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The enigmatic ‘Newall boulder’ excavated at Stonehenge in 1924: new data and correcting the record
Full text linkSome authors have questioned whether the bluestone megaliths present at the Stonehenge Neolithic stone circle were transported from their source area in north Pembrokeshire, over 200 km to the west, by ice, rather than humans. There is scant evidence for either hypothesis and much debate on the matter since the 1990s has involved the so-called ‘Newall boulder’, a stone collected in 1924 by Lt-Col Hawley. Initial studies considered the boulder to be a glacial erratic and hence supported the ice transport hypothesis. More recent work discounted this interpretation and proposed that the boulder was a piece of rhyolite debitage, itself derived from a broken-up monolith, most likely Stone 32d, originally sourced from Craig Rhos-y-Felin, in north Pembrokeshire although this has been challenged in a recent study.This paper aims to clarify the record regarding previous studies on the Newall boulder and samples taken from it for analysis and to correct errors of fact introduced into the current literature. Petrographic, automated SEM-EDS analysis and portable XRF investigation (including new analyses) relating to the characteristics and composition of the Newall boulder are presented, supporting (a) the interpretation that its original source was Craig Rhos-y-Felin, in north Pembrokeshire and (b) that there is no evidence to support an interpretation that it is a glacial erratic. In addition, it is shown that the overall non-sarsen lithological assemblage at Stonehenge is restricted, supporting derivation by human activity from a limited number of sites, predominantly from west Wales, but also NE Scotland, and not derived from glacial erratics. <br/
EuroSCORE II: Current limitations and physiological gaps in risk stratification
Full text linkRisk stratification remains critical in cardiac surgery, enabling clinicians to predict adverse outcomes and guide perioperative management. The European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) II, introduced in 2011, incorporates 18 key variables to provide an evidence‐based approach to risk assessment. However, evolving surgical techniques, changing patient demographics, and emerging evidence reveal limitations in the model's predictive capabilities. Important factors such as frailty, race, liver dysfunction, left ventricular dimensions, and advanced cardiac function metrics are not incorporated, reducing its accuracy in diverse and high‐risk populations. Additionally, the model does not fully account for key conditions, such as infective endocarditis, where high‐risk features like embolic events and abscesses significantly impact surgical outcomes. Simplified categorisation of procedures and the binary assessment of coronary artery disease overlook critical complexities, such as lesion severity and procedural variability. Advanced parameters like global longitudinal strain (GLS), SYNTAX, and Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores could enhance the model's granularity and predictive power. Furthermore, integrating machine learning into future iterations of EuroSCORE offers the potential to capture non‐linear interactions and continuously refine predictions. These updates could pave the way for a ‘EuroSCORE III’ better aligned with modern surgical practices, offering improved precision in risk stratification, more personalised clinical decision‐making and optimised patient outcomes
China’s strategic threat narratives: an ideationalist critical security perspective on the Russian-Ukraine war
Full text linkThis article examines China’s political discourse on the Russian invasion of Ukraine from February 2022 to March 2023 through an ideationalist security framework. Using securitization theory and discourse analysis, we analyzed 117 official Chinese statements. We find that China supports Russia’s securitization narrative while aligning with Western ideas when strategically beneficial. Using concepts like ‘Limitless Partnership’ and ‘UN Principles,’ China portrays itself as neutral while actively reshaping narratives about the global order. This dual strategy reveals China's ideational power to reinterpret established norms, challenge its image as a desecuritizing actor, and inform debates on its international security role
Autonomous SOC Analysis & Honeypot System in ICS Networks on Raspbian OS:A Traffic-Filtering Strategy for Cyber Threat Mitigation
Full text linkHEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVES OF ORAL ETHANOL PRESCRIBING FOR ALCOHOL WITHDRAWAL MANAGEMENT
Full text linkCharacterization of a precipitate sludge from a sulfuric acid plant
Full text linkMaterials characterization is essential for both waste management, but also as the first stage in determining the potential for waste reprocessing as part of the circular economy. This paper describes in detail the multi-method characterisation of a filter press sulfur sludge sample from Boliden’s Harjavalta Smelter in Finland. This material represents the filter press cake precipitate after it has been clarified and filtered from the sulfuric acid plant. The sample was characterized geochemically and mineralogically, as well as for Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) potential. Magnetic and gravity separation process tests were also conducted to further investigate processing options for extracting any valuable metals. The study showed the sludge is chemically highly complex and mineralogically/materially challenging, mainly because of its extreme composition. In conclusion, it is suggested that a hydrometallurgical process path to neutralize this sample is the best way forward, which will be developed in future work
Mapping the Role of the End-Of-Life Doula: A Scoping Review and Logic Model Framing
Full text linkEnd-of-life doulas (EOLDs) provide non-medical, holistic support to individuals at or near the end-of-life. However, understanding of the factors that enable EOLDs to provide effective support remains limited. This scoping review examines existing literature on the EOLD role and synthesises key components, mapping them onto a logic model. A systematic search was conducted using relevant keywords across five databases. Seventeen articles met the inclusion criteria for the final analysis, all conducted within high-income countries. Key findings highlight the importance of timely referrals, which enable EOLDs to provide relational, person-centred support that promotes the wellbeing of both patients and carers. The review also identifies broader societal benefits, including improved death literacy. The resulting logic model offers a timely and foundational framework to guide discussions on integrating EOLDs into health and social care systems. Further research is recommended to refine the logic model, explore EOLD practices across diverse global contexts, and assess potential cost-benefit implications.</p
The Development and Evaluation of an Empathy Intervention for Nursing Students: Using the Medical Research Council Framework
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