scholarly journals Piecing together a new mosaic: Gravettian lithic resources and economic territories in the Western Pyrenees

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aitor Calvo ◽  
Alvaro Arrizabalaga

AbstractTo palliate the current scarcity of information about lithic raw materials in the Western Pyrenees during the Gravettian, the study of ten assemblages has explored the flint procurement patterns and economic organisation of the territory. The study was based on the macro- and microscopic analysis of the different lithic remains. A wide range of flint varieties were used, including some excellent rocks for knapping and others of poorer quality. This diversified catchment pattern was defined by the criteria of quality and suitability for reduction. Although procurement took place mostly at the primary outcrops, there is some evidence of limited acquisition in secondary deposits. Within the economic territory of the Western Pyrenees, divergences in the connections between the outcrops on one side of the mountains and the archaeological sites on the other may indicate different territorial or economic roles for each side. In general terms, the northern side may have been more residential with more stable habitation, while the southern side was linked with logistic tasks and more seasonal occupation. The economic connections between this territory and surrounding areas revealed by the lithic resources are the reflection of inter-group contacts and an economic mosaic imbricated with a cultural or symbolic one.

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Natividad Fuertes-Prieto ◽  
Esperanza Fernández-Martínez ◽  
Fernando Gómez-Fernández ◽  
Eduardo Alonso-Herrero ◽  
Diego Herrero Alonso ◽  
...  

A study of the chert nodules found in the Escalada Formation (Carboniferous, Ponga region, Cantabrian Zone) was carried out as a means to characterise a number of lithic raw materials found in several prehistoric sites of the Cantabrian Mountains (NW Spain). This study comprises fieldwork aimed at locating the outcrops and obtaining samples. Some selected samples from two localities were used for both petrological (macroscopic and microscopic analyses from thin sections) and geochemical (X-ray fluorescence and powder diffraction) analysis. The macroscopic study shows a rather homogeneus coloration and a conchoidal fracture although two extreme types of cherts with a variety of intermediate forms can be differentiated according to the matrix composition. The microscopic analysis shows a high heterogeneity in carbonate versus silica percentage and gentle differences in some other features such as type of silica, origin of carbonates, occurrence of organic matter and type of skeletal components. The results of several geochemical analysis suggest that there are not geochemical features neither in the major elements nor in the traces that allows us to clearly distinguish between the analysed samples. All these studies allow us to define the main features of these chert nodules and to establish several types and varieties among them. Those varieties with high percentage of silica and with a more homogeneous matrix are the most suitable samples for knapping. These results together with the study of the geological and geographical location of archaeological sites suggest that the nodules from the Escalada Formation likely were lithic material supply sources used in knapping activitiesWhen aiming to demonstrate the use of these materials at archaeological sites the sole macroscopic analysis of the pieces does not suffice; further analyses, such as those involving thin sections, are necessary. The absence of chert from Escalada Formation in some Mesolithic sites in the area was confirmed via these additional analyses.


2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 9-15
Author(s):  
Ekaterina A. Girchenko

In the 1960s, K.C. Chang proposed that Tapenkeng (Dabenkeng) inhabitants could be migrants from mainland China to the island and the ancestors of modern indigenous peoples. The first settlers could be characterized by corded pottery, a wide range of fishing tools, polished stone axes and adzes, marine economy and shell ornaments. The article presents the results of investigations of archaeological sites in Tainan County – Nankuanli (Nanguangli) and Nankuanli Tung (Nanguangli Dong) which provide essential and detailed information regarding the question of the peopling of Taiwan approximately 6000 years ago. The article focuses on publications that discuss the economy and way of life of the first settlers of the Taiwanese seaside who strongly relied on marine food resources. Faunal data played an important role in the reconstruction of resource use. A big amount of shell remains indicate their significant role in the diet of ancient inhabitants. About 21 families and 49 species of gastropods and bivalves were identified by Taiwanese scientists. Remnants of dogs, deer, wild boar and muntjac were also found. Fish bones was the most abundant food resource in the Nankuanli region – 17 fish families can be identified. Analyses of the excavated materials indicate a gradual shift of these settlements from temporary to places of permanent habitation and intensive exploration of nearby environments. Taiwanese archaeologists also conclude that the inhabitants of this area were not isolated and had strong long-distance connections with Penghu archipelago and the eastern coast of Taiwan (Pinglin in Hualien) from where they sourced raw materials such as jade and olivine basalt. Therefore, they had sailing crafts suitable for open sea voyaging. Also, according to the finds of carbonized rice and millet remains these settlers had learned advanced farming technology.


2017 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 123
Author(s):  
Sebastián Carosio ◽  
M. Lourdes Iniesta

<p>Presentamos una síntesis de los resultados de nuestros estudios sobre las manifestaciones estilísticas cerámicas del valle de Guandacol (La Rioja). Abordamos la alfarería desde una perspectiva metodológica que involucra análisis macroscópicos, submacroscópicos y microscópicos, con el objetivo de registrar los atributos relacionados con la cadena de producción. A partir del análisis de las diferentes técnicas implementadas en el tratamiento de materias primas, en el levantado de las piezas y sus formas, en la decoración y en las cocciones, reconocemos similitudes y diferencias entre los diversos Estilos identificados. Por ello indagamos en las trayectorias de continuidad y ruptura en las prácticas de manufactura entre los siglos XIII y XVIII.</p><p> <br /><strong>Abstract</strong></p><p><br />We present the results of our studies of the stylistic manifestations ceramics that show the different archaeological sites in the Guandacol valley (La Rioja). We address the pottery from a methodological perspective, which involves submacroscopics, macroscopic and microscopic analysis, with the objective of record the attributes related to the chain of production. From the appreciation of the different techniques implemented in the treatment of raw materials, in the vessels shaping and its forms, in the decoration and in the cooking, we recognize similarities and differences between the various styles, and search the continuity and rupture trajectories in the manufacturing practices between the 13th and 18th centuries.</p>


Author(s):  
Mikkel Sørensen ◽  
Pierre Desrosiers

In this chapter the evolution of lithic technology during the Paleoeskimo period is explored. The diversity of lithic raw materials is considered, as well as how they have been extracted and transformed into tool blanks. This was done mainly through the production of flakes and microblades, followed by the making of a wide range of tools. The evolution from spalled burins to burin-like tools, as well as the evolution of chipped tools and microblade production, and the circulation of raw materials, are some of the main topics considered. Lithic technology helps to understand the differences that have existed and the relative homogeneity of Paleoeskimo cultures in consideration of the size of their territory.


Author(s):  
C. J. Chan ◽  
K. R. Venkatachari ◽  
W. M. Kriven ◽  
J. F. Young

Dicalcium silicate (Ca2SiO4) is a major component of Portland cement. It has also been investigated as a potential transformation toughener alternative to zirconia. It has five polymorphs: α, α'H, α'L, β and γ. Of interest is the β-to-γ transformation on cooling at about 490°C. This transformation, accompanied by a 12% volume increase and a 4.6° unit cell shape change, is analogous to the tetragonal-to-monoclinic transformation in zirconia. Due to the processing methods used, previous studies into the particle size effect were limited by a wide range of particle size distribution. In an attempt to obtain a more uniform size, a fast quench rate involving a laser-melting/roller-quenching technique was investigated.The laser-melting/roller-quenching experiment used precompacted bars of stoichiometric γ-Ca2SiO4 powder, which were synthesized from AR grade CaCO3 and SiO2xH2O. The raw materials were mixed by conventional ceramic processing techniques, and sintered at 1450°C. The dusted γ-Ca2SiO4 powder was uniaxially pressed into 0.4 cm x 0.4 cm x 4 cm bars under 34 MPa and cold isostatically pressed under 172 MPa. The γ-Ca2SiO4 bars were melted by a 10 KW-CO2 laser.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiangwen Wang ◽  
Dimitrios Toroz ◽  
Seonmyeong Kim ◽  
Simon Clegg ◽  
Gun-Sik Park ◽  
...  

<div> <p>As natural aqueous solutions are far from being pure water, being rich in ions, the properties of solvated ions are of relevance for a wide range of systems, including biological and geochemical environments. We conducted ab initio and classical MD simulations of the alkaline earth metal ions Mg<sup>2+</sup> and Ca<sup>2+</sup> and of the alkali metal ions Li<sup>+</sup>, Na<sup>+</sup>, K<sup>+</sup> and Cs<sup>+</sup> in pure water and electrolyte solutions containing the counterions Cl<sup>–</sup> and SO<sub>4</sub><sup>2–</sup>. Through a detailed analysis of these simulations, this study reports on the effect of solution chemistry (composition and concentration of the solution) to the ion–water structural properties and interaction strength, and to the dynamics, hydrogen bond network, and low-frequency dynamics of the ionic solvation shell. Except for the ion–water radial distribution function, which is weakly dependent on the counter-ions and concentrations, we found that all other properties can be significantly influenced by the chemical characteristics of the solution. Calculation of the velocity autocorrelation function of magnesium ions, for example, shows that chlorine ions located in the second coordination shell of Mg<sup>2+</sup> weaken the Mg(H<sub>2</sub>O)<sub>6</sub><sup>2+</sup> hydration ‘cage’ of the cation. The result reported in this study suggest that ionic solvation shell can be significantly influenced by the interactions between other ions present in solution ions, especially those of opposite charge. In more general terms, the chemical characteristics of the solution, including the balance between ion-solvent and ion-ion interactions, could result in significant differences in behavior and function of the ionic solvation shell.</p> </div>


Food Industry ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-31
Author(s):  
Sergey Urubkov ◽  
Svetlana Khovanskaya ◽  
Ekaterina Pyrieva ◽  
Olga Georgieva ◽  
Stanislav Smirnov

Diet therapy is one of the main approaches to the treatment of a wide range of diseases of the digestive system. The treatment effectiveness of celiac disease depends on how strictly the patient adheres to a gluten-free diet. It is often disrupted due to the limited range of recommended foods and dishes, especially for children who are particularly sensitive to dietary restrictions. In this case, the development of new types of specialized gluten-free products is relevant, allowing to expand the diet both in terms of nutritional value and taste diversity. This study concerns the recipe developments of dry gluten-free mixtures using rice and amaranth with the inclusion of fruit and vegetable and berry raw materials intended for the nutrition of children over three years old suffering from celiac disease. When developing the recipes, researchers used various combinations of rice and amaranth flour, as well as fruit and vegetable powders. The rice flour composition varied in the range from 15 to 75%; amaranth – from 15 to 45%; fruit and vegetable and berry powders – up to 10%. The finished product was gluten-free cookies, muffins, pancakes made of rice and amaranth. Organoleptic evaluation showed that the studied samples of gluten-free cookies have high quality characteristics, have a pleasant taste and aroma. According to the calculated data, specialized gluten-free dry mixtures intended for children over three years with celiac disease can serve as an important source of: vegetable carbohydrates – from 26.81 to 55.19 g / 100g of finished products; protein – from 4.06 to 11.82 g/100g of finished products; dietary fiber – from 3.82 to 6.36 g/100g of finished products; and energy – from 158.12 to 333.96 kcal/100g of finished products) The developed recipess of gluten-free products can help to provide children with an adequate amount of nutrients and energy.


2020 ◽  
pp. 63-72
Author(s):  
Yu. Olefir ◽  
E. Sakanyan ◽  
I. Osipova ◽  
V. Dobrynin ◽  
M. Smirnova ◽  
...  

The entry of a wide range of biotechnological products into the pharmaceutical market calls for rein-forcement of the quality, efficacy and safety standards at the state level. The following general monographs have been elaborated for the first time to be included into the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation, XIV edition: "Viral safety" and "Reduction of the risk of transmitting animal spongiform encephalopathy via medicinal products". These general monographs were elaborated taking into account the requirements of foreign pharmacopoeias and the WHO recommendations. The present paper summarises the key aspects of the monographs.


Polymers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 2237 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. R. Sarika ◽  
Paul Nancarrow ◽  
Abdulrahman Khansaheb ◽  
Taleb Ibrahim

Phenol–formaldehyde (PF) resin continues to dominate the resin industry more than 100 years after its first synthesis. Its versatile properties such as thermal stability, chemical resistance, fire resistance, and dimensional stability make it a suitable material for a wide range of applications. PF resins have been used in the wood industry as adhesives, in paints and coatings, and in the aerospace, construction, and building industries as composites and foams. Currently, petroleum is the key source of raw materials used in manufacturing PF resin. However, increasing environmental pollution and fossil fuel depletion have driven industries to seek sustainable alternatives to petroleum based raw materials. Over the past decade, researchers have replaced phenol and formaldehyde with sustainable materials such as lignin, tannin, cardanol, hydroxymethylfurfural, and glyoxal to produce bio-based PF resin. Several synthesis modifications are currently under investigation towards improving the properties of bio-based phenolic resin. This review discusses recent developments in the synthesis of PF resins, particularly those created from sustainable raw material substitutes, and modifications applied to the synthetic route in order to improve the mechanical properties.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 2
Author(s):  
Liliana Anchidin-Norocel ◽  
Sonia Amariei ◽  
Gheorghe Gutt

The aim of this paper is the development of a sensor for the quantification of nickel ions in food raw materials and foods. It is believed that about 15% of the human population suffers from nickel allergy. In addition to digestive manifestations, food intolerance to nickel may also have systemic manifestations, such as diffuse dermatitis, diffuse itching, fever, rhinitis, headache, altered general condition. Therefore, it is necessary to control this content of nickel ions for the health of the human population by developing a new method that offers the advantages of a fast, not expensive, in situ, and accurate analysis. For this purpose, bismuth oxide-screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) and graphene-modified SPEs were used with a very small amount of dimethylglyoxime and amino acid L-histidine that were deposited. A potentiostat that displays the response in the form of a cyclic voltammogram was used to study the electrochemical properties of nickel standard solution with different concentrations. The results were compared and the most sensitive sensor proved to be bismuth oxide-SPEs with dimethylglyoxime (Bi2O3/C-dmgH2) with a linear response over a wide range (0.1–10 ppm) of nickel concentrations. Furthermore, the sensor shows excellent selectivity in the presence of common interfering species. The Bi2O3/C-dmgH2 sensor showed good viability for nickel analysis in food samples (cocoa, spinach, cabbage, and red wine) and demonstrated significant advancement in sensor technology for practical applications.


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