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Last December's riots in Sydney's south raised once again the ongoing controversy over Australia's version of multiculturalism. The author of this article argues that 1970s multiculturalism, whatever its strengths then, needs to be revisited and revised to allow for a stronger affirmation of our common humanity. (Contains 9 endnotes.)

"Revealing Secrets: An Unofficial History of Australian Signals Intelligence and the Advent of Cyber" by John Blaxland and Clare Birgin is a book that explores the history of Australian signals intelligence and surveillance technology. The authors aim to shed light on the role of signals intelligence in Australian history, which has often been hidden due to its secretive nature. The book covers various topics, including the origins of cryptology, the development of radio signals, and the contributions of signals intelligence during World War I and II. However, the post-1945 chapters are based on publicly available material, indicating a lack of cooperation from the Australian Signals Directorate. The book also addresses themes such as technological advancements, Australia's relationship with the US and UK, and the growing demand for accountability in intelligence agencies. [Extracted from the article]

In this paper, nature‐based solutions (NBS) include: (1) natural flood management (NFM) interventions with a primary function of flood risk reduction but with additional multiple benefits for water quality improvements through the mitigation of diffuse pollution; and (2) ponds with a primary function of water quality improvement. This study assesses the ability of these NBS to trap pollutants in run‐off within two small (3.4 km2) agricultural catchments (Upper Thames, UK). The masses of sediment, phosphorus, and organic carbon trapped by 14 features (since construction 2–3 years previously) were quantified through sediment surveying and sampling. Streamflow and suspended sediment monitoring downstream of features enabled catchment yields to be calculated. The features trapped a total of 83 t sediment, 122 kg phosphorus, and 4.3 t organic carbon. Although the footprint of the features was <1% of the catchment area, they drained 44% of the total land area and captured the equivalent of 15% of the total suspended sediment yield, 10% of the total phosphorus yield, and 8% of the particulate organic carbon yield as monitored at the catchment outlet over the monitoring period. Results reveal that accumulation rates were influenced by hydrological connectivity, with greater accumulation in features constructed directly on streams (online ponds), and those offline features that filled from overbank flows. The low to moderate accumulation rates observed in offline features suggests that their floodwater storage potential is only likely to significantly reduce in the medium term, necessitating maintenance after ~10 years. Compared with topsoil in each contributing area, trapped sediment was enriched in phosphorus and carbon in the majority of features, having on average 50% higher phosphorus and 17% higher organic carbon concentrations than surrounding arable soils, highlighting its potential value for redistribution on farmland. Monitoring results demonstrate the potential of NBS, including NFM, to mitigate diffuse pollution in lowland catchments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To set up a protocol for electronic thesis and dissertation (ETD) submission for the electronic thesis initiative pilot project at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. Design/methodology/approach: An electronic thesis and dissertation submission protocol was implemented and tested. To test authoring tools, we had 50 students submit their theses or dissertations using one of four style sheets. Word-processed files were converted to PDF and XML formats. The pilot project team evaluated DigiTool's effectiveness in digital conversion, capture of metadata and cataloguing, digital content harvesting, digital preservation, and integration with the student information system. Findings: All theses experienced some degree of information loss during the conversion. DigiTool is still being tested for storage, cataloguing, and dissemination capability. For full implementation, three major issues need to be addressed further: conversion; metadata; and file formats. Practical implications: Most of the issues that have arisen during the McGill pilot project will be mirrored at other academic institutions that are considering electronic thesis submission. Originality/value: This paper provides insights into the procedures that will arise as institutions go through the process of introducing electronic thesis and dissertation submission.

William Feindel, Elizabeth Maloney, and Pamela Miller, eds. Sir William Osler: The Man and His Books. Montreal: Osler Library of the History of Medicine, McGill University, 2011. 143 pp.; $25.00 [...]

Gerald W. Cloud. John Rodker's Ovid Press: A Bibliographical History. New Castle, DE: Oak Knoll Press, 2010. 152 pp.; US $55.00 ISBN 9781584562863 In the introduction to his bibliographical history [...]

David Miller and Richard Price, comps. British Poetry Magazines 1914-2000: A History and Bibliography of 'Little Magazines.' New Castle, DE: Oak Knoll Press; London: British Library, 2006. 452 pp.; US [...]