Late Cut Research Articles

Dry grasslands in urban areas can harbour arthropod species of local conservation concern and should be prioritised for biodiversity‐friendly mowing regimes

Abstract Although urbanisation is one of the greatest threats to biodiversity, its effect on particular invertebrate groups remains ambiguous on local and landscape scales. We aimed to analyse the effect of urban grassland management on spiders (Araneae) and carabids (Coleoptera: Carabidae), as well as other local and landscape parameters. We investigated 27 grasslands of two different management intensities (‘extensive’: one to two late cuts with removal of biomass [n = 18]; ‘intensive’: three to five mulching cuts [n = 9]) in the city of Karlsruhe, Germany. Pitfall trapping and sweep netting were performed to sample carabids and spiders. Results indicate that urban grasslands in Karlsruhe are inhabited by species‐rich assemblages, including several species of conservation concern (cc). Latter remain mostly restricted to dry grassland. The number of total specimens and of those belonging to species of cc were negatively affected by intensive management. The number of specimens of species of cc further decreased with increasing humidity and in spiders, additionally, by vegetation height. Landscape factors had limited effects, and only isolation of meadows negatively influenced the species richness of carabids (total and of species of cc). Our results demonstrate that conservation of dry grasslands in urban areas is crucial for sustaining local arthropod communities. Dry urban grassland may also act as a refugium for species of cc and mitigate the global insect crisis on a local and regional scale. In conclusion, biodiversity‐friendly mowing regimes should be applied on a broader scale in urban areas and target especially dry grassland plots. In addition, increasing connectivity and permeability of the urban matrix assist the colonisation by species of cc.

In Vitro Rumen Fermentation Characteristics, Estimated Utilizable Crude Protein and Metabolizable Energy Values of Grass Silages, Concentrate Feeds and Their Mixtures.

Four formulations of concentrate feeds, three contrasting qualities of grass silages, and mixtures of the silages (55%) and concentrates (45%, dry weight) were tested for in vitro fermentation kinetics, in vitro dry matter degradation (IVDMD), utilizable crude protein (uCP), and metabolizable energy (ME) values. The concentrates were pelleted control concentrate for dairy cows (CONT-P); pelleted alkaline concentrate with ammoniated cereal grains (ALKA-P); mash form concentrate with ALKA-P main ingredients but with feed-grade urea and barley replacing ammoniated cereal grain (UREA-M); and mash form of ALKA-P ingredients prior to alkalization (ALKA-M). The grass silages were early cut, late cut, and a mixture (1:1) of early and late cut. The objectives were to test if the feeds differed in the tested parameters within each feed category and assess the modulatory effect of concentrate feeds on the grass silage fermentation characteristics in the mixed diets. No interaction effects of the concentrate feeds by silage quality were observed for the tested parameters in the mixed diets. For concentrates, the pelleted diets were higher (p < 0.05) in IVDMD and molar proportion of propionate but lower in butyrate. The ALKA-P produced the highest estimated uCP (p < 0.01). For silages, uCP, ME, total short-chain fatty acids (VFAs), and molar proportions of propionate and branched-chain VFAs decreased (p < 0.05) with increasing stage of maturity. In conclusion, the ALKA-P could match the CONT-P in uCP and ME values and fermentation characteristics. Results for silages and their mixtures with concentrates highlight the importance of silage quality in dietary energy and protein supply for ruminants.

Growth Rate and Biomass Accumulation in Forage Maize (Zea mays), Forage Millet (Echinochloa utilis), Elephant Grass (Pennisetum purpureum) and Gamba Grass (Andropogon gayanus)

Background: Understanding the biomass accumulation and growth rate of the forages to feed the animal throughout the year is critical for improved earnings and long-term livestock production. This was found in forage maize (Zea mays), forage millet (Echinochloa utilis), elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) and Gamba grass (Andropogon gayanus). The experiment was place at Federal University Oye Ekiti in Ekiti State, Nigeria, in latitude N 07° 48.308, longitude E 005° 29.573 and elevation 548.4 meters above sea level, with an annual rainfall of 1778 mm. Methods: Planting four rows in a complete randomized design (CRD with four replications) was used to test the forage crops. Before planting, the soil in the experimental field had 49.96% organic matter and 33.59% after the crops were harvested. During the growth season, Pennisetum purpereum had the maximum plant height and sward height. Result: The Zea mays plant had the maximum leaf breadth (5.44 cm at 8 weeks) and the most leaves. Zea mays had the largest biomass accumulation (BC) of 113.80% after 8 weeks, followed by Andropogon gayanus with 67.15 per cent, Pennisetum purpureum with 56.24 per cent and Echinochloa utilis with 51.63%. Although there were no significant differences p£0.05 in the crude protein levels of the different species, samples from the latest cuts (8th week) had the greatest crude protein content (11.88% in Andropogon gayanus). Crude protein levels were shown to rise in lockstep with grass growth. Although there was no significant difference between the grass species, the crude fibre content of the three grass species was discovered to vary with the growth phase. The greatest fibre content of 13.58% in Zea mays was reported during the 6th week, which might be attributable to lignin encrustation in grasses that were harvested late. All of the plant samples of crops showed the same irregular pattern in crude fiber, moisture content and fat content, with no significant variance.

Left Pyelic Bifidity and Ectopic Ureteral Superolateral Intravesical Homolateral Ectopic Junction Revealed by a Urinary Calculus Apropos of a Case at the Pasteur Clinic

Introduction: Malformations of the excretory tract are abnormalities due to a disorder of embryogenesis. According to some authors, their frequency varies from 0.30 to 5.25 per 1000. The aim of this study was to highlight the CT uroscan aspect of pyelic bifidity with intravesical ureteral ectopic junction revealed by a urinary calculus and to explain the interest of CT uroscan in the management of urinary pathologies. Result: We report the observation of a 37-year-old overweight patient with a body mass index equal to 28, a history of surgery and extracorporeal litho-thipsis dating back 10 years. He was referred to the Imaging Department in the context of renal colic. The uroscanner made it possible to highlight a left pyelic bifidity associated with an ectopic abutment of the left ureter on the superolateral wall of the bladder, a calculation in the left ectopic ureteral meatus measured at 4 mm in axial diameter. He noted upstream of these lesions, a uretero-pyelo-calicielle dilation on double homolateral pyelon. On late cuts, a slight delay in left renal excretion was noted. The right kidney was also the site of a hyperdense calculation of 1257 HU density and measured 4 mm in transverse diameter with a non-obstructive appearance. Due to a lack of means, our patient was subjected to oral medication, hygiene and dietary rules and rigorous monitoring. Conclusion: At the end of this study, the uroscanner is presented as the reference examination to better explore urinary pathologies. At the same time, it makes it possible to carry out a study of the organs surrounding the urinary tract. Always think about the association of several urinary pathologies each time you see a patient for renal colic.

Harvest Time and Fertility Effects on Yield and Quality of Forage from Alfalfa, Hybrid Bromegrass and Their Mixture

A field experiment with 24 treatments consisting of three perennial forage crops [alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. cv. AC Longview), hybrid bromegrass (Bromus riparius Rehm & Bromus inermis Leyss. cv. AC Success) and their mixture], four Cut 1 dates (approximately June 20, July 10, July 30 or August 20), and two fertilizer levels (unfertilized and fertilized) was established in late May 2014, on a Black Chernozem [Udic Boroll] silty clay soil. Forage dry matter yield [DMY], and concentration (g·kg−1 DM) of crude protein [CP], total digestible nutrients [TDN] and acid detergent fiber [ADF] data were collected over 3 years from 2015 to 2017. The fertilizer treatments were imposed in 2016 and 2017. Forage crops were initially cut at four Cut 1 dates, and again cut [Cut 2] in autumn (September 2 in 2015, November 7 in 2016 and October 5 in 2017). For all three forage crops, forage DMY usually increased when Cut 1 was delayed. Delaying Cut 1 reduced forage DMY for Cut 2. Total DMY (Cut 1 + Cut 2) for all three forage crops was highest from the combination of July 10 and late Autumn cuts. Alfalfa-bromegrass mixture produced higher DMY than bromegrass or alfalfa alone. Fertilizer application resulted in a significant increase in Cut 1 and total DMY for bromegrass. The CP concentration in Cut 1 forage usually declined as the forage crops matured. The CP concentration was highest for alfalfa, followed by alfalfa-bromegrass mixture, and much lower for bromegrass. There was little or no effect of forage crop maturity on the TDN and ADF concentrations in forage. The TDN concentration was higher and ADF concentration was lower in forage from alfalfa or alfalfa-bromegrass mixture than bromegrass. Fertilizer application significantly increased CP concentration for alfalfa-bromegrass mixture. Delaying harvesting for Cut 1 increased ADF yield and TDN yield until Late July, but CP yield generally decreased with crop maturity. The ADF yield and TDN yield were higher for alfalfa-bromegrass mixture than bromegrass or alfalfa alone, and CP yield was similar for alfalfa and alfalfa-bromegrass mixture but considerably higher than bromegrass. Fertilizer application increased CP yield and ADF yield for bromegrass and alfalfa-bromegrass mixture, and TDN yield only for bromegrass. In conclusion, total DMY (Cut 1 + Cut 2) was highest for a combination of Early July and Autumn cuts. Forage yield was highest for alfalfa-bromegrass mixture, followed by alfalfa and lowest for bromegrass. The CP and TDN concentrations were higher, and ADF concentrations were lower in forage from alfalfa or alfalfa-bromegrass mixture than bromegrass.

The queen is led? Bumblebee (Bombus spp.) nest-searching on sea wall banks may be influenced by cutting and sward height

English sea wall flood defences support an important grassland habitat for bumblebees (Bombus spp.). However, annual cutting in midsummer (July–August) could negatively affect them. The mowing regime on a sea wall at Goldhanger Creek in Essex was changed to a late cut (after 15 September) and nest-searching behaviour was compared with an adjacent sea wall cut in midsummer (normal cut in August). Sward height and the number of queens nest-searching were significantly higher on the normal cut sea wall than on the late cut one. Tall grass swards resulting from a cut early in the previous summer may be important for nest-searching compared to those mown late, although there is probably an interaction with sea wall aspect and soil type. The landward slope was also more attractive for nesting than the flat folding (berm) due to the longer vegetation where nests under construction were located (of Bombus humilis and B. terrestris).

Dual Purpose Barley Production in the Mediterranean Climate: Effect of Seeding Rate and Age at Forage Cutting

Barley cutting in the late winter season is a strategy to provide good amount of high quality forage in the Mediterranean region. A 2-year field study was conducted in Alexandria, Egypt, to explore the variations in forage and grain yields and their characteristics of barley seeded with 100, 125, and 150 kg ha−1 and cut at 45, 55, and 65 days after sowing (DAS). The highest significant forage and grain yields were obtained with highest seeding rate (150 kg ha−1), amounting to 18.91, and 4.38 t ha−1, respectively. Cutting barley at early growth stages (45 and 55 DAS) resulted in the production of higher forage yield with higher quality, in terms of high crude protein and low fiber content, compared to late forage cut at 65 DAS. Meanwhile, early forage cutting resulted in the least amount of reduction in the final grain yield and, thus, grain income. The percentage reduction in grain income associated with forage cutting at 45, 55, and 65 DAS, amounted to 5.7, 19.6, and 31.0%, respectively. However, the net returns obtained from the dual purpose system, when forage was cut at 45 and 55 DAS were $104.27 (11.4%), and $67.91 (7.4%), respectively, greater than that obtained in the grain-only system. Economic analysis showed that the extra income from early forage cutting was sufficient to compensate the grain yield reduction in the dual purpose system. Dual purpose barley production, thus, proved to be highly feasible in the region due to the good price of the barley forage.

Modelling climate change impacts on early and late harvest grassland systems in Portugal

Climate change projections for Portugal showed warming and drying trends, representing a substantial threat for the sustainability of forage production in perennial grassland. The objective of the present study was to assess climate change impacts on seasonal dry matter yield (DMY) in three locations (North-west-, Central-inner and South-Portugal) with different climatic conditions, for two grassland production systems deviating in growing season length, either early cuts in spring (ES) or late cuts in summer (LS). Impacts were estimated using the STICS (Simulateur mulTIdisciplinaire pour les Cultures Standard) crop model, by comparing a historical baseline period (1985–2006) with simulated projections over future periods (2021–2080). For this purpose, the STICS crop model was driven by high-resolution climate data from a coupled Global Climate Model/Regional Climate Model chain. As a result, we obtained that, during the baseline period, DMY of LS was consistently much higher than that of ES in all three locations. For LS, significant reductions in mean DMY were forecasted during 2061–2080, ranging from mild (–13%) in the north to severe (–31%) in the south of Portugal. In contrast, seasonal DMY was largely maintained for ES among sites until 2080, benefiting from low water deficits, the expected atmospheric CO2 rise and the forecasted temperature increase during cool season. Thus, the yield gap was projected to gradually decrease between the two regimes, in which mean DMY for ES was foreseen to exceed that of LS over 2061–2080 in the southern site. Moreover, ES was projected to have very low exposure to extreme heat and severe water stresses. Conversely, LS, subjected to high summer water deficit and irrigation needs, was projected to experience increased summertime water stress (9–11%) and drastically increased heat stress (33–57%) in 2061–2080, with more pronounced heat stress occurring in the south. Frequency of occurrence of extreme heat stress was projected to gradually increase in summer over successive study periods, with a concomitant increased intensity of DMY response to inter-annual variability of heat stress during 2061–2080. Heat stress tended to be more important than water stress under the prescribed irrigation strategy for LS, potentially being the main limiting factor for summertime DMY production under climate change scenario.

Influence of harvest time and frequency on light interception and biomass yield of festulolium and tall fescue cultivated on a peatland

Abstract In this study, we report efficiencies of light capture and biomass yield of festulolium and tall fescue cultivated on a riparian fen in Denmark under different harvesting managements. Green biomass targeted for biogas production was harvested either as two cuts (2C) or three cuts (3C) in a year. Three different timings of the first cut in the 2C systems were included as early (2C-early), middle (2C-mid) and late (2C-late) cuts corresponding to pre-heading, inflorescence emergence and flowering stages, respectively. The fraction of intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (f PAR ) was derived from the canopy reflectance measured on 61 dates throughout a year, and cumulative interception of PAR (IPAR) and radiation use efficiency (RUE) was calculated. The dynamics of f PAR and biomass accumulations was similar for both crops before the first cuts in all managements. Festulolium f PAR in 2C-early and 2C-mid managements declined faster than in 2C-late and 3C managements in the second growth period and thus growing period IPAR of 2C-early and 2C-mid declined by 8% as compared to 3C management where IPAR was 925 MJ m −2 . Annual festulolium dry matter (DM) yield in 2C-early and 2C-mid managements (average 14.1 Mg DM ha −1 ) decreased by 22% compared to 3C management (18.2 Mg DM ha −1 ). The highest and the lowest RUE of festulolium were observed in 3C and 2C-mid managements as 1.97 and 1.59 g MJ −1 , respectively. For tall fescue f PAR declined rather slowly in the second growing period in all 2C managements, which contributed to similar IPAR (908–919 MJ m −2 ), total biomass yield (16.4–18.8 Mg DM ha −1 yr −1 ) and RUE (1.80–2.07 g MJ −1 ) for all managements. Whereas both crops were highly productive under both 3C management and 2C management with first harvest after flowering (i.e., 2C-late), the 2C-late strategy is recommended as the least intensive of the two management systems.

Nutrient Concentrations and Uptakes in Giant Reed (Arundo donax L.) as Affected by Harvest Time and Frequency

The underlying aim of biomass crops is to combine high yields and low nutrient contents. Delayed harvests of perennial grasses can reduce nutrient concentrations, while higher levels are generally observed at early harvests. However, depending on the supply chain and the conversion technology, harvesting before senescence could be viable, leading to multiple harvesting, improved feedstock digestibility, and wet biomass storage. In this study, the influence of harvest time and frequency of giant reed (Arundo donax L.) was assessed on aboveground nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium concentrations, removal, and nutrient use efficiency. In order to evaluate the effects of different cutting regimes, three single harvest (SH) and six double harvest systems (DH) were compared. Nutrient concentrations declined over the season from 10.3 to 2.5 gN kg−1, from 1.8 to 0.8 gP kg−1, and from 30.0 to 8.2 gK kg−1. Overall, DH led to higher nutrient concentrations than SH. Biomass at second cut tended to be richer in nutrients when harvested in autumn compared with winter, and when first cuts were delayed. Nutrient removal was markedly higher in DH for all the elements considered (on average, 196 kgN, 43 kgP, 530 kgK ha−1 in DH, 111 kgN, 29 kgP, 297 kg Kha−1 in SH). In DH systems, nitrogen and potassium use efficiencies were nearly halved compared with single late cuts, while phosphorus use efficiency decreased by about 30 %. The high nutrient removal rates of double-cut management suggest that it may be not sustainable, unless nutrient cycles are closed and nitrogen losses are evaluated.

Anaerobic Mono- and Co-digestion of Mechanically Pretreated Meadow Grass for Biogas Production

Biomass from permanent grasslands and meadows can be exploited for biogas production, because this substrate is abundant and does not compete with food production. In the present study, the biogas productivity of meadow grass silage, harvested in two different seasons (early and late cut), was investigated. The grass silage was mechanically pretreated with different methods to increase its biodegradability. It was found that the early cut of non-treated meadow grass silage led to higher methane production [294 mL of CH4/g of volatile solids (VS)] compared to the corresponding non-treated meadow grass silage from the late cut (282 mL of CH4/g of VS). Moreover, it was found that the application of two mesh grating plates, as the pretreatment method, greatly enhanced the methane production in early and late cut silage in a range of 15 and 17%, respectively, compared to the non-treated grass silage. The methane productivity from pretreated meadow grass silage, harvested at fall (late cut), was further examine...

The Research of Water Flooding Measures in Late High Water Cut Period of Secondary Reservoirs

D aqing o ilfield is in high water cut stage and always appears two phenomenon called "two speeds" and "two low". Based on the geological characteristics of the block, the current exploration wells arrangement and producing dynamics, two sets programs of water injection intensity and water injection timing were designed. Through the numerical simulation prediction of the two sets of 16 programs, the optimization results are 9 injection intensity and 93% of water cut. The cumulative oil producing capacity is 1402.41×104t and the cumulative increasing oil capacity is 6.26×104t and the increasing value of the recovery efficiency in Secondary oil layer is 1.33% when the water cut is 98%.

Pensions: Avoiding the LTA

Yet more changes are afoot when it comes to your pensions. The latest cuts to the lifetime allowance could affect more teachers than you'd think. Expert David Downie explains.

Pensions – How to avoid the Lifetime Allowance cuts

Yet more changes are afoot when it comes to your pensions. The latest cuts to the lifetime allowance could affect more teachers than you'd think. Expert David Downie explains more and offers 10 key questions that you should be asking.

The effect of very low food intake on digestive physiology and forage digestibility in horses

Equid digestion is often conceptualized as a high-throughput/low-efficiency system, in particular compared with ruminants. It is commonly assumed that ruminants have an advantage when resources are limited; the effect of low food intake on digestive physiology of horses has, however, not been explored to our knowledge. We used four adult ponies [initial body mass (BM) 288±65kg] in two subsequent trials with grass hay-only diets [in dry matter (DM): hay1, mid-early cut, crude protein (CP) 10.5%, neutral detergent fibre (NDF) 67.6%; hay2, late cut, CP 5.8%, NDF 69.5%], each fed subsequently at four different dry matter intake (DMI) levels: ad libitum and at 75, 55 and 30g/kg(0.75) /day. We particularly expected digesta mean retention times (MRT) to increase, and hence fibre digestibility to increase, with decreasing DMI. Ponies maintained BM on the first, but lost BM and body condition on DMI55 and DMI30. MRTs were negatively correlated to DMI and ranged (for particles <2mm) from 23/31h (hay1/2) on the ad libitum to 38/48h on DMI30. Digestibilities of DM, nutrients and fibre components decreased from DMI75 to DMI30; apparent digestibilities of organic matter and NDF (hay1/2) dropped from 47/43% and 42/37%, respectively, on the ad libitum DMI to 35/35% and 30/28% on DMI30. Additional differences evident between the two hays included a higher estimated 'true' protein digestibility for hay1 and finer faecal particles on hay2; there were no differences in faecal particle size between intake levels. The results suggest that below a certain food intake threshold, the major digestive constraint is not fermentation time but nutrient supply to gut bacteria. The threshold for such an effect probably varies between feeds and might differ between ruminants and equids.

The Research of Remaining Oil Distribution in High Water Cut Oilfield

The western South-eight block which is located in the comprehensive tap demonstration area of NO.2 oil production plant, has already gone through three years’ fine development. The production has been stable, the rising amplitude of comprehensive water cut has been small, and the natural decline rate has been controlled effectively. But with the deep development, this block has gone into the late ultra-high water cut stage. To maintain high efficient water flooding development is more and more difficult, therefore fine 3D geological modeling and reservoir numerical simulation work have been carried out. And some practical residual oil saturation diagrams have been put forward finally towards this block, which has provided a reliable basis for the next oilfield development.

Late cuts: an international look at adult circumcision

Most circumcised men have no recollection of the procedure that claimed their foreskins. A human brain retains little, if any, of what its owner experiences during infancy, when the vast majority of circumcisions occur. But there are some men who not only remember their circumcisions, they booked

Effect of organic and biofertilizers on growth, herb yield and volatile oil of marjoram plant grown in Ajloun region, Jordan

This experiment was carried out during two successive seasons of 2007/2008 and 2008/2009 in Ajloun region, to study the effect of organic manure (farmyard manure and poultry manure at a rate of 75 m3/ha as fertilizer of each) and biofertilizers (Nitraboein and Halex-2 at a rate of 988 gm/ha of each as well) as their interactions on growth, yield of herb and volatile oil of Majorana hortensis L., using drip irrigation system. The results indicated that the application of a poultry manure as an organic fertilizer to marjoram plants recorded the maximum values of herb fresh and dry yield, N, P and K contents and its uptake by herb in the early cut, volatile oil percentage, oil yield/ plant and per hectare, while in the late cut, the highest values in this respect were obtained by farmyard manure application. Marjoram transplant treated with halex-2 biofertilizers gave the highest values of herb fresh and dry yield, N, P and K contents and its uptake by herb in the early cut, in addition to, volatile oil percentage, oil yield/ plant per hectare, while plants treated with nitrobein biofertilizers gave intermediate values at different cut in this respect. The combination of poultry manure and halex-2 proved to be the superior treatments, which reflected in the greatest influence upon all the studied characters, that is, fresh and dry herb yields, mineral contents, highest volatile oil percentage and oil yield/ plant of marjoram plant, followed by FYM combined with the same biofertilizers and may be recommended under similar conditions of this work. Key words: Biofertilizers, Jordan, halex-2, marjoram, nitrobein, organic, poultry manure, volatile oil.

Late Cuts: C.L.R. James, Cricket and Postcolonial England

This article centres upon C.L.R. James's last cricket writings which were published in the Brixton-based periodical Race Today between 1983 and 1986. The ‘Cricket Notes’ have received little critical attention but in their surprising focus upon English cricket and their scepticism about the dominant West Indies Test team of the time they provide evidence both of James's intellectual method and his particular use of cricket in exploring the postcolonial Caribbean and England in the mid-1980s. Relating the ‘Cricket Notes’ to his post-Second World War writings on anti-colonial struggles in West Africa and the Caribbean, the essay explores James's development of an idiosyncratic Marxist cultural politics in which sport was a central mode of performing and instigating revolutionary change. James's late preoccupation with English cricket, and particularly a tradition of stylish batsmen that he traces back to the innovative practices of W.G. Grace and C.B. Fry, is seen as an application of his political method to an English context. In discussing the cultural meanings of David Gower and his team in the most radical black journal of the time, James addressed the question of the means by which a radical postcolonial Englishness might be made and expressed through sport.

The Denim Garment as Canvas: Exploring the Notion of Wear as a Fashion and Textile Narrative

The markings associated with the physical wear and tear of denim garments are an integral aspect of material culture, pursued as creative concepts through deconstructed fashion approaches. For some designers a textile's heritage and the effects of time are as important as reworking silhouettes from history. While fashion is inherently forward thinking, it is the patina of age that comes from “wearing” a garment that can be integral to the designer's artistic vision. Denim garments possess unique possibilities for articulating the human form in ways that transcend the vagaries of the latest cut, through evidencing (or simulating) practices of wearing and concepts of longevity. This paper explores denim's capacity to act as a canvas for the body through analysis of a series of conceptual and commercial approaches drawn from contemporary fashion and textile designers, who have reinforced denim's origins or reinterpreted it through creative experimentation. The study is underpinned by the author's empirical research, which seeks to reveal both the recognizable and more abstract visual qualities embodied within denim as a fashion construct. Denim is evaluated as a surface for conveying complex visual signifiers relating to temporality, demonstrated through the cloth's unique facility to embody narrative and illusion.