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Multi-scale detection of buried archaeological elements across different occupation phases: an integrated approach using radar satellite imagery and electric resistivity tomography at Buto, northwestern Nile Delta of Egypt
Get PDFThe archaeological site of Buto (Tell el-Fara'in) in the northwestern Nile Delta, Egypt, is a multilayered settlement with a complex occupational history spanning from the Predynastic period to the Early Islamic era. The workflow of this study is mainly focused on using_ not on developing new methods_ SAR (Sentinel-1 GRD) satellite imagery along with the electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) measurements, and excavation process to investigate the site's settlement phases, particularly in relation to subsurface architectural remains in the archaeological Tell of Buto (Kom C). Sentinel-1 (C-band) satellite imagery captured on May 5, 2018, was processed using SNAP software (version 9.0.0) to identify large-scale anomalies indicative of buried structures. Based on these detected anomalies, the locations for ERT profiles were strategically selected to maximize the likelihood of indicating significant subsurface features. ERT was applied in a quasi-3D survey mode across Kom C, using parallel 2D survey lines. A comparison between quasi-3D images—created by merging inverted 2D sections—and fully 3D inverted resistivity models highlights the superior accuracy of the 3D inversion algorithm in enhancing subsurface imaging and improving the interpretation of buried archaeological features, even in a site as intricate as Buto. Both horizontal resistivity depth slices (tomoplanes) and voxel-based 3D resistivity models provide critical insights into the subsurface architectural remains. The upper layers (0–3 m) exhibited diffuse resistivity patterns with scattered anomalies, indicating the presence of remnants of Ptolemaic or Roman archaeological material, including mudbricks, limestone debris, and pottery fragments, which were likely displaced by natural or human activity. Further, at a depth ranging from 3 to 6 m, a well-defined high-resistivity anomaly was identified as a Saite period (26th Dynasty, seventh–sixth century BCE) mudbrick structure, possibly a large tomb or shrine, resting on an artificial sand foundation or sandboxes. The sand layer of high-resistivity values was identified at a depth of 6–7 m, indicating intentional ground levelling during the Saite period, with a deeper layer potentially dating from the late eighth century BCE. Integrating Sentinel-1 data with ERT results provided multi-scale insights, guiding the excavation process, which was carried out over a 10 × 10 m area divided into four squares, revealing mudbrick walls and religious artefacts, further validating the geophysical and remote sensing interpretations. The results of this study demonstrate the effectiveness of combining geophysical measurements and remote sensing data, which gave a very accurate vision in detecting buried settlements in a complex region
Multispecies analysis of social effects on same-sex sexual behavior challenges mistaken identity hypotheses in insects.
No full textSame-sex sexual behavior (SSB) in insects has historically been considered a byproduct of sex recognition failure, or "mistaken identity," and consideration of other hypotheses lags behind that of vertebrates where it is often thought to adaptively mitigate aggressive interactions. Comparative analyses to help disentangle the functions of insect SSB are lacking. To address this, we quantified male-male interactions in controlled trials across eight North American field cricket species ( spp.). While limited taxonomic sampling precluded a formal phylogenetic comparative analysis, we were able to assess variation across species with structural equation models. Using this technique, we distinguished focal from partner influences and evaluated support for mistaken identity vs. other models of SSB. SSB expression varied extensively across species. It was always associated with reduced aggression, but the strength of this association and the balance of focal vs. partner effects varied. Temporal analysis of behavioral interactions showed that males exhibited SSB while able to discern the sex of their partner. These findings, along with observations of a previously undescribed sexual behavior not seen in different-sex interactions, imply a history of adaptive evolution inconsistent with mistaken identity SSB
Institutional Pressures On Waqf Unit Trust Funds In Islamic Social Finance: The ASNB Wakalah Model For Social And Economic Impact
Get PDFWaqf, as a perpetual charitable endowment, serves as a cornerstone for promoting social welfare and equitable wealth distribution within Islamic finance. Its integration into modern financial instruments, such as the Amanah Saham Nasional Berhad (ASNB) Wakalah Waqf Unit Trust, reflects a growing trend toward aligning Islamic capital market innovation with Islamic social finance objectives in Malaysia. This study examines the application of institutional theory in understanding the distribution of waqf benefits by ASNB Wakalah, focusing on how institutional pressures shape its governance, implementation, and social outcomes. Employing a qualitative document analysis approach, the research reviews policy documents, Islamic rulings (fatwas), prospectuses, annual reports, academic journals, books, and relevant online sources to evaluate ASNB’s waqf governance and distribution strategies. Despite ASNB’s pioneering role in developing a Wakalah-based waqf model, there remains limited scholarly attention to the institutional forces, such as regulatory frameworks, Shariah governance standards, and societal expectations that influence its operationalisation and impact. The findings reveal that ASNB’s waqf model is deeply embedded within Malaysia’s institutional environment, where compliance, legitimacy, and stakeholder expectations collectively shape its governance and distribution mechanisms. The study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on Islamic social finance and institutional theory. It also offers practical insights for policymakers and Islamic financial institutions to strengthen transparency, governance, and the social impact of waqf‑based investment schemes in line with institutional norms, ethical investment principles and Maqasid al-Shariah (Shariah objectives)
The ‘old’ industrial regions of Europe: ‘Green transitions’ or just the transitions inherent to capitalist business as usual?
Get PDFReflecting on recent research and publications, I consider the possibilities for ‘green transitions’ in Europe’s ‘old’ industrial regions (OIRs) and more widely in the global economy. The wider changes in the global political economy are not only undermining any possibility of a ‘just’ green transition in Europe’s OIRs but that of green transitions more generally
Quantitative 3D microstructure characterization via the three-dimensional autocorrelation function
No full textQuantifying microstructural anisotropy in three dimensions remains challenging, despite its importance for understanding material behavior. This work presents a rapid, general method to quantify 3D microstructural orientation and anisotropy directly from volumetric images using the three-dimensional autocorrelation function (3D ACF). At the global scale, the 3D ACF is computed over the entire image volume (full-image ACF), providing an ellipsoidal representation of the dominant structural orientation. At the local scale, the ACF is applied to individual non-overlapping subsets of the image (subset-based ACF) to capture spatial variations in anisotropy. A 3D granular dataset illustrates the method, which captures particle morphology and orientation without image segmentation or tracking. The proposed 3D ACF framework offers a simple, robust, and broadly applicable tool for characterizing heterogeneous and anisotropic microstructures in metals, ceramics, composites, and other advanced materials
The Bénard problem for an Oldroyd–Oskolkov fluid of second order
Get PDFA model is analysed which generalizes an Oldroyd fluid in line with Oskolkov’s general classification of Oldroyd fluids of order N. We analyse the thermal convection problem where a horizontal layer of fluid is heated from below when that fluid is an Oldroyd fluid of order 2 according to the definition of Oskolkov. The thresholds for linear instability are calculated in detail, and the critical Rayleigh and wave numbers are determined. The key is to employ a very important classification of Anatoly P. Oskolkov to show that the constitutive equation for a generalized Burgers fluid is a natural extension of the constitutive equation for a Oldroyd fluid
The promise and pitfalls of the Second Protocol to the Budapest Convention: Assessing its impact on EU and UK cross-border criminal investigations
Get PDFThis article provides a doctrinal and policy-oriented analysis of the Second Additional Protocol to the Budapest Convention, with a particular focus on its mechanisms for law enforcement access to non-content communications data in non-emergency situations. It interrogates whether the Second Protocol addresses the persistent legal and practical barriers faced by law enforcement agencies in accessing electronic evidence stored overseas.Through a close examination of the Second Protocol’s substantive provisions and their anticipated implementation in the United Kingdom and European Union member states, the article argues that the Second Protocol is unlikely to achieve its stated objectives. While it formalises elements of voluntary cooperation and introduces safeguards intended to protect fundamental rights, its utility is constrained by legal fragmentation, potential conflicts with domestic data protection frameworks, and the lack of robust enforcement mechanisms. Moreover, the article contends that the Second Protocol may, in some instances, complicate existing informal data-sharing practices unless domestic legal frameworks - particularly in the UK - are aligned with its requirements. Persistent uncertainty regarding the Second Protocol’s compatibility with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) and the UK’s data protection regime further undermines its effectiveness.Ultimately, the article concludes that although the Second Protocol marks a significant step in multilateral cooperation in criminal matters, it does not obviate the continued need for bilateral frameworks. Substantial challenges remain in achieving a harmonised, rights-compliant, and effective regime for cross-border access to electronic evidence
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