Data-Augmentation for Reducing Dataset Bias in Person Re-identification

In this paper we explore ways to address the issue of dataset bias in person re-identification by using data augmentation to increase the variability of the available datasets, and we introduce a novel data augmentation method for re-identification based on changing the image background. We show that use of data augmentation can improve the cross-dataset generalisation of convolutional network based re-identification systems, and that changing the image background yields further improvements.

Freshwater reservoir effect (FRE) on re-dating of the prehistoric Eurasian Steppe cultures

There is a major problem with dating human skeletal material in Eurasian
steppe, possibly due to the freshwater reservoir effects (FRE). The goal of the
project is to examine the extent of the FRE in key areas of Siberia and
Kazakhstan through AMS 14C dating and stable isotope (δ13C, δ15N, δ34S)
analysis of c. 150 archaeological and modern samples. Here, we present the
very first results of the tests. We hope that within next years the study will
provide advanced knowledge of FRE across the region; improved 14C sampling
protocols for 14C and isotopic studies; new data on the chronology, diet and
isotopic ecology of particular archaeological sites, and a database on the
extent and variability of the FRE in the region

Freshwater Reservoir Effect on Re-Dating of Eurasian Steppe Cultures: First Results for Eneolithic and Early Bronze Age North-East Kazakhstan

Freshwater reservoir effects (FRE) can cause a major problem with radiocarbon dating human skeletal material in the Eurasian steppe. We present the first results of research into the extent of the FRE in the sites of Borly 4 (Eneolithic), and Shauke 1 and 8b (Early Bronze Age), North-Eastern Kazakhstan. AMS 14C dating and stable isotope (δ13C, δ15N) analysis of associated groups of samples (32 samples, 11 groups in total) demonstrate that: a) the diet of the humans and fauna analysed was based on the C3 foodchain with no evidence of a C4 plant (such as millet) contribution; aquatic resources apparently were a continuous dietary feature for the humans; b) the first 14C dates obtained for the Upper and Middle Irtysh River region attribute the Eneolithic period of the area to the 34th-30th c. BC, and the Early Bronze Age – to the 25th-20th c. BC; there is a ca. 450 years hiatus between the two periods; c) the maximum fish-herbivore freshwater reservoir offset observed equals 301±47 14C yrs. As such, 14C dates from aquatic and human samples from the area need to be interpreted with caution as they are likely to be affected by the offset (i.e. appear older).
The paper also discusses the effect of a sodium hydroxide (NaOH) wash on δ13C, δ15N, C:Natomic levels and collagen yields of the bone samples. Our results indicate a minor but significant effect of NaOH treatment only on C:Natomic ratios of the samples.

Re-placing Ireland in Irish Anthropology

7,000 word essay

Re-inoculation of autoclaved soil as a non-sterile treatment for xenobiotic sorption and biodegradation studies

Autoclaved soil is commonly used for the study of xenobiotic sorption and as an abiotic control in biodegradation experiments. Autoclaving has been reported to alter soil physico-chemical and xenobiotic sorption characteristics such that comparison of autoclaved with non-autoclaved treatments in soil aging and bioavailability studies may yield misleading results. Experiments could be improved by using autoclaved soil re-inoculated with indigenous microorganisms as an additional or alternative non-sterile treatment for comparison with the sterile, autoclaved control. We examined the effect of autoclaving (3 x 1 h, 121°C, 103.5 KPa) on the physico-chemical properties of a silt loam soil (pH 7.2, 2.3% organic carbon) and the establishment of indigenous microorganisms reintroduced after autoclaving. Sterilisation by autoclaving significantly (p ≤ 0.05) decreased pH (0.6 of a unit) and increased concentrations of water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC; nontreated = 75 mg kg^-1; autoclaved = 1526 mg kg^-1). The initial first-order rate of ¹⁴C-2,4-dichloro-UL-phenol (2,4-DCP) adsorption to non-treated, autoclaved and re-inoculated soil was rapid (K₁ = 16.8-24.4 h^-1) followed by a slower linear phase (K₂). In comparison with autoclaved soil (0.038% day^-1), K₂ values were higher for re-inoculated (0.095% day^-1) and nontreated (0.181% day^-1) soil. This was attributed to a biological process. The Freundlich adsorption coefficient (K(f)) for autoclaved soil was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher than for re-inoculated or non-treated soil. Increased adsorption was attributed to autoclaving-induced changes to soil pH and solution composition. Glucose-induced respiration of autoclaved soil after re-inoculation was initially twice that in the non-treated control, but it decreased to control levels by day 4. This reduction corresponded to a depletion of WSOC. 2,4-DCP mineralisation experiments revealed that the inoculum of nonsterile soil (0.5 g) contained 2,4-DCP-degrading microorganisms capable of survival in autoclaved soil. The lag phase before detection of significant 2,4-DCP mineralisation was reduced (from 7 days to ≤3 days) by pre-incubation of re-inoculated soils for 7 and 14 days before 2,4-DCP addition. This was attributed to the preferential utilisation of WSOC prior to the onset of 2,4-DCP mineralisation. Cumulative ¹⁴CO₂ evolved after 21 days was significantly lower (p ≤ 0.05) from non-treated soil (25.3%) than re-inoculated soils (ca 45%). Experiments investigating sorption-biodegradation interactions of xenobiotics in soil require the physico-chemical properties of sterile and non-sterile treatments to be as comparable as possible. For fundamental studies, we suggest using re-inoculated autoclaved soil as an additional or alternative non-sterile treatment.

Imagining the Future: An Existential and Practical Activity

In an attempt to elucidate people’s own imaginings and hopes for the future, I consider the relationship between the following concepts and activities: imagining; the future; hope; the existential human condition; and practical activity. I ask: ‘How do people experience and act on a desire for a different future?’

Freshwater Reservoir Effects on the Re-Dating of the Eurasian Steppe Cultures: New Data for the Prehistoric Sites of Kazakhstan and South of Siberia

Freshwater reservoir effects (FRE) can cause a major problem with radiocarbon dating human skeletal material in the Eurasian steppe. Recent research has demonstrated that, for the Eneolithic to Early Bronze Age sites of North-Eastern Kazakhstan, the maximum fish-herbivore freshwater reservoir offset observed equals 301±47 14C yrs, as such indicating that 14C dates from aquatic and human samples from the area apparently need to be interpreted with caution as they are likely to be affected by the offset. The current paper presents the new data on the FRE of the Eneolithic to the Early Iron Age sites of Kazakhstan and South of Siberia.

Re-embedding economic and social constitutionalism:Normative perspectives for the EU

Introduction Tensions between the economic and the social dimensions of European integration are being perceived as increasing, and so is the potential for conflict between national and European levels of policy-making. Both are well illustrated by a highly controversial line of Court of Justice of the European Union (ECJ) cases on industrial relations: Viking and Laval have become symbols for the continuing dominance of the economic over the social dimension of European integration and for an increasing tendency of the EU to diminish national autonomy. As one consequence, demands to protect Member States’ social policy choices from EU law pressures arise. For such demands to be tenable, isolation of national and EU policy-making and of economic and social dimensions of European integration would have to be possible. This is arguably not the case. Economic and social dimensions of integration will thus have to be reconciled across EU and national levels, if the EU and its Member States are to maintain the ability of enhancing social justice against the pulls of economic globalisation.