Fatty material from a Thule Eskimo site on Herschel Island, Yukon Territory, Canada was analysed by gas chromatography and thin layer chromatography. The fatty acid composition of the samples was then compared with published data for a number of marine species which could have been food sources for the Thule peoples. The samples appear to be derived from seal or whale, or a mixture of these, but what is more surprising is that the fats have changed so little over the 1000 year period of their burial.

Analysis of midden material from a Thule Eskimo dwelling site on the shore of Herschel Island showed it to contain a high proportion of fatty material. Chemical analysis shows this to consist of a mixture of fatty acids from the fats and oils of marine animals which has been partially, but far from completely, converted to adipocere. The lack of complete conversion is attributed to anaerobic conditions, low ambient temperature, and lack of bacterial action. The results are consistent with, but not a proof that the debris is from a mixture of harbour, ringed, and bearded seal, which is the conclusion from the bone fragments found.

Over the last 20 years there has been significant growth in the volume of higher education pedagogical research across disciplines and national contexts, but inherent tensions in defining quality remain. In this paper we present a framework to support understanding of what constitutes internationally excellent research, drawing on a range of conceptual frameworks, international and national performance-based research funding systems, discipline/professional body frameworks, and research council guidance. While acknowledging the contested nature of excellence in pedagogical research, we provide criteria to guide discussion and to support individual and organisational learning. A key premise is that if learning and teaching in higher education are to be enhanced, considerable investment is required in supporting the development of integrated academics where emphasis is on both research and practice to inform pedagogy. Research and evaluation are essential aspects of teaching and need to be embedded within it. The framework is designed to enable colleagues to develop the necessary tools and approaches to support understanding of educational research and adapt these within their disciplinary context.

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Analysis offatty material from barrels in a submerged wreck of a whaler in Labrador water showed it to contain free fatty acids, including some higher fatty acid, consistent with whale oil and certainly of marine origin. Conversion to adipocere was extensive but not complete.