Can We Read Cosmology in Ancient Maya City Plans? Comment on Ashmore and Sabloff

2003 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 221-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael E. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Cosmological Model ◽  
Recent Article ◽  
City Planning ◽  
Classic Maya ◽  
Ancient Maya ◽  
Ancient City ◽  
South Axis ◽  
Empirical Foundation ◽  
Rule Out

AbstractArguments for the cosmological significance of ancient Maya city layouts are plausible, but empirical applications are subjective and lack rigor. I illustrate this contention through brief comments on a recent article by Ashmore and Sabloff. I first discuss some of the complexities and pitfalls in studying cosmology from ancient city plans, and then focus on one component of the authors’ cosmological model—the hypothesized north-south axis at Classic Maya cities. My goal is not to down-play or rule out the role of cosmology in Maya city planning, but rather to encourage the use of explicit assumptions and rigorous methods that will provide the study of Maya city planning with a more secure empirical foundation.

Monumental Landscapes as Instruments of Radical Economic Change

2020 ◽  
pp. 242-267
Author(s):  
Arthur A. Demarest ◽  
Bart I. Victor ◽  
Chloé Andrieu ◽  
Paola Torres
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Eighth Century ◽  
Classic Maya ◽  
Ancient Maya ◽  
Economic Decline ◽  
Present Evidence ◽  
Network Failure ◽  
Economic Transformations ◽  
Failure Evaluation

In Chapter 13, Demarest and collaborators present evidence from the southwestern frontier Classic Maya port city of Cancuen that can help explain the nature of the southern lowlands’ economic decline by contrasting it with Cancuen’s late eighth century economic transformations and meteoric florescence; while other western Petén dynasties disintegrated, Cancuen flourished. One element of this apogee was the creation of new forms of monumental and ritual settings to recruit and maintain non-Maya economic exchange partners. This “innovation network” came to control critical routes and resources leading to changes in management, production, and economic power. However, as with many high-risk “innovation partnership networks,” success was truncated by abrupt network failure. Evaluation of this phenomenon by economists provides insights into ancient Maya economy and the role of monumentality in both its legitimation and transformation.

The Potential Role of Small Depressions as Water Storage Features in the Central Maya Lowlands

2002 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 343-357 ◽  
Author(s):  
Estella Weiss-Krejci ◽  
Thomas Sabbas
Keyword(s):  
Potential Role ◽  
Water Storage ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Classic Maya ◽  
Ancient Maya ◽  
Input Output ◽  
Maya Lowlands ◽  
Household Activities ◽  
Landscape Feature

Small depressions are a frequent landscape feature in the northeast Petén and northwestern Belize. Although generally considered the remains of seasonal ancient Maya water cisterns, they have not been subject to systematic study. Excavation of 16 depressions in northwestern Belize showed that these features are either natural sinkholes (dolines) or quarried cavities. In three depressions, quarrying for construction materials and mining for clay was evident and two depressions are the remains of collapsed chultuns. Depressions probably also served as areas where household activities were carried out, they may have played a role as gardens, and were used as trash dumps. For one quarter of the sample, a water storage function was established. Water input-output calculations showed that these features could have held water year round and thus theoretically could have played a much more important role in supplying water than commonly assumed. The study indicates that Classic Maya population could have relied on decentralized water sources and suggests that hypotheses of centralized water management in the central Maya lowlands should be critically reviewed.

HELD CAPTIVE BY SCRIPT: INTERPRETING “TAGGED” PRISONERS IN LATE CLASSIC MAYA SCULPTURE

2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine E. Burdick
Keyword(s):  
Classic Maya ◽  
Ancient Maya ◽  
Late Classic ◽  
Secondary Meaning ◽  
Scholarly Inquiry

AbstractAlthough captive images have been examined for the Classic Maya, we lack a thorough understanding of depicted captives as a pictorial motif. Furthermore, the convention of “tagging” Late Classic Maya captive sculptures with identifying texts was understood a century ago, yet the ways in which these scripts functioned beyond the role of label are not well known. This layering of identifying texts onto captive figures presents interesting avenues of scholarly inquiry for understanding relationships among ancient Maya texts, figural images, and actual bodies. In this article I explore captive iconography and then suggest that the captive tagging convention is related to the tagging of possessed objects. The artistic tendency toward tagging the thigh with more frequency than other bodily regions suggests a secondary meaning for such markings, and I propose that these tags alluded to the post-sacrifice practice of removing the femur as a war trophy.

scholarly journals Effects of Rifaximin on Luminal and Wall-Adhered Gut Commensal Microbiota in Mice

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 500
Author(s):  
Marina Ferrer ◽  
Mònica Aguilera ◽  
Vicente Martinez
Keyword(s):  
Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization ◽  
Fragment Length Polymorphism ◽  
Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders ◽  
Antibacterial Properties ◽  
Broad Spectrum Antibiotic ◽  
Commensal Microbiota ◽  
Bacterial Biodiversity ◽  
Rule Out

Rifaximin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that ameliorates symptomatology in inflammatory/functional gastrointestinal disorders. We assessed changes in gut commensal microbiota (GCM) and Toll-like receptors (TLRs) associated to rifaximin treatment in mice. Adult C57BL/6NCrl mice were treated (7/14 days) with rifaximin (50/150 mg/mouse/day, PO). Luminal and wall-adhered ceco-colonic GCM were characterized by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and microbial profiles determined by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP). Colonic expression of TLR2/3/4/5/7 and immune-related markers was assessed (RT-qPCR). Regardless the period of treatment or the dose, rifaximin did not alter total bacterial counts or bacterial biodiversity. Only a modest increase in Bacteroides spp. (150 mg/1-week treatment) was detected. In control conditions, only Clostridium spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. were found attached to the colonic epithelium. Rifaximin showed a tendency to favour their adherence after a 1-week, but not 2-week, treatment period. Minor up-regulation in TLRs expression was observed. Only the 50 mg dose for 1-week led to a significant increase (by 3-fold) in TLR-4 expression. No changes in the expression of immune-related markers were observed. Rifaximin, although its antibacterial properties, induces minor changes in luminal and wall-adhered GCM in healthy mice. Moreover, no modulation of TLRs or local immune systems was observed. These findings, in normal conditions, do not rule out a modulatory role of rifaximin in inflammatory and or dysbiotic states of the gut.

The Eighteenth-Century Social Order in Surat: A Reply and an Excursus on the Riots of 1788 and 1795

1991 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 321-365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lakshmi Subramanian
Keyword(s):  
Eighteenth Century ◽  
Social Structure ◽  
Social Order ◽  
Recent Article ◽  
Alternative Explanation ◽  
Archival Material ◽  
The Social

The Banias of eighteenth-century Surat, whom Michelguglielmo Torri earlier treated with indifference if not innocence, have invited his wrath since they were brought into focus by the publication of my essay on the Banias and the Surat riot of 1795. In his ‘rejoinder’ to my article, he seeks to wish away their existence altogether (to him there was no specific Bania community, the term merely signifying traders of all communities engaged in the profession of brokerage), and seeks to provide what he regards as an ‘alternative’ explanation of the Muslim–Bania riot of 1795. the Muslim-Bania riot of 1795. It shall be my purpose in this reply to show that his alternative explanation is neither an alternative nor even an explanation, and is based on a basic confusion in his mind about the Banias as well as the principal sources of tension in the social structure of Surat. I shall treat two main subjects in this reply to his misdirected criticisms. First, I shall present some original indigenous material as well as European documentation to further clarify the identity, position and role of the Banias, whom Irfan Habib in a recent article has identified as the most important trading group in the trading world of seventeenth and eighteenth-century India. It is also my purpose to show how the social order of Surat operated under stress by presenting some archival material, the existence of which Torri seems to be completely unaware of, on the Parsi-Muslim riot of 1788.

Stature at Tikal, Guatemala: Implications for Ancient Maya Demography and Social Organization

1967 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 316-325 ◽  
Author(s):  
William A. Haviland
Keyword(s):  
Social Organization ◽  
Classic Maya ◽  
Ancient Maya ◽  
Ruling Class ◽  
Late Classic ◽  
Class Division ◽  
Lower Status ◽  
Simple Class ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Maya Site

AbstractThis paper presents an analysis of stature of the prehistoric population from the Maya site of Tikal, Guatemala. From this analysis, based on 55 skeletons from the Tikal burial series, three important conclusions emerge with respect to ancient Maya demography and social organization. (1) Tikal was settled by people of moderate stature, and this remained relatively stable over several centuries. A marked reduction in male stature in Late Classic times may be indicative of a situation of nutritional stress, which may have had something to do with the collapse of Classic Maya civilization. (2) Stature differences between those buried in tombs and others at Tikal suggest that, in the last century B.C., a distinct ruling class developed at Tikal. This simple class division of rulers and commoners may have become more complex in Late Classic times. (3) There was a marked sexual dimorphism in stature between males and females at Tikal. This is probably partially genetic and partially a reflection of relatively lower status for women as opposed to men in Maya society.

Collective bargaining, minimum wages and public procurement in Germany: Regulatory adjustments to the neoliberal drift of a coordinated market economy

2018 ◽  
Vol 60 (5) ◽  
pp. 669-690 ◽  
Author(s):  
Detlef Sack ◽  
EK Sarter
Keyword(s):  
Market Economy ◽  
Comparative Advantage ◽  
Public Procurement ◽  
Political Systems ◽  
Federal States ◽  
Electoral Support ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Lower Wage ◽  
Empirical Foundation

This article analyses different types of labour clauses in public procurement regulation that have been enacted in Germany, a coordinated market economy that has experienced a ‘neoliberal drift’ including the decline of the traditional governance of labour and contracting out. Based on an analysis of relevant regulations adopted by the 16 Germany federal states, the article corroborates insights into the prominent role of left parties advocating for labour clauses in public procurement on a much broader empirical foundation than previous research. It adds to scholarly knowledge by revealing that the relative comparative advantage of regions with lower wage levels inhibits labour clauses in federal political systems. It finds that centre-right parties are willing to stipulate certain labour clauses in order to protect small-and medium-sized enterprises, which are core parts of their electoral support base.

Narcolepsy: Differential Diagnosis or Etiology in Some Cases of Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia?

CNS Spectrums ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 120-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan B. Douglass
Keyword(s):  
Bipolar Disorder ◽  
Differential Diagnosis ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Human Leukocyte ◽  
Sleep Paralysis ◽  
Leukocyte Antigen ◽  
Psychotic Features ◽  
Hypnagogic Hallucinations ◽  
Rule Out

AbstractDoes narcolepsy, a neurological disease, need to be considered when diagnosing major mental illness? Clinicians have reported cases of narcolepsy with prominent hypnagogic hallucinations that were mistakenly diagnosed as schizophrenia. In some bipolar disorder patients with narcolepsy, the HH resulted in their receiving a more severe diagnosis (ie, bipolar disorder with psychotic features or schizoaffective disorder). The role of narcolepsy in psychiatric patients has remained obscure and problematic, and it may be more prevalent than commonly believed. Classical narcolepsy patients display the clinical “tetrad”—cataplexy, hypnagogic hallucinations, daytime sleep attacks, and sleep paralysis. Over 85% also display the human leukocyte antigen marker DQB10602 (subset of DQ6). Since 1998, discoveries in neuroanatomy and neurophysiology have greatly advanced the understanding of narcolepsy, which involves a nearly total loss of the recently discovered orexin/hypocretin (hypocretin) neurons of the hypothalamus, likely by an autoimmune mechanism. Hypocretin neurons normally supply excitatory signals to brainstem nuclei producing norepinephrine, serotonin, histamine, and dopamine, with resultant suppression of sleep. They also project to basal forebrain areas and cortex. A literature review regarding the differential diagnosis of narcolepsy, affective disorder, and schizophrenia is presented. Furthermore, it is now possible to rule out classical narcolepsy in difficult psychiatric cases. Surprisingly, psychotic patients with narcolepsy will likely require stimulants to fully recover. Many conventional antipsychotic drugs would worsen their symptoms and make them appear to become a “chronic psychotic,” while in fact they can now be properly diagnosed and treated.

Swamps, canals, and the locations of ancient Maya cities

Antiquity ◽  
1980 ◽  
Vol 54 (212) ◽  
pp. 206-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. E. W. Adams
Keyword(s):  
Radar Data ◽  
Classic Maya ◽  
Classic Period ◽  
Intensive Agriculture ◽  
Ancient Maya ◽  
Maya Lowlands ◽  
Rank Ordering ◽  
Topographic Information ◽  
Maya Civilization ◽  
Mapping Discovery

The recent radar mapping discovery of widely distributed patterns of intensive agriculture in the southern Maya lowlands provides new perspectives on classic Maya civilization. Swamps seem to have been drained, modified, and intensively cultivated in a large number of zones. The largest sites of Maya civilization are located on the edges of swamps. By combining radar data with topographic information, it is possible to suggest the reasons for the choice of urban locations. With the addition of patterns elicited from rank-ordering of Maya cities, it is also possible to suggest more accurate means of defining Classic period Maya polities.

scholarly journals Inanimate Objects and the Environment Are Far From Contributing to COVID-19 Spread

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Luiza Silva Rocha ◽  
Josilene Pinheiro ◽  
Thamilin Costa Nakamura ◽  
José Domingos Santos da Silva ◽  
Beatriz Gonçalves Silva Rocha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sampling Method ◽  
Environmental Temperature ◽  
Cell Phones ◽  
Market Area ◽  
P Gene ◽  
Human Rnase ◽  
Reference Hospital ◽  
Market Areas ◽  
Rule Out

Abstract It is not clear if COVID-19 can be indirectly transmitted. It is not possible to conclude the role of environment in transmission of SARS-CoV-2 without studying areas in which people transit in great amounts, such as market areas. In this work we aimed to better understand the role of environment in the spread of COVID-19. We investigated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in inanimate objects as well as in the air and in the sewage using RT-qPCR. We studied both, a reference market area and a COVID-19 reference hospital at Barreiras city, Brazil. We collected and analyzed a total of 268 samples from mask fronts, cell phones, paper moneys, card machines, sewage, air and bedding during the ascendant phase of the epidemiological curve of COVID-19 in Barreiras. As a result, we detected the human RNAse P gene in most of samples, which indicates the presence of human cells in specimens. However, we did not detect any trace of SARS-CoV-2 in all samples analyzed. To rule out the possibility of problems in sampling method we tested detection of SARS-CoV-2 by RT-qPCR in laboratory conditions to reproduce environmental temperature and humidity. As a result, we showed detection of the virus in different conditions. We conclude that our sampling method reliable and that, strikingly, the environment and inanimate materials do not have an important role in COVID-19 transmission.

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