Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Mingqi Li, Shiliang Liu, Yongxiu Sun, Yixuan Liu
Summary: The study comprehensively analyzed carbon emissions and carbon sequestration from agriculture and animal husbandry on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau from 1990 to 2015. Results showed significant increases in carbon emissions from agriculture (163%) and animal husbandry (41%), while trends in carbon sequestration varied between the two sectors.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Geography, Physical
Kurt J. Gron, Mikael Larsson, Darren R. Grocke, Niels H. Andersen, Marianne H. Andreasen, Jens-Henrik Bech, Peter Steen Henriksen, Robert G. Hilton, Mads Dengso Jessen, Niels A. Moller, Finn Ole Nielsen, Poul Otto Nielsen, Anders Pihl, Lasse Sorensen, Jorgen Westphal, Peter Rowley-Conwy, Mike J. Church
Summary: Maintaining soil health is crucial for agricultural production, with human activities gradually affecting soil quality over time. The analysis of cereal isotopes in this study provides valuable insights into the history of agricultural sustainability and human adaptation in the region.
QUATERNARY SCIENCE REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yang Li, Zhigang Sun, Francesco Accatino, Sheng Hang, Yun Lv, Zhu Ouyang
Summary: The study shows that the modern integrated crop-livestock system (ICLS) in China performs better in terms of environmental pressure, energy sustainability, and economic benefits, but has lower productivity compared to traditional specialised cropping systems (SCS). When substituting chemical nitrogen with manure fertiliser nitrogen, both ICLS and SCS show decreased productivity and environmental pressure, with ICLS displaying a less pronounced trade-off.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Megan M. Friggens, Rachel A. Loehman, Connie I. Constan, Rebekah R. Kneifel
Summary: Wildfires of uncharacteristic severity, caused by climate changes and accumulated fuels, can have amplified or novel impacts on archaeological resources. Machine learning models identified topography and pre-fire weather and fuel condition as important predictors of fire effects and severity at archaeological sites. Models for predicting negative impacts of fires on the archaeological record can help prioritize fuel treatments and guide post-fire rehabilitation efforts for cultural resource preservation.
Article
Business
Eva Parga Dans, Pablo Alonso Gonzalez
Summary: This paper explores the collapse of commercial archaeology in Spain, showing its implications for global heritage ethics. It adds depth and nuance to critical management studies and cultural heritage management in addressing business ethics issues, highlighting the controversies in the Spanish archaeological management model and the impact of the 2008 global financial crisis.
JOURNAL OF BUSINESS ETHICS
(2021)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Matthew J. Jacobson
Summary: Archaeology offers a unique long-term perspective for effective policy-making, but specific evidence for resilient/sustainable systems is often overlooked. Climate change is the most cited stressor, with strategies related to natural resources common in case studies, while resilient/sustainable characteristics are often in direct contrast to each other.
Article
Geography, Physical
Jan Kolar, Martin Macek, Peter Tkac, David Novak, Vojtech Abraham
Summary: Estimating past population dynamics is a significant research topic in archaeology. This study utilizes digital archaeological and palynological datasets to quantify long-term demographic trends in the Czech Republic. The results show regional variations in human-vegetation interactions and highlight the importance of combining different archaeological proxies for population analysis.
QUATERNARY SCIENCE REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Anthropology
Luca Sitzia, Ximena Power, Debora Zurro, Jean Paul Maalouf, Jose Carcamo, Kristopher Chandia, J. M. Alonso Vega, Cesar Borie, Constanza Roa, Claudia Silva, Diego Salazar, Sebastian Vivanco, Valentina Hernandez, Catalina Aliste, Sebastian Ibacache, Rodrigo Lorca
Summary: This study evaluates the effectiveness of Raman spectroscopy in discriminating seaweed and plant/wood charred remains in the archaeological record. The results suggest that this method combined with machine learning techniques is robust and can be used to identify seaweed as a fuel source. The study also reveals that seaweed was used in a specific funerary ritual in the southern Atacama Desert coast around 5000 cal BP and demonstrates the long-term development of seaweed pyrotechnology by the Atacama Desert coast people.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND ANTHROPOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Nikos Papadopoulos, Dimitrios Oikonomou, Gianluca Cantoro, Kleanthis Simyrdanis, Julien Beck
Summary: This study aims to adapt, test, and validate various geophysical mapping and imaging methods for reconstructing ancient built environments under water layers. By exploring the submerged prehistoric site of Lambayanna in Greece, the research demonstrates the complementary nature of multiple geophysical methods in underwater archaeological contexts, providing useful information for understanding complex archaeological sites around the Mediterranean. The successful transfer of established geophysical methods into the ultra-shallow aquatic environment presents an innovative approach for sustainable management of coastal cultural resources amidst climate change and sea-level rise risks.
NEAR SURFACE GEOPHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fangfang Wang, Shiliang Liu, Hua Liu, Yixuan Liu, Lu Yu, Qingbo Wang, Yuhong Dong, Jian Sun, Lam-Son Phan Tran, Weiqiang Li
Summary: Nitrogen losses from crop-livestock production on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau have increased significantly between 2000 and 2018, with hotspots of N losses expanding from the east and south to the north and west of the plateau. Ammonia and manure were identified as the main sources of atmospheric and water N losses respectively, while the use of chemical fertilizer and agricultural output value were found to be the main driving forces. Uneven distribution of crop production and livestock further contributed to the aggravation of N losses.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Review
Anthropology
Annemieke Milks, Sheina Lew-Levy, Noa Lavi, David E. Friesem, Rachel Reckin
Summary: The paper reviews the literature on the archaeology of hunter-gatherer children (H. sapiens) over the last decade, summarizing methods and results from 86 archaeological publications. It identifies material culture related to hunter-gatherer childhood and discusses the implications of these data for understanding the cultural variability and patterning of children in the deep past.
JOURNAL OF ANTHROPOLOGICAL ARCHAEOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Patrizia Paganin, Clelia Isca, Flavia Tasso, Tommaso Calandrelli, Giada Migliore, Pier Andrea Marras, Daniela Medas, Elisabetta Dore, Giovanni De Giudici, Anna Rosa Sprocati, Chiara Alisi
Summary: Global tomato productivity is threatened by various stresses, leading to the intensive use of fertilisers with negative environmental impacts. This study proposes a bioaugmentation strategy using a tailored microbial formula to replace chemical fertilisation. The formula, consisting of eight indigenous strains, demonstrated comparable fruit yields to chemical fertilisers when applied monthly during plant growth. These findings highlight the potential of knowledge-based bacterial formulas and regular bio-fertilisation as a sustainable approach to tomato production.
PLANT GROWTH REGULATION
(2023)
Review
Environmental Studies
Arun Kafle, James Hopeward, Baden Myers
Summary: The paper aims to evaluate the potential economic, social, and environmental contribution of urban agriculture (UA) based on five major features. It highlights the need for a systems approach in studying UA to ensure viability, replicability, and sustainability.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Robert S. Walker, Jeffrey R. Ferguson, Angelica Olmeda, Marcus J. Hamilton, Jim Elghammer, Briggs Buchanan
Summary: Amazonia has at least two major centers of ancient human social complexity, including earthwork sites and Amazonian Dark Earth sites. A predictive model using machine learning algorithms and geospatial predictors has been developed to classify and locate these sites. The model has led to the discovery of new geoglyphs and identifies specific areas with high probabilities of undiscovered archaeological sites.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Mariko Kanamori, Masamichi Hanazato, Katsunori Kondo, Andrew Stickley, Naoki Kondo
Summary: Farmers in neighborhoods with low farm density may have a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms, possibly due to the scarcity of formal and informal social support in such communities. Further research is needed on the health effects of neighborhood environment on farmers, which may vary by the type of agriculture.
Article
Mycology
Silvia Wehmeier, Emma Morrison, Anthony Plato, Andrea Raab, Jorg Feldmann, Tina Bedekovic, Duncan Wilson, Alexandra C. Brand
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lydia Niemi, Pavlina Landova, Mark Taggart, Kenneth Boyd, Zulin Zhang, Stuart Gibb
Summary: This study investigated the presence and distribution of eight commonly used pharmaceuticals in the River Dee, Scotland, and found trace contamination throughout the river indicating potential diffuse pollution sources. The study also highlighted higher concentrations of certain compounds during low flow and warm seasons, raising concerns for environmental and human health impacts.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Anthropology
Magdalena Blanz, Samuel Stewart, Ingrid Mainland, Philippa Ascough, Andrea Raab, Joerg Feldmann, Mark A. Taggart
Summary: This study investigates the feasibility of using lg(Ba/Sr) and δ C-13 as markers of marine food consumption. The results suggest that lg(Ba/Sr) values in tooth enamel can be a useful indicator of the relative amount of marine food consumed.
JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shaun T. Lancaster, Gabriela Peniche, Ali Alzahrani, Magdalena Blanz, Jason Newton, Mark A. Taggart, Warren T. Corns, Eva M. Krupp, Joerg Feldmann
Summary: Understanding the uptake and fate of mercury compounds in biota is crucial for understanding the global mercury cycling and its transfer through food chains. This study analyzed mercury concentrations in Scottish birds of prey and found the presence of mercury selenide nanoparticles in the liver of some golden eagles, which has not been observed in terrestrial birds of prey before. The study suggests that these nanoparticles may be formed as a detoxification mechanism or accumulated through foraging on stranded cetaceans or seabirds.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marta Herrero-Villar, Patricia Mateo-Tomas, Ines S. Sanchez-Barbudo, Pablo R. Camarero, Mark A. Taggart, Rafael Mateo
Summary: Veterinary pharmaceuticals, including antibiotics, are emerging contaminants of concern worldwide. Avian scavengers, such as griffon vultures, are exposed to antibiotics through consumption of livestock carcasses. This study found that griffon vultures feeding on livestock carcasses from intensive farming were more exposed to antibiotics than those relying on carcasses from extensive farming or wild animals. Additionally, the study detected quinolones in domestic livestock supplied at feeding stations, highlighting the importance of assessing and managing the risks posed by veterinary pharmaceuticals in carcass disposal for avian scavengers.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rhys Green, Mark Taggart, Deborah Pain, Keturah Smithson
Summary: Carcasses of pheasants killed by hunters using lead shotgun ammunition sold in the UK contain small lead fragments that are difficult for consumers to detect and remove, potentially exposing them to elevated levels of dietary lead.
Article
Ecology
Sophy Charlton, Selina Brace, Mateja Hajdinjak, Rebecca Kearney, Thomas Booth, Hazel Reade, Jennifer A. Tripp, Kerry L. Sayle, Sonja B. Grimm, Silvia M. Bello, Elizabeth A. Walker, Alexandre Gilardet, Philip East, Isabelle Glocke, Greger Larson, Tom Higham, Chris Stringer, Pontus Skoglund, Ian Barnes, Rhiannon E. Stevens
Summary: Research reveals diverse origins and ways of life among inhabitants of late Pleistocene Britain, as individuals from different archaeological sites exhibit distinct genetic ancestries, diets, and ecologies.
NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Derek T. Elsby, Ruth N. Zadoks, Kenneth Boyd, Nuno Silva, Margo Chase-Topping, Mairi C. Mitchel, Carol Currie, Mark A. Taggart
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a recognized threat to global health. This study examined the prevalence of AMR Escherichia coli in fecal samples from deer in Scotland and investigated potential risk factors associated with AMR occurrence. The results showed that resistant E. coli strains were present in wild deer populations, with different risk factors influencing resistance phenotypes and deer species. However, overall, resistance to critically important antimicrobials was found to be low, suggesting no immediate cause for concern regarding human health. Therefore, wild deer in Scotland could serve as a sentinel species for AMR surveillance in the Scottish environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ulle Aguraiuja-Latti, Mari Torv, Kerry L. Sayle, Lembi Lougas, Eve Rannamae, Freydis Ehrlich, Sander Nuut, Taavi Peeters, Ester Oras, Aivar Kriiska
Summary: This study establishes baselines for the dietary practices of past populations in the Eastern Baltic region using multi-isotopic analysis. The results show clear differences in carbon and sulfur isotopic values between marine and terrestrial species, while freshwater fish display overlaps with both ranges. Herbivores show variation in isotopic values based on region. This study provides valuable temporal and geographical references for studying local ecologies and interpreting human data.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sabolc Pap, Huiyi Zhang, Aleksandra Bogdan, Derek T. Elsby, Stuart W. Gibb, Barbara Bremner, Mark A. Taggart
Summary: This study introduces a novel pilot-scale technology (FILTRAFLO(TM)-P reactor) for the recovery of phosphate from wastewater in a rural setting. The results demonstrate that the FILTRAFLO(TM)-P unit can efficiently remove phosphate from effluent, even at low concentrations, and has the potential for resource recovery through bio-based waste management. The adsorption mechanisms of phosphate were identified as surface microprecipitation and inner-sphere complexation.
Article
Archaeology
Magdalena Blanz, Marie Balasse, Nick Card, Philippa Ascough, Denis Fiorillo, Mark A. Taggart, Joerg Feldmann, Ingrid Mainland
Summary: The analysis of faunal remains from Neolithic Orkney revealed differences in animal husbandry practices between sheep and red deer, as well as potential anthropogenic influences on seaweed consumption behavior.
ENVIRONMENTAL ARCHAEOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Anthropology
Sara Bernardini, Carlotta Zeppilli, Ileana Micarelli, Gwenaelle Goude, Kerry L. Sayle, Giorgio Manzi, Mary Anne Tafuri
Summary: This exploratory study proposes an original method for investigating intra-life history by analyzing the isotopic composition of dental tissue from birth to death. The study focuses on an elderly woman from Longobard Italy who underwent cranial surgery. The isotopic analysis provides insights into her diet, mobility, health, and physiological stress throughout her life. This research highlights the importance of analyzing complete dental sequences to understand ancient populations' intra-life histories.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OSTEOARCHAEOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ornithology
Aimee L. S. McIntosh, Luke Ozsanlav-Harris, Mark A. Taggart, Jessica M. Shaw, Geoff M. Hilton, Stuart Bearhop
Summary: Lead is a toxic metal that can cause death or sub-lethal effects when ingested. Recent legislation in the European Union has banned the use of lead shot in wetlands to reduce its impact on wildfowl. A study in Scotland found that strict compliance with the ban resulted in relatively low lead ingestion rates, but the potential fitness effects of chronic lead poisoning still persist.
Article
Archaeology
Robin Skeates, Jessica Beckett, Daniela Mancini, Claudio Cavazzuti, Letizia Silvestri, W. Derek Hamilton, Kerry L. Sayle, Kayla D. Crowder, Mario Rolfo, Micaela Angle
Summary: This article draws on new multi-method research to provide a more precise understanding of how the bodies of the deceased were transformed into potent social, symbolic, and sensuous resources housed in caves in the largest known Middle Bronze Age mortuary cave in west-central Italy. It contextualizes this process within a nuanced understanding of settlement and subsistence practices, where agricultural communities ritually demarcated mortuary assemblages in caves as they extended inland to the edge of the Apennine Mountains.
JOURNAL OF FIELD ARCHAEOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Anthropology
Julia Becher, Alex Schoeman, Gavin Whitelaw, Stephen Buckley, Jean-Pierre Celliers, Sara Cafisso, Matthias Belser, Maxime Rageot, Cynthianne Spiteri
Summary: This study represents the first application of Organic Residue Analysis (ORA) to southern African early farming pottery to gain a deeper understanding of past human behavior and subsistence patterns. The study found evidence of dairy processing and multi-purpose functionality of the ceramics. It also discovered potential medicinal use and the involvement of dung in pottery sealing and mending.
JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Anthropology
Jon Clindaniel, Matthew Magnani
Summary: Large sources of digital trace data have become important in the study of material culture. The authors introduce a computational method to observe digital formation processes and highlight the importance of accounting for these processes in studies utilizing digital trace data.
JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Anthropology
Rebecca A. G. Reid, Miranda M. E. Jans, Lesley A. Chesson, Rebecca J. Taylor, Gregory E. Berg
Summary: Chemical treatment of skeletal remains can reduce overall DNA quality and quantity but has no significant impact on stable isotope ratio analysis. Examination of treated and untreated human remains through histological and stable isotope analysis reveals that treated remains exhibit better preservation compared to untreated remains. Stable isotope ratio analysis is viable for both treated and untreated remains, regardless of their origin.
JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Anthropology
Laura Tome, Eneko Iriartec, Antonio Blanco-Gonzalez, Margarita Jambrina-Enriquez, Natalia Eguez, Antonio V. Herrera-Herrera, Carolina Mallola
Summary: This paper presents the outcomes of a microcontextual geoarchaeological study conducted on earthen dwellings from the Early Iron Age village of Cerro de San Vicente. The study employed soil micromorphology, lipid biomarker analysis, XRD, and XRF analyses to investigate various aspects of the dwellings, including construction materials, site formation processes, and daily life practices. The results have shed light on the construction layers, floor use, maintenance, repaving, periods of abandonment and decay, and the presence of lipid biomarkers associated with dwelling functionality. The study significantly contributes to our understanding of ancient construction practices and the utilization of domestic spaces during the Early Iron Age.
JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE
(2024)
