Secular and orbital variability of Cir X-1 observed in optical spectra

We have observed variations in the optical emission lines from the X-ray binary Circinus X-1. These variations may be attributed both to orbital variations and to long term secular changes in line strength. We have detected double-peaked H α emission lines on two occasions, providing the first direct evidence for an accretion disc in the system. The separation of the peaks was different on the two occasions, suggesting that the disc might have a different size. The equivalent width of the emission lines dropped by more than a factor of three between 1999 and 2000; this continues the trend seen in earlier data, so that the H α equivalent width has now declined by a factor of 20 since 1976. The emission lines do not appear to show signature of orbital motion, except for the data taken near phase 0, which show a significant velocity shift.
We have observed an absorption component to the He  i lines on one occasion. We suggest that, unlike the P Cygni profiles seen in X-ray spectra, this absorption does not arise in the accelerating zone of a radiatively driven wind. Instead, the absorption arises in material previously ejected from the system. It was only seen on this one occasion because the strength of the emission line had dropped dramatically.     

The Eclipsing Binary bx Andromedae and its Orbital Period Behaviour

The orbital period variations of the eclipsing binary BX And are examined analysing its (O–C) diagram 1) with the standard method, in which the minima times are fitted by the quadratic ephemeris combined with an assumed light-time effect, and 2) with the first continuous method. The results from the use of the two methods are, as was expected, different.     

Archaeological Micromorphology Self‐Evaluation Exercise

An intercommunity exercise was carried out between July 2011 and May 2013 among practitioners of archaeological micromorphology. The exercise was designed to quantitatively evaluate the accuracy of basic material identification using petrography only. Over 30 people participated. Participants were asked to provide general as well as detailed (mineralogical) identifications. Results were calculated in percentages of correct answers/identifications. The highest personal scores were in the order of 70% correct answers. This general low score primarily reflects misunderstanding related to filling out the test form. The test results therefore allow deciphering of only coarse trends. A learning curve is identified among students (0–4 years of experience), while among post‐PhD researchers there appears to be a learning “saturation.” Identification scores were better for archaeological materials than for geogenic materials (i.e., rocks). Mineralogy is generally poorly known. Materials that appear to require more basic research in order to develop clear petrographic guidelines for identification include calcined bone, wood ash versus lime plaster, and opaque materials (except for wood charcoal). Students of micromorphology are encouraged to devote time to studying core geology courses in order to obtain basic knowledge of rocks and minerals. The overall implications of this test resonate on geoarchaeology in general.     

A Study of Governance Arrangements for Land Use and Natural Resource Management Planning in Cape York Peninsula

Complex intersecting social, economic and environmental dilemmas in Australia's Cape York Peninsula present a number of challenges for planners seeking to develop and implement land use and natural resource management (NRM) plans. There have been five different attempts at land use and NRM planning in Cape York Peninsula over the last 20 years. These processes have (to greater or lesser extents) failed to deliver community-owned and government-supported plans to guide development and/or the management of the region's natural resources. The region is remote, sparsely populated, and home to a significant Indigenous population. Much of the contestation within the region surrounds the access, use and ownership of the region's internationally valuable natural resources. This paper reviews, from the literature, the relevancy and applicability of criteria for best practice planning and governance. A range of identified best practice governance and planning principles are applied to assess the governance arrangements for planning in the Peninsula. The paper finds that decision-making arrangements for land use and NRM planning in the Peninsula are still in their infancy and are inadequate to support effective outcomes. The paper concludes that broader attention to best practice principles in governance for planning is needed to improve planning outcomes.