bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interspecific variation in tropical tree height and crown allometries in relation to life history traits
Authors: Martinez Cano Isabel , Muller-Landau Helene C. , Wright S. Joseph , Bohlman Stephanie A. , Pacala Stephen W.
Published: July 2018

Abstract. Tree allometric relationships are widely employed to estimate forest biomass and production, and are basic building blocks of dynamic vegetation models. In tropical forests, allometric relationships are often modeled by fitting scale-invariant power functions to pooled data from multiple species, an approach that fails to reflect finite size effects at the smallest and largest sizes, and that ignores interspecific differences in allometry. Here, we analyzed allometric relationships of tree height (9884 individuals) and crown area (2425) with trunk diameter using species-specific morphological and life history data of 162 species from Barro Colorado Island, Panamá. We fit nonlinear, hierarchical models informed by species traits and assessed the performance of three alternative functional forms: the scale-invariant power function, and the saturating Weibull and generalized Michaelis-Menten (gMM) functions. The relationship of tree height with trunk diameter was best fit by a saturating gMM model in which variation in allometric parameters was related to interspecific differences in sapling growth rates, a measure of regeneration light demand. Light-demanding species attained taller heights at comparatively smaller diameters as juveniles and had shorter asymptotic heights at larger diameters as adults. The relationship of crown area with trunk diameter was best fit by a power function model incorporating a weak positive relationship between crown area and species-specific wood density. The use of saturating functional forms and the incorporation of functional traits in tree allometric models is a promising approach to improve estimates of forest biomass and productivity. Our results provide an improved basis for parameterizing tropical tree functional types in vegetation models.
Evolution of the Arabian Sea upwelling in the past centuries and in the future as simulated by Earth System Models
Authors: Yi Xing , Hünicke Birgit , Zorita Eduardo
Published: July 2018

Abstract. Arabian Sea upwelling in the past has been generally studied based on the sediment records. We apply two earth system models and analyse the simulated water vertical velocity to investigate the variations of the coastal upwelling in the western Arabian Sea over the last millennium. In addition, two models with slightly different configurations are also employed to study the changes in upwelling in the 21st century under the strongest and the weakest greenhouse gas emission scenarios. With a negative long-term trend caused by the orbital forcing of the models, the upwelling over the last millennium is found to be closely correlated with the sea surface temperature, the Indian summer Monsoon and sediment records. The future upwelling under the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 8.5 scenario reveals a negative trend, in contrast with the positive trend displayed by the upwelling favourable along-shore winds. Therefore, it is likely that other factors, like water stratification in the upper ocean layers caused by the stronger surface warming overrides the effect from the upwelling favourable wind. No significant trend is found for the upwelling under the RCP2.6 scenario, which is likely due to a compensation between the opposing effects of the increase in upwelling favourable winds and the stratification of the water column.
Strong tidal variations in ice flow observed across the entire Ronne Ice Shelf and adjoining ice streams
Authors: Rosier Sebastian H. R. , Gudmundsson G. Hilmar , King Matt A. , Nicholls Keith W. , Makinson Keith , Corr Hugh F. J.
Published: July 2018

Abstract. We present a compilation of GPS time series, including those for previously unpublished sites, showing that flow across the entire Ronne Ice Shelf and its adjoining ice streams is strongly affected by ocean tides. Previous observations have shown strong horizontal diurnal and semidiurnal motion of the ice shelf, and surface flow speeds of Rutford Ice Stream (RIS) are known to vary with a fortnightly (Msf) periodicity. Our new data set shows that the Msf flow modulation, first observed on RIS, is also found on Evans, Talutis, Institute, and Foundation ice streams, i.e. on all ice streams for which data are available. The amplitude of the Msf signal increases downstream of grounding lines, reaching up to 20 % of mean flow speeds where ice streams feed into the main ice shelf. Upstream of ice stream grounding lines, decay length scales are relatively uniform for all ice streams but the speed at which the Msf signal propagates upstream shows more variation. Observations and modelling of tidal variations in ice flow can help constrain crucial parameters that determine the rate and extent of potential ice mass loss from Antarctica. Given that the Msf modulation in ice flow is readily observed across the entire region at distances of up to 80 km upstream of grounding lines, but is not completely reproduced in any existing numerical model, this new data set suggests a pressing need to identify the missing processes responsible for its generation and propagation. The new GPS data set is publicly available through the UK Polar Data Centre at http://doi.org/10.5285/4fe11286-0e53-4a03-854c-a79a44d1e356.
Implementing the nitrogen cycle into the dynamic global vegetation, hydrology, and crop growth model LPJmL (version 5.0)
Authors: von Bloh Werner , Schaphoff Sibyll , Müller Christoph , Rolinski Susanne , Waha Katharina , Zaehle Sönke
Published: July 2018

Abstract. The well-established dynamical global vegetation,
hydrology, and crop growth model LPJmL is extended with a terrestrial nitrogen
cycle to account for nutrient limitations. In particular, processes of soil
nitrogen dynamics, plant uptake, nitrogen allocation, response of
photosynthesis and maintenance respiration to varying nitrogen concentrations
in plant organs, and agricultural nitrogen management are included in the
model. All new model features are described in full detail and the results of a
global simulation of the historic past (1901–2009) are presented for
evaluation of the model performance. We find that the implementation of nitrogen
limitation significantly improves the simulation of global patterns of crop
productivity. Regional differences in crop productivity, which had to be
calibrated via a scaling of the maximum leaf area index, can now largely be
reproduced by the model, except for regions where fertilizer inputs and
climate conditions are not the yield-limiting factors. Furthermore, it can be
shown that land use has a strong influence on nitrogen losses, increasing
leaching by 93 %.
Multivariate hydrologic design methods under nonstationary conditions and application to engineering practice
Authors: Jiang Cong , Xiong Lihua , Yan Lei , Dong Jianfan , Xu Chong-Yu
Published: July 2018

Abstract. The multivariate hydrologic design under stationary condition is traditionally done through using the design criterion of return period, which theoretically equals to the average inter-arrival time of flood events divided by the exceedance probability of the design flood event. Under nonstationary conditions the exceedance probability of a given multivariate flood event would vary over time. This suggests that the traditional return period concept could not apply to the engineering practice under nonstationary conditions, since by such a definition a given multivariate flood event would correspond to a time-varying return period. In this paper, instead of return period, average annual reliability (AAR) is employed as the criterion for multivariate design, to ensure a given multivariate flood event would correspond to a unique design level under nonstationary conditions. The multivariate hydrologic design conditioned on the given ARR is estimated from the nonstationary multivariate flood distribution constructed by a dynamic C-vine copula, allowing for time-varying marginal distributions and dependence structure. Both the most-likely design event and confidence interval for the multivariate hydrologic design conditioned on the given AAR are identified to provide visual supporting information for designers. The multivariate flood series from the Xijiang River, China are chosen to perform a case study. The results indicate that both the marginal distributions and dependence structure of the multivariate flood series are nonstationary due to the driving force of urbanization and reservoir regulation. The nonstationarities of both the marginal distributions and dependence structure can affect the outcome of the multivariate hydrologic design.
The influence of long-term changes in canopy structure on rainfall interception loss: a case study in Speulderbos, the Netherlands
Authors: Cisneros Vaca César , van der Tol Christiaan , Ghimire Chandra Prasad
Published: July 2018

Abstract. The evaporation of intercepted water by forests is a significant
contributor to both the water and energy budget of the Earth. In many
studies, a discrepancy in the water and energy budget is found: the energy
that is needed for evaporation is larger than the available energy supplied
by net radiation. In this study, we analyse the water and energy budget of a
mature Douglas fir stand in the Netherlands, for the two growing seasons
of 2015 and 2016. Based on the wet-canopy water balance equation for these
two growing seasons, derived interception losses were estimated to be 37 and
39 % of gross rainfall, respectively. We further scrutinized eddy-covariance energy balance data from these two
consecutive growing seasons and found the average evaporation rate during
wet-canopy conditions was 0.20 mm h−1. The source of energy for this
wet-canopy evaporation was net radiation (35 %), a negative sensible heat
flux (45 %), and a negative energy storage change (15 %). This confirms
that the energy for wet-canopy evaporation is extracted from the atmosphere
as well as the biomass. Moreover, the measured interception loss at the forest was similar to that
measured at the same site years before (I = 38 %), when the forest
was younger (29 years old, vs. 55 years old in 2015). At that time, the
forest was denser and had a higher canopy storage capacity (2.4 mm then
vs. 1.90 mm in 2015), but the aerodynamic conductance was lower (0.065 m s−1
then vs. 0.105 m s−1 in 2015), and therefore past evaporation
rates were lower than evaporation rates found in the present study (0.077 mm h−1
vs. 0.20 mm h−1 in 2015). Our findings emphasize the importance
of quantifying downward sensible heat flux and heat release from canopy
biomass in tall forest in order to improve the quantification of evaporative
fluxes in wet canopies.
Brief communication: Co-seismic displacement on 26 and 30 October 2016 (Mw = 5.9 and 6.5) – earthquakes in central Italy from the analysis of a local GNSS network
Authors: De Guidi Giorgio , Vecchio Alessia , Brighenti Fabio , Caputo Riccardo , Carnemolla Francesco , Di Pietro Adriano , Lupo Marco , Maggini Massimiliano , Marchese Salvatore , Messina Danilo , Monaco Carmelo , Naso Salvatore
Published: July 2018

Abstract. On 24 August 2016 a strong earthquake (Mw = 6.0) affected central Italy and an intense seismic sequence started. Field observations, DInSAR (Differential INterferometry Synthetic-Aperture Radar) analyses and preliminary focal mechanisms, as well as the distribution of aftershocks, suggested the reactivation of the northern sector of the Laga fault, the southern part of which was already rebooted during the 2009 L'Aquila sequence, and of the southern segment of the Mt Vettore fault system (MVFS). Based on this preliminary information and following the stress-triggering concept (Stein, 1999; Steacy et al., 2005), we tentatively identified a potential fault zone that is very vulnerable to future seismic events just north of the earlier epicentral area. Accordingly, we planned a local geodetic network consisting of five new GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) stations located a few kilometres away from both sides of the MVFS. This network was devoted to working out, at least partially but in some detail, the possible northward propagation of the crustal network ruptures. The building of the stations and a first set of measurements were carried out during a first campaign (30 September and 2 October 2016). On 26 October 2016, immediately north of the epicentral area of the 24 August event, another earthquake (Mw = 5.9) occurred, followed 4 days later (30 October) by the main shock (Mw = 6.5) of the whole 2016 summer–autumn seismic sequence. Our local geodetic network was fully affected by the new events and therefore we performed a second campaign soon after (11–13 November 2016). In this brief note, we provide the results of our geodetic measurements that registered the co-seismic and immediately post-seismic deformation of the two major October shocks, documenting in some detail the surface deformation close to the fault trace. We also compare our results with the available surface deformation field of the broader area, obtained on the basis of the DInSAR technique, and show an overall good fit.
Impacts of the low-level jet's negative wind shear on the wind turbine
Authors: Gutierrez Walter , Ruiz-Columbie Arquimedes , Tutkun Murat , Castillo Luciano
Published: July 2018

Abstract. Nocturnal low-level jets (LLJs) are defined as relative maxima in the vertical profile of the horizontal wind speed at the top of the stable boundary layer. Such peaks constitute major power resources for wind turbines. However, a wind speed maximum implies a transition from positive wind shears below the peak to negative ones above. The effect that such a transition has on wind turbines has not been thoroughly studied.This research study employed a methodical approach to the study of negative wind shear's impacts on wind turbines. Up to now, the presence of negative shears inside the turbine's rotor in relation to the presence of positive shears has been largely ignored. A parameter has been proposed to quantify that presence in future studies of LLJ–wind-turbine interactions. Simulations were performed using the NREL aeroelastic simulator FAST code. Rather than using synthetic profiles to generate the wind data, all simulations were based on real data captured at the high frequency of 50 Hz, which allowed us to perform the analysis of a turbine's impacts with real-life, small scales of wind motions.It was found that the presence of negative wind shears at the height of the turbine's rotor appeared to exert a positive impact on reducing the motions of the nacelle and the tower in every direction, with oscillations reaching a minimum when negative shears covered the turbine swept area completely. Only the tower wobbling in the spanwise direction was amplified by the negative shears; however, this occurred at the tower's slower velocities and accelerations. The forces and moments were also reduced by the negative shears. The aforementioned impacts were less beneficial in the rotating parts, such as the blades and the shafts. Finally, the variance in power production was also reduced. These findings can be very important for the next generation of wind turbines as they reach deeper into LLJ's typical heights.The study demonstrated that the presence of negative shears is significant in reducing the loading on wind turbines. A major conclusion of this study is that the wind turbines of the future should probably be designed with the aim of reaching the top of the nightly boundary layer more often and therefore the altitudes where negative shears are more frequent. Doing so will help to reduce the positive shear's associated damage and to capture the significant LLJ energy.
Os empresários binacionais da imigração: uma discussão histórica
Authors: Bosenbecker Patrícia , Monsma Karl
Published: July 2018

Nos últimos anos, o Brasil experimentou uma grande onde migratória, especialmente com a entrada de haitianos, bolivianos e colombianos. Em geral, são imigrantes pobres com pouco conhecimento da língua, das leis e dos costumes locais, que gastam suas economias contratando agenciadores para aqui se estabelecerem, atraídos por promessas de emprego. A realidade desse processo, entretanto, não condiz com as promessas. Esse tipo de relação já existia no século XIX e início do XX, quando empresários da imigração participavam no processo de colonização do país, agenciando imigrantes e regularizando assentamentos. Esse artigo busca discutir em perspectiva histórica o papel de intermediação desses agentes, a partir da análise de um empresário da imigração em Rio Grande do Sul e as relações por ele estabelecidas em sua colônia no século XIX.
Free Voluntary Reading: Promoting Vocabulary Learning and Self-Directedness
Authors: Durán Bautista Diana Carolina , Rendón Marulanda Mario Alberto
Published: July 2018

This action research study focuses on measuring the impact of a Free Voluntary Reading Program on students’ active vocabulary use and self-direction in language learning in two different programs of English as a foreign language. The impetus for this research came from close observation and a needs analysis that confirmed students’ reluctant attitude towards reading, due to deficiency in vocabulary, as well as the limited access to books of their interest in the target language. The implementation of the program took place in blended classes in two university contexts, with 14 and 11 students respectively. All the students from both universities were classified in the A1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and their ages ranged from 16-21 years. The data was collected using a pretest and a posttest, students’ diaries, pre and post implementation surveys and book reviews. The program attempted to promote extensive reading, self-direction, reading habits, vocabulary gain and a more positive attitude towards written stories.
Supporting EFL Students’ Learning of Theoretical English-Content Through Using an Inquiry-Based Teaching Technique
Authors: Al-Wadi Hasan Mohsen
Published: July 2018

The present study investigates the effects of implementing an inquiry-based teaching technique on motivating EFL/ESL student teachers to learn an English content-based course and to become critical toward the knowledge they are exposed to in this course. A quasi-experimental methodology of research was implemented through the one independent group design on a class of 19 students majoring in English education in the bachelor program at Bahrain Teachers College, University of Bahrain. A pre-post questionnaire was conducted to identify students’ motivations towards both the English content-based course and the proposed technique that is the inquiry-based teaching before and after the application of it. The study findings revealed positive impact of the proposed technique on increasing those EFL/ESL student teachers’ motivations toward the current course which indicates the effectiveness of this technique in motivating students to study other theoretical English content-based courses as well as supporting these students to develop new study skills that can assist them to learn and understand the content of these types of courses, which usually are theoretical.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Global Journal of Health Science, Vol. 10, No. 7
Authors: Grey Erica
Published: July 2018

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Global Journal of Health Science, Vol. 10, No. 7, 2018.
Validation of the Framework for Assessing Occupational Health Risks of Municipal Solid Waste Handlers
Authors: Ncube France , Ncube Esper , Voyi Kuku
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND: The occupational health risks associated with municipal solid waste handling are widely documented in literature. However, no framework has been developed for their assessment. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a tool for use by local government structures.METHODS: Epidemiological evidence on human health risks associated with municipal solid waste management (MSWM) was obtained from literature and primary data collected from the study sites. An analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of available human and environmental risk assessment frameworks was done and the findings were used as a base for the framework. The proposed framework was validated through iteration workshops in small, medium and large local government structures. Also, it was presented in a safety and health conference, in order obtain the input of occupational health and safety practitioners, researchers and policy makers.RESULTS: A draft framework was produced, validated and revised to incorporate resolutions made from the iteration workshops. The final framework constitutes four inputs, six phases and four principles. Each phase has defined outputs.CONCLUSION: The applicability of the framework to situations of resource-constrained economies has been tested through validation workshops in small, medium and large local government structures of a low income country. In light of the multi-methods used in developing the framework and the input of practitioners in validation workshops, the framework appears relevant for the purposes of assessing occupational health risks of municipal solid waste handlers (MSWHs).
The Effect of Using Murottal Quran Therapy on Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Ramdaniati Sri , Kusmiati Sri , Sakti Bani
Published: July 2018

The birth of infants with low birth weight in Indonesia is still quite high. This condition largely causes neonatal mortality which is currently ranked the 10th highest in the world. Baby with Low birth weight may have health problems that will influence their life. The current health technology development has been able to improve the resistance of infants, although some previous research has explained that the medical and nursing procedures can cause stress in infants with low birth weight. Stress conditions in infants can lead to excessive use of energy so that it can lose a baby’s weight. Murottal therapy is one form of music therapies that can be used to reduce stress, decrease pain and stabilize physiological conditions such as vital signs and oxygen saturation. This study aimed at knowing the effect of Murrotal Therapy on the weight gain of premature infants. The research design was quasi experiment using pre post test control group design. The sampling technique used was consecutive sampling. 94 low birth weight infants who were being treated in perinatology taken as the sample of this study. Intervention was given for 30 minutes in the morning and afternoon for 7 days in row. The result of the research showed that there was an increase in infant weight that was 72.87 grams in the intervention group and the statistical test results revealed that there was a significant weight gain between the intervention group and the control group (p = 0.023). Therefore it can be concluded that the use of Murrotal Alquran Theraphy gave an effect on the infants’ weight gain, thus it is suggested to use this theraphy as part of nursing interventions for low birth weight infants in perinatology.
The Evaluation of Serum Il-6 Changes as Proliferative Cytokines in Patients With Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Before and After the Ionizing Radiotherapy
Authors: Kadir Abdul , Retnowati Kurnia , Amsyar Akil M. , Usman Andi
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a squamous cell malignancy derived from the nasopharyngeal epithelial layer. This study aimed to calculate the IL-6 levels in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma before and after radiotherapy, in the week I and week 3 during the radiotherapy, and 2 weeks after the radiotherapy.METHODS: The study was conducted in a prospective cohort on 16 people suffering from nasopharyngeal carcinoma and undergoing radiotherapy, i.e. 9 patients were in stage I of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and 7 people were in stage II of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Each sample underwent the examination of IL-6 before the week I and week 3 during the radiotherapy, and 2 weeks after the radio¬therapy.RESULTS: The more they received the treatment with radiotherapy the greater was the decrease of serum IL-6. The percentages of the decrease of the levels of serum IL-6 was greater in those receiving the 3-week duration of radiotherapy (24.59%) compared to those who just received 1-week duration of radiotherapy (6.44%). The decrease of serum IL-6 would continue, although radio-therapy had ended; 2 weeks after the radio-therapy, the percentage of serum IL-6 decreased to 42.43% from the level of serum IL-6 before the radio-therapy.CONCLUSIONS: The research results indicated that there happened a significant decrease of serum IL-6 (p<0.05) after the treatment with the radio-therapy
Occupational Well-Being: A Structural Equation Model of Finnish and Estonian School
Authors: Laine Sari , Tossavainen Kerttu , Pertel Tiia , Lepp Kädi , Isoaho Hannu , Saaranen Terhi
Published: July 2018

This study aimed to test the original Occupational Well-being of School Staff Model (OWSS Model) from 2005. This model was tested using data collected in two stages (in 2010 and in 2013) from school staff in Finnish and Estonian public primary and secondary schools. In 2010, there were 486 Finnish respondents (Finnish study 1), and in 2013, there were 545 Finnish respondents (Finnish study 2). Correspondingly, there were 1330 Estonian respondents in 2010 (Estonian study 1), and 974 Estonian respondents in 2013 (Estonian study 2). Based on structural equation modelling, Finnish data from 2010 and 2013 suited the OWSS Model well. Based on Estonian data from 2010 and 2013, the model was slightly improved, but its main structures remained largely unchanged. On the whole, the results support the previous notion that the occupational well-being of school staff should be examined with reference to a broad spectrum of four viewpoints covering working conditions, worker and work, the working community and professional competence. General occupational well-being of the working community and subjective occupational well-being were best explained by working atmosphere and appreciation of others’ work, especially in Finland. In Estonia, occupational well-being was best explained by working atmosphere and appreciation of others’ work and working space, postures and equipment. Long-term testing with data from two countries and from two different testing periods confirmed that the model may continue to be applied in school contexts for planning, implementation and evaluation of occupational well-being, as well as for promoting public health.
Corporate governance in het Verenigd Koninkrijk in beweging
Authors: Koster H.
Published: July 2018

Corporate governance in het Verenigd Koninkrijk in beweging

In deze column gaat de auteur in op het recente consultatiedocument van december 2017 met voorstellen voor aanpassing van de huidige UK Corporate Governance Code.
Propaganda y publicidad institucional: algunas consideraciones teóricas
Authors: Pineda Antonio , Rey Juan
Published: July 2018

Este artículo parte de que la publicidad institucional es un fenómeno emitido por el Estado en los diferentes niveles de la Administración pública. Estas condiciones de emisión implican cuestiones interesantes para la Teoría de la Propaganda, derivadas de la peculiar naturaleza del Estado en tanto que instancia de poder. Consideramos que el Estado es un emisor fundamental de propaganda, pero también un ámbito generador de mensajes publicitarios variados que no persiguen necesariamente un fin propagandístico. En este contexto, manejamos dos conceptos básicos: por un lado, la idea de una publicidad institucional propagandística, guiada por fines partidistas e intención de poder; por otro, la noción de una publicidad institucional de servicio o interés público, antenta a los intereses generales.
Anexo: aportaciones metodológicas . Parrillas de análisis: estructuras narrativas. Estructuras enunciativas
Authors: Ruiz Collantes Francesc Xavier
Published: July 2018

El presente estudio  tiene  como objetivo el análisis  de la imagen  del Estado y de los ciudadanos  construida  en la publicidad institucional del Estado transmitida  a través  del medio  televisivo en España de octubre de 2005 a octubre de 2006.
Alexandria: Excavations and preservation work on Kom el-Dikka, seasons 2012 and 2013
Authors: Majcherek Grzegorz
Published: July 2018

Archaeological research in the 2012 and 2013 seasons was focused on excavations in area U in the northwestern part of the site of Kom el-Dikka in Alexandria. Previously discovered structures of early Roman age continued to be explored. A large forica and other buildings have been found to follow an unusual, strictly geographical orientation, the reason for which has yet to be ascertained. A large group of burials belonging to three successive phases of the early Islamic cemetery (8th–12th century AD) was excavated in the same area. Additional testing in already cleared auditoria T, U and B as well as next to auditorium H helped to verify issues of stratigraphy and chronology of the academic complex to which these auditoria belonged. Preservation work focused mainly on an overhaul of the mosaic shelter (Villa of the Birds), including treatment of mosaic floors. Equally important tasks were the conservation of remains of domestic architecture in area W1N, restoration of a well in the cistern (area L), and finally preservation of auditorium RS.
Islamic glass from area U (2012–2013)
Authors: Kucharczyk Renata
Published: July 2018

Excavations by a PCMA team from the University of Warsaw in area U of the Kom el-Dikka site in Alexandria in 2012–2013 yielded a fair number of glass fragments. The assemblage comprised two distinct chronological groups: early Roman to late Roman/early Byzantine and Islamic-period glass. It consisted of plain, ordinary tableware, often made of very poor quality glass, undoubtedly of local, Alexandrian production, as well as luxury vessels, decorated in various techniques, representing imports, probably from Syria.
Tell el-Retaba 2012: the pottery
Authors: Wodzińska Anna
Published: July 2018

Archaeological remains excavated by the Polish–Slovak Archaeological Mission in Tell el-Retaba can be well dated to the New Kingdom till the Late Period. During the 2012 season domestic layers from the Hyksos period were found, indicating that the site was occupied for the first time around the end of the Thirteenth and beginning of the Fifteenth Dynasties. Next to the houses three Hyksos graves were found. Archaeological work also revealed houses from the early Eighteenth Dynasty located just above the Hyksos structures in Area 7. Very interesting material came from the late Twentieth Dynasty and Third Intermediate Period houses excavated in Area 9. Rich pottery assemblages mostly of domestic character have been recovered from all of the structures.
Saqqara: seasons 2012 and 2013/2014/ Appendix: Conservation work in Saqqara (2012 and 2014)
Authors: Myśliwiec Karol , Godziejewski Zbigniew , Dąbrowska Urszula
Published: July 2018

After having finished the excavation in a zone located west of the Step Pyramid and spanning the area between the pyramid enclosure wall and the eastern border of the Dry Moat, the Polish–Egyptian mission started a new project aiming at a complex investigation of the Dry Moat. A geophysical survey of the area and excavations during these two campaigns focused on the east and west rock-hewn walls of the Moat, thus completing earlier research done in this part of the excavation field. A further part of the Upper Necropolis, containing simple burials from the Ptolemaic period, was unearthed and the exploration of the tomb inscribed for Ikhi/Mery and his namesake son was continued. Clearing the facade of the latter led to the discovery of another funerary structure cut in the rock below the general’s tomb. The floor of the upper tomb turned out to be the ceiling of the lower one. Preparations for the exploration of the new structure were made in 2014.
Report from field reconnaissance at Gebelein, Khozam and el-Rizeiqat
Authors: Ejsmond Wojciech , Chyla Julia M. , Baka Cezary
Published: July 2018

A field reconnaissance in the region of Gebelein, Khozam and el-Rizeiqat in 2013 was
aimed at obtaining information on site topography and state of preservation, even as it tested
mobile GIS devices and remote sensing analysis to improve usage procedures in field prospection.
Archival maps and satellite imaging were used to locate archaeological features, analyze changes of
landscape and modern expansion of the cultivation zone from the natural alluvial plain into the low
desert area.
Dakhleh Oasis Project, Petroglyph Unit: seasons 2012 and 2013
Authors: Kuciewicz Ewa , Polkowski Paweł , Kobusiewicz Michał
Published: July 2018

In the 2012 and 2013 seasons the Petroglyph Unit concentrated on two major
assignments: first, recording rock art sites in the Central Oasis, in the area of the so-called Painted
Wadi and in adjoining areas, either unexplored or only partly explored earlier, and second, locating
again and documenting Winkler’s sites 66 and 67, both in the eastern part of the Oasis. These two
sites are of mostly homogeneous, Neolithic origin, while rock art recorded in the Central Oasis
dates from the Neolithic through very recent times.
Crypt 3 in the Northwest Annex of the Monastery on Kom H in Dongola:
report on the exploration in 2012
Authors: Mahler Robert , Godlewski Włodzimierz , Danys-Lasek Katarzyna , Czaja Barbara
Published: July 2018

Archaeological exploration of Crypt 3 in the commemorative burial complex in the
Northwest Annex of the Monastery on Kom H in Dongola in 2012 completed the process of investigation
of the three crypts, discovered in the mid-1990s but not fully excavated at the time. Crypt
3, built together with Crypt 2, hosted remains of five individuals. Remains of textiles and grave
furnishings were also discovered, among them an oil lamp and part of a broken amphora. Crypt 3
constituted an integral part of a commemorative complex consisting of a naos, two sanctuaries with
altars and screens, and a prothesis with altar.
Excavations at Selib 2 in 2012
Authors: Hajduga Roksana , Solarska Katarzyna
Published: July 2018

Selib 2 is a Meroitic settlement site of the 1st–4th century situated on the right bank of
the Nile, 9 km upstream from the Christian pilgrimage site of Banganarti. Archaeological excavation
in 2011/2012 was focused on two (of three recorded) Meroitic houses located in the northeastern
part of the site. The mud-brick architecture was preserved at foundation level. Large amounts of
pottery, stone finds and bone fragments were collected for further analysis.
Ghazali 2012: preliminary report
Authors: Obłuski Artur , Ochała Grzegorz , Bogacki Miron , Małkowski Wiesław , Maślak Szymon , ed-Din Mahmoud Zaki
Published: July 2018

The medieval monastery at Ghazali in Sudan was excavated in part by the Sudan
Antiquities Service in 1953 and 1954, and is one of the best preserved archaeological sites in the
country. A new project of the Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology, University of Warsaw,
and the National Corporation of Antiquities and Museums of Sudan revisited the ruins with a site
presentation project coupled with excavation geared to bringing out a final publication of the
remains, which are of utmost importance for studies of medieval Nubian history. Site surveying
(including geophysics) and mapping occupied most of the short season in 2012, but some unexpected
discoveries were also made.
Tumulus burial field on the north coast of Kuwait Bay.
Preliminary excavation report on the spring season in 2012
Authors: Rutkowski Łukasz
Published: July 2018

Field research was concentrated on excavating burial mounds and non-sepulchral structures
located in two different microregions: Muhaita (a new cluster of five structures representing
different categories) and Bahra/Nahdain (three tumuli of which two represented a type with outer
ring wall that had not been excavated so far). The excavation also provided the first secure dating
evidence for the burial field in the form of a radiocarbon date for material from one of the tumuli
and a dating based on the first pottery find from the tombs for another one. This has supported an
earlier hypothesis that at least part of the cemetery should be dated to the Early/Middle Bronze
Age. Areas between previously investigated locations were surveyed, completing gaps in the hitherto
studied regions.
Newcomers and autochthons. Preliminary report on 2013 activities
in the Kurdistan Autonomous Region, Iraq
Authors: Ławecka Dorota
Published: July 2018

The aim of the project “Newcomers and autochthons” is a detailed analysis of the
archaeological remains dated to the Late Chalcolithic and Ninevite 5 periods found during the
survey conducted in the Upper Greater Zab area. The article presents a preliminary report on the
field activities in the fall of 2013.
Zoomorphic clay figurines from Tell Arbid. Preliminary report
Authors: Makowski Maciej
Published: July 2018

The collection of clay zoomorphic figurines from Tell Arbid, a site in the Khabur river basin in northern Mesopotamia, comprises nearly 600 specimens, dated mainly to the 3rd and first half of the 2nd millennium BC. It consists of solid figurines and the much less numerous wheeled figurines and hollow figurines/zoomorphic vessels, as well as a single rattle in the form of a zoomorphic figurine. The animals represented include chiefly equids, sheep, goats, cattle, dogs and birds. The find context usually does not permit anything but a very broad dating, but an analysis of details of execution makes it possible to establish the chronology of particular objects. Identified chronological assemblages illustrate the character of zoomorphic representations in particular periods. A comparative analysis reveals, among others, diachronic changes in the popularity of representations of particular kinds of animals. These changes are considered in comparison with the results of an examination of the osteological material in an effort to observe whether they could reflect processes taking place in the animal economy of Tell Arbid.
Plant macrofossils from the site of Tell Arbid, Northeast Syria
(3rd–2nd millennium BC). Preliminary report
Authors: Mueller-Bieniek Aldona , Wasylikowa Krystyna , Smogorzewska Anna
Published: July 2018

The paper presents preliminary results of an analysis of 51 samples of plant macrofossils
coming from various archaeological contexts from the site of Tell Arbid in Northeast Syria.
The contexts were dated mainly to the 3rd millennium BC (EJI–EJV) with a few being of
2nd millennium BC date (Khabur Ware and Mitanni periods). Cultivated plants were represented
by cereals and pulses. The cultivation of at least three cereal species is documented, including
a hulled variety of two-rowed barley, glumed einkorn and/or emmer wheat, and a species of naked
wheat, probably macaroni wheat. Vegetables included lentil, bitter vetch, grass pea, and garden pea.
Plants from the Ninevite 5 period (EJI–EJII) and their significance in the Tell Arbid economy are
discussed in greater detail owing to the highest number of samples studied.
The animal economy of people living in the settlement
of Tell Rad Shaqrah (Syria)
Authors: Piątkowska-Małecka Joanna , Koliński Rafał
Published: July 2018

Animal management in the Early Dynastic and Akkadian periods at the site of
Tell Rad Shaqrah in the Khabur River valley in Syria was reconstructed on the grounds of an
analysis of osteological remains discovered at the site during excavations in 1991–1995.
Of the total number of 4025 bone fragments, 59.2% were identified. In both chronological
periods the most important role belonged to domestic animals, dominated by sheep and
goat and followed by cattle. Remains of wild animals, mostly gazelle and equids, were also
discovered; these were all post-consumption remains. Two young Barbary macaques (magots)
were also identified; their bones were found in the storeroom and were identified as not
post-consumption.
Alexandria, Kom el-Dikka. Seasons 2014–2015. Appendix: Islamic cemetery at Kom el-Dikka in Alexandria: research in the 2014 and 2015 excavation seasons
Authors: Majcherek Grzegorz , Kulicka Emanuela
Published: July 2018

The Polish–Egyptian mission at Kom el-Dikka, ran by the Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology, University of Warsaw, stepped up the already advanced preservation processes aimed at establishing an Archaeological Park at the site. Conservation work was carried out in the theater portico, the bath complex and the residential quarter of late Roman date in the eastern part of the excavation area. In turn, the western part was the focus of archaeological research centered on the exploration of some late Roman structures located underneath. The early medieval/Islamic cemetery overlying these remains was explored first. A detailed report from this work is appended to this article. The human skeletal remains from the cemetery were examined by anthropologists. The western gate to the bath complex, leading from the theater portico, was fully exposed. Finds from present and earlier work at the site continued to be studied: glass vessels, pottery, lamps, bone objects, painted wall plaster, and a vast collection of coins.
Selected conservation projects in Marina el-Alamein in the 2014 and 2015 seasons
Authors: Koczorowska Marlena , Osiak Wojciech , Zambrzycki Wojciech
Published: July 2018

The 2014 and 2015 conservation program of the Polish–Egyptian Conservation Mission to Marina el-Alamein, a part from current maintenance, covered mainly conservation activities within the central square of the town and in selected rooms of two complexes of public baths: a Hellenistic establishment situated north of the square and a Roman one to the south of it. Conservation of selected items in the storerooms, paintings in particular, was also included.
Saqqara 2012 and 2015: inscriptions
Authors: Kuraszkiewicz Kamil
Published: July 2018

Numerous fragments of decorated limestone blocks attributed to the funerary chapel of the God’s Sealer Ikhi/Mery were found during the 2012 and 2015 seasons of Polish excavations in Saqqara. A theoretical reconstruction of the tomb facade is proposed based on the finds and some peculiarities of the decoration are discussed.
Animals from the tumuli in el-Detti in Sudan: from bone remains to studying ritual
Authors: Iwaszczuk Urszula
Published: July 2018

Excavation of seven tumuli during the 2015 season in a cemetery of Early Makurian date located in the village of el-Detti yielded an extensive animal bone assemblage, altogether 590 bone fragments, accompanying the other finds. Poor preservation resulted in some 10% of the bones not being identified to species. Bone remains were located likewise in chambers, shafts, tunnels and looters’ trenches. They represented the following species: cattle, ovicaprines and dog. Marks recorded on the bones confirmed that the cuts of meat from cattle and ovicaprines were served as food offerings for the dead. The dog bones were probably connected to some form of ritual performed during the funeral.
Metsamor (Armenia): preliminary report on the excavations in 2013, 2014 and 2015. Appendix: Anthropological examination of burials from Metsamor in seasons 2013–2015
Authors: Jakubiak Krzysztof , Piliposyan Ashot , Iskra Mateusz , Zaqyan Artavazd , Mkrtchyan Rusanna , Simonyan Hasmik
Published: July 2018

The Metsamor excavation project is a Polish–Armenian effort to investigate a Bronze Age citadel site located about 35 km west of Yerevan, on a hill dominating the Ararat plain. Fieldwork started in 2013 and was aimed during the first three seasons at clarifying site chronology in the citadel as well as the northern lower town. An unbroken sequence from the Kura Araxes culture (Early Bronze Age) to medieval times was confirmed. Settlement remains of Early Iron
Age buildings included an almost square structure NSB 2 and a dwelling NSB 1, furnished with a relatively large storage room. Four human skeletons, two of young men, were also recorded, suggesting they were victims of a raid on the settlement. The results of recent field observations coupled with pottery analysis postulate occurrence of two destructive events, first during the Urartian invasion led by Argishti I and the second one at the beginning of the 6th century BC.
Meroitic beadwork: an overview based on finds from Saï in ancient Nubia
Authors: Then-Obłuska Joanna
Published: July 2018

The paper provides a preliminary overview of beads and pendants found on Saï Island at two Meroitic cemeteries, 8-B-5.A and 8-B-52.B. In the Meroitic period, strings of beads and pendants were an easily discerned motif in royal and private iconography, as well as in the arts and crafts, pottery included. The Saï bead and pendant assemblage is characterized by a variety of materials, techniques, and shapes that contribute significantly to a comparative study of Meroitic beadwork bead collections. Alongside objects already identified at other sites, richly imbued with visible Egyptian and Greek influences, the Saï assemblage contributes some new bead types. Moreover, the originally strung objects and their fragments confirm known bead patterns used over a long time between the 1st and 4th centuries AD, the date of the Saï necropolises. Finally, a comparison with other sites enables the tracing of some regional differences in Meroitic beadwork.
Remarks on pottery production, technology and vessel usage in el-Zuma
Authors: Czyżewska-Zalewska Ewa
Published: July 2018

Continuing excavation in the tumuli field in el-Zuma has yielded an extensive pottery assemblage, adding to the material that has already been published in general reports. New types and variants of vessels have been identified. The article presents the new material and discusses production technologies, surface treatment and peculiarities of usage.
Remarks on stone vessels from Islamic layers on Bijan Island
Authors: Mierzejewska Marta
Published: July 2018

Excavations on Bijan Island in western Iraq were conducted by the Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology, University of Warsaw, in 1979–1983, as part of the international Haditha Dam rescue project. A multi-layered site was uncovered, featuring complex architectural structures and a rich archaeological assemblage. Four main settlement phases were distinguished: Neo-Assyrian, Parthian, Roman and early Islamic. The present paper focuses on stone vessels attesting to extensive use of stone for utility purposes. The assemblage complements knowledge about the inhabitants of early Islamic Bijan and their economic activities
In search of Nubian master-builders: an architectural drawing from the Cathedral in Faras.
Authors: Makowski Piotr , van Gerven Oei Vincent W. J.
Published: July 2018

A makeshift drawing from the Cathedral in Faras may be a depiction of the ground plan of a church. Nevertheless, the naive appearance of the sketch and an almost complete lack of sufficient parallels from either Nubia or the Eastern Mediterranean make a proper examination of this assumption unfeasible. A reassessment of the architectural drawing from the cathedral, however, draws a wider perspective for a discussion of originality in Nubian architecture. The following paper presents the rather modest evidence available for a study of the nature of Nubian architecture from the point of view of its builders.
The medieval fortifications at Banganarti after the 2016 season
Authors: Drzewiecki Mariusz
Published: July 2018

The state of preservation of Banganarti’s unique medieval mud-brick fortifications and the deposits accumulated against them allows a study of the history of these defenses and their immediate surroundings. Trenches excavated in the northeastern corner of the fortifications in 2016 gave a full cross section, starting with the layers preceding the construction of the defenses, through two phases of the fortifications and ending with traces of secondary use of the ruins.