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• This report provides an assessment of the strategic significance of Quaternary geology relative to the British Geological Survey (BGS) and its range of UK stakeholders. The report examines the type of information, data and knowledge that is required by our stakeholders and proposes a vision for how BGS will the tackle the Quaternary to deliver this. •The Quaternary – the last 2.588 Ma of geological time – is one of the most critical parts of the UK geological record. The Quaternary coincides with the geology that occurs in much of the shallow sub-surface. It reflects the part of the geological record most frequently interacted with and utilised by humans, but also the part of the geological record most impacted (buried, eroded and deformed) by the wide range of geological processes that operated during the Quaternary. • The geological record of the Quaternary is marked by a distinctive variability and heterogeneity that poses significant challenges and risks for BGS stakeholders. Improving our data, knowledge and understanding of this critical part of the geological record is important to help our stakeholders understand and mitigate against geological risks and to inform better planning and decision making. • BGS has a proven track record of characterising the Quaternary, but our approaches need to evolve to meet the demands provided by: (1) new geological knowledge and understanding; (2) the improved access to increasingly better-quality digital data; (3) the availability of new analytical techniques that enable us to characterise the geology and uncertainty more effectively and quantitatively; and (4) our stakeholder need for quality information, data and guidance at multiple spatial scales. • In this report we make several strategic recommendations for how our approach to the Quaternary can evolve and how this can be communicated to stakeholders most effectively. We consider that this should occur through the modernisation of the Quaternary Domains dataset; th

This article presents the ENglish Reading Online (ENRO) project that offers data on English reading and listening comprehension from 7,338 university-level advanced learners and native speakers of English representing 19 countries. The database also includes estimates of reading rate and seven component skills of English, including vocabulary, spelling, and grammar, as well as rich demographic and language background data. We first demonstrate high reliability for ENRO tests and their convergent validity with existing meta-analyses. We then provide a bird's-eye view of first (L1) and second (L2) language comparisons and examine the relative role of various predictors of reading and listening comprehension and reading speed. Across analyses, we found substantially more overlap than differences between L1 and L2 speakers, suggesting that English reading proficiency is best considered across a continuum of skill, ability, and experiences spanning L1 and L2 speakers alike. We end by providing pointers for how researchers can mine ENRO data for future studies.

Increasing consideration is being given as to whether and how the subsoil can be utilised as a resource to store greater quantities of organic carbon through a range of ‘frontier' technologies. However, recent work suggests ‘priming’ effects may occur when fresh soil organic carbon (SOC) is mixed with older organic carbon (OC). Combined with increasing intensity of land use and perturbation of the surface environment there is potential for buried organic carbon (OC) to be re-incorporated into the active global C cycle. Therefore, understanding the nature of existing buried organic carbon (OC) within Soil Parent Material (SPM) and landscapes is increasingly important. A major OC burial route within landscapes is via erosion and deposition processes. This paper aims to provide a ‘first order' overview of the role erosion processes have made since the UK Last Glacial Maximum (UK-LGM) in the burial of OC in Great Britain. Using collated information, Monte-Carlo simulations were used to produce ‘first-order' estimates of the mass of OC buried within three deposit types; Devensian Till, Devensian Glacio-fluvial deposits and Holocene Alluvium. Combined median estimates for these three deposit types alone suggest, that 385 MT of OC has been buried in these deposits across Great Britain, demonstrating the importance of post UK-LGM erosion processes in long-term sequestration of OC. The paper provides a basis of a framework to describe where buried OC may be found within UK SPM and landscapes, whilst identifying gaps in our knowledge base. Whilst focusing on Great Britain, the processes are relevant to many countries, each of which will have experienced erosion processes unique to their own history of geology, geomorphology and climate.

This report describes the outputs of a work package which forms part of the NERC-funded Hydro-JULES project. One of the core outputs for the Hydro-JULES project is a km-scale national hydrogeological model that couples the ground surface to the bedrock. Part of this geological column, which occurs between the ground surface and the bedrock surface (rockhead), is the natural superficial geology or the geology that formed during the current geological period – the Quaternary (0 to 2.6 Ma). Characterising the natural superficial geology for the purposes of the national hydrogeological model is challenging. This is due in-part to the spatial complexity of this part of the geological record, but also the quality of published geological map data (superficial) which is variable reflecting the historical legacy (150 years) of Quaternary understanding, data capture and mapping approaches. To overcome these issues and produce a national-scale dataset that is relevant to the hydrogeological model, a holistic approach was undertaken to characterise the natural superficial geology. This approach utilised published geological map data (superficial), together with other surface (aerial photography, digital terrane models) and sub-surface (borehole records, superficial thickness model) information, combined with tacit knowledge of geological processes and events that have occurred in the UK during recent Earth History. This semipredictive approach therefore combines observations and tacit knowledge to inform the characterisation. The characterisation of the natural superficial deposits is shown as a relative measure of permeability based upon the interpreted vertical stack of different geological units and lithologies between the ground and bedrock surface. The primary outputs are a series of gridded GIS data layers which can be enhanced with numerical hydrogeological attributes to underpin future numerical modelling. Within this report, a brief overview of the aims of the study an

This report describes a small work package undertaken as part of the NERC-funded Hydro-JULES project. One of the outputs of this project is a national hydrogeological model and to aid its development a semi-conceptual approach was developed to characterise the natural superficial geology at 1 km2 scale. This approach effectively attempts to classify the relative permeability and complexity of the natural superficial geology down to bedrock. It is envisaged that the classes developed within this approach can be characterised numerically (with hydrogeological attributes) and used to inform the numerical groundwater model. The approach was trialled in six areas across lowland England to test and refine the approach: (1) Surrey; (2) North Norfolk coast; (3) Breckland; (4) Waveney Valley; (5) UK GEOS site and adjacent parts of Cheshire; and (6) Vale of Eden. Recommendations are made for the roll-out of the methodology across the UK plus several notable data gaps are highlighted. In particular, the development of a robust aquifer-to-surface hydrogeological model requires additional datasets that characterise the basic hydrogeological properties of bedrock at rockhead, and an understanding of the thickness and extent of the zone of bedrock weathering.

Contains fulltext : 220977.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access), Purpose: Oncofertility focuses on providing fertility and endocrine-sparing options to patients who undergo life-preserving but gonadotoxic cancer treatment. The resources needed to meet patient demand often are fragmented along disciplinary lines. We quantify assets and gaps in oncofertility care on a global scale. Methods: Survey-based questionnaires were provided to 191 members of the Oncofertility Consortium Global Partners Network, a National Institutes of Health-funded organization. Responses were analyzed to measure trends and regional subtleties about patient oncofertility experiences and to analyze barriers to care at sites that provide oncofertility services. Results: Sixty-three responses were received (response rate, 25%), and 40 were analyzed from oncofertility centers in 28 countries. Thirty of 40 survey results (75%) showed that formal referral processes and psychological care are provided to patients at the majority of sites. Fourteen of 23 respondents (61%) stated that some fertility preservation services are not offered because of cultural and legal barriers. The growth of oncofertility and its capacity to improve the lives of cancer survivors around the globe relies on concentrated efforts to increase awareness, promote collaboration, share best practices, and advocate for research funding. Conclusion: This survey reveals global and regional successes and challenges and provides insight into what is needed to advance the field and make the discussion of fertility preservation and endocrine health a standard component of the cancer treatment plan. As the field of oncofertility continues to develop around the globe, regular assessment of both international and regional barriers to quality care must continue to guide process improvements.

Founded in 1835, the British Geological Survey (BGS) is the world's oldest national geological survey and the United Kingdom's premier centre for earth science information and expertise. The BGS provides expert services and impartial advice in all areas of geoscience. Our client base is drawn from the public and private sectors both in the UK and internationally. Our innovative digital data products aim to help describe the ground surface and what's beneath across the whole of Great Britain. These digital products are based on the outputs of the BGS survey and research programmes and our substantial national data holdings. This data coupled with our in-house Geoscientific knowledge are combined to provide products relevant to a wide range of users in central and local government, insurance and housing industry, engineering and environmental business, and the British public.

Buried valleys are ancient sub-aerial (river) or subglacial drainage networks that are now abandoned and have become infilled by sediment so that they have little or no surface expression in the landscape. Their concealed occurrence can have significant and often unexpected implications for groundwater (e.g. Sandersen & Jørgensen, 2003; Cloutier et al., 2008; Seifert et al. 2008; Oldenborger et al., 2013), hydrocarbon (e.g. Huuse et al., 2012) and geothermal resources (e.g. Allen & Milenic, 2003; Allen et al., 2003). Buried valleys can also contain significant quantities of sand and gravel mineral resources which can act as traps for contaminants as well as pathways into groundwater aquifers. The British Geological Survey (BGS) has recognised and identified buried valleys through its survey activities since the 1870’s (Mellard Reade, 1873) although no compiled data set has ever been produced. Since the 2000’s BGS has also published a Superficial Deposits Thickness Model (SDTM) which models variation in thickness of natural superficial deposits across Great Britain (Lawley and Garcia-Bajo, 2009). However, one limitation of this methodology is that it under-represents the spatial occurrence of linear features such as buried valleys (Kearsey et al., 2018). This work attempts to compile what is currently known about buried valleys from historic survey activities. It also employs a semi-automated method to identify areas of significant superficial deposits thickening based on our current onshore borehole dataset. It cannot be used to say where buried valleys are not present; but it does indicate the locations where based on the recorded evidence and expert knowledge a geologist has interpreted the presence of buried valley.

Contains fulltext : 196278.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access), PURPOSE: In the accompanying article, "Analysis of Fertility Preservation Options Available to Patients With Cancer Around the Globe," we showed that specific fertility preservation services may not be offered at various sites around the world because of cultural and legal barriers. We assessed global and regional experiences as well as the legal status of third-party reproduction and adoption to serve as a comprehensive international data set and resource for groups that wish to begin oncofertility interventions. METHODS: We provide data on the legalities of third-party assisted reproductive technologies and other family-building options in the 28 oncofertility-practicing countries surveyed. RESULTS: We found regional and country differences that will be important in the development of tailored resources for physicians and for patient brochures that are sensitive to these local restrictions and cultural norms. CONCLUSION: Because many patients first consult Web-based materials, the formal assessment of the availability of these options provides members of the global oncofertility community with data to which they might otherwise not have ready access to better serve their patients.

Contains fulltext : 196277.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access), PURPOSE: Oncofertility focuses on providing fertility and endocrine-sparing options to patients who undergo life-preserving but gonadotoxic cancer treatment. The resources needed to meet patient demand often are fragmented along disciplinary lines. We quantify assets and gaps in oncofertility care on a global scale. METHODS: Survey-based questionnaires were provided to 191 members of the Oncofertility Consortium Global Partners Network, a National Institutes of Health-funded organization. Responses were analyzed to measure trends and regional subtleties about patient oncofertility experiences and to analyze barriers to care at sites that provide oncofertility services. RESULTS: Sixty-three responses were received (response rate, 25%), and 40 were analyzed from oncofertility centers in 28 countries. Thirty of 40 survey results (75%) showed that formal referral processes and psychological care are provided to patients at the majority of sites. Fourteen of 23 respondents (61%) stated that some fertility preservation services are not offered because of cultural and legal barriers. The growth of oncofertility and its capacity to improve the lives of cancer survivors around the globe relies on concentrated efforts to increase awareness, promote collaboration, share best practices, and advocate for research funding. CONCLUSION: This survey reveals global and regional successes and challenges and provides insight into what is needed to advance the field and make the discussion of fertility preservation and endocrine health a standard component of the cancer treatment plan. As the field of oncofertility continues to develop around the globe, regular assessment of both international and regional barriers to quality care must continue to guide process improvements.

This report is the published product of one of a series of studies covering England, Wales and Northern Ireland commissioned by Radioactive Waste Management (RWM) Ltd. The report provides geological information about the London and the Thames Valley region to underpin the process of national geological screening set out in the UK Government’s White Paper Implementing geological disposal: a framework for the long-term management of higher activity radioactive waste (DECC, 2014). The report describes geological features relevant to the safety requirements of a geological disposal facility (GDF) for radioactive waste emplaced onshore and up to 20 km offshore at depths between 200 and 1000 m from surface. It is written for a technical audience but is intended to inform RWM in its discussions with communities interested in finding out about the potential for their area to host a GDF.

This report is the published product of one of a series of studies covering England, Wales and Northern Ireland commissioned by Radioactive Waste Management (RWM) Ltd. The report provides geological information about the East Anglia region to underpin the process of national geological screening set out in the UK’s government White Paper Implementing geological disposal: a framework for the long-term management of higher activity radioactive waste (DECC, 2014). The report describes geological features relevant to the safety requirements of a geological disposal facility (GDF) for radioactive waste emplaced onshore and up to 20 km offshore at depths between 200 and 1000 m from surface. It is written for a technical audience but is intended to inform RWM in its discussions with communities interested in finding out about the potential for their area to host a GDF.

This report is the published product of one of a series of studies covering England, Wales and Northern Ireland commissioned by Radioactive Waste Management (RWM) Ltd. The report provides geological information about the Wealden district region to underpin the process of national geological screening set out in the UK’s government White Paper Implementing geological disposal: a framework for the long-term management of higher activity radioactive waste (DECC, 2014). The report describes geological features relevant to the safety requirements of a geological disposal facility (GDF) for radioactive waste emplaced onshore and up to 20 km offshore at depths between 200 and 1000 m from surface. It is written for a technical audience but is intended to inform RWM in its discussions with communities interested in finding out about the potential for their area to host a GDF.

This report is the published product of one of a series of studies covering England, Wales and Northern Ireland commissioned by Radioactive Waste Management (RWM) Ltd. The report provides geological information about the Northern England region to underpin the process of national geological screening set out in the UK’s government White Paper Implementing geological disposal: a framework for the long-term management of higher activity radioactive waste (DECC, 2014). The report describes geological features relevant to the safety requirements of a geological disposal facility (GDF) for radioactive waste emplaced onshore and up to 20 km offshore at depths between 200 and 1000 m from surface. It is written for a technical audience but is intended to inform RWM in its discussions with communities interested in finding out about the potential for their area to host a GDF.

This report is the published product of one of a series of studies covering England, Wales and Northern Ireland commissioned by Radioactive Waste Management (RWM) Ltd. The report provides geological information about the Pennines and adjacent areas region to underpin the process of national geological screening set out in the UK’s government White Paper Implementing geological disposal: a framework for the long-term management of higher activity radioactive waste (DECC, 2014). The report describes geological features relevant to the safety requirements of a geological disposal facility (GDF) for radioactive waste emplaced onshore and up to 20 km offshore at depths between 200 and 1000 m from surface. It is written for a technical audience but is intended to inform RWM in its discussions with communities interested in finding out about the potential for their area to host a GDF.

This report is the published product of one of a series of studies covering England, Wales and Northern Ireland commissioned by Radioactive Waste Management (RWM) Ltd. The report provides geological information about the Hampshire Basin and adjoining areas region to underpin the process of national geological screening set out in the UK’s government White Paper Implementing geological disposal: a framework for the long-term management of higher activity radioactive waste (DECC, 2014). The report describes geological features relevant to the safety requirements of a geological disposal facility (GDF) for radioactive waste emplaced onshore and up to 20 km offshore at depths between 200 and 1000 m from surface. It is written for a technical audience but is intended to inform RWM in its discussions with communities interested in finding out about the potential for their area to host a GDF.

This report is the published product of one of a series of studies covering England, Wales and Northern Ireland commissioned by Radioactive Waste Management (RWM) Ltd. The report provides geological information about the South-west England region to underpin the process of national geological screening set out in the UK Government’s White Paper Implementing geological disposal: a framework for the long-term management of higher activity radioactive waste (DECC, 2014). The report describes geological features relevant to the safety requirements of a geological disposal facility (GDF) for radioactive waste emplaced onshore and up to 20 km offshore at depths between 200 and 1000 m from surface. It is written for a technical audience but is intended to inform RWM in its discussions with communities interested in finding out about the potential for their area to host a GDF.

This report is the published product of one of a series of studies covering England, Wales and Northern Ireland commissioned by Radioactive Waste Management (RWM) Ltd. The report provides geological information about Northern Ireland to underpin its process of national geological screening set out in the UK’s government White Paper Implementing geological disposal: a framework for the long-term management of higher activity radioactive waste (DECC, 2014). The report describes geological features relevant to the safety requirements of a geological disposal facility (GDF) for radioactive waste emplaced onshore and up to 20 km offshore at depths between 200 and 1000 m from surface. It is written for a technical audience but is intended to inform RWM in its discussions with communities interested in finding out about the potential for their area to host a GDF.

This report is the published product of one of a series of studies covering England, Wales and Northern Ireland commissioned by Radioactive Waste Management (RWM) Ltd. The report provides geological information about the Central England region to underpin the process of national geological screening set out in the UK Government’s White Paper Implementing geological disposal: a framework for the long-term management of higher activity radioactive waste (DECC, 2014). The report describes geological features relevant to the safety requirements of a geological disposal facility (GDF) for radioactive waste emplaced onshore and up to 20 km offshore at depths between 200 and 1000 m from surface. It is written for a technical audience but is intended to inform RWM in its discussions with communities interested in finding out about the potential for their area to host a GDF.

This report is the published product of one of a series of studies covering England, Wales and Northern Ireland commissioned by Radioactive Waste Management (RWM) Ltd. The report provides geological information about the Welsh Borderland region to underpin the process of national geological screening set out in the UK’s government White Paper Implementing geological disposal: a framework for the long-term management of higher activity radioactive waste (DECC, 2014). The report describes geological features relevant to the safety requirements of a geological disposal facility (GDF) for radioactive waste emplaced onshore and up to 20 km offshore at depths between 200 and 1000 m from surface. It is written for a technical audience but is intended to inform RWM in its discussions with communities interested in finding out about the potential for their area to host a GDF.

This report is the published product of one of a series of studies covering England, Wales and Northern Ireland commissioned by Radioactive Waste Management (RWM) Ltd. The report provides geological information about Wales to underpin the process of national geological screening set out in the UK’s government White Paper Implementing geological disposal: A framework for the long-term management of higher activity radioactive waste (DECC, 2014). The report describes geological features relevant to the safety requirements of a geological disposal facility (GDF) for radioactive waste emplaced onshore and up to 20 km offshore at depths between 200 and 1000 m from surface. It is written for a technical audience but is intended to inform RWM in its discussions with communities interested in finding out about the potential for their area to host a GDF.