We present a new statistical approach to analysing an extremely common archaeological data type--potsherds--that infers the structure of cultural relationships across a set of excavation units (EUs). This method, applied to data from a set of complex, culturally heterogeneous sites around the Mandara mountains in the Lake Chad Basin, helps elucidate cultural succession through the Neolithic and Iron Age. We show how the approach can be integrated with radiocarbon dates to provide detailed portraits of cultural dynamics and deposition patterns within single EUs. In this context, the analysis supports ancient cultural segregation analogous to historical ethnolinguistic patterning in the region. We conclude with a discussion of the many possible model extensions using other archaeological data types.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4822455 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2015.2824 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Molecular epidemiology of Hepatitis E virus among humans in the Niger Republic, 2017-2023.
J Clin Virol
January 2025
Virology department, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, 36. Avenue Pasteur Dakar, Dakar 220, Senegal.
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis, responsible for large outbreaks in resource limited countries. The virus belongs to the genus Orthohepevirus which is subdivided into eight distinct genotypes (HEV-1 to HEV-8). Human disease transmission is mostly through the faecal-oral route.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFImproving Access to PMTCT Through the Involvement of Traditional Birth Attendants in Program Activities in the Far North Region of Cameroon: A Retrospective Cohort Study.
HIV AIDS (Auckl)
November 2024
Department of Health Research, M.A. SANTE (Meilleur Accès aux soins de Santé), Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Background: Majority of deliveries occurring in the Cameroon part of the Lake Chad basin is assisted by traditional birth attendants (TBA). The aim of the present study was to assess if training and involving TBA in community-based Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) interventions can contribute in improving targeted population access to these interventions.
Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study that assessed among mothers of children aged 0-24 months the effect of training and involving TBA in PMTCT activities.
Evidence of Zika virus circulation in human and livestock in Chad.
Virus Res
December 2024
Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections (PCCEI), INSERM U1058, University of Montpellier, French Blood Establishment (EFS), Montpellier, France. Electronic address:
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a major public health problem worldwide. After several reported outbreaks, the current extent of infections caused by this orthoflavivirus in the Sahel remains to be explored. We investigated the prevalence of neutralizing antibodies against ZIKV in the general population, in HIV-infected individuals and in livestock in Chad using a seroneutralization assay that ensures high specificity level.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe analytical evaluation threshold for inorganic metal extractables and leachables analysis of medical devices.
Regul Toxicol Pharmacol
December 2024
Medtronic Plc, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
Chemical characterization of medical devices uses the analytical evaluation threshold (AET) to determine reportable organic extractables, as these chemicals may be of toxicological concern and should be addressed via toxicological risk assessment. The AET is not applicable to metal extractables due to the exclusion of toxicity data on inorganics from the dataset used to derive dose-based threshold (DBT) values. This results in minimal guidance for reporting metal extractables.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFStrengthening of the hydrological cycle in the Lake Chad Basin under current climate change.
Sci Rep
October 2024
Agence Nationale de la Météorologie, N'Djamena, Tchad.
Article Synopsis
- Central Sahel has seen an increase in rainfall since the 1990s, leading to extreme flood events, particularly highlighted by the unprecedented 2022 flood in the Lake Chad basin.
- Current climate change concerns may amplify the hydrological cycle, raising questions about the future frequency of such extreme events, with modeling indicating a return period for significant floods of 2 to 5 years.
- The study emphasizes the need for improved water management strategies in the Lake Chad region due to anticipated increases in river flow similar to levels seen in the wet period of the 1950s, compounded by inadequate infrastructure.
Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!