Palaeolithic and Mesolithic assemblages from Tunisia

This review of the literature on field trips to out-of-school settings will briefly summarize key findings and discuss implications for future research and field trip practice. Cognitive and affective learning can occur as a result of class visits to out-of-school settings, and learning outcomes are fundamentally influenced by the structure of the field trip, setting novelty, prior knowledge and interest of the students, the social context of the visit, teacher agendas, student experiences during the field trip, and the presence or absence and quality of preparation and follow-up. Field trips, however, are not ideal for teaching complex concepts or even isolated facts, they are not “better classroom settings”; instead, they serve best as opportunities for exploration, discovery, first-hand and original experiences. Despite systemic pressures to the contrary, teachers and informal educators tend to agree on this broader vision of field trips and this article makes a variety of suggestions for putting such a vision into practice.

American minks ( Neovison vison ), which cause great impacts on local small and median sized animals through direct predation and diseases tramission, had been characterized as an invasive species worldwide. As well-known fur animals, American minks were introduced to Europe in early 20th century, and to China in mid-20th century. American minks spread nearly entire Europe soon after escaping from fur farms in European countries, and they had already established naturalized population in northern Altai Mountain in Russia for years. Northern Altai Mountain is one of the main distribution areas of American minks in Russia. In recent years, American minks were reported in southern Altai mountains (Altai region, or Chinese Altai) in Xinjiang, China. American minks occurred in forest parks and national nature reserves in Altai region. Earlier records in China were misidentified as European minks or both of them. Based on field survey and photo identification, we confirmed that all these records were belong to American minks. Although American minks had been imported to China for over half a century, now they were found in wild in north-western China instead of eastern China, where had more mink farms. Thus American minks found in Chinese Altai may be border-crossing invaders. Through field survey and investigation, American minks were not rare in the forest parks and nature reserves of Chinese Altai region, thus we suggested that American mink had already established populations in China. We discussed the potential impacts of American minks invasion in China through habitat simulation, potential prey and competing species, and wildlife diseases. We discussed the current status of otters in China, which had similar niches to minks. Using MaxEnt model for habitats simulation at global scales, we predicted climate-suitable areas for American minks. We find that coastal regions of North America, south tip of South America, Europe, Eastern Asia, North Africa, South Eastern Australia and New Zealand harbor highly suitable habitats of American minks. All these coastal areas should be exceptionally precautious for live minks transport. In addition, mountains of Central Asia are the only inland highly suitable habitats of American minks. Central Asia harbors plentiful endemic fishes, and should be precautious for American minks invasion. In China, Chinese Altai and middle to lower reaches of Yangtze River are highly suitable habitats for American minks, where otters are almost disappeared. As China’s first alien carnivore, American minks will impose great predation pressures on endemic waterfowls and fishes, and will have impact on China’s endangered otters and other mustelids. All three major minks epidemic diseases: canine distemper, Aleutian disease and mink viral enteritis had already have outbreak records in Chinese mink farms, and theses diseases had been proven to transmit to wildlife. In addition, China the has largest mink farming industry of the world. Therefore, besides controlling border-crossing invasion, eco-security assessments should be strengthened in domestic mink farms.

This paper describes an integrated series of sedimentological and palynological studies of the arenaceous deposits which infill the large alluvial basin of Grerat D'nar Salem, which is located on a limestone plateau in the semi-arid pre-desert of Tripolitania north-west of the town of Beni Ulid. This research shows that in the early and middle Holocene this depression was occupied by a large semi-permanent or permanent water body which was surrounded by a grass-steppe vegetation with some tree and shrub species, perhaps growing in wetter stream- and wadi-beds. Sometime in the mid-Holocene the region became much more arid, the lake disappeared, matching the pattern of environmental change observed elsewhere in northern Africa. The geomor-phic environment became dominated by aeolian processes, interrupted by occasional winter floods, in a landscape dominated by grass steppe — essentially the situation that has continued to the present day. It is clear from general biogeographical and geomorphic considerations that Romano-Libyan floodwater farming in the region must have brought about significant changes in the character of wadi floors. Field survey indicates that it has also left a legacy in the contemporary distribution of plants, animals and runoff in the modern landscape. Nevertheless, no clear evidence has emerged from this study that the widespread and intensive flood-water farming, evidenced by the archaeological remains in the area, was associated with either a climate or a landscape notably different from that of today. The new palynological evidence suggests that the nature of the related ancient cultivation at Grerat is better viewed as a monoculture, rather than the mixed farming deduced previously for wadi-floor areas. There is no evidence that any naturally-occurring environmental change was associated with the introduction or loss of floodwater farming in the region. There is some sedimentological evidence that such activity might have led to problems of soil salinity in this basin.

Objective: The objective of this study was to document Medico ethno botanical information of medicinal plants in Amhara ethnic group of Gondar district in North Gondar zone of Ethiopia. Based on the local utilization and indigenous knowledge provided by the ethnic group, the therapeutic uses of important medicinal plants was documented for future biological screening. Materials and methods: Field survey and personal discussion methods have been used in collection of data and the medico ethno botanical information was collected by under going field trips to different villages of the district. Results and discussion: A list of 24 flowering plants belonging to 22 genera and 18 families which are applied for therapeutic usage by the Amhara ethnic group of Gondar. Vernacular names, ethno medicinal use, mode of preparation, and application to treat diseases are focused here.

The Social Spaces of Music Traditions in Baghdad before and after Destruction

The present study focuses on the validation and comparison of eight different physical models for soil salinity mapping in an arid landscape using two independent Landsat-Operational Land Imager (OLI) datasets: simulated and image data. The examined and compared models were previously developed for different semi-arid and arid geographic regions around the world, i.e., Latino-America, the Middle East, North and East Africa and Asia. These models integrate different spectral bands and unlike mathematical functions in their conceptualization. To achieve the objectives of the study, four main steps were completed. For simulated data, a field survey was organized, and 100 soil samples were collected with various degrees of salinity levels. The bidirectional reflectance factor was measured above each soil sample in a goniometric laboratory using an analytical spectral device (ASD) FieldSpec-4 Hi-Res spectroradiometer. These measurements were resampled and convolved in the solar-reflective bands of the Operational Land Imager (OLI) sensor using a radiative transfer code and the relative spectral response profiles characterizing the filters of the OLI sensor. Then, they were converted in terms of the considered models. Moreover, the OLI image acquired simultaneously with the field survey was radiometrically preprocessed, and the models were implemented to derive soil salinity maps. The laboratory analyses were performed to derive electrical conductivity (EC-Lab) from each soil sample for validation and comparison purposes. These steps were undertaken between predicted salinity (EC-Predicted) and the measured ground truth (EC-Lab) in the same way for simulated and image data using regression analysis (p ˂ 0.05), coefficient of determination (R2), and root mean square error (RMSE). Moreover, the derived maps were visually interpreted and validated by comparison with observations from the field visit, ancillary data (soil, geology, geomorphology and water table maps) and soil laboratory analyses. Regardless of data sources (simulated or image) or the validation mode, the results obtained show that the predictive models based on visible- and near-infrared (VNIR) bands and vegetation indices are inadequate for soil salinity prediction in an arid landscape due to serious signals confusion between the salt crust and soil optical properties in these spectral bands. The statistical tests revealed insignificant fits (R2 ≤ 0.41) with very high prediction errors (RMSE ≥ 0.65), while the model based on the second-order polynomial function and integrating the shortwave infrared (SWIR) bands provided the results of best fit, with the field observations (EC-Lab), yielding an R2 of 0.97 and a low overall RMSE of 0.13. These findings were corroborated by visual interpretation of derived maps and their validation by comparison with the ground truthing.

Climate warming is inducing dramatic changes in species distribution. While many studies report the poleward range expansion of some species, some others report the range retraction and extinction risk of other species. Here we explore how climate warming affects the southern edge in North Africa of the pine processionary moth, Thaumetopoea pityocampa, which is a model insect currently expanding northwards and toward higher elevation in Europe. This Mediterranean forest insect was found in southern Tunisia until 2003. Field surveys were conducted to map the current southern edge of the species in Tunisia. Pheromone traps were installed on a north-south gradient, a translocation experiment of egg masses was conducted on this gradient, and local temperature change was analyzed. We thus proved that the pine processionary moth has disappeared from southern Tunisia, and that no more adult males were actually flying there. We also found a decrease of egg hatching and of the proportion of individuals able to reach larval stages along this gradient, while daily minimal and maximal temperatures globally increased. Furthermore, we showed that daily maximal and minimal temperatures as well as indices of extremely high temperatures have substantially increased during the study period (1980–2019). This study reveals the retraction of the pine processionary moth from southern Tunisia due to higher mortality rates that could be attributed to a significant local warming. The role of other factors (mainly the response of host trees and natural enemies to climate change) may amplify this direct effect and should be further explored.

Jinan City is the first pilot city for the construction of a hydroecological civilisation in China. Fifty-eight representative river sampling stations were selected through field trips and surveys, and fish were sampled in the spring, summer, and autumn of 2015. An index of fish biological integrity in Jinan City was constructed and to evaluate the hydroecological health of rivers. Canonical correlation analysis was used to select key driving factors that affect the health of the fish community. The results show that the key physical factor affecting water quality was turbidity, the key chemical factor affecting water quality was chemical oxygen demand (COD) and the key hydrological factor affecting water quality was discharge. Of all the driving factors, COD had the greatest effect on the health of the fish community, followed by discharge and turbidity. Macropodus chinensis Bloch was sensitive to changes in COD; Saurogobio dumerili Bleeker and Pseudolaubuca engraulis Nichols were sensitive to the hydrological factors of discharge and flow velocity; and Saurogobio gymnocheilus Lo and Squaliobarbus ourriculus Richardson were sensitive only to discharge. COD and discharge had a strong effect on fish survival, whereas turbidity affected fish survival but was not a major factor affecting the spatial distribution of river health. The findings can provide a reference for aquatic ecological rehabilitation in developing countries.

ABSTRACTThis study assesses the threat of soil erosion to the unique Neolithic settlement site of Bylany. Since the 1950s, it has been explored using traditional archaeological methods and, more recently, non‐destructive techniques like aerial prospection and geophysics. The archaeo‐geophysical survey using magnetometry revealed more frequent fragmented linear magnetic anomalies and decreased magnetic intensities, indicating some differences in the sunken archaeological features. We hypothesised that these differences result from soil erosion. To test this, we conducted field surveys at well‐documented archaeological sites, comparing changes in the depths of sunken features. Additionally, erosion modelling was used to reveal whether the field survey results align with the present modelled potential soil erosion. Findings indicate that this unique settlement area is threatened by water and tillage soil erosion to such an extent that some of the sunken features are being destroyed. The rate of soil erosion estimated by the field survey is between 0.6 and 18 mm.year−1; the modelled total soil erosion for the resurveyed features was up to 3.6 mm.year−1 (50.7 t ha−1 year−1). Modelling also suggested even higher erosion on a slope where a smaller rondel was detected by a geophysical survey in 2019 but remains unexcavated. The results highlight the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect this unique archaeological settlement site featuring three rondels on the same land from further degradation. This study thus provides a compelling case of unanticipated soil thickness reduction, as was suggested by geophysical surveys and verified by excavation data.

A multi-scalar approach for assessing the impact of dams on the cultural heritage in the Middle East and North Africa

Archaeological Field Surveys in Aydın and Muğla, Western Anatolia and the Aegean Coast displayed similar cultural developments, due to their close connection. The main reason for this similarity seems to be the common topographical and climatic conditions of these regions. Starting from prehistoric periods, through ages, Western Anatolia had been related both to the Greek Islands and Peninsula via Aegean Sea and to the Central Anatolian Plateau via Gediz (Hermos) Valley and the Meander Rivers. However, the scholarship focusing on the place and importance of prehistoric cultures of Western Anatolia in the Anatolian and Aegean archaeology is extremely limited. The region has been known in terms of its cultural development because the number of the antique sites belonging to classical period is abundant. The recent systematic excavations in Izmir and its surrroundings unearthed new centers enlightening the earlier periods of the region. Certainly, a similar cultural development existed in the south of the Small Meander River. The lack of research regarding prehistoric times is more evident in the area south of the Small Meander, including the areas of the cities of Aydın and Muğla. The first results of the project, "Archaeological Field Survey in Aydın and Muğla" in 2001 have revealed the existence of sites delivering finds belonging to prehistoric times. Obsidian and stone tools together with ceramic fragments found during the field survey proved the existence of Dressed Stone Industry in the Aydın region. This evidence has also helped to clarify the hitherto unknown chronology and relationship between Southern and Western Anatolia. This field survey reveals the existence of centers originally founded during the 4th millennium BC continued in the 3rd and 2nd milllennia BC. In this area, apart from mounds, acropolis and plain settlement units have been observed. The following seasons of our archaeological field survey project will be organized with the expectation to identify the expansion of new centers within a large span of time. The archeological data obtained will be evaluated towards a better understanding of the cultural history and chronological development of Western Anatolia.

Explosive volcanic eruptions are amongst the most hazardous natural phenomena due to their potential to affect large areas of land, ocean, and airspace. Thus, understanding how volcanic ash clouds disperse is of crucial importance for the mitigation of volcanic hazard. The Azores archipelago, in the middle of the North Atlantic, is an active volcanic region with an extensive geological record of explosive eruptions from several trachytic central volcanoes. Previous studies have reported distal occurrences of Azorean tephra as far as North Africa or the British Isles, but to date there are no reconstructions of tephra dispersal patterns. In the present work, we correlate cryptotephras with their source volcanoes and reconstruct plausible eruptive scenarios using the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model.Proximal trachytic tephra layers from Sete Cidades and Furnas volcanoes on São Miguel Island (Azores) have been successfully correlated with cryptotephras found in Morocco and Ireland, respectively, based on volcanic glass compositions and age constraints. The pumice fall deposit of Santa Bárbara eruption (18.7 – 19.5 cal ka BP) from Sete Cidades volcano has been geochemically correlated with cryptotephras in layer TAF_S1_R2 (< 26.5 – 24.4 cal ka BP) of Taforalt archaeological site, Morocco. Likewise, the deposits of three hydromagmatic eruptions of Furnas volcano showed good geochemical correlations with cryptotephras found in lacustrine sediments in Ireland, confirming previous studies: Furnas C (154 cal BC – 422 cal AD) compositionally matched cryptotephra layers MOR-T7, -T8, and -T9 (c. 280 AD, c. 150 AD, and c. 35 AD, respectively); Furnas I (1439-43 AD) has been correlated with MOR-T2 (c. 1400 AD); and Furnas 1630 (1630 AD) with PMG-5 cryptotephra (c. 1600 AD).To reconstruct possible volcanic ash clouds trajectories from Sete Cidades and Furnas volcanoes to Morocco and Ireland, we used the HYSPLIT model to perform simulations of hundreds of eruptive scenarios based on eruption source parameters of Santa Bárbara, Furnas C, Furnas I, and Furnas 1630 eruptions, and daily atmospheric conditions between 2014 and 2021. Our results show that in 52% of the simulations tephra disperses towards North Africa and in 8% towards the British Isles. Also, in 9% of the cases tephra heads to both North Africa and the British Isles in the same simulation and in the other 31% of the cases tephra disperses in different directions.Although the frequency of explosive eruptions in the Azores is relatively low, a future explosive event may have tremendous economic consequences not only to the archipelago, but also to the entire North Atlantic airspace, as the predominant westerly atmospheric circulation pattern will most probably disperse volcanic ash clouds across some of the world’s busiest air routes. Therefore, eruptive scenario modelling based on past eruptions is a fundamental tool to improve the assessment of volcanic hazard.

ABSTRACTHigh‐resolution methods are required in the non‐destructive study of historical buildings, archaeological sites and cultural heritage structures in general. Ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) is widely used in such studies. However, radar images of archaeological sites and cultural heritage architecture tend to be unclear and are difficult to interpret. Knowledge of the antenna’s behaviour and the optimum expected resolution could help to interpret radar data and define a limit of the real resolution in field surveys. Laboratory tests could provide information about the optimum resolution for each specific antenna. The main goal of this study was to obtain experimental data under lab conditions and thus define the optimum resolution expected in radar surveys. This could then be considered as a limit in field surveys. All of the lab tests were performed using homogeneous media (water and sand) to avoid interference and clutter. As a result, simple images were obtained. The optimum resolution was defined from radar data acquired under these favourable, controlled conditions. In all cases, resolution was defined as the distance (considered as a function of wavelength) between two targets (in the vertical or horizontal axis) that were needed to obtain separate anomalies. All the optimum values were considered to define the limits of the survey resolution in the different cases presented in this paper. In each case, the optimum values were compared with the result and with the radar images to define the best approach to the expected resolution in architectural heritage surveys. To conclude, we define some experimental values of the optimum resolution, described in terms of wavelength. These experimental data are likely to provide a better approach than theoretical estimations.

The e-publication entitled Gradivo za topografijo Dolenjske, Posavja in Bele krajine v železni dobi (only in Slovenian, 'Available evidence for the topography of the Dolenjska, Posavje and Bela krajina regions in the Iron Age') presents over six hundred sites in the three regions of south-eastern Slovenia that date from this distant period of the past. It is a database that upgrades the first register of Slovene archaeological heritage (Arheološka najdišča Slovenije), published in 1975 by the Institute of Archaeology at the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts. This register was created with the data then available in literature, while field surveys were only performed on select sites or areas. It was followed up by a project devoting to the archaeological topography of Slovenia (Arheološke topografije Slovenije), the main objective of which was to accurately map the already known sites, as well as to discover new ones. Of all the regions of Slovenia, only the updated topography of three regions was published, among them Bela krajina, which was an integral part of the Dolenjska community in the Early Iron Age. Filling the void was a project focused on the prehistoric fortified settlements in Dolenjska (Utrjena prazgodovinska naselja na Dolenjskem), but also other types of sites from the Late Bronze and Early Iron Ages. As remote sensing technologies such as LiDAR were not yet available at that time, field surveys were conducted across the entire area. The characteristics of the Early Iron Age settlement in south-eastern Slovenia, with hillforts and tumulus cemeteries, partially predetermined the field surveying activities. In the framework of this project, archaeological sites were precisely located, measured, somewhere also trial trenched, and dated. Studies of archival sources were a special segment of these investigations. Excavators at the end of the nineteenth and in the twentieth century, who opened many tumuli in Dolenjska, left behind not only valuable finds, but also a multitude of letters, reports and notes, important for the study of settlement structures. Based on the collected and evaluated archival sources, it was possible to reconstruct the history of research of individual sites. The database thus created was used in a comprehensive study on the Early Iron Age settlement, economy and society in south-eastern Slovenia, published in 2007. The collected data and archival sources are upgraded in the present e-publication and openly available to interested researchers for their future investigations of this important period of the local ancient past.

The technology of the end products i.e. blades and points in Late Pleistocene stone artefact assemblages from Klasies River, South Africa, and the Nile Valley, Egypt, are compared. The comparison includes univariate and multivariate analysis of metrical attributes enhanced by graphical biplot displays. The end products in these assemblages are either dominantly points or blades and this is related to the core reduction strategy adopted. The MSA 11 from Klasies River and the Nubian Complex industry from the Nile Valley are point industries made in the Levallois tradition, while the MSA 1 from Klasies River and the Taramsan from the Nile Valley may be non-Levallois or adapted Levallois blade industries. Dating of the assemblages shows the changes between dominant core reduction strategies are sequential and time restricted in both South and North Africa. It is concluded that variability of the same kind occurs in Middle Stone Age and Middle Palaeolithic assemblages south and north of the Sahara in the early Late Pleistocene.