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Optical pulse detection ‘photoplethysmography’ (PPG) provides a means of low cost and unobtrusive physiological monitoring that is popular in many wearable devices. However, the accuracy, robustness and generalizability of single-wavelength PPG sensing are sensitive to biological characteristics as well as sensor configuration and placement; this is significant given the increasing adoption of single-wavelength wrist-worn PPG devices in clinical studies and healthcare. Since different wavelengths interact with the skin to varying degrees, researchers have explored the use of multi-wavelength PPG to improve sensing accuracy, robustness and generalizability. This paper contributes a novel and comprehensive state-of-the-art review of wearable multi-wavelength PPG sensing, encompassing motion artifact reduction and estimation of physiological parameters. The paper also encompasses theoretical details about multi-wavelength PPG sensing and the effects of biological characteristics. The review findings highlight the promising developments in motion artifact reduction using multi-wavelength approaches, the effects of skin temperature on PPG sensing, the need for improved diversity in PPG sensing studies and the lack of studies that investigate the combined effects of factors. Recommendations are made for the standardization and completeness of reporting in terms of study design, sensing technology and participant characteristics.

In binaural audio systems, for an optimal virtual acoustic space a set of head-related transfer functions (HRTFs) should be used that closely matches the listener’s ones. This study aims to select the most appropriate HRTF dataset from a large database for users without the need for extensive listening tests. Currently, there is no way to reliably reduce the number of datasets to a smaller, more manageable number without risking discarding potentially good matches. A neural network that estimates the appropriateness of HRTF datasets based on input vectors of anthropometric measurements is proposed. The shapes and sizes of listeners’ heads and pinnas were measured using digital photography; the measured anthropometric parameters form the feature vectors used by the neural network. A graphical user interface (GUI) was developed for participants to listen to music transformed using different HRTFs and to evaluate the fitness of each HRTF dataset. The listening scores recorded were the target outputs used to train the neural networks. The aim was to learn a mapping between anthropometric parameters and listener’s perception scores. Experimental validations were performed on 30 subjects. It is demonstrated that the proposed system produces a much more reliable HRTF selection than previously used methods.

The presence of tattoo-like skin disease is reported in an endangered, non-migratory subpopulation of Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) from Oman. We examined 522 images taken during small-boat surveys in the Gulf of Masirah and in Dhofar in 2000-2006 and in 2010-2011. Tattoo-like lesions were detected in regular, good and outstanding images. They appeared as irregular or rounded, light grey marks often showing a whitish outline, and were located on the flanks, dorsum, dorsal fin and caudal peduncle. They could be relatively small to very large and cover up to an estimated 40% of the visible body surface. Over the whole study period disease prevalence reached 21.7% in 60 whales and 16.7% in 36 adults. In this category, prevalence was higher in males (26.7%, N=15) than in females (9.1%, N=11), but the difference was not significant. Lesions appeared larger in males than in the positive female and progressed in two males. Disease prevalence increased significantly from 2000 through 2011 (r2=0.998). Advanced tattoo skin disease, with lesions extending over more than 10% of the visible body surface seemed to occur more frequently in 2010-2011 than in 2000-2006, but samples were small. This is the first confirmed report of tattoo-like disease in the Balaenopteridae family and the first time it is documented in the Arabian Sea. The disease high prevalence, its increase over time and its progression in some individuals are of concern.

Discusses the propagation and cultivation of selected Central Australian wildflowers. Availability of water and nutrient affects the distribution of natural vegetation in the arid zone; Display of wildflower via direct seeding and by planting of tubestock produced by the Desert Park nursery.

Two current procedures for measuring nitrous oxide (N2O) production in the field are studied using a two‐dimensional model of gas production and diffusion through soil. These procedures consist of trapping the gas as it leaves the soil surface, either by allowing the gas to build up in a closed chamber (closed cover), or by removing and measuring the gas as it leaves the soil (open cover). The model calculations suggest that in many cases, neither measurement relates well to the N2O production rate because the gas concentration is still building up in the soil. There are also expected differences between the two methods, with the closed cover measurement underestimating the flux from the soil when air contents are relatively high while production is occurring, if gas is allowed to build up in the chamber for more than a few hours. The calculations suggest that, due to the large phase lag caused by gaseous diffusion, the only way to obtain accurate information about the extent of N2O release to the atmosphere from the soil from a denitrification‐reduction event is to trap all gas which is produced by the process. This may require monitoring for up to several weeks after production ceases if soil water content remains high.

The Nine Mile Run site is 18 stories of steel industry waste dumped on 240 acres over 50 years. The site features two broad slag plateaus split by a slag valley and an urban stream. As the development team struggles with issues relative to the site grading, the surrounding community is currently organizing on the basis of three issues: toxicity, traffic, and housing value. This article will contrast the standard liability assessment against a qualitative, integrated community-based assessment.

The article discusses commitment of housebuilder Barratt Developments to environmental protection and sustainability. Topics explored include the need to consider environmental impact and long-term sustainability in house construction projects, the biodiversity collaboration of Barratt with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), and the need energy efficient homes to reduce contribution to carbon dioxide emissions.

An interview with EBSCO Publishing Inc. president and general manager Tim Collins is presented. He talks about the reasons for buying NetLibrary. He comments that the growth of the library services is an opportunity for the business. He believes that the company is being cost conscious, but is trying hard to make good decisions and develop the business.

Explores the importance of Positive Voice, as method that examines the vocal expression of personal qualities. Reference of voice on a person's qualities, beliefs and attitudes; Importance of communicating from the spirit or heart reaches other spirits or hearts and transcends language and tone; Significance of self-confidence as effective focus on self-expression for any group of voice professionals.

The short story "Go Ahead, Shoot" by Tim Collins is presented.

The article presents opinions from Tim Collins of Bell Pottinger Public Affairs and Malcolm Gooderham of TLG on how the British Conservative Party should deal with new Labour Party leader Ed Milliband.

The article presents the views of communications experts regarding the 2010 British elections. Former cabinet adviser Paul Richards claims that the Labour Party is experiencing bad luck plus a lack of funds. Bell Pottinger Public Affairs managing director (MD) Tim Collins says Conservative Party leader David Cameron and his team have had to change strategy from their first television (TV) debate. Political adviser Ian Wright claims endorsements from "The Guardian," "The Observer" and "Scotland on Sunday" will help the campaign of the Liberal Democrats.

The article presents the views of leading communications (comms) experts in Great Britain about the campaign of political parties including Paul Richards, Tim Collins, and Ian Wright.

The article presents the views of public relations (PR) professionals on the 2010 election campaign launched in Great Britain. Paul Richards notes that Peter Mandelson should have a better understanding of the communications strategy of the Labour Party. Tim Collins mentions that voters should expect more familiar Tory themes such as lower taxes mean higher growth. Ian Wright cites the implications of Vince Cable's victory in the Chancellors' Debate for the Liberal Democrats.

The author presents his views on political changes expected in Great Britain. He predicts many changes including the emergence of the first Conservative government since 1997. He believes seeing the first and the biggest overall spending cut by the government. The British Social Attitudes survey reportedly showed that people for the first time are becoming natural Conservatives pushing for lower spending than higher taxes. The author also urges public affairs practitioners to be aware and position their clients accordingly.