observed along the length of the main channel. This provided the basis for using INCA to subsequently explore the effects of N deposition and land use management on streamwater NO3-N concentrations and loads. On an annual timescale, the model predictions suggest that NO3-N concentrations will decrease by 5% following a 20% reduction in fertiliser application. Furthermore, model results also suggest that a 50% increase in N deposition will cause a 15% increase in the streamwater NO3-N concentrations. The utility of INCA as a tool for catchment management is discussed, current limitations are highlighted and possible improvements are suggested.     

A construction project cash flow model—an idiographic approach

The paper introduces and supports the contention that an idiographic methodology is appropriate to the post- hoc study and interpretation of individual construction project cash flows. A cash flow model based on the logit transformation is proposed to be consistent with this methodology. The model is based on historical data, and yields two parameters to describe each individual project. The model is tested using two samples totalling 72 projects. Goodness of fit for the model, using a measure of standard deviation from 1.0% to 4.6%, with a median of 2.5%, is found for individual projects.

The experimental hypothesis (that there is substantial variation between projects) is supported by the graphical and statistical evidence of deviation, which is argued to be the result of the individual ontology of each project - systematic error - rather than random error from an ideal. The paper concludes that forecasts of individual cash flows are invalid when derived from analysis of grouped data.     

Assessing Grey Squirrel Dispersal Patterns within the Landscape Using Sequence Variation

Abstract

The grey squirrel Sciurus carolinensis is thought to have contributed to the decline of red squirrel S. vulgaris populations in the UK through resource competition and disease spread. This study used mtDNA sequencing to assess patterns of grey squirrel dispersal in the UK. Patterns of genetic variation within the dloop sequence were characterised for seven grey squirrel populations. Infiltration directions and potential barriers to dispersal are identified and discussed, with a focus on Cumbria, a county at the forefront of grey squirrel expansion. Understanding the dynamics of grey squirrel dispersal will aid their management at a landscape scale and enhance the conservation of red squirrels.     

The great asymmetric divide: An empirical investigation of the link between indigenous and non‐indigenous economic systems in Northern Australia

This empirical study explores financial links between indigenous and non‐indigenous economic systems in a remote river catchment in Northern Australia (the Mitchell). It finds evidence of a profound and asymmetric ‘disconnect’ between these economies: an exogenous increase in indigenous incomes raises the incomes of non‐indigenous people, but the reverse is not true. Evidently, those seeking to improve the incomes of indigenous people in Northern Australia cannot simply seek to (i) increase payments to indigenous people, or (ii) expand the non‐indigenous sector hoping that some benefits will ‘trickle down’. Instead, structural change is required.