A LOOK INTO THE EARTH: EVALUATING THE USE OF MAGNETIC SURVEY IN AFRICAN ARCHAEOLOGY

2004 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Magnavita ◽  
Norbert Schleifer
Keyword(s):  
Geophysical Methods ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Archaeological Sites ◽  
Magnetic Survey ◽  
The Past ◽  
Common Technique ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Prehistoric Settlements ◽  
Present Case Study

In the last decades, geophysical methods such as magnetic survey have become a common technique for prospecting archaeological sites. At sub-Saharan archaeological sites, however, magnetic survey and correlated techniques never came into broad use and there are no signs for an immediate change of this situation. This paper examines the magnetic survey undertaken on the Nigerian site of Zilum, a settlement of the Gajiganna Culture (ca 1800-400 BC) located in the Chad Basin and dated to ca 600-400 BC. By means of the present case study, we demonstrate the significance of this particular type of investigation in yielding complementary data for understanding the character of prehistoric settlements. In conclusion, we point out that geophysical methods should play a more important role in modern archaeological field research, as they furnish a class of documentation not achievable by traditional survey and excavation methods, thus creating new perspectives for interpreting the past of African societies.

scholarly journals Archaeological geophysics in Israel: past, present and future

2010 ◽  
Vol 24 ◽  
pp. 45-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. V. Eppelbaum
Keyword(s):  
Geophysical Methods ◽  
Archaeological Sites ◽  
Magnetic Survey ◽  
Main Attention ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
The Past ◽  
Geophysical Investigations ◽  
Limited Application ◽  
Three Stages ◽  
Archaeological Objects

Abstract. In Israel occur a giant number of archaeological objects of various age, origin and size. Different kinds of noise complicate geophysical methods employment at archaeological sites. Geodynamical active, multi-layered, and geologically variable surrounding media in many cases damages ancient objects and disturbs their physical properties. This calls to application of different geophysical methods armed by the modern interpretation technology. The main attention is focused on the geophysical methods most frequently applying in Israeli archaeological sites: GPR and high-precise magnetic survey. Other methods (paleomagnetic, resistivity, near-surface seismics, piezoelectric, etc.) are briefly described and reviewed. The number of employed geophysical methodologies is constantly increasing, and now Israeli territory may be considered as a peculiar polygon for various geophysical methods testing. Several examples illustrate effective application of geophysical methods over some typical archaeological remains. The geophysical investigations at archaeological sites in Israel could be tentatively divided on three stages: (1) past (1990), (2) present (1990–2009), and (3) future (2010). The past stage with several archaeoseismic reviews and very limited application of geophysical methods was replaced by the present stage with the violent employment of numerous geophysical techniques. It is supposed that the future stage will be characterized by extensive development of multidiscipline physical-archaeological databases, employment of all possible indicators for 4-D monitoring and ancient sites reconstruction, as well as application of combined geophysical multilevel surveys using remote operated vehicles at low altitudes.

Utility privatisation in Sub-Saharan Africa: a case study of water

2003 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 507-531 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate Bayliss
Keyword(s):  
Financial Management ◽  
Development Policy ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
The Past ◽  
Economic Context ◽  
The Poor ◽  
Privatisation Process ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
The Impact

Over the past twenty years, the focus of development policy has shifted from the state to the private sector. Privatisation is now central to utility reform in much of SSA. This paper sets out developments in water privatisation and reviews the evidence regarding its impact. Water privatisation has been carried out to some degree in at least fourteen countries in the region, and many other governments are at various stages in the privatisation process. However, in some cases privatisation has been difficult to achieve, and a few countries have successfully provided water under public ownership. Evidence on the impact of privatisation indicates that the performance of privatised utilities has not changed dramatically, but that enterprises have continued to perform well, or not so well, depending both on their state when they were privatised and on the wider economic context. The evidence points to internal improvements in terms of financial management. However, governments face considerable difficulties in attracting investors and regulating private utilities. Furthermore, privatisation fails to address some of the fundamental constraints affecting water utilities in SSA, such as finance, the politicised nature of service delivery, and lack of access for the poor. A preoccupation with ownership may obscure the wider goals of reform.

Travelling Through History

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-27
Author(s):  
Filippo Lambertucci
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Change ◽  
Urban Transport ◽  
Archaeological Sites ◽  
Metro Station ◽  
The Past ◽  
The Everyday ◽  
New Methodologies ◽  
A Site ◽  
The Relationship

The construction of underground urban transport lines in Rome has provoked in the past years the discovery and the destruction of numerous archaeological sites. The last decade has marked a significant cultural change in Italy in the relationship between infrastructure and archaeology, thanks to the development of new methodologies and successful experiences; thanks to the excavations for the construction, it has been possible to realize the largest archaeological campaigns for decades and open new perspectives to the involvement of findings in the structure of the everyday city. The case study of the new metro station San Giovanni ain Rome offers an example for the conservation of heritage through the tools of narration in a site where the archaeological layers have been removed but can still be perceivable thanks to a narrative system that envelops the passenger in a total experience, with a scientifically museum-like rigorous arrangement of information realized according to the speed of commuters.

scholarly journals Geophysical Detection and Assessment of Leveled Mounds: An Example from the Upper Mississippi Valley

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-22
Author(s):  
William Green ◽  
Adam S. Wiewel ◽  
Steven L. De Vore
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
Visual Inspection ◽  
Geophysical Methods ◽  
Late Woodland ◽  
Eastern North America ◽  
Magnetic Survey ◽  
Mississippi Valley ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Burial Mounds

Most earthen burial mounds of eastern North America have been destroyed—or have they? We review geophysical methods for assessing whether leveled mounds retain intact deposits or features. Magnetic survey holds promise for locating and evaluating leveled mounds because it is rapid and sensitive to magnetic variations associated with anticipated features such as pits and deposits of mound fill. As a case study, we discuss our magnetic survey of the Gast Farm site (13LA12) in eastern Iowa. The survey covered 8.64 ha, encompassing loci of one previously reported mound and possible geometric earthworks as well as Middle and Late Woodland habitation areas. Interpretation of survey results incorporated quantitative differentiation of magnetic anomaly types using GIS techniques, along with standard visual inspection. We found no evidence of geometric earthworks but identified at least six leveled mounds. Displaced mound fill appears to account for the earthwork-like features. We conclude that leveled mounds are detectable and may retain subsurface integrity. Their associated features, including burials, may be identifiable even when above-ground evidence has disappeared.

Spre o Școală rusă de relații internaționale? Trei decenii de dezbateri naționale în context global și regional

Transilvania ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 80-90
Author(s):  
Veronica Onea
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Eastern Europe ◽  
International Studies ◽  
Russian School ◽  
The Past ◽  
Soviet Russia ◽  
Present Case Study

The aim of this article is to respond to two main questions: is there a link between the major trends within Global IR and the developments of the disciplines of IR on the national and regional levels (in Eastern Europe), and how these major trends are influencing the International Studies in Russia. In this regard, the present case study is a specific one because it clearly shows the post-Soviet evolutions of social sciences, the interconnecting trends within Global IR and the development of national IR, and the identity dilemmas of post-Soviet Russia. From this point onwards, I discuss the leading directions of the past decade’s debates within the Russian academic space regarding the Russian International Studies and the project of the Russian School of IR. The current developments suggest that the maturing Russian discipline of IR and the project of the Russian School of IR are still at the stage of epistemic search.

scholarly journals De Facto States and Democracy: The Case of Abkhazia

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (32) ◽  
pp. 85-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincenc Kopeček ◽  
Tomáš Hoch ◽  
Vladimír Baar
Keyword(s):  
International System ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Democracy Promotion ◽  
The Past ◽  
Historical Continuity ◽  
Democratic State ◽  
De Facto States ◽  
The Right

Abstract De-facto states constitute an interesting and important anomaly in the international system of sovereign states. No matter how successful and efficient in the administration of their territories they are, they fail to achieve international recognition. In the past, their claims for independence were based primarily on the right to national self-determination, historical continuity and claim for a remedial right to secession, based on alleged human-rights violations. Since 2005, official representatives of several de facto states have repeatedly emphasised the importance of democracy promotion in their political entities. A possible explanation of this phenomenon dwells in the belief that those states which have demonstrated their economic viability and promote the organization of a democratic state should gain their sovereignty. This article demonstrates the so called “democracy-for-recognition strategy” in the case study of Abkhazia. On the basis of the field research in Abkhazia we identify factors that promote, as well as those that obstruct the democratisation process in the country.

BATTLING WATER: THE FRONTIERS OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATIONS AT BUTRINT (1928–2014)

2017 ◽  
Vol 112 ◽  
pp. 379-412 ◽  
Author(s):  
David R. Hernandez
Keyword(s):  
Sea Level ◽  
Water Table ◽  
Second Century ◽  
Archaeological Sites ◽  
Archaeological Research ◽  
Urban Centre ◽  
Sea Levels ◽  
The Past ◽  
The Impact

This article examines the impact of sea level (water table) on archaeological research at Butrint (Bouthrotos/Buthrotum) from 1928 to 2014. Rising relative sea levels over the past three thousand years have shaped the actions not only of its ancient inhabitants but also of its modern archaeologists, conditioning archaeological objectives, fieldwork and the interpretation of the archaeological record. Butrint's first archaeologist, Luigi M. Ugolini, considered groundwater to be a detriment to archaeological research at the site. Subsequent archaeologists have viewed it as the limit of excavation. Battling water at Butrint, archaeologists have shared a universal perception of groundwater as an enemy and thereby have overlooked one of Butrint's most important areas of archaeological research – its wetland and wet-site archaeology. The Roman Forum Excavations (RFE) Project undertook the first wet-site excavations at Butrint, reaching depths of up to four metres below the water table in stratigraphic excavations in the ancient urban centre. The results demonstrate that the ancient urban centre formed much later than is presently thought: the lower city emerged as dryland in the second half of the second century bc. Relative sea levels have increased since antiquity at many coastal regions in the Mediterranean, often submerging archaeological sites either partially or completely. Butrint is a case study that shows how sea level is inextricably tied to archaeological practice and interpretation at this major ancient Mediterranean seaport.

scholarly journals The Experience of Detailing the Results of Magnetic Surveys of Archaeological Sites by Electrical Exploration Methods

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 13-22
Author(s):  
E. V. Balkov ◽  
O. A. Pozdnyakova ◽  
P. G. Dyadkov ◽  
Yu. G. Karin ◽  
I. O. Shaparenko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Survey Data ◽  
Western Siberia ◽  
Geophysical Methods ◽  
Archaeological Site ◽  
Archaeological Sites ◽  
Magnetic Survey ◽  
Maximum Information ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Length Width ◽  
Archaeological Objects

Now, the work aimed at extracting maximum information about archaeological objects using geophysical methods is relevant. The possibilities for this give us the integration of various geophysical methods. In 2018–2019, electrical exploration works were carried out at the archaeological site Ust-Tartas mounds (Western Siberia). The sites for these works were selected based on magnetic survey data. The purpose of the research was to obtain additional information on the parameters of archaeological objects and to compare the possibilities of different geophysical methods. Several different magnetic anomalies were chosen for the studies. Methods of electromagnetic frequency sounding, electrotomography and georadiolocation were used. We were able to refine the length, width, depth of objects, and their configuration. The type of objects studied (burial or pit, settlement complex) is defined. The most informative results, which complement the magnetic survey data, are obtained using the electrotomography method.

scholarly journals La construcción de sentido y los valores en la empresa social ecoturística. Un estudio de caso en Atarjea, El Carricillo, Guanajuato The construction of meaning and values in the ecotourism social enterprise. A case study in Atarjea, El Carricillo, Guanajuato

2019 ◽  
pp. 181-205
Author(s):  
Alba María del Carmen González Vega ◽  
David Agudelo Gútierrez ◽  
Sergio Méndez Valencia
Keyword(s):  
Social Enterprise ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
Organizational Dynamics ◽  
Cultural System ◽  
The Past ◽  
Modern Enterprise ◽  
The Social ◽  
Present Case Study ◽  
Estudio De Caso

ResumenLas primeras reflexiones que se desprenden en torno a la empresa social es tratar de conocer e indagar  las especificidades que la hacen única  a comparación de la “empresa”; por lo que, el presente escrito busca delimitar la naturaleza de este tipo de organizaciones a partir de su configuración y sentido por el cual han sido creadas; para esto, se considera importante visualizar la cosmovisión que se construye en la dinámica organizacional  a través de los valores que cohesionan a sus integrantes más allá de la ganancia y de la competitividad. El contexto en el que nacen impacta la naturaleza de este tipo de organizaciones, las comunidades indígenas refieren sus actividades arraigadas en los usos y costumbres de su historia. El presente estudio de caso abre la puerta a la búsqueda de aquellos elementos que se entrecruzan y entretejen en las dinámicas específicas de un México multicultural, diverso, complejo y paradójico donde la modernidad y el pasado encuentran un punto de choque. Es así que, el ejercicio reflexivo gira en torno a construir una explicación a la naturaleza de este tipo de organizaciones que se configuran con elementos de la “empresa moderna” y la identidad de una comunidad ejidal con raíces indígenas otomís de Atarjea, El Carricillo, Guanajuato.Palabras clave: empresa social, sistema cultural, valores.AbstractThe first reflections that emerge around the social enterprise is to try to know and investigate the specificities that make it unique compared to the "company"; therefore, the present document seeks to delimit the nature of this type of organization based on its configuration and sense by which they have been created; for this, it is considered important to visualize the worldview that is built in the organizational dynamics through the values that unite its members beyond profit and competitiveness. The context in which they are born impacts the nature of this type of organizations, the indigenous communities refer their activities rooted in the uses and customs of their history. The present case study opens the door to the search for those elements that intersect and interweave in the specific dynamics of a multicultural, diverse, complex and paradoxical Mexico where modernity and the past meet a point of shock. Thus, the reflective exercise revolves around constructing an explanation to the nature of this type of organizations that are configured with elements of the "modern enterprise" and the identity of an ejidal community with indigenous Otomi roots of Atarjea, El Carricillo, Guanajuato.Key words: social enterprise, cultural system, values.

NTC and Ncell: Telecommunication and Strategies

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 126-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dhruba Kumar Gautam
Keyword(s):  
Private Sector ◽  
General Public ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Telecommunication Service ◽  
Global System ◽  
The Past ◽  
Current Scenario ◽  
The Government ◽  
Present Case Study

Over the last decade, with the liberalization policies of the Government of Nepal, telecommunication business has significantly leaped and become easily available to the general public at affordable prices when private sector started to challenge government monopoly. Currently, Nepal Telecommunication (NTC) and Ncell are the two dominant players in the telecom space in Nepal. While NTC provides all type of the phone services, Ncell has been exclusively focusing on providing Global System for Mobile (GSM) mobile lines. Over the past few years, Ncell, with its aggressive marketing and better services, has been chipping away at NTC’s market share. While NTC continues to lead in terms of number of total subscribers, Ncell recently overtook NTC to become the leading provider of GSM mobile lines in the country. Based on this, the present case study of two dominant telecommunication service providers of Nepal highlights the current scenario and attempts to explore the possible strategies to manage them effectively.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document