Underground Pit Research Articles

Offerings and rituals in a Messapian holy place: Vaste, Piazza Dante (Puglia, Southern Italy)

Archaeological investigations carried out in 1999 in the town centre of Vaste (inland from Otranto, Puglia, Southern Italy) have brought to light a sanctuary dating back to the end of the fourth/beginning of the third century bc. The holy place appears to have been dedicated to a female deity whose name, Oxxo, is painted on a cup and carved into a stone basin. The sacred area includes a building divided into rooms with fireplaces and three large underground pits. The two smaller pits served as containers for votive offerings, whereas the largest was used for religious rites, including libations and the sacrifice of piglets. On the basis of the combined analysis of artefacts and ecofacts it is possible to distinguish different ritual actions and to identify functional differences in the use of the three underground pits.

Characterization of the volatile organic compounds of Italian ‘Fossa’ cheese by solid‐phase microextraction gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

Fossa cheese is an Italian hard cheese, ripened for up to 3 months in underground pits dug into tuffaceous rock. During this period, the cheese develops a unique flavour and intense and somewhat piquant aroma. Solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (SPME-GC/MS) was utilized to characterize the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of Fossa cheese. A total of 75 VOCs were separated and identified; in particular, the major class of compounds found in the cheeses ripened in the pits were the esters of fatty acids. Discriminant analysis of volatile profiles allowed us to distinguish between cheeses in different stages of seasoning (60-day-old cheese and cheese ripened an additional 90 days in and out of the pits).

Introduction of Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) to the Hawaiian Islands

Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson) Fosberg, commonly known as breadfruit, is a tree from the Moraceae family grown on the islands of Oceania and primarily used as a food source. It was domesticated in equatorial New Guinea or Western Melanesia over 3,000 years ago and carried by Lapita peoples (Kirch 1997:38; Kirch 2000:78– 79) and their ancestors as they settled the most remote islands of the Pacific (Fig. 1) (Fosberg 1960; Jarrett 1959; Quisumbing 1940; Ragone 1987, 1991, 1995, 2001, 2006; Ragone and Paull 2008; Zerega 2003; Zerega et al. 2004). Breadfruit reaches heights of 10 to 20 m, bears fruit at seven years and continues to produce for 30 to 40 years, and grows best where annual rainfall is between 1,500 to 3,000 mm (Abbott 1992; Neal 1965:303). While yield is variety dependent, on average a tree will produce 150 to 200 fruits annually and, at 160–500 kg per year, provided an important, reliable source of carbohydrates in the era before European contact (Meilleur et al. 2004; Purseglove 1968; Ragone 2006). It was baked and mashed into a paste and on some islands was stored and fermented in underground pits to buffer against seasonal variations in food supply (Ragone 1991). In Hawai‘i it also provided wood for house construction, canoes, surf boards, and drums; its bark was made into cloth; and breadfruit latex was used for caulking canoes and to trap birds (Allen and Murakami 1999:103; Malo 1951:21; Neal 1965:303; Rock 1974:117). Historical linguistics and genetics of modern breadfruit from across the Pacific have been useful in tracing the long-term history of regional translocations (Kirch and Green 2000; Zerega et al. 2004), however similarities among Eastern Polynesian cultivars make it difficult to reconstruct the immediate origins of the single variety found in Hawai‘i. For example, Zerega et al. (2004) examined AFLP (amplified fragment length polymorphism) data from Oceania using three primer sets yielding 149 polymorphic markers across 254 individuals and found Eastern Polynesian cultivars were the “least genetically diverse and probably originated from a much reduced gene pool” (Zerega et al. 2004:226). Indigenous terms used for the Hawaiian variety of breadfruit—mei maoi in the Marquesas, kuru maori in the Cook Islands, ‘uru maohi in Society Islands, ‘ulu e‘a in Samoa, and ‘ulu in Hawai‘i (Ragone 1991)—are also extremely similar to one another since they derive from the same ancestral terms in Proto-Polynesian (*kulu or *mei) rooted in Proto-Oceanic (*kuluR) (Kirch 2000:110; Kirch and Green 2000:123). Domesticates were introduced to the Hawaiian Islands either with initial human colonization or through secondary introduction after settlements were established. Colonial introduction of domestic plants and animals began with the arrival of the archipelago’s first people who set sail from the 1 Received 8 February 2010; accepted 6 October 2010; published online ___________.

Raptor Pit Mortality in Mongolia and a Call to Identify and Modify Death Traps Wherever they Occur

Raptor Pit Mortality in Mongolia and a Call to Identify and Modify Death Traps Wherever they Occur

Spontaneous Combustion Liability of Kutahya (Turkey) Region Lignites

Spontaneous combustion of coals has been pointed out as one of the most critical problems encountered in coal mining for years. This event occurring in underground and open pits as well as in the coal–hole of the apartments can cause severe fatalities together with loss of reserves and equipment. Spontaneous combustion phenomenon can be reduced to a minimum degree by taking necessary precautions in time. In order to carry out this important task, at first the susceptibility of coals to spontaneous combustion should be determined and then colliery working conditions should be arranged according to these findings. In this work, the spontaneous combustion liability of the coals taken from Western, Seyitome, and Degirmisaz Lignite Corporations have been identified. The spontaneous combustion profiles of the coals from Kutahya Region have been ascertained in general. Through out the present work, the crossing point method has been utilized. A total of 33 laboratory tests have been carried out. According to test results, the coal samples taken from Seyitomer have “medium to high” risk for spontaneous combustion while the coals from Western Lignite Corporation have shown “high” risk and the coals from Degirmisaz Corporation have “medium” risk.

ビルピットから下水道施設への下水排水による悪臭の発生

高濃度の硫化水素を含むビルピット排水は，悪臭や管渠の腐食を引き起こすことが知られており，下水道管理者を悩ませる問題の1つである．ビルピット排水により発生する悪臭は，下水道を経由して，雨水桝やマンホールなどの開口部から空気中に漏洩するため，発生源の特定が難しい．さらには，下水道管理者として原因者を取り締まる術がなく，下水道施設で発生する悪臭とビルピット貯留水の水質の関係も明らかでない．本稿では，ビルピットの貯留水が下水道施設に硫化水素を発生させるまでの過程について実態調査を行い，その発生の傾向を明らかにした．

Deformation characteristics of the Jurassic clayey soils of Moscow

The upper-Jurassic soils of Moscow, which are frequently the bed and medium on which underground structures and deep pits are installed, are examined. Archival materials derived from surveys are statistically processed using the theory of correlation-regression analysis, and correlation relations between the compression modulus based on plate-test data and the physical parameters and specific resistance of the soil under the tip of the probe are investigated during static probing. Factors for conversion from the compression modulus of the soils examined to the compression modulus as determined by a plate are obtained.

Field Investigation on the Performance of Natural Ventilation System Combined with Solar Chimney and Underground Pit for Four Years : Part 1-System Operation and Supply/Exhaust Air Volumes of Natural Ventilation

Field Investigation on the Performance of Natural Ventilation System Combined with Solar Chimney and Underground Pit for Four Years : Part 1-System Operation and Supply/Exhaust Air Volumes of Natural Ventilation

Evaluation of the sulfate-reducing bacterial population associated with stored swine slurry

Hydrogen sulfide, produced by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), is one of the most potent malodors emitted from anaerobic swine waste storage systems. However, little is known about the prevalence and diversity of SRB in those systems. The goals of this study were to evaluate the SRB population in swine manure storage systems and to develop quantitative, real-time PCR (QRT-PCR) assays to target four of the SRB groups. Dissimilatory sulfite reductase (DSR) gene sequences were obtained from swine slurry stored in underground pits (43 clones) or in lagoons (34 clones). QRT-PCR assays were designed to target the dsrA gene of four novel groups of SRB. Sequences of dsrA clones from slurry samples grouped with those from three different cultured SRB: Desulfobulbus sp. (46 clones), Desulfovibrio sp. (24 clones and 5 isolates), and Desulfobacterium sp. (7 clones). However, DsrA sequences from swine slurry clones were generally less than 85% similar to those of cultured organisms. SRB from all four targeted SRB groups were detected in underground waste storage pits (6.6×10 3–8.5×10 7 dsrA copies mL −1 slurry), while only two groups of SRB were detected in lagoons (3.2×10 5–2.5×10 6 dsrA copies mL −1 slurry). To date, this is the only study to evaluate the phylogeny and concentration of SRB in any livestock waste storage system. The new QRT-PCR assays should facilitate sensitive, specific detection of the four novel groups of SRB in livestock waste storage systems.

Early coconut distillation and the origins of mezcal and tequila spirits in west-central Mexico

No evidence exists of distillation in Mexico before European contact. The Philippine people in Colima established the practice in the 16th Century to produce coconut spirits. Botanical, toponymic, archaeological, and ethnohistoric data are presented indicating that agave distillation began in Colima, in the lower Armeria-Ayuquila and Coahuayana-Tuxpan river basins, using Agave angustifolia Haw. and through adaptation of the Philippine coconut spirits distillation technique. Subsequent selection and cultivation of agaves led to their domestication and diversification. This did not take place in the lower river basins, where agave populations tended to disappear. The distillation technique spread to the foothills of Colima volcanoes and from there to all of western Mexico, leading to creation of tequila and other agave spirits. Two factors aided producers in avoiding strict Colonial prohibitions and were therefore key to the diffusion and persistence of agave spirits production: (1) clandestine fermentation in sealed, underground pits carved from bedrock, a native, pre-European contact technique; and (2) small, easy-to-use Philippine-type stills that could be hidden from authorities and allowed use of a broad range of agave species.

From the granary to the field; archaeobotany and experimental archaeology at l’Esquerda (Catalonia, Spain)

The study of a granary excavated at the medieval site of l’Esquerda has increased our knowledge of agricultural practices and economy. To deepen this knowledge, an experimental project was started with the late P.J. Reynolds (Butser Ancient Farm, England). Since the start of the experiment, 15 years of harvests have been collected from four fields near the archaeological site, which were cultivated with the cereals of medieval times and with a simulation of medieval farming practices. Meteorological conditions are measured by an automatic weather station, and the results are compared with those obtained in England. The research, initially started to provide more insight into crop yields, was extended towards medieval crop storage practices. The granary excavated at l’Esquerda has now been rebuilt using medieval techniques. This has allowed us to answer many questions about medieval architecture, tools and Blacksmith’s technology. Some underground pits were also dug. Experiments in crop storage using both systems are continuing.

Natural Occurrence of Mycotoxins in Staple Cereals from Ethiopia

The occurrence of mycotoxins in barley, sorghum, teff (Eragrostis tef) and wheat from Ethiopia has been studied. Samples were analyzed for aflatoxin B(1) (AFB1), ochratoxin A (OTA), deoxynivalenol (DON), nivalenol (NIV) and zearalenone (ZEN) using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and for fumonisins (FUM) using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). AFB1 and OTA were detected in samples of all the four crops. AFB1 was detected in 8.8% of the 352 samples analyzed at concentrations ranging from trace to 26 microg kg(-1). OTA occurred in 24.3% of 321 samples at a mean concentration of 54.1 microg kg(-1) and a maximum of 2106 microg kg(-1). DON occurred in barley, sorghum and wheat at 40-2340 microg kg(-1) with an overall incidence of 48.8% among the 84 mainly 'suspect' samples analyzed; NIV was co-analyzed with DON and was detected at 40 microg kg(-1) in a wheat sample and at 50, 380, and 490 microg kg(-1) in three sorghum samples. FUM and ZEN occurred only in sorghum samples with low frequencies at concentrations reaching 2117 and 32 microg kg(-1), respectively. The analytical results indicate higher mycotoxin contamination in sorghum, which could be related to the widespread storage of sorghum grain in underground pits leading to elevated seed moisture contents. This is the first report on the occurrence of OTA in teff.

Effects of storage methods, storage time and different agro-ecological zones on chemical components of stored sorghum grain in Hararghe, Ethiopia

Sorghum grain stored in traditional underground pits was sampled from seven districts of Hararghe, eastern Ethiopia, representing lowland, intermediate and highland zones, from February to August 2001, and was analysed at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) for changes in chemical composition over time. Samples were also taken from a replicated aboveground bin and pit storage experiment at Alemaya University campus at 2-month intervals from March 2000 to August 2001 and analysed in a similar manner. The effect of geographic location on chemical composition was significant, but there were differences in the sorghum varieties grown. The organic matter (OM) content of grain samples from pits in the lowlands was lower than those from the highlands. The crude protein (CP) and OM contents of samples from the seven districts did not change in 7–9 storage months. The OM content decreased and the CP slightly increased over time in samples from soil pits without any lining material on Alemaya University campus. The OM content decreased from 97.8 to 91.6%; and CP increased from 10.1 to 11.2% in these samples over a 17-month period. Soluble carbohydrate (SCHO) content significantly decreased over time in samples from the districts (from 2.4 to 1.2% by 7 months) and in samples from soil pits on campus (from 2.4 to 1.9% after 7 months and to 0.97% after 17 months). There was no significant change in the organic matter, CP and SCHO contents in samples taken from the cemented aboveground bin, cement- and dung-lined pits at the Alemaya campus, all of which were lined with polythene sheeting. From these data, we conclude that the combination of storage methods, storage period, geographic location and/or sorghum variety affected grain quality. Grain storage in traditional underground pits for long periods does lead to grain deterioration. The use of improved grain storage structures maintains the grain quality and nutritional value of sorghum for a reasonably long period.

The NIOSH Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Program

The New York Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) program is designed to identify and study fatal occupational injuries in New York State. The New York FACE program is supported by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and administered by the New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH) in cooperation with Cornell University. New York FACE investigators evaluate information from multiple sources, conduct objective on-site investigations, and then summarize their findings in narrative reports that include recommendations for preventing similar events in the future. These recommendations are distributed to employers, workers, and other organizations as an educational tool for promoting workplace safety. The following case study involved a 53-year-old dairy farm owner who was fatally injured while transferring manure from an underground storage pit to a manure lagoon. At the time of the incident, the farmer was utilizing a manure pump that was connected to a tractor via a power take-off (PTO) shaft. The farmer reached across the unshielded PTO shaft in order to operate a hand crank that adjusted the manure pump chute. As he did this, his clothing became entangled in the PTO shaft, wrapping the farmer's body around the shaft. New York FACE investigators concluded that to help prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future: PTO-powered equipment should not be operated unless the PTO shield is in place and in good condition; Power to equipment should be turned off prior to making mechanical adjustments; Manure handling systems should be designed to facilitate operator safety; Farm workers should be healthy and well rested prior to performing hazardous activities and; Dairy farm workers should be trained in manure handling safety and knowledgeable about other manure hazards.

雪の大規模高密度貯蔵に関する屋外実証実験

A field experiment of large scale snow storage was conducted in Sapporo. Objectives of this experiment are to experimentally verify that the storing snow with adding water is effective for snow compression and for making high density without any mechanical machines. Snow was stored in a large underground pit, which has a diameter of 1.0 m and 6.7 m deep with or without adding water. It was clarified that water addition to the stored snow is very effective to compress the shallow layer of the stored snow. In this time, water permeated through stored snow layer and fell down into the bottom space. It means that added water can be used repeatedly for the compression when water in the bottom space is pumped up. The observed maximum dry snow density was 582 kg/m^3.

Evaluation of the Optimum Mesh of Grind for Nchanga Underground Copper and Open-Pit Cobalt ores in the laboratory

The Nchanga concentrator of the Konkola Copper Mine Plc treats ore from both the underground and open pit mines. Differential flotation is employed in the treatment of the underground copper ore while bulk flotation is done on the open-pit cobalt ore. However, the underground copper circuit was characterised by low metal recoveries whilst the open pit circuit had problems with maintaining stable optimum metal recoveries. In an effort to improve recoveries on both circuits, testworks were conducted on feed material to the Nchanga concentrator. The feed material included underground copper and open pit cobalt ores. In this work, sampling using an appropriate sampling technique was done from the belt conveyors feeding ten 2.44m dia x 2.74 Head Wrightson overflow copper discharge ball mills and from the belt conveyors feeding one 2.74m dia. x 3.70m Head wrightson overflow cobalt rod mill. For both ores, parameters considered for the evaluation included the variation of grindability at various time intervals of 2 minutes for 20 minutes and the effect of grindability quality on flotation recoveries. Results from the testworks conducted have shown that the optimum mesh of grind for the underground copper ore is 55.59% passing 75µm (16.37% + 150µm) yielding metal recoveries of 85.12% TCu and 97.09% AICu. The optimum mesh of grind for the open-pit ore is 53.37% passing 75µm (13.41% + 150µm) yielding metal recoveries of 90.41% TCo and 93.64% AICo. This paper discusses laboratory testworks and the results that were obtained. Key words Differential flotation, bulk flotation, recovery, grade. (Af. J. of Science and Technology: 2002 3(1): 85-92)

Effects of wall linings on moisture ingress into traditional grain storage pits.

Increasing climate variability, resulting in frequent years of poor rainfall, has recently subjected the traditional subsistence farmers in the Central Clay Plain of the Sudan to longer periods of food shortage. However, excess production in years of good rainfall could bridge the gap of years with poor rainfall if the grain is properly stored. Resource-poor farmers have tried several linings to improve the traditional underground pit ("matmura") they use for storage of sorghum. In the experimental study described here, pits with two types of lining: (i) a mixture of mud, cow dung and straw and (ii) sorghum chaff, were compared with unlined pits. Six closed pits were used, two for each type, and temperature and moisture content were monitored. It was found that the temperature increased in all pits and at all positions within the pits, with few differences between the linings. Moisture levels also increased everywhere but the sources of moisture were at the sides and bottoms of the pits. The chaff-lined pits were superior to the others because they showed smaller increases in moisture content at all positions and thus maintained a better quality of sorghum. Joint traditional assessments with local farmers after the pits were opened supported these findings.

Insect pests infesting stored pearl millet Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. in northeastern Nigeria and their damage potential

A survey of the systems used for pearl millet storage, the species of insect pests infesting stored pearl millet and their damage potential, was carried out in 1997/98 in the sudano-sahelian zone of northeastern Nigeria. Polypropylene sacks with a frequency of 65.6% were employed more frequently by farmers for pearl millet storage than rumbus (mud silos), clay pots or underground pits with frequencies of 18.8, 9.4 and 6.3%, respectively. Three species of secondary pests, Tribolium castaneum (Tenebrionidae), Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Cucujidae) and Liposcelis bostrychophilus (Liposcelidae) constituted 47.7, 27.8 and 17.0% of the total number of insects collected from millet sub-samples, respectively; two species of primary pests, Rhyzopertha dominica (Bostrychidae) and Sitophilus zeamais (Curculionidae) constituted 6.8 and 0.6%, respectively. Percentage of damaged pearl millet grains was significantly higher in grains stored in the underground pit storage system (80.1%) than in grains stored in the rumbu (39.2%), clay pot (15.8%) or polypropylene sack (14.0%). Damage by insect pests was significantly higher in grains stored for a longer duration than in grains stored for a relatively short period.

The army in clay of China's first emperor visits the U.S.

It was a serendipitous finding. In 1974, drilling for water, Chinese farmers instead dug up a great archeologic find: A life-size terra-cotta army created to protect China's first emperor on his journey to the afterlife. Some of these clay warriors and horses can be viewed at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., in The Golden Age of Chinese Archaeology: Celebrated Discoveries from the People's Republic of China. This landmark exhibit runs through Jan. 2, 2000. Created more than two millennia ago, the clay army of about 8,000 warriors, servants, horses, and chariots was buried in three underground pits about 3/4 mile from the subterranean palace containing the tomb of Shihuangdi (259-210 B.C.), the first emperor. Shihuangdi's necropolis, which took 36 years and 700,000 prisoners and slaves to complete, is near the present-day city of Xi'an in Shaanxi province. Records indicate that Shihuangdi began building his tomb at age 13, when he became ...

石炭技術 ウンバルート炭鉱の躍進

Embalut Coal Mine is located in the north of Samarinda City, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. The mine started coal production in 1983. Coal production consists of U/G and O/P. 5 longwall panels are working in 3 underground pits, and coal is transported to the surface using mine cars by winders, then is carried about 6 km by dump trucks to the washing plant whichi is located at the east riverside of Mahakam River. An adequate quality coal for market is made by mixing the high caloric coal from U/Gwith low caloric coal from O/C at the washing plant. Clean coal is shipped to barges (2, 500～8, 000) by the loading facility (500 tons/hr), coal for domestic users is derectly carried to destination by barge and coal for export istransshipped to adepot ship on the opensea or Balikpapan Coal Terminal. Mitsui Mining Engineering Co., Ltd., had dispatced 3 engineers as mine managers and 4 engineers as vice mine managers from 1990 to 1997, and after that Indonesian mine manager has been engaged in. The improvements of the mine furing our stay in the mine were made by as follows; (1) introduction of retreat longwall mining system using hydraulic props & link bars, (2) introduction of endlesse wired transportation system at a each level road. At some extraction panels where wood have to be used, room & pillar system shich was using a traditional wooden props was replaced by a longwall system using combination of relatively strong and weak wooden chock at the early stage, but finally all the panels were improved to hydraulic props & link bars system. Furthermore, for the purpose of smooth mine car transpotation, the road maintenance system was improved. The results of those improvements of the mine, mining recovery ratio increased drastically, and the double level of U/G production has been reached compared with the period before under control of Mitui Mining Engineering