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This study delves into the impact of key European educational programs launched between the late 1980s and early 1990s, namely COMETT, Erasmus, PETRA, Lingua, TEMPUS, and Eurotecnet. These initiatives represented a concerted effort to foster deeper cooperation within the European Community, focusing on enhancing educational and vocational training opportunities. The COMETT program was instrumental in connecting academia with the labor market and advancing technology training but did not adequately support vulnerable groups such as women, ethnic minorities, and the unemployed. ERASMUS and PETRA contributed significantly to student mobility and youth vocational training, though PETRA struggled to directly address rising youth unemployment. LINGUA focused on enhancing foreign language skills, vital for fostering European integration, while TEMPUS facilitated educational reforms in post-communist Central and Eastern Europe. EUROTECNET promoted innovation in vocational training by integrating new technologies but faced challenges related to consistency across member states. Despite these initiatives’ successes in modernizing the educational systems and enhancing European competitiveness, many programs prioritized economic and technological objectives over social inclusion. Vulnerable groups often remained underrepresented in these reforms. However, these early efforts laid the groundwork for later programs like Leonardo da Vinci and SOCRATES, which aimed to balance competitiveness with social equity. The article calls for further research on the human impact of these programs, particularly regarding youth unemployment and the inclusion of marginalized groups.

Objectives: The prehospital emergency triage rapid algorithm (PETRA) method was designed to overcome the deficiencies of the earlier described simple triage and rapid treatment (START) method. This study has compared the START and PETRA triage methods regarding the appropriateness of triaging victims following a simulated mass casualty incident in terms of accuracy and time efficiency. The two triage systems were compared. Methods: This was a prospective study using a convenience sample of randomly distributed paramedic students between September 2022 and December 2022 at the Civil Defense College in Amman. Sample 102 students of the paramedic diploma program at the College. Total time of prehospital triage, accuracy of prehospital triage, level of under triage, and level of over triage were measured for both study groups. Results: Independent t-test revealed that there was no significant difference between the PETRA and START methods in terms of the prehospital triage accuracy, time spent in prehospital triage, and level of over triage. However, the level of under triage in the PETRA group was lower compared to the START group. Conclusion: The study proposes that the paramedic should adopt the PETRA method as an improved alternative to the START method during a massive causality incident. In the same way, this research encourages the incorporation of the PETRA method in the curricula of paramedics and nurses. More research is required to support the existing findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although tour guides' role in encouraging pro-environmental behavior has been confirmed in the literature, little research has been undertaken to examine how world heritage site (WHS) type may influence the relationship between tour guides' performance and tourists' pro-environmental behavior. The difference between cultural world heritage and natural world heritage in terms of tourists' behavior is under-explored. This research aims to assess the moderating effect of world heritage type (cultural and natural) on the relationship between tour guides' performance and tourists' pro-environmental behavior. A self-administrated survey was used for collecting data from two of the most famous natural and cultural WHSs: Petra Archeological Park in Jordan and Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. PLS-SEM was employed to conduct multi-group and path analysis. The results showed that world heritage type partially moderates the relationship between the performance of tour guides, tourists' experience, satisfaction, and pro-environmental behavior. Managerial and theoretical implications and research directions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floods are a widespread natural disaster that occur in most areas of the world, except for the polar regions. To minimize the damage caused by floods, effective management strategies and policies must be implemented. Petra and Wadi Musa areas are prone to floods, which happen every 2–3 years and result in significant harm to both lives and properties. To address this issue, a composite hazard and vulnerability index is commonly utilized to evaluate flood risk and guide policy formation for flood risk reduction. These tools are efficient and cost-effective in generating accurate results. Accordingly, the present study aims to determine the morphological and hydrometeorological parameters that affect flash floods in Petra catchment area and to identify high-risk zones using GIS, hydrological, and analytical hierarchy (AHP) modeling. Nine factors, including Elevation (E), Landuse/Landcover LULC, Slope (S), Drainage density (DD), Flood Control Points (FCP) and Rainfall intensity (RI), which make up the six risk indices, and Population Density (PD), Cropland (C), and Transportation (Tr), which make up the three vulnerability indices, were evaluated both individually and in combination using AHP in ArcGIS 10.8.2 software. These parameters were classified as hazard and vulnerability indicators, and a final flood map was generated. The map indicated that approximately 37% of the total area in Petra catchment is at high or very high risk of flooding, necessitating significant attention from governmental agencies and decision-makers for flood risk mitigation. The AHP method proposed in this study is an accurate tool for flood mapping that can be easily applied to other regions in Jordan to manage and prevent flood hazards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is limited understanding of differences in the composition and structure of ligaments between healthy males and females, and individuals of different ages. Females present higher risk for ligament injuries than males and there are conflicting reports on its cause. This study looks into T1ρ parameters for an explanation as it relates to proteoglycan, collagen, and water content in these tissues. Purpose: To investigate gender‐related and age‐related differences in T1ρ parameters in knee joint ligaments in healthy volunteers using a T1ρ‐prepared zero echo‐time (ZTE)‐based pointwise‐encoding time‐reduction with radial acquisition (T1ρ‐PETRA) sequence. Study Type: Prospective. Population: The study group consisted of 22 healthy subjects (11 females, ages: 41 ± 18 years, and 11 males, ages: 41 ± 14 years) with no known inflammation, trauma, or pain in the knee joint. Field Strength/Sequence: A T1ρ‐prepared 3D‐PETRA sequence was used to acquire fat‐suppressed images with varying spin‐lock lengths (TSLs) of the knee joint at 3T. Assessment: Monoexponential, biexponential, and stretched‐exponential 3D‐PETRA‐T1ρ parameters were measured in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), and patellar tendon (PT) by manually drawing ROIs over the entirety of the tissues. Statistical Tests: Mann–Whitney U‐tests were used to compare 3D‐PETRA‐T1ρ parameters in the ACL, PCL, and PT between males and females. Spearman correlation coefficients were used to determine the association between age and T1ρ parameters. Statistical significance was defined as P < 0.05. Results: Significant correlations with age were found the three ligaments with most of the measured T1ρ parameters (rs = 0.28–0.74) with the exception of the short fraction in the PCL (P = 0.18), and the short relaxation time in the ACL (P = 0.58) and in the PCL (P = 0.14). Data Conclusion: 3D‐PETRA‐T1ρ can detect age‐related differences in monoexponential, biexponential, and stretched‐exponential T1ρ parameters in three ligaments of healthy volunteers, which are thought to be related to changes in tissue composition and structure during the aging process. Level of Evidence: 2 Technical Efficacy: Stage 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultural properties in Petra have faced hazards from both man-made and natural causes, posing significant conservation challenges. This paper reviews current maintenance and conservation strategies by Sela for Training and Protection of Heritage, a Jordanian not-for-profit organization exemplifying a holistic approach to heritage conservation in line with the Venice Charter's principles. Sela has launched campaigns to raise awareness and train local communities on the importance of heritage protection. In recent years, Sela staff have focused on researching sustainable, locally produced materials for conservation projects to reduce CO2 emissions. Inspired by the 2023 ICOMOS Jordan initiative "Future for Our Past," Sela's activities are closely coordinated with local authorities, aiming to enhance the legal framework for conservation in Jordan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various 'management-by-objectives' frameworks for visitor use management have evolved to balance enhancing visitor experiences with preserving heritage resources at archaeodestinations. These frameworks employ a normative approach, identifying specific indicators to assess visitor experience quality and resource conditions, along with associated thresholds that denote acceptable conditions. Traditionally, the normative approach for assessing visitor experience quality primarily relied on on-site questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. However, with the proliferation of online platforms like TripAdvisor, managers of archaeodestinations must adapt their strategies to leverage User-Generated Content (UGC) for evaluating visitor experiences. Embracing a novel methodology, this research integrates UGC with the normative approach to develop indicators for visitor experience at Petra World Heritage site in Jordan. A content analysis of 618 reviews posted on TripAdvisor was conducted, providing valuable insights into the visitor experience at Petra and assisting in developing potential indicators of quality for the site. Related methodological and managerial implications and recommendations are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is conducted to find out the effect of Word-of-Mouth, Destination Image, and Tourist Satisfaction on the tourist's intention to revisit. The World Heritage site of Petra has been selected as a study site. The descriptive quantitative research design is employed ; visitors of Petra were the target population and the convenience sampling method has been calculated using the G*Power software (version 3.1.9.7). Results reveal a strong relationship between e-WOM, destination image, tourist satisfaction, and revisit intention. Meanwhile, results show that destination image doesn’t have any impact or relationship on tourist revisit intention. The study has a practical and theoretical importance that helps in managing the heritage site and enables researchers to address more critically the strength and weaknesses of Petra's marketing locally and globally.

Copyright of Annals of the 'Ovidius' University of Constanta. Political Science Series / Analele Universitatii Ovidius din Constanta, Seria Stiinte Politice is the property of Editura Ovidius University Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Jordan has a complex history that has left tangible traces in numerous archaeological sites scattered throughout the country. This unique heritage of inestimable cultural value must be documented, thoroughly researched, and protected in order to prevent its destruction and loss. In this context, knowledge and documentation can be achieved through the application of non-destructive geophysical and geomatic methods. This work represents a synthesis of the results of twenty years of projects carried out at the archaeological sites of Basta, Petra, Um-Hamat (Karak), Umm ar-Rasas, Wu'Ayra, Madaba, and Shawbak. This study enables the exploration of new buried structures in the ground and the documentation of the state of preservation of the structures. It provides an up-to-date overview of Jordan's rich archaeological heritage and supports restoration projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is conducted to find out the effect of Word-of-Mouth, Destination Image, and Tourist Satisfaction on the tourist's intention to revisit. The World Heritage site of Petra has been selected as a study site. The descriptive quantitative research design is employed; visitors of Petra were the target population and the convenience sampling method has been calculated using the G*Power software (version 3.1.9.7). Results reveal a strong relationship between e-WOM, destination image, tourist satisfaction, and revisit intention. Meanwhile, results show that destination image doesn't have any impact or relationship on tourist revisit intention. The study has a practical and theoretical importance that helps in managing the heritage site and enables researchers to address more critically the strength and weaknesses of Petra's marketing locally and globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environmental advantages of green tourism are attracting the attention of a wider range of stakeholders. The behavior of travelers toward green tourism sustainability and its impact on the accomplishment of a green environment has not been well studied empirically, particularly in Petra. In this research, we use an expanded framework of the t heory of planned behavior to explore the behavioral features of foreign visitors toward the sustainability of green tourism (TPB). Descriptive analysis of the explanatory survey was the method of choice for the research project at hand. A large number of respondents were tourists. Office administrators are responsible for the formulation of a company's corporate strategy. 400 tourists took part in our survey for this research. According to our results, travelers' views toward green tourism were highly influenced by their opinions of the sustainability of green tourism and their environmental concerns. In addition, our findings show that visitors' intentions to engage in the sustainability of green tourism are negatively influenced by subjective norms, whereas tourists' attitudes are positively influenced by these norms. Both environmental concerns and the desire of visitors to engage in green tourism have a substantial influence on ecologically responsible tourism behavior, according to our findings.

Jordan has a complex history that has left tangible traces in numerous archaeological sites scattered throughout the country. This unique heritage of inestimable cultural value must be documented, thoroughly researched, and protected in order to prevent its destruction and loss. In this context, knowledge and documentation can be achieved through the application of non-destructive geophysical and geomatic methods. This work represents a synthesis of the results of twenty years of projects carried out at the archaeological sites of Basta, Petra, Um-Hamat (Karak), Umm ar-Rasas, Wu’Ayra, Madaba, and Shawbak. This study enables the exploration of new buried structures in the ground and the documentation of the state of preservation of the structures. It provides an up-to-date overview of Jordan’s rich archaeological heritage and supports restoration projects.

Copyright of Revista Numismática Hécate is the property of Revista Numismatica Hecate and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Qasr al-Bint Temple is one of the best-preserved freestanding structures in Petra beside it is the main temple of the ancient city. The Nabataeans built this Temple at about the same time as the famous Al-Khazneh (Treasury) was built, in the second half of the reign of King Aretas IV (ruled 9 BC-40 AD). I can surely say that this Temple is an outstanding and unique example of the fusion of Greco-Roman and Eastern elements in Nabataean architecture, which motivates scholars to study and write about it. The Nabataean's architecture, culture and religion still fascinate every scholar whenever they discover something new about them. Unfortunately, the Nabataeans did not leave many inscriptions that reveal all details of their life, but they left the most amazing archeological remains that will always be impressive and provide the motivation to learn and dig more to reveal more about their mysteries. In this paper, I will write in general about the Nabataeans origin, their settlement and location and their temples. Then I will write in detail about Qasr al-Bint Temple which I will focus on in my paper, regarding its location, most important features and function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environmental advantages of green tourism are attracting the attention of a wider range of stakeholders. The behavior of travelers toward green tourism sustainability and its impact on the accomplishment of a green environment has not been well studied empirically, particularly in Petra. In this research, we use an expanded framework of the t heory of planned behavior to explore the behavioral features of foreign visitors toward the sustainability of green tourism (TPB). Descriptive analysis of the explanatory survey was the method of choice for the research project at hand. A large number of respondents were tourists. Office administrators are responsible for the formulation of a company's corporate strategy. 400 tourists took part in our survey for this research. According to our results, travelers' views toward green tourism were highly influenced by their opinions of the sustainability of green tourism and their environmental concerns. In addition, our findings show that visitors' intentions to engage in the sustainability of green tourism are negatively influenced by subjective norms, whereas tourists' attitudes are positively influenced by these norms. Both environmental concerns and the desire of visitors to engage in green tourism have a substantial influence on ecologically responsible tourism behavior, according to our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terracing and the construction of a flood control system in Petra has allowed a unique opportunity to examine landscape conditions and changes beginning with the Late Iron Age. The study area is the Hremiyyeh catchment that flows into the core of the archaeological city of Petra and therefore constitutes an important key to understanding the human settlement of the area. The location was chosen as a focal point for intensive investigation and the study of human response to environmental change. This study involved careful documentation of the topography, geology, and archaeology of the site. In addition, samples were taken for the dating of terrace construction and changes in the landscape. The study indicates that the hydrological interventions began in the Late Iron Age, and intensified during the Nabataean and Early Roman periods. At the time, some of the drainage areas were already deeply gullied, while other parts had recently accumulated sediments. The lower terraces became filled with water-logged sediments, leading to the deposition of carbonates. The upper terraces changed the drainage pattern and deposition of the sediments. The sediments trapped there seem to have been less waterlogged. The abandonment of the system at the end of the Byzantine to Early Islamic periods led to partial collapses, gullying, and bedrock downcutting. Due to soil accumulation, the upper terraces were restored and enhanced with new ones around the 11th. Century CE, probably due to partial reclamation of the area by nomadic settlers, with charred botanical evidence found indicating the burning of wild vegetation in favor of domesticated cereal and legumes, with relatively humid conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents two new Nabataean inscriptions found by the authors in Shkārat el‐Faras, north of Petra. The paper includes a commentary on the vocabulary and the proper names attested in these two undated inscriptions and sheds light on the different interpretations of the disputed word ptwrʾ, a professional title possibly meaning 'diviner, augur', which is attested in both texts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The territory of modern Jordan is related to different historical epochs. Many ancient civilizations and peoples left their mark there. Many events happened in Biblical history. The study of Jordan’s archaeological memorials became possible in the second half of the 20th century because of the unstable political situation in the Middle East and in Jordan. During last decades the researchers have being discovered many archaeological memorials of the early Byzantine epochs. The work is devoted to the description of the best-preserved early Byzantine floor. The mosaics were found in Jerash, Petra, Umm-er-Rasas, on Mount Nebo, and other historical sites in Jordan. The author gives his interpretation of the pictorial and ideological content of the compositions. The ruins of the Church of Cosmas and Damian in Jerash contain the largest surviving fragment of a floor mosaic (533). The complex geometric division of the composition, in addition to decorative functions, had a liturgical application and defined the position of the clergy during worship. The construction of the baptismal aisle of the basilica on Mount Nebo corresponds in style to their time (530), but it is unique in content and composition, consisting human figures interacting with animals. According to the author, comprehension of the construction is most productive in the context of with Biblical exegesis. Mosaics from the beginning of the 8th century St. Stephen’s Basilicas at Umm er Rasas reflect the topography of ancient Palestine. That memorial is not less significant than Madaba’s map of the Holy Land of the 6th century that was discovered previously. The floor mosaics of the main basilica of Petra deserve special attention. Petra is known as the largest cave necropolis. For all its tradition, the composition of mosaics admits of multiple interpretations, versions of which are presented in the work. Thus, the ruins of early Byzantine basilicas discovered in Jordan recently expand the subject area of the study of mosaic art from the 5th to the beginning of the 8th centuries. The mosaics of Jordan were organic part of the cultural space of the Middle East. The decorativeness of early Byzantine mosaics which are heritage of the ancient world, is complemented by a wider range of ideological religious elements. Each mosaic has both common stylistic features and unique ones. Each object is a work of mosaic art, which reflects the original vision of theological, liturgical, chronological and other interpretations of the mosaic authors. Islamization and iconoclasm forced mosaicists to remake mosaics. They tried to save the mosaics from complete destruction and spontaneously restored anthropomorphic and zoomorphic images. Many mosaic surfaces were destroyed due to the weakness of the solution or earthquakes. As a rule, the original plot of the mosaics was not recovered during the restoration. It means that the period of Christian mosaic art in this region was relatively short and ended due to islamization and iconoclasm. Территория современной Иордании тесно связана с разными историческими эпохами. Многие древние цивилизации и народы оставили здесь свой след. Немало событий вошли в библейскую историю. Но в связи с нестабильной политической ситуацией на Ближнем Востоке и, в частности, в Иордании полноценное изучение археологических памятников в регионе стало возможным только во второй половине XX столетия. В последние десятилетия исследователи открыли множество археологических памятников ранневизантийской эпохи. Работа посвящена описанию наиболее сохранившихся ранневизантийских напольных мозаик, обнаруженных в Джераше, Петрах, Умм-эр-Расас, на горе Нево и в других исторических местах Иордании. Дана авторская трактовка изобразительного и идейного содержания композиций. Остатки церкви Косьмы и Дамиана в Джераше содержат крупнейший из сохранившихся фрагмент напольной мозаики (533 г.). Сложное геометрическое членение композиции помимо декоративных функций имело литургическое применение, определяя положение духовенства во время богослужения. Сюжеты крестильного придела базилики на горе Нево по стилистике соответствуют своему времени (530 г.), но уникальны по содержанию и композиции, состоящей из человеческих фигур, взаимодействующих с животными. Осмысление данных сюжетов, по мнению автора, наиболее продуктивно в сочетании с библейской экзегетикой. Мозаики начала VIII в. базилики святого Стефана в Умм-эр-Расас отражают топографию древней Палестины. Этот памятник не менее значим, чем ранее открытая карта Святой Земли VI в. в Мадабе. Особого внимания заслуживают напольные мозаики главной базилики города Петры, более известного как крупнейший пещерный некрополь. При всей своей традиционности композиция мозаик допускает множественное толкование, версии которого представлены в работе. Таким образом, недавно открытые в Иордании остатки ранневизантийских базилик расширяют предметную область изучения мозаичного искусства V – начала VIII в. Мозаики Иордании являлись органичной частью культурного пространства Ближнего Востока. Декоративность ранневизантийских мозаик, унаследованная от эпохи античности, существенно дополнена более широким спектром религиозных идей. При общих стилистических особенностях и подобии визуальных элементов каждый объект является уникальным произведением мозаичного искусства, отражающим оригинальность теологических, литургических, хронологических и иных взглядов авторов мозаик. Арабская экспансия и иконоборчество VIII в. вынуждало авторов мозаик перекладывать стихийным набором антропоморфные и зооморфные изображения с целью недопущения полного уничтожения работ. Реставрация утрат декоративного слоя напольных мозаик, возникавших по причине слабости раствора или землетрясений, производилась, как правило, без восстановления первоначального сюжета. Это говорит об относительно коротком периоде христианского мозаичного искусства и его резкой утрате в данном регионе по причине исламизации и иконоборчества.

Although Nabataean Painted Fine Ware (NPFW) has been examined in light of Stephan Schmid’s chronological typology since the late 1990s, few stratified contexts with NPFW from outside Petra have been published, and none derived from contexts occupied continuously from the Nabataean through Byzantine periods. Questions remain about the dating of later dekorphases (3–4) due to a lack of contexts. This paucity is remedied, however, by Area K at Roman Aqaba/Aila, Jordan. Area K was a domestic complex, just inside the later Byzantine city wall, excavated from 1994 through 2002. Using associated numismatic evidence and imported fine wares (primarily Eastern Sigillata A and African Red Slip), this paper argues that NPFW Dekorphase 3b appeared at Aila in the second half of the 1st century CE, and Dekorphase 3c appeared shortly afterwards, around the time of the Roman annexation in the beginning of the 2nd century.

The remains of a Nabataean private complex located west of the Roman-period apsidal building in the Qasr al-Bint area of Petra, excavated by the French archaeological team between 2005 and 2008, turned out to be reused by squatters during the Roman period. This occupation phase, one of the latest in this complex, was of a domestic nature, characterized by the installation of ovens (tawabeen) and other fireplaces, as well as the installation of a channel in the courtyard. The large assemblage of well preserved, often complete pottery vessels from the corresponding levels was dated by coins and Nabataean pottery, supported by radiocarbon datings, to the second half of the 2nd and the early 3rd centuryCE. Consequently, the group offers the opportunity to study a homogeneous corpus of ceramic material from a period that is not at all well documented in Petra. The repertoire includes all kinds of vessels, especially cooking pots, small storage jars and drinking vessels. In addition, a set of multi-nozzled lamps was associated with this group.

A pointwise encoding time reduction with radial acquisition (PETRA) sequence was optimized to detect empty catheters in interstitial (HDR) brachytherapy with clinically acceptable spatial accuracy for the first time. Image quality and catheter detectability were assessed in phantoms, and the feasibility of PETRA's clinical implementation was assessed on a gynecological cancer patient. Empty catheters embedded in a gelatin phantom displayed positive signal on PETRA and more accurate cross-sections than on clinically employed T2-weighted sequences, differing by 0.4 mm on average from their nominal 2 mm diameter. PETRA presented minimal susceptibility differences and a symmetric metal artifact, contrary to the clinical sequences. The PETRA-CT catheter tip position differences assessed by a treatment planning system (TPS) were < 1 mm. PETRA also detected an interstitial template with empty catheters penetrating a poultry phantom and fused very well with CT. Interstitial catheter positional difference between PETRA and CT images was < 1 mm on average, increasing with distance from isocenter. All interstitial catheters and the employed interstitial template were detected on PETRA images of an endometrial adenocarcinoma patient. Empty needles were traceable using a TPS, with higher spatial resolution and more favorable contrast than on T2-weighted images used for contouring. A treatment plan could be produced by combining information from PETRA for catheter detection and from T2-weighted images for tumor and organs delineation. PETRA detected successfully and accurately interstitial catheters in phantoms. Its first clinical implementation shows a potential for MR-only treatment planning in interstitial HDR brachytherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article offers a brief analysis of the architectural features of the building Kefeli Mescidi in Istanbul and supports its identification as a Byzantine monastic dining hall. The analysis of Late Byzantine written sources in connection to the topographical and material data of the building supports the association with the famous Constantinopolitan monastery of St John of Petra and its refectory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An understanding of the early development of surface water control systems in Petra, Jordan, has thus far eluded investigators. While the Nabateans certainly used these extensively, it is not clear if they were the first to do so. In some areas in the headwaters of Petra in the Sharah Mountains, megalithic structures have been reported, with some investigators suggesting that they date back to the Iron Age. In this study, we investigate this issue using of quartz luminescence-depth profiles to date rock surfaces collected from a gabion (megalithic stepped terrace wall) at the site of Heash, Petra. Profiles from 5 cores from two rock samples show that quartz OSL signals were apparently fully bleached to a depth of 2 mm into the surface of the rocks used in construction of the terrace walls. Two other cores from the same rocks give an older age (3.3 ± 0.3 ka ago), compared to the other five (1.7 ± 0.2 ka ago). This indicates that structures at the site were initially constructed during the Iron Age, and experienced further development during the Late Roman/Byzantine period at ~ 300 CE, indicating the vitality and importance of the area. These dates are consistent with the pottery found at the site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

En eski Arap topluluklarından birisi olarak Nebâtîler, tarihin eski zamanlarından İslam dininin doğduğu güne kadar Arap düşüncesinin gelişiminde önemli bir konumda olmuştur. İslam öncesi Arap toplumunun düşünce dünyasını şekillendiren her türlü arka plan bilgisi Kur’an’ın anlaşılmasına katkı sağlayacaktır. John F. Healey’in çalışması Nebâtîlerin tarihi, dini ve kültürü bakımından detaylı bilgiler sunmaktadır. Healey’in çalışmasının tanıtılmasının ve incelemeye tabi tutulmasının Eski Arap tarihi açısından akademiye önemli detaylar sunacağı düşüncesi bu kitabı değerlendirmemize sebep olmuştur.

Background: There is limited understanding of differences in the composition and structure of ligaments between healthy males and females, and individuals of different ages. Females present higher risk for ligament injuries than males and there are conflicting reports on its cause. This study looks into T 1ρ parameters for an explanation as it relates to proteoglycan, collagen, and water content in these tissues., Purpose: To investigate gender-related and age-related differences in T 1ρ parameters in knee joint ligaments in healthy volunteers using a T 1ρ -prepared zero echo-time (ZTE)-based pointwise-encoding time-reduction with radial acquisition (T 1ρ -PETRA) sequence., Study Type: Prospective., Population: The study group consisted of 22 healthy subjects (11 females, ages: 41 ± 18 years, and 11 males, ages: 41 ± 14 years) with no known inflammation, trauma, or pain in the knee joint., Field Strength/sequence: A T 1ρ -prepared 3D-PETRA sequence was used to acquire fat-suppressed images with varying spin-lock lengths (TSLs) of the knee joint at 3T., Assessment: Monoexponential, biexponential, and stretched-exponential 3D-PETRA-T 1ρ parameters were measured in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), and patellar tendon (PT) by manually drawing ROIs over the entirety of the tissues., Statistical Tests: Mann-Whitney U-tests were used to compare 3D-PETRA-T 1ρ parameters in the ACL, PCL, and PT between males and females. Spearman correlation coefficients were used to determine the association between age and T 1ρ parameters. Statistical significance was defined as P < 0.05., Results: Significant correlations with age were found the three ligaments with most of the measured T 1ρ parameters (r s  = 0.28-0.74) with the exception of the short fraction in the PCL (P = 0.18), and the short relaxation time in the ACL (P = 0.58) and in the PCL (P = 0.14)., Data Conclusion: 3D-PETRA-T 1ρ can detect age-related differences in monoexponential, biexponential, and stretched-exponential T 1ρ parameters in three ligaments of healthy volunteers, which are thought to be related to changes in tissue composition and structure during the aging process., Level of Evidence: 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 1., (© 2023 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.)

The complex Nabataean " Götterwelt " 1 incorporates deities from both their own tradition as well as imports from the larger Mediterranean and peninsular Arabian context. In 2014, a small naiskos depicting a possible imported deity was discovered in a tomb containing at minimum eight individuals, located on the northern edge of the ancient city of Petra. Geochemical investigation of the individuals buried in the tomb using strontium (87Sr/86Sr) and oxygen (δ18O) isotopes indicated only locally born individuals were interred within the tomb. The goddess depicted in the bas-relief sculpture is wearing a tunic and covered by a cloak and is flanked by two lions. Comparanda from the eastern Mediterranean showing similar iconography of the naiskos point to the goddess's identity as Cybele, Atargatis, or Allāt, with most evidence suggesting Allāt. However, the emic perceptions of and ritual praxis involving this object and the goddess beyond its mortuary inclusion remain unclear. Therefore, regardless of the identification of the goddess it venerates, this portable naiskos served an important mortuary purpose for an individual locally born in the Petra region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Convolutional Neural Networks are usually fitted with manually labelled data. The labelling process is very time-consuming since large datasets are required. The use of external hardware may help in some cases, but it also introduces noise to the labelled data. In this paper, we pose a new data labelling approach by using bootstrapping to increase the accuracy of the PeTra tool. PeTra allows a mobile robot to estimate people's location in its environment by using a LIDAR sensor and a Convolutional Neural Network. PeTra has some limitations in specific situations, such as scenarios where there are not any people. We propose to use the actual PeTra release to label the LIDAR data used to fit the Convolutional Neural Network. We have evaluated the resulting system by comparing it with the previous one—where LIDAR data were labelled with a Real Time Location System. The new release increases the MCC-score by 65.97%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (TOF-MRA) is widely used, it has limited usefulness for follow-up after stent-assisted coil embolization. Contrast-enhanced MRA (CE-MRA) and ultrashort echo time MRA have been suggested as alternative methods for visualization after this procedure. Purpose: To compare efficacy and usefulness of pointwise encoding time reduction with radial acquisition (PETRA) sequence in subtraction-based MRA (qMRA), TOF-MRA, and CE-MRA during the follow-up after Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coil embolization for intracranial aneurysms. Material and Methods: This retrospective study included 23 patients with 24 aneurysms who underwent Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coil embolization for intracranial aneurysms. All patients were evaluated with PETRA qMRA, TOF-MRA, and CE-MRA at the same follow-up session. The flow within stents, occlusion status, and presence of pseudo-stenosis were evaluated; inter-observer and intermodality agreements for the three methods were also graded. Results: The mean score for flow visualization within the stents was significantly higher for PETRA qMRA and CE-MRA than for TOF-MRA (although no significant difference was found between PETRA qMRA and CE-MRA). Good inter-observer agreement was observed for each modality. PETRA qMRA and CE-MRA were more consistent with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) than TOF-MRA for aneurysm occlusion status. The intermodality agreement was better between PETRA qMRA and DSA, and between CE-MRA and DSA, than between DSA and TOF-MRA. Pseudo-stenosis was most frequently observed in TOF-MRA, followed by CE-MRA and PETRA qMRA. Conclusion: PETRA qMRA is useful for evaluating the parent artery patency and occlusion status of aneurysms after Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coil embolization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the visibility of different subgroups of lung nodules of 6 mm, the sensitivity of the PETRA sequence reached 97%, with a higher rate for nodules located in the upper lung fields than those in the middle and lower lung fields. Strong agreement was found between the CT and PETRA results (correlation coefficients = 0.97).ConclusionThe PETRA technique had high sensitivity for different type of nodule detection and enabled accurate assessment of their diameter and morphologic characteristics. It may be an effective alternative to CT as a tool for screening and follow up pulmonary nodules.

Accessibility for visitors to World Heritage Sites is an important issue in heritage management; therefore, accessing heritage sites has been seen as a sensitive issue and facing important criticism. This research is intended to examine visitor's accessibility to World Heritage Sites by analyzing the context of cultural, physical, and financial accessibility. One aim of this research is to critically examine accessibility for tourists to Petra-Jordan's World Heritage Site. The purpose of the analysis is to provide an understanding of accessibility and of its opportunities and constraints in Petra. Empirical data was collected based on site field work at Petra involving a visual inspection of the site in addition to interviews with tour guides and tourists.‏ The findings of this study show that a shift in heritage management policy has been made from reactive approaches to a more functional approach, accessibility issues have not been completely addressed; the translation into action of practical comprehensive accessibility measures is full of both conceptual and practical difficulties. This research is the first of its kind conducted in Jordan and specifically aims at scoping accessibility at a national World Heritage Site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The remains of a Nabataean private complex located west of the Roman-period apsidal building in the Qasr al-Bint area of Petra, excavated by the French Archaeological Mission between 2005 and 2008, turned out to be reused by squatters during the Roman period. This occupation phase, one of the latest in this complex, was of a domestic nature, characterized by the installation of ovens (tawabeen) and other fireplaces, as well as of a channel in the courtyard. The large assemblage of well preserved, often complete pottery vessels from the corresponding levels was dated by coins and Nabataean pottery, supported by radiocarbon datings, to the second half of the 2nd and the early 3rd century CE. Consequently, the group offers the opportunity to study a homogeneous corpus of ceramic material from a period that is not at all well documented in Petra. The repertoire includes all kinds of vessels, especially cooking pots, small storage jars and drinking vessels. In addition, a set of multi-nozzled lamps was associated with this group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although Nabataean Painted Fine Ware (NPFW) has been examined in light of Stephan Schmid's chronological typology since the late 1990s, few stratified contexts with NPFW from outside Petra have been published, and none derived from contexts occupied continuously from the Nabataean through Byzantine periods. Questions remain about the dating of later Dekorphases (3-4) due to a lack of contexts. This paucity is remedied, however, by Area K at Roman Aqaba/Aila, Jordan. Area K was a domestic complex, just inside the later Byzantine city wall, excavated from 1994 through 2002. Using associated numismatic evidence and imported fine wares (primarily Eastern Sigillata A and African Red Slip), this paper argues that NPFW Dekorphase 3b appeared at Aila in the second half of the 1st century CE, and Dekorphase 3c appeared shortly afterwards, around the time of the Roman annexation in the beginning of the 2nd century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to improve the SNR efficiency of zero echo time (ZTE) MRI pulse sequences for faster imaging of short‐T2 components at large dead‐time gaps. ZTE MRI with hybrid filling (HYFI) is a strategy for retrieving inner k‐space data missed during the dead‐time gaps arising from radio‐frequency excitation and switching in ZTE imaging. It performs hybrid filling of the inner k‐space with a small single‐point‐imaging core surrounded by a stack of shells acquired on radial readouts in an onion‐like fashion. The exposition of this concept is followed by translation into guidelines for parameter choice and implementation details. The imaging properties and performance of HYFI are studied in simulations as well as phantom, in vitro and in vivo imaging, with an emphasis on comparison with the pointwise encoding time reduction with radial acquisition (PETRA) technique. Simulations predict higher SNR efficiency for HYFI compared with PETRA at preserved image quality, with the advantage increasing with the size of the k‐space gap. These results are confirmed by imaging experiments with gap sizes of 25 to 50 Nyquist dwells, in which scan times for similar image quality could be reduced by 25% to 60%. The HYFI technique provides both high SNR efficiency and image quality, thus outperforming previously known ZTE‐based pulse sequences, in particular for large k‐space gaps. Promising applications include direct imaging of ultrashort‐T2 components, such as the myelin bilayer or collagen, T2 mapping of ultrafast relaxing signals, and ZTE imaging with reduced chemical shift artifacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the visibility of different subgroups of lung nodules of <3 cm using the pointwise encoding time reduction with radial acquisition (PETRA) sequence on 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in comparison with that obtained using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT). Methods: The appropriate detection rate was calculated for each of the different subgroups of lung nodules of <3 cm. The mean diameter of each detected nodule was determined. The detection rates and diameters of the lung nodules detected by MRI with the PETRA sequence were compared with those detected by computed tomography (CT). The sensitivity of detection for the different subgroups of pulmonary nodules was determined based on the location, size, type of nodules and morphologic characteristics. Agreement of nodule characteristics between CT and MRI were assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Kappa test. Results: The CT scans detected 256 lung nodules, comprising 99 solid nodules (SNs) and 157 subsolid nodules with a mean nodule diameter of 8.3 mm. For the SNs, the MRI detected 30/47 nodules of <6 mm in diameter and 52/52 nodules of ≥6 mm in diameter. For the subsolid nodules, the MRI detected 30/51 nodules of <6 mm in diameter and 102/106 nodules of ≥6 mm in diameter. The PETRA sequence returned a high detection rate (84%). The detection rates of SN, ground glass nodules, and PSN were 82%, 72%, and 94%, respectively. For nodules with a diameter of >6 mm, the sensitivity of the PETRA sequence reached 97%, with a higher rate for nodules located in the upper lung fields than those in the middle and lower lung fields. Strong agreement was found between the CT and PETRA results (correlation coefficients = 0.97). Conclusion: The PETRA technique had high sensitivity for different type of nodule detection and enabled accurate assessment of their diameter and morphologic characteristics. It may be an effective alternative to CT as a tool for screening and follow up pulmonary nodules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid (HPT) maturation has not been extensively evaluated using neonatal MRI, even though both structures are visualized on MRI. Hypothesis: That signal intensity and volume of pituitary and thyroid (T) glands on MRI in neonates may be interrelated. Study Type: Retrospective. Subjects: In all, 102 participants. Field Strength/Sequence: 3.0T, T1‐weighted pointwise encoding time reduction with radial acquisition (PETRA). Assessment: The volume of interest of the anterior pituitary (AP), posterior pituitary (PP), and T on MRI were defined on T1‐PETRA by two radiologists, and volumes of AP (AP_vol) and thyroid (T_vol) were calculated. Gestational age (GA), chronological age (CA), GA+CA, birth weight (BW), and thyroid function were recorded. Mean and maximum signal intensities of AP, PP, and T were normalized using signals from the pons and spinal cord as follows: signal ratio of anterior pituitary/pons (AP/pons), signal ratio of posterior pituitary/pons (PP/pons), and signal ratio of thyroid/cord (T/cord) T/cord, respectively. Statistical Tests: Correlations between signal intensity and volume measures and GA, CA, GA+CA, and BW were assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficient or Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Thyroid function analysis and Tmean/cord, Tmax/cord, and T_vol were evaluated using the Steel–Dwass test. Results: APmean/pons correlated positively with GA (ρ = 0.62, P < 0.001) and BW (ρ = 0.74, P < 0.001), and negatively with CA (ρ = −0.86, P < 0.001) and GA+CA (ρ = −0.46, P < 0.001). PPmean/pons correlated positively with GA (ρ = 0.49, P < 0.001) and BW (ρ = 0.63, P < 0.001), and negatively with CA (ρ = −0.70, P < 0.001) and GA+CA (r = −0.38, P < 0.001). Tmean/cord correlated positively with GA (ρ = 0.48, P < 0.001) and BW (ρ = 0.55, P < 0.001), and negatively with CA (ρ = −0.59, P < 0.001) and GA+CA (ρ = −0.22, P = 0.03). AP_vol correlated positively with GA (ρ = 0.68, P < 0.001) and BW (ρ = 0.73, P < 0.001), and negatively with CA (ρ = −0.72, P < 0.001). T_vol correlated positively with GA (ρ = 0.50, P < 0.001) and BW (ρ = 0.61, P < 0.001), and negatively with CA (ρ = −0.54, P < 0.001). APmean/pons correlated positively with Tmean/cord (ρ = 0.61, P < 0.001). Data Conclusion: Signal and volume of pituitary and thyroid glands correlated positively with GA and BW, and negatively with CA in neonates. Level of Evidence: 4 Technical Efficacy Stage: 5 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the archaeological evidence regarding the path of the Via Nova Traiana between Petra and al-Khirbet al-Samra from a fieldwork project in 2011 and 2014. It discusses the traceable parts of the Roman road in terms of locations, layout and construction features, and the ancient sites associated with its route. The paper also presents evidence concerning the other ancient roads branching off or intersecting the Roman road between the two sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is limited by clip-induced artifacts after cerebral aneurysmal clipping. Recently, ultrashort echo time was shown to reduce metal artifacts. We assessed the pointwise encoding time reduction with radial acquisition (PETRA) sequence in subtraction-based MRA as an ultrashort echo time method during follow-up for clipping surgery. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 114 branches of 63 aneurysms in 56 patients treated with titanium clips using MRA and 3-dimensional computed tomography angiography. The appearance using each method was compared, and the associations between visibility on PETRA-MRA, clip number and shape, and amount of hematoma were examined. Furthermore, the visibility of the aneurysm remnants and 2 clipping cases with cobalt-chromium-nickel-molybdenum clips were evaluated. Results: No branches were visible using time-of-flight-MRA, but 79 of 114 branches (69.3%) were visible on PETRA-MRA. PETRA-MRA was effective for follow-up imaging in 33 of 63 aneurysms (52.4%). The median vessel diameters were 1.67 mm (interquartile range, 1.24–2.62 mm) and 0.96 mm (interquartile range, 0.59–1.53 mm) in the visible and invisible groups, respectively. Only the vessel diameter correlated significantly (P < 0.001) with the visibility on PETRA-MRA. A receiver operating characteristic curve for the association between the vessel diameter and visibility on PETRA-MRA showed a cutoff value of 1.26 mm for vessel diameter. Cobalt-chromium-nickel-molybdenum clips produced a strong artifact, even on PETRA-MRA. All 4 residual aneurysms were visible on PETRA-MRA. Conclusions: PETRA-MRA can be useful for follow-up aneurysm imaging when the diameter of vessels adjacent to the clip exceeds 1.26 mm. However, its usefulness is limited to titanium clips.

Al-Jaya Palace and the New Shawbak Town. A Medieval frontier and the return of the urbanism in the Southern Transjordan The recent discovery – made during the 2018 campaign ofthe ‘Medieval Petra’ Mission of the University of Florence – of the residential al-Jaya Palace at the bottom of the hill of Shawbak’s ‘incastellato’ site is of particular relevance both for medieval and Islamic heritage in Jordan (no architecture of a comparable quality from the Ayyubid-Mamluk periodhas ever been found in the country) and mostly for the archaeological confirmation that underneath al-Jaya, lays the ancient medieval capital city of southern Jordan, founded by Saladin, on the same site of the castle-capital of the previous Crusader Lordship of Transjordan. This result represents a triple confirmation for the scientific program of the Mission: the productivity of the ‘Light Archaeology’ methodology that characterizes our approach; the real existence of the city whose foundation we had deemed to be able to propose (owing solely to the ‘light’ reading son the walls of the ‘castle’); and the excellence of the formal level of the building – perfectly matching the quality of the political and productive structures documented earlier in the castle – that speaks of a cultured and refined city and of an extraordinary strategic project that can be attributed to Saladin’s political intelligence. A project that gave back a new centrality to the entire southern Transjordan and started a settlement and political tradition that is the basis of modern Jordan itself (it is not accidental that the first capital of the state was Ma’an). Once the urban structure that has now appeared is understood, future research will be able to direct the excavations so as to address another great historical question which 2018 investigations have highlighted: we know the birth and begin to read the life of this extraordinary town, butwhen, how and why did it perish so much so that it was forgotten by history (and to be rediscovered by archaeology)? Perhaps for the first time, we will have an opportunity to study archaeologically an aspect of the historical crisis that, probably during the 15th century, engulfed the Arab-Islamicworld, opening the way for the Ottoman conquest. It is an intriguing perspective to be addressed in tandem with a renewed public archaeology program: conservative restoration, social valorization, broad communication directed both to the local communities and to the international public with the implementation of the master plan 2010-14, and, finally, tourist routes connecting Shawbak with the Petra area.

Monks across the desert. Hermitic life in Christian Petra A new interpretation of the pre-Crusader phase of the site follows from the identification of a pre-Crusader rock-cut chapel. In particular, in early mediaeval time, a monastic community at al-Wu’ayra and a number of hermitic cells surrounding a central fortified coenobium preceded the later military castle keep. The Crusaders profited by the presence of a Christian fortified settlement, easy to transform into a military installation by a simple addition of a number of buildings, which are identifiable by a chrono-typology of building techniques.The new program of research which started in 2017 aims at registering, surveying, and studying various hermitic installations around the perimeter of the town in order to contextualize this early medieval phase of al-Wu’ayrain the topography of Petra and contribute to the knowledge of a ‘minor’and underestimated aspect of the town in early Christian time. In fact, these monastic-hermitic settlements located in segregated spots of the peri-urbanarea, surviving the abandonment of the major churches of the town, can help to understand in a more realistic way the articulated forms of Christian presence and its duration until the late 19th century.

The aim of this paper is to shed some light on the period of Petra’s passage from paganism to Christianity, which saw the deterioration of pagan beliefs and the struggle for survival between paganism and Christianity. The recognition of Christianity as the official religion of the Byzantine Empire in 313 AD did not mean that paganism had disappeared from Petra. In fact, most of the Nabataean temples in the city remained open until the second half of the 4th century AD, when the city was hit by the earthquake of 363. It was this event that had the greatest impact on the abandoning of the city’s temples, such as the Temple of the Winged Lions, the Temple of Qasr el-Bent and the Great Temple. The historical and archaeological evidence confirms the construction of a numer of churches in Petra, which received considerable attention from the Christian clergy and the administration of the city during the 5th and 6th centuries AD.

Flow dephasing artifacts within intracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) have been problematic for 3D time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (3D-TOF-MRA). This study aimed to evaluate pointwise encoding time reduction with radial acquisition subtraction-based MR angiography (PETRA-MRA) for decreasing flow dephasing artifacts compared to 3D-TOF-MRA in intracranial segments of ICA at 3 T. Sixty healthy participants and seven patients with intracranial ICA aneurysms were enrolled to undergo 3D-TOF-MRA and PETRA-MRA. Two radiologists each evaluated the image quality of healthy participants using a 4-point scale (1: the best and 4: the worst). Quantitative analysis of the extent of homogeneity in signal intensity within the ICA and intracranial aneurysms was conducted using a parameter d : the higher the d value, the greater the signal homogeneity. Wilcoxon signed rank test, Chi-square test and the weighted kappa (κ) statistic were used for statistical analyses. The image quality of PETRA-MRA with an overall score of 1.35 ± 0.53 was significantly better than that obtained with 3D-TOF-MRA, with an overall score of 3.50 ± 0.62 (Z = -9.56, p < 0.001). The parameter d of PETRA-MRA was higher than that of 3D-TOF-MRA for both 60 healthy participants (0.97 ± 0.05, 0.87 ± 0.11; z = -13.21, p < 0.001) and 7 patients with intracranial aneurysms (0.81 ± 0.18, 0.74 ± 0.16; z = -2.37, p = 0.018). Compared with conventional 3D-TOF-MRA, PETRA-MRA remarkably improved the image quality with reduced flow dephasing artifacts in segments of intracranial ICA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility of using a single scan ramped hybrid‐encoding (RHE) method for rapid bicomponent T2* analysis of the human knee joint. The proposed method utilizes RHE to acquire ultrashort echo time (UTE) and subsequent gradient echo images at 16 different echo times ranging between 40 μs and 30 ms in a single scan. In the proposed RHE technique, UTE imaging was followed by acquisition of 14 gradient recalled echo images, where an additional UTE image was obtained within the first readout by oversampling single point imaging (SPI) encoding. The single scan RHE method with a 9‐minute scan time was performed on human cadaveric knee joints from six donors and in vivo knee joints from four healthy volunteers at 3 T. A bicomponent signal model was used to characterize the short T2* and long T2* water components. Mean bicomponent T2* parameters for patellar tendon, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and meniscus were calculated. In the experimental results, the RHE technique provided bicomponent T2* parameter estimations of tendon, ACL, PCL and meniscus, which were similar to previously reported values in the literature. In conclusion, the proposed single scan RHE technique provides rapid bicomponent T2* analysis of the human knee joint with a total scan time of less than 9 minutes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]