Intense Activity Research Articles

Putative Nociceptive Responses in a Decapod Crustacean: The Shore Crab (Carcinus maenas)

Nociceptors are receptors that detect injurious stimuli and are necessary to convey such information from the periphery to the central nervous system. While nociception has been extensively studied in various taxa, there is relatively little electrophysiological evidence for the existence of nociceptors in decapod crustaceans. This study investigated putative nociceptive responses in the shore crabs, specifically their response to mechanical and noxious chemical stimuli. Extracellular multi-unit electrophysiological recordings were conducted from the anterior ganglion and the circumesophageal connective ganglia to assess nociceptive responses. Soft tissues at the joints of the chelae, antennae, and walking legs were stimulated using acetic acid (noxious stimulus) and von Frey hairs (mechanical stimulus), while nearby ganglion activity was recorded. The results indicate the existence of nociceptors in the tested areas, with mechanical stimuli eliciting shorter, more intense neural activity compared with acetic acid. Although acetic acid triggered responses in all areas, the antennae and antennules did not respond to mechanical stimuli. Though we acknowledge the challenges of conducting in vivo electrophysiological recordings, future research should focus on further characterizing nociceptor activity because the results suggest the presence of nociceptors.

A proof of concept for wear/non-wear classification using accelerometer data in daily activity recording: Synthetic algorithm leveraging probability and continuity of zero counts.

Wearable devices are increasingly utilized to monitor physical activity and sedentary behaviors. Accurately determining wear/non-wear time is complicated by zero counts, where the acceleration-based indexes do not estimate activity intensity, often leading to misclassifications. We propose a novel synthetic classification algorithm that leverages both the probability and continuity of zero counts, aiming to enhance the accuracy of activity estimation. The physical activity data were obtained from 12 office workers wearing wearable devices with 3-axis accelerometers. The wear/non-wear times are classified by the commonly used current method (zero counts lasting longer than 60 minutes are classified as non-wear) and the proposed method. In the proposed method, only times that satisfy the following two criteria are classified as the wear time. (1) The appearance probability preceding and following 60 minutes must be less than the threshold value. (2) The number of consecutive zeros must be less than 10 minutes. The effectiveness of both the current and proposed classification methods was evaluated against the actual behavioral records. This evaluation utilized simulation-based augmented data, which was implemented to address the limited variability inherent in the original dataset. The range of recall, specificity, precisions, and accuracy classified by the current method were 0.93-1.00, 0.93-0.96, 0.85-0.88, and 0.94-0.97, respectively. Indeed, the proposed method shows 0.95-1.00, 0.99-1.00, 0.97-1.00, and 0.98-1.00, respectively. The reduction of misclassification of non-wear time as wear time was achieved by the synthetic classification algorithm. The performance of the proposed approach showed accurate classification of the wear/non-wear time of wearable sensors in office workers.

Differentiated Impacts of Indoor and Outdoor Fitness Environments on Residents’ Activity Intensity: A Perspective on Homo Urbanicus

This study develops a framework for the impact mechanism based on the “homo urbanicus” theoretical perspective, linking indoor and outdoor fitness environmental elements to residents’ subjective perceptions and their activity intensity. An empirical investigation is conducted using structural equation modeling (SEM) with data from 286 valid questionnaires (N = 421). The results demonstrate that both indoor and outdoor fitness environmental elements—specifically spatial, facility, and environmental factors—significantly positively influence residents’ fitness activity intensity, with this relationship mediated by perceptions of safety, convenience, comfort, and aesthetics. Furthermore, the study uncovers variations in the types and degrees of influence across indoor and outdoor settings. Based on these findings, the author proposes several planning and design strategies: “In indoor environments, it is essential to ensure that fitness spaces feature bright lighting and thoughtful design to enhance aesthetic appeal; additionally, optimizing spatial layouts and integrating information services can foster greater social interaction. For outdoor environments, prioritizing locations near aesthetically pleasing architecture, adjacent to blue landscapes, and within open areas, as well as sites that are close to community amenities and abundant surrounding facilities, will enhance residents’ fitness activity intensity”.

Physical activity interventions to prevent and manage type 2 diabetes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: a systematic review.

To review evidence regarding the impact of physical activity interventions for preventing and managing type 2 diabetes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. We searched for published reports of physical activity interventions for preventing and managing type 2 diabetes in Indigenous adults (18 years or older). There were no exclusion criteria regarding study type or duration, frequency, length, or intensity of physical activity, except that short term interventions were excluded. We assessed the quality of each study using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools and the ethical and methodological quality of studies from an Indigenous Australian perspective with the Centre of Research Excellence in Aboriginal Chronic Disease Knowledge Translation and Exchange (CREATE) Critical Appraisal Tool. MEDLINE; Scopus, Embase (Elsevier); Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Sports Discus, PsycINFO (EBSCO); Informit Complete; ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, and ProQuest Health and Medicine; each from their inception to 30 October 2022. The database searches identified 703 potentially relevant records; after removing duplicates and initial screening, the full text of 27 articles was assessed for eligibility. Nine studies met our inclusion criteria: two randomised controlled trials, five cohort studies, one quasi-experimental study, and one repeated cross-sectional study. Eight studies were rated as being of low or medium quality (median JBI score, 54%; interquartile range [IQR], 36-64%); seven studies were rated as being of low to medium ethical and methodological quality from the Indigenous perspective (median CREATE score, 50%; IQR, 36-64%). Six studies reported changes in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, of which two (both cohort studies) reported significantly lower mean HbA1c levels after the intervention, but only one publication provided detailed results. No randomised controlled trials that investigated the effect of a combination of physical activity and dietary change for Indigenous Australians diagnosed with type 2 diabetes were identified. Differences in study design, outcome variables, and the small number of studies precluded meta-analysis. Quality research into the impact of physical activity interventions on type 2 diabetes in Indigenous people is sparse. To improve research translation, studies that involve Indigenous community members at all levels of the research process are needed. PROSPERO CRD42021247496 (prospective).

Evidence of the Long-Term Protective Effect of Moderate-Intensity Physical Activity on Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged and Elderly Individuals: A Predictive Analysis of Longitudinal Studies.

To investigate the effects of different intensities of physical activity (PA) on cognitive function in middle-aged and elderly individuals, and to predict future trends in cognitive ability using longitudinal data to assess the long-term role of PA in cognitive preservation. Data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) were utilized. Mixed-effects models were employed to analyze the impacts of low-intensity PA (LPA), moderate-intensity PA (MPA), and vigorous-intensity PA (VPA) on overall cognition, episodic memory, and mental intactness. Random forest and XGBoost machine learning methods were employed to further validate the effects of PA. ARIMA models predicted future cognitive trends under the influence of PA. MPA demonstrated significant advantages in preserving cognitive function, particularly in overall cognition and episodic memory. While LPA had some protective effects, they were less significant than those of MPA, and VPA did not show advantages. Machine learning methods confirmed these findings. ARIMA model predictions indicated that the protective effects of MPA on cognitive function are likely to persist in the future. Moderate-intensity physical activity is associated with the preservation of cognitive ability in middle-aged and elderly individuals and may continue to provide this benefit in the future; however, further in-depth research is needed for confirmation.

Evaluation of Urbanization Influences on Beach Sediment Contamination with Heavy Metals Along the Littoral Zone of Alexandria City, Egypt

The western coastal area of Alexandria City, Egypt, faces significant environmental challenges due to heavy metal (HM) contamination in beach sediments, driven by intensive urbanization, tourism, commercial harbors, and industrial activities. Therefore, this study focuses on geochemically assessing HM levels in sediment samples from 28 sites and employed various descriptive and multivariate statistical approaches, pollution indices, and sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) to identify pollution hotspots, define contamination grades, and assess the quality of beach sediments. The average concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn were 25.7, 30, 2.2, 7.5, 2.9, and 8.0 times, respectively, compared to the geochemical background (carbonate sedimentary rocks). et al.-Hanuvil Beach, relatively elevated contents of these metals were recorded. In addition, samples showed Zn levels higher than the corresponding probable effect concentration (PEC) and effect range medium (ERM) values, suggesting adverse impacts on biota. The principal component (PC) analysis revealed the anthropogenic origin of Cd, Co, and Pb in PC1, the mixed origin of Cr, Cu, Mn, and Zn in PC2, and the natural source of Fe in PC3. According to the applied single pollution indices, HM contamination grades were ranked in ascending order of Mn < Fe < Cr < Cd < Cu < Pb < Zn < Co. In conclusion, the HMs (Cu, Zn, Cd, Co, Pb, and Cr) in the study area are anthropogenic, attributed mainly to untreated discharge of municipal and industrial wastewater and solid wastes, atmospheric deposition of air pollutants, and tourism activities.

Surgical and non-surgical predictors of long term erectile function after robot assisted radical prostatectomy.

Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) impairs erectile function (EF) due to the surgical procedure and non-surgical factors. Non-surgical factors may contribute to recovery of erectile function (EFR) after RARP. This study assessed the role of non-surgical factors including physical activity in baseline EF and EFR after prostatectomy. Patient Reported Measure Outcomes questionnaires from patients with localized prostate carcinoma who underwent a RARP with a postoperative follow up (FU) of 3years. EFR was defined as at least 70% EF recovery of baseline IIEF-EF. Physical activities was defined as no activity at all, once a week and ≥ 2 a week. In total 804 patients were included. At baseline, age, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), having a partner and former smoking were significantly associated (p < .001) of EF. Postoperatively, the extent of nerve sparing and baseline EF were strongly associated with EFR (p < .001). Physical activity ≥ 2 a week predicted EF but only beyond 6months of FU (p = .005, p = .028 and p = .007 at 1, 2 and 3year FU respectively). Comorbidities, BMI and the use of medications known to affect EF were not predictive of EFR. Age, LUTS, having a partner and former smoking were baseline associated with EF prior to RARP. Baseline EF and extent of nerve sparing jointly predicted EFR. Intensive physical activity was an independent predictor of EFR beyond the first year after RARP. Our findings suggests that besides clinical factors, lifestyle may also play a role in recovery of erectile function.

Evaluation of tomato farmworker upper limb ergonomic risk factors

Research on musculoskeletal disorders among tomato farmworkers is limited. This pilot study aims to generate insights and preliminary data on tasks performed by tomato farmworkers at a demonstration test plot, evaluating associated ergonomic risk factors. A demonstration test plot was constructed to simulate tasks performed by tomato farmworkers. Muscle activity in the anterior deltoid and upper trapezius was measured using surface electromyography (sEMG) and compared among tasks. The intensity of physical activity during stake pounding, bucket tossing, and tying tasks was monitored using a GT9X activity monitor. Non-parametric ANOVA revealed that the upper trapezius exhibited the highest muscle activity in all tasks (p < 0.05). Stake pounding showed the highest muscle activity, peak loads, and the most intense physical activity. Future studies will focus on assessing tomato farmworker activities over longer shifts and evaluating the impact of posture, fatigue, and energy expenditure on the risk for musculoskeletal disorders.

Impact of anterior cruciate ligament injury on functional capacity and pain: an analysis differentiated by age and gender

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries significantly impact knee function, particularly in active populations. This study explores functional capacity and pain post-ACL reconstruction in relation to age, gender, and physical activity. A total of 41 participants who underwent ACL reconstruction were analyzed. Data were collected on age, sex, physical activity level, and pain frequency/intensity. The sample included 56.10% women (n=23) with an average age of 30.27 ± 10.18 years. Among the participants, 19.51% engaged in light activity, 26.83% in moderate, 7.32% in vigorous, 24.39% in very vigorous, and 21.95% were unable to perform any activity. Significant age differences were observed in moderate activity (p = 0.017), with older women more likely to engage in moderate activity. Logistic regression revealed age as a key factor affecting activity level (p &lt; 0.05), and sex had marginal significance (p ≈ 0.054), suggesting men may perform more intense activities. Pain frequency and intensity showed weak correlations with age (p &gt; 0.05), but women reported higher pain levels than men. The average functional ability dropped from 8.73 before the injury to 5.80 post-surgery. Men reported more pain than women, although t-tests showed no statistically significant differences between genders in functional capacity before or after surgery. ACL reconstruction reduces knee function across genders, with men reporting higher pain intensity. Age significantly impacts activity level, emphasizing the need for targeted rehabilitation strategies. Post-surgical recovery programs should consider individual differences in age and sex to optimize outcomes and enhance recovery.

Texas Dance for Health: Mixed Methods Pilot Study Promoting Physical Activity Among Older Adults

ABSTRACT Purpose Regular physical activity is essential for healthy aging. Less than 25% of older U.S. adults meet physical activity recommendations. The primary aim of Texas Dance for Health (D4H) was to determine whether older adults could achieve recommended aerobic physical activity intensity by dancing. Secondary aims were (1) determining participants’ attendance and enjoyment and (2) building a community-academic partnership. Design RE-AIM was the design framework for this mixed methods, nurse-facilitated, 8-week pilot study in the Spring of 2023. Weekly sessions comprised check-in, mini-lessons, dancing, and data collection. Participants danced sitting, standing, or both. Methods We divided each participant's pulse rate by maximum aerobic capacity to determine weekly activity intensity. Participants completed Physical Activity Enjoyment and Rating of Perceived Exertion scales after each session. Nurses collected attendance data and facilitated Table Talks (Weeks 4 and 8) to explore participants’ enjoyment and solicit feedback for improving and sustaining Dance for Health (D4H). Observations and field notes provided data regarding time, cost, logistics, and overall feasibility. Findings Across eight weeks, 68 to 84% of participants reached target heart rates. Nearly one-quarter of participants attended all sessions, with 65.7% attending > 5 sessions. At Week 8, the mean enjoyment score was 6.7 of 7. No adverse consequences occurred. Partners and participants identified strategies for sustainability. Conclusions D4H was an enjoyable way for older adults to reach recommended aerobic physical activity intensity. Feasible in costs and logistics, D4H design addressed key barriers to older adult physical activity. Clinical Evidence Dancing is an effective multicomponent fitness intervention for community dwelling older adults.

Backed pieces at Sharbithat SHA-10 (Sultanate of Oman)

Sharbithat 10 (SHA-10) was discovered in 2017 during the first extensive survey of the northern part of the Dhofar region. Located on a vast mesa surrounded by wadi deltaic branches and abundant sources of flint, SHA-10 is characterized by flint scatters, dwellings, and cairns. Initial test trenches revealed a single period stratification sequence, highlighting a rich marine faunal composition and intense flintknapping activity. The fishing equipment, typical of coastal sites from this period, accompanies a distinctive lithic industry comprising blades, backed pieces, and tanged points. Through the study of technological processes leading to the manufacture of these artefacts, analysis of the points’ morphological variability, and examination of the prevalence of backed bladelets, new hypotheses regarding coastal subsistence strategies and chronological issues have emerged. However, the potential co-occurrence of different facies complicates a chronological definition which can be partly clarified by radiocarbon data results. In this communication, we present a preliminary study of this unique assemblage, discuss its chrono-typological implications, and explore their significance within the framework of South Arabian prehistory.

Analisis Dinamik Model Predator-Prey dengan Efek Pemanenan Pada Populasi Ikan Nike (Awaous Melanocephalus) di Provinsi Gorontalo

Gorontalo Province is one of the areas directly adjacent to Tomini Bay, which is known for its rich natural resources, especially in the fisheries sector such as Nike fish (Awaous melanocephalus). Nike fish is the main food commodity for people in the Gorontalo region. However, intensive fishing activities can pose an extinction threat to this species. This study aims to understand the dynamics of the Nike fish population using a predator-prey model that integrates the effects of harvesting on the prey population. The research process includes formulation of assumptions, model building, model validation, and data analysis through mathematical analysis and numerical simulation. The analysis showed that the model has four equilibrium points, each with different stability conditions. Numerical simulations showed that an increase in harvesting rate and natural mortality of prey, as well as a decrease in birth rate, could threaten the viability of the Nike fish population. Thus, appropriate management efforts are needed to maintain ecosystem balance and the sustainability of the Nike fish population. The calculation results show that the Nike fish production threshold in Gorontalo Province is 8.470.858 kg per year. However, the amount of Nike fish production in Gorontalo Province in 2023 only reached 56,75% of the threshold. This indicates that the production of Nike fish in Gorontalo can still be increased as long as the harvest limit is observed to prevent extinction.

Training rapid automatized naming in children with developmental Dyslexia

ABSTRACT The recommended rehabilitation procedures for Developmental Dyslexia (DD) are not well defined, and there is currently a large debate on which therapeutic approaches are shown to be more useful and effective. Among the trainings focused on general dysfunctional cognitive processes associated with a reading disorder, recent studies suggested the efficacy of trainings on Rapid Automatized Naming (RAN) compared to others. The present study was aimed at confirming the effectiveness of RAN training (RANt) to improve the reading performances of children with DD (n = 32) compared to children on a waiting list (WL, n = 25) and to children in different treatment groups, one following a text reading training (RT, n = 26) and the other combining RAN and text reading exercises (RANt+RT, n = 20), through an online platform that allows intensive and self-adaptive activities. Results confirmed the efficacy of RANt in improving reading speed and accuracy compared to the WL group (r2 ranging from small (.16) to medium (.48)) and found the absence of differences with the other active control groups. The single-subject level analysis confirmed the results, a high inter-subject variability in treatment response and pre-post differences were found. Further studies could consider such variability in the functional profile of the DD subjects, but RANt was confirmed to be a valid tool for improving decoding skills.

Heart Failure Symptoms Improve With More Intense Physical Activity.

Little is known about how changes in physical activity (PA) over time may influence symptoms in people with heart failure (HF). A secondary analysis was conducted with data from an RCT of an exercise intervention in patients with ICDs (implantable cardioverter defibrillator) and a HF diagnosis (n = 96). Data were collected at baseline and 2months of PA intervention. Physical activity (PA Steps = mean steps/day; PA Intensity = mean steps/min for most intense 30minutes/day) were measured over 5days at each timepoint. Physical symptoms were measured using the Patient Concerns Assessment, the SF-36 Vitality, and Bodily Pain subscales for fatigue and pain. Psychological symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and the State-Trait Anxiety Index. Associations between PA and physical and psychological symptoms were analyzed with multivariate regression. Patients (n = 96) were predominately male (83%) and Caucasian (79%), aged 55.8 ± 12.3years, BMI of 29.7 ± 5.1, with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF; 30.9 ± 9.9%). An increase in PA Steps was associated with improvement in anxiety (β = -1.178, p = .048). An increase in PA Intensity was associated with significant reductions in depression (β = -0.127, p = .021), anxiety (β = -0.234, p = .037), and fatigue (β = 0.528, p = .022). Decreases in PA Steps and PA Intensity were not associated with changes in any symptoms. For HF patients with an ICD, more intense PA over 2months was associated with improved psychological symptoms and reduced fatigue. Decreases in PA (total and intensity) were not associated with changes in symptoms. Interventions promoting increasing the intensity of PA over time may be an effective approach to reduce some HF symptoms.

Physical fitness of students of different physical health

The main didactic principle of physical education of students is the principle of accessibility (differentiation). Differentiation is based on individual capabilities of groups homogeneous in terms of physical health. Objective: to substantiate the physical prerequisites for differentiated physical education of students, taking into account their level of physical health. Material and methods. The study involved 102 first-year and second-year higher education students. The choice of these students was due to low physical fitness and deteriorating health. The study used analysis and synthesis of scientific and methodological sources, pedagogical testing of physical qualities, express assessment of physical health, and sample statistical method. Conclusions: the content of physical activity (volume and intensity, duration of recovery between bouts and series of exercises) is primarily determined by the level of health of participants. Among female students, this is an average level of physical health, and among male students is an above average level. The worst physical abilities are associated with a below average level of physical health. This may be the basis for a differentiated assessment of physical fitness.

Spatiotemporal Variation Characteristics and Source Identification of Nitrogen in the Baiyangdian Lake Water, China

To study the characteristics and sources of nitrogen in the Baiyangdian Lake, this research conducted water quality monitoring during three hydrological periods (normal period, flood period, and dry period), and 165 pieces of routine water quality monitoring data were collected from the three national control sections for Baiyangdian Lake and its inflow rivers. By integrating water chemical analysis with multivariate statistical techniques, the study comprehensively investigated the spatiotemporal variation patterns of nitrogen in Baiyangdian Lake and identified the sources of nitrogen pollution. The results showed that the concentration of total nitrogen (TN) was highest during the dry period, reaching an average of 0.924 mg/L, and 31.3% of the sites exceeded the national Grade III surface water quality standard, reflecting a potential risk of nitrogen pollution. Based on the ion ratio method and principal component analysis (PCA), the main sources of nitrogen pollution in Baiyangdian Lake were identified as manure and domestic sewage, with agricultural fertilizers also having a certain impact on water nitrogen pollution. In addition, the study also compared the nitrogen concentration in Baiyangdian Lake with several important lakes in China. The results showed that the concentrations of TN and ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N) in Baiyangdian Lake are lower than those in lakes in areas with similar human activity intensity, indicating that the water quality of Baiyangdian is relatively good. This study can provide a scientific basis for water quality management and pollution prevention for Baiyangdian Lake.

Influence of Oil and Gas End-Use on Summertime Particulate Matter and Ozone Pollution in the Eastern US.

The influence of oil and gas end-use activities on ambient air quality is complex and understudied, particularly in regions where intensive end-use activities and large biogenic emissions of isoprene coincide. In these regions, vehicular emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx≡NO + NO2) modulate the oxidative fate of isoprene, a biogenic precursor of the harmful air pollutants ozone, formaldehyde, and particulate matter (PM2.5). Here, we investigate the direct and indirect influence of the end-use emissions on ambient air quality. To do so, we use the GEOS-Chem model with focus on the eastern United States (US) in summer. Regional mean end-use NOx of 1.4 ppb suppresses isoprene secondary organic aerosol (OA) formation by just 0.02 μg m-3 and enhances abundance of the carcinogen formaldehyde by 0.3 ppb. Formation of other reactive oxygenated volatile organic compounds is also enhanced, contributing to end-use maximum daily mean 8-h ozone (MDA8 O3) of 8 ppb. End-use PM2.5 is mostly (67%) anthropogenic OA, followed by 20% secondary inorganic sulfate, nitrate and ammonium and 11% black carbon. These adverse effects on eastern US summertime air quality suggest potential for severe air quality degradation in regions like the tropics with year-round biogenic emissions, growing oil and gas end-use and limited environmental regulation.

Environmental impacts of mechanically stabilised earth walls

Mechanically stabilised earth (MSE) walls have gained widespread popularity in North America because of their cost-effectiveness and reliable performance. Although the use of carbon-intensive materials for MSE walls is significantly lower compared to conventional retaining walls like concrete gravity walls and cantilever walls, heavy earthwork and transportation activities are involved in the construction of MSE walls, which increase their carbon footprint. The intensity of construction and transportation activities need particular attention because these are heavily reliant on the combustion of fossil fuels. In this study, the environmental impacts of MSE walls, reinforced by two common types – steel strips and geogrid – are quantified using life cycle assessment (LCA). A parametric study is conducted to investigate the effects of (i) soil properties, (ii) material properties of reinforcement, (iii) applied load, (iv) design parameters, and (v) hauling distances of materials on the global warming impact of MSE walls. Based on the study, reference charts are developed for the purpose of quick estimation of global warming impact of MSE walls based on design dimensions, applied load, and site conditions.

Evaluation of the influence of athlete neural activity patterns on the dynamic index of leaping ability using data mining techniques

There are many dynamic indicators of jumping ability, and the athlete’s neural activity pattern is an important factor in regulating limb activities. This article uses data mining technology to collect, preprocess, data modeling and analysis, and data visualization of dynamic index data of athletes’ neural activity patterns of jumping ability. The results show that the jumping ability of athletes with higher neural activity intensity increased significantly after training to around 40 cm–50 cm, while athletes with lower neural activity intensity did not change significantly and remained around 30 cm–35 cm. The overall learning ability of athletes with higher levels of neural activity improved by about 10 cm, and the base of neural activity also increased significantly. It shows that there is a significant correlation between the intensity of neural activity and dynamic indicators of jumping ability, which is the main driving force for athletes’ jumping explosive power. The research results can help formulate reasonable and scientific training methods to improve athletes’ jumping ability and overall sports level.

Identification of subsurface archaeology at Mutaredh, United Arab Emirates, using ground penetrating radar

The United Arab Emirates holds great historical importance, as evidenced by many archaeological sites, such as the Jebel Hafit Tombs and the Hili Archeological Park in Al Ain. At the western edge of Mutaredh Oasis, a major new archaeological site was discovered in 2023 during a construction project. Several important archeological features have been documented, including an earthen mosque and boundary walls, Iron Age irrigation systems, and a circular stone tomb dating to the Bronze Age. However, the eastern edge of the Mutaredh site has remained unexplored to date. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) has been proven to be a successful method in mapping archaeological remains. Accordingly, a high-resolution GPR survey was carried out to identify the continuity of the unearthed archeological elements and delineate new unexplored features. A comprehensive 3D model of buried archaeological features was constructed using the acquired high-resolution GPR data in the eastern part of the Mutaredh site. Several selected anomalies have been observed, similar to the uncovered features in the western part of the Mutaredh site and structures documented in other nearby archaeological sites. The geometry and extension of these anomalies have enabled the possible identification of a further two Bronze Age circular tombs, as well as the delineation of a system of water channels (falaj), and irrigation networks with tree pits from the Iron Age. Moreover, walls probably belonging to the Late Islamic Age are identified. These findings suggest that Mutaredh has been a site of intensive human activity from the Bronze Age through to the Late Islamic period. Given the density of identified anomalies, further significant features are anticipated to lie buried in the immediate surrounding areas, promising continued insights into the area’s rich archaeological heritage. The findings of this study may guide archaeologists to specific locations and assist in selecting the most appropriate excavation techniques for the verification stage.