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The geophysical prospection of Neolithic tells imposes specific challenges due to the preservation and nature of the architectural context and the multiple, usually disturbed, soil strata. Contrary to the usual application of a single method, this paper deals with the advantages of using an integrated geophysical approach through the employment of various methodologies to map the Neolithic cultural and environmental landscape of Thessalian tells (magoules) in Central Greece. The success and failure of each method in resolving the various features of the magoulesare discussed in detail, and as a whole, they demonstrate the benefits of a manifold geophysical prospection of the sites.

Artificial neural networks (ANN) using raw electroencephalogram (EEG) data were developed and tested off-line to detect transient epileptiform discharges (spike and spike/wave) and EMG activity in an ongoing EEG. In the present study, a feedforward ANN with a variable number of input and hidden layer units and two output units was used to optimize the detection system. The ANN system was trained and tested with the backpropagation algorithm using a large data set of exemplars. The effects of different EEG time windows and the number of hidden layer neurons were examined using rigorous statistical tests for optimum detection sensitivity and selectivity. The best ANN configuration occurred with an input time window of 150 msec (30 input units) and six hidden layer neurons. This input interval contained information on the wave component of the epileptiform discharge which improved detection. Two-dimensional receiver operating curves were developed to define the optimum threshold parameters for best detection. Comparison with previous networks using raw EEG showed improvement in both sensitivity and selectivity. This study showed that raw EEG can be successfully used to train ANNs to detect epileptogenic discharges with a high success rate without resorting to experimenter-selected parameters which may limit the efficiency of the system.

In this study, the effect of tibial tubercle elevation on the patellofemoral compressive force (PFCF) was investigated in patients with patellofemoral arthrosis. Fifteen (11 women and 4 men) patients who had undergone tibial tubercle elevation were included in the study. The average follow-up was 4.5 years. The mean age of the patients was 59 years (range 34–71 years). They were able to maintain a normal pain-free daily life. Maximal isometric quadriceps force (Q) was calculated by equating the moment generated by this force to the moment of the force measured at the ankle by a modified hand dynamometer. PFCF was calculated from the quadriceps and patellar tendon forces. Statistical analyses were then applied to the measured and calculated quantities. The mean quadriceps force in the operated knee decreased by 20%. Likewise, the mean PFCF was found to be reduced by 30% in the operated knees as compared with the asymptomatic contralateral knees. The above differences in Qand PFCF between the operated knee and the asymptomatic knee were statistically significant (P< 0.05). Therefore, the results of this study do not agree with the previously held view that Qand PFCF increase due to the removal of pain after the elevation operation. It is our contention that comparison of the forces measured preoperatively in a painful joint with the forces that can be attained postoperatively in the pain-free joint can lead to errors in biomechanical evaluations.