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Objective. Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) is a tracer-based medical imaging modality with great potential due to its high sensitivity, high spatiotemporal resolution, and ability to quantify the tracer concentration. Image reconstruction in MPI is an ill-posed problem, which the use of regularization methods can address. Multi-contrast MPI reconstructs the signal from different tracer materials or environments separately, resulting in multi-channel images that enable quantification of, for example, temperature or viscosity. Single- and multi-contrast MPI reconstructions produce different kinds of artifacts. The objective of this work is threefold: first, to present the concept of multi-contrast specific MPI channel leakage artifacts; second, to ascertain the source of these leakage artifacts; and third, to introduce a method for their reduction. Approach. A definition for leakage artifacts is established, and a quantification method is proposed. A comprehensive analysis is conducted to establish a connection between the properties of the multi-contrast MPI system matrix and the leakage artifacts. Moreover, a two-step measurement and reconstruction method is introduced to reduce channel leakage artifacts between multi-contrast MPI channels. Main results. The severity of these artifacts correlates with the system matrix shape and condition number and depends on the similarity of the corresponding frequency components. Using the proposed two-step method on both semi-simulated and measured data a significant leakage reduction and speed up the convergence of the multi-contrast MPI reconstruction was observed. Significance. The multi-contrast system matrix analysis we conducted is essential for understanding the source of the channel leakage artifacts and finding methods to reduce them. Our proposed two-step method is expected to improve the potential for real-time multi-contrast MPI applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The jiandiping 尖底瓶 amphora is a distinctive pottery type of the Yangshao culture (5000 − 3000 BCE), predominantly found along the middle course of the Yellow River, with a significant concentration in the Wei River Valley. Despite its widespread presence, the function of this vessel has remained elusive in scholarly discourse. This article investigates the amphora's spatial relationship to salt deposits and examines its physical characteristics, evaluating these aspects within the context of the Yangshao population's lifestyle in the Wei River Valley. By incorporating evidence from Shang dynasty oracle bone inscriptions and various ethnoarchaeological studies, we propose a new interpretation of the jiandiping amphora as a tool for salt processing. This study prompts a reevaluation of Neolithic cultural and technological practices, highlighting the Yangshao society's potential involvement in salt exploitation in the Wei River Valley. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This study seeks to enrich our understanding of modeling‐based learning (MbL) in kindergarten science education, investigating the influences of different modeling tools on kindergarten child‐constructed models and their modeling reasoning. Therefore, this multi‐case study aimed at providing in‐depth descriptions of how MbL was enacted by 66 kindergarteners while combining the use of three modeling tools: paper‐and‐pencil, three‐dimensional structures, and dramatic play. We studied three different classes of children engaged in MbL who studied and modeled three different physical phenomena (wildflowers' parts and their functions, dissolving substances in water, shadow formation). We varied the modeling tools to investigate the ways these tools contributed to children's MbL. Data sources included the child‐constructed models, their modeling discourse, and mechanistic reasoning. From the videotaped lesson transcripts, we developed detailed accounts of the three MbL cases, and we analysed the discourse using modeling frame analysis and mechanistic reasoning analysis, along with the model component artifact analysis of the child‐constructed models. Findings suggested that the use of different modeling tools impacts child‐constructed models and their corresponding modeling‐based mechanistic reasoning. The findings also suggest that children's representational proficiencies seem to be related to the use of a variety of modeling tools, which enabled children to talk about the possible different ways of developing models and the different affordances of the various modeling tools' representational power. We use this evidence to argue that different modeling tools may afford different modeling possibilities that kindergarten children may draw upon possibly combining with modeling resources they have (e.g., role‐playing, storytelling, drawing). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores students’ initial engagement with ill-structured problems before and after the introduction of engineering problem typology as a framework for problem engagement and reflection. Using problem discussions, debrief interviews, and qualitative analysis of written artifacts, we considered observed changes to students’ initial problem framing and scoping discussions before and after the introduction of engineering problem typology. Two student pairs were examined as a comparative analysis of possible extremes on a continuum of adoption. One student pair demonstrated transformational adoption, leveraging problem typology as a guide for problem framing and scoping, and as a shared metacognitive framework. The other pair demonstrated transactional adoption that had limited impact on their thinking, and no apparent impact on the nature and trajectory of their problem framing and scoping. Through exploration of these cases, we find support for the use of problem typology as a frame for facilitating ill-structured problem engagement among undergraduate engineers. We also find evidence related to challenges that must be overcome in disrupting students’ established approaches to learning. We argue that this work can serve as a starting point for developing scaffolds that support problem design and facilitation, metacognitive development, and disrupting undergraduates’ conditioned approaches to problem engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raman spectroscopy, renowned for its unique ability to provide a molecular fingerprint, is an invaluable tool in industry and academic research. However, various constraints often hinder the measurement process, leading to artifacts and anomalies that can significantly affect spectral measurements. This review begins by thoroughly discussing the origins and impacts of these artifacts and anomalies stemming from instrumental, sampling, and sample-related factors. Following this, we present a comprehensive list and categorization of the existing correction procedures, including computational, experimental, and deep learning (DL) approaches. The review concludes by identifying the limitations of current procedures and discussing recent advancements and breakthroughs. This discussion highlights the potential of these advancements and provides a clear direction for future research to enhance correction procedures in Raman spectral analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the experiences of three Australian South Sea Islanders from the same community who are part of a larger research team scheduled to engage in an archaeological research project in Mackay, Queensland, in 2021. The aim of the project was to highlight Australian South Sea Islander knowledge, voices, and lived experiences. However, owing to COVID-19 and persistent lockdowns in Queensland and New South Wales, the project faced significant delays. The timeline was adjusted, with plans to reintroduce the project to the community after an 18-month hiatus, aiming to rekindle interest and encourage participation. This study focuses on designing a community engagement strategy that builds on established protocols for researchers working with Australian South Sea Islander communities. The strategy includes three key steps: visitation, communication, and participation. By integrating the Tok Stori methodology--an Indigenous research approach from the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu--the strategy supports the decolonisation of the collaborative research process, enabling the sharing of Australian South Sea Islander lived experiences in a culturally safe manner. The authors provide contextualised reflections, offering insights from an Australian South Sea Islander perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interpretation of lung ultrasound is the result of the analysis of artifacts rather than exact representations of anatomical structures, which appear when changes in the physical properties of the lung occur. Its application to the study of interstitial lung disease (ILD) associated with autoimmune diseases has aroused great interest in the last 10 years, as evidenced by a growing number of publications studying its usefulness in the diagnostic process, as a prognostic marker and as an aid in monitoring of patients. The main elements in lung ultrasound interpretation in ILD are the B lines and the changes in the pleural line. B lines are vertical artifacts that are generated when there is a partial decrease in the air content of the lung parenchyma and/or the volume of the interstitial area expands. Pleural line alterations that can be seen are irregularities, thickening, fragmentation, or subpleural nodules. Both the B lines and the changes in the pleural line have shown a significant positive correlation with the evidence on chest computed tomography [high resolution computed tomography (HRCT)] of ILD associated with autoimmune diseases, with sensitivity and negative predictive values of up to 100%. These results, together with the safety, accessibility, and low cost of lung ultrasound, support this imaging technique as a promising screening method for optimizing the indication for HRCT. The role of lung ultrasound regarding sensitivity to change needs further investigation with multicenter prospective studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the challenge posed by the size of certain objects that do not conform to the constraints of microscope‐coupled Raman spectrometers, making sample collection impossible due to their inherent value or nature. Specifically, materials like hydroxyapatite‐based substances used in artistic and ornamental carvings, such as bone or ivory, fall within this problematic category. The focus of this study is the enhancement of analytical capabilities in the context of large objects using a Raman microscope system. The study details the innovation involving a remote probe integrated with fiber optics, elaborating on the design and performance aspects, and emphasizing the appropriateness of chosen components in the analysis of ivory artifacts belonging to private collectors. In order to assess the robustness of our discriminative approaches, an archaeological bone and the exposed dentine in a human tooth were also evaluated and compared. Results showed that using an 805‐nm longpass dichroic mirror successfully directed the near‐infrared laser onto the samples and significantly suppressed the Rayleigh scattering contribution to the spectrum. Regarding the preprocessing methods to spectra evaluation essayed, the most promising approach was the use of principal component analysis for dimension reduction followed by k‐means cluster analysis. By leveraging the complementary strengths of PCA and k‐means clustering, the robustness and interpretability of clustering analyses are enhanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Funded by an American Battlefield Protection Program grant, LiDAR and KOCOA, guided a systematic metal detector survey to identify, and evaluate levels of preservation and battle pattern signatures from the Battle of Buckhead Creek, the largest American Civil War battle site in Southeast Georgia untouched by development. In November 1864, during Sherman's March to the Sea, Confederate and Union cavalry forces waged a running battle across Jenkins and Burke County, Georgia. These actions were ephemeral events in an archaeological sense, in time-depth and their impact on the archaeological record. However, this paper demonstrates that the application of conflict archaeology methodologies can identify and evaluate these sites, despite their wide-ranging geographical context, short-time spans, and the impacts of illicit metal detecting on the battle site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tor browser is widely used for anonymity, providing layered encryption for enhanced privacy. Besides its positive uses, it is also popular among cybercriminals for illegal activities such as trafficking, smuggling, betting, and illicit trade. There is a need for Tor Browser forensics to identify its use in unlawful activities and explore its consequences. This research analyzes artifacts generated by Tor on Windows-based systems. The methodology integrates forensic techniques into incident responses per NIST SP (800-86), exploring areas such as registry, storage, network, and memory using tools like bulk-extractor, autopsy, and regshot. We propose an automated PowerShell script that detects Tor usage and retrieves artifacts with minimal user interaction. Finally, this research performs timeline analysis and artifact correlation for a contextual understanding of event sequences in memory and network domains, ultimately contributing to improved incident response and accountability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in the composition of various chemical elements in ancient nephrite artifacts due to prolonged burial are critical factors that should not be underestimated. However, the increasingly stringent heritage management has made many techniques impractical. Consequently, portable X‐ray fluorescence (pXRF) has become an indispensable nondestructive field analysis method. This paper aims to make use of the pXRF dataset to distinguish which elements tested are endogenous or exogenous, as well as to gauge which elements have been affected by stronger burial effects. More specifically, we carry out this work on the example of 103 pieces of nephrite excavated from different cemeteries in the Nanyang area. In addition to traditional statistical techniques, a new tool, the concentration‐number (C‐N) fractal method can shed new light on the analysis of the distribution patterns of different elements in excavated nephrite. The anomalous boundaries generated by the method have clear geochemical significance and can be delineated between background zone and disturbed regions. The degree of resistance of different elements to fluctuations in external factors was assessed, which has a direct relationship with the content of the buried soil. Considering the richness of the model, it has the potential to be used in archaeometrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air traffic controllers' mental workload significantly impacts their operational efficiency and safety. Detecting their mental workload rapidly and accurately is crucial for preventing aviation accidents. This study introduces a mental workload detection model for controllers based on power spectrum features related to gamma waves. The model selects the feature with the highest classification accuracy, β + θ + α + γ, and utilizes the mRMR (Max-Relevance and Min-Redundancy) algorithm for channel selection. Furthermore, the channels that were less affected by ICA processing were identified, and the reliability of this result was demonstrated by artifact analysis brought about by EMG, ECG, etc. Finally, a model for rapid mental workload detection for controllers was developed and the detection rate for the 34 subjects reached 1, and the accuracy for the remaining subjects was as low as 0.986. In conclusion, we validated the usability of the mRMR algorithm in channel selection and proposed a rapid method for detecting mental workload in air traffic controllers using only three EEG channels. By reducing the number of EEG channels and shortening the data processing time, this approach simplifies equipment application and maintains detection accuracy, enhancing practical usability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Atlantic Sugar Landscapes (15th-17th centuries). Archaeology and Heritage" is a review of a book that focuses on the history of the sugar industry from the 15th to the 17th centuries. The book uses perspectives and methodologies from archaeology and the history of techniques to analyze workshops and landscapes related to sugar production, as well as the linguistic legacy of this culture. It also addresses topics such as the trade of Nasrid sugar and the role of Portugal in the development and commercialization of sugar. In addition, it studies sugar manufacturing in al-Andalus, the Atlantic islands, and Morocco, as well as the mills and sugar presses in Gran Canaria and La Gomera. The text presents a study on sugar mills in different regions, such as Alojera, La Española, São Jorge dos Erasmos, France, and England. It also analyzes the presence of imported ceramics and handmade vessels by the indigenous population in Alojera, as well as the possible Portuguese affiliation of the ruins. In La Española, the lack of archaeological information about sugar mills is highlighted, but the studies carried out on the mills of Diego Caballero and Engombe are mentioned. In São Jorge dos Erasmos, the importance of the concept of cultural landscape and the relationship between built spaces and nature are discussed. In France, the refining of sugar during the 15th and 16th centuries is addressed, and in England, the history of sugar from the Middle Ages to the Modern Age is reviewed. Finally, the linguistic heritage associated with the sugar culture and its Canarian influence is explored. [Extracted from the article]

Centered around the questions of "whose" and "for whom" heritage is, this article explores various approaches in South America aimed at achieving a public archaeology that is inclusive and beneficial to communities. While the reflections and most case studies primarily focus on indigenous societies, specific efforts to develop collaborative methodologies that include other groups or collectives are also discussed. To provide a comprehensive view, a general review of relevant literature from different parts of the continent has been conducted, synthesizing it to present the state of the art on collaborative methodologies in the Americas, with a focus on South America. The core concepts addressed are heritage and community, their interrelationship, and the diverse ways their connection is crucial today, particularly in terms of collaborative methodologies in various research projects. The discussion highlights how the interpretation and presentation of the past become significant aspects when transitioning from theory to the practice of collaborations. After presenting several previously published examples and the articles comprising this dossier, the article concludes that significant advances have been made in the last decades in developing collaborative methodologies in archaeology. This progress marks a positive path toward the pluralization of the discipline. As an original contribution, the article offers a comparative reflection on collaborative work with communities in museums in Europe and the Americas, evaluating approaches and advancements. It concludes that researchers in the Americas have an advantage: working with materials that are closely connected to the groups that consider them their heritage, or considering themselves the heirs, allows for a more intimate and legitimate approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fourier PlenOctrees have shown to be an efficient representation for real-time rendering of dynamic neural radiance fields (NeRF). Despite its many advantages, this method suffers from artifacts introduced by the involved compression when combining it with recent state-of-the-art techniques for training the static per-frame NeRF models. In this paper, we perform an in-depth analysis of these artifacts and leverage the resulting insights to propose an improved representation. In particular, we present a novel density encoding that adapts the Fourier-based compression to the characteristics of the transfer function used by the underlying volume rendering procedure and leads to a substantial reduction of artifacts in the dynamic model. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our enhanced Fourier PlenOctrees in the scope of quantitative and qualitative evaluations on synthetic and real-world scenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the discussion on Angel Mounds State Historic Site in Evansville, Indiana, a significant prehistoric Mississippian village that is currently undergoing museum renovations. Topics include site's history and excavation, changes in artifact display practices due to the decolonization movement; and the notable artifacts found at the site, such as the kneeling human statue made of translucent fluorite.

Copyright of Artnodes is the property of Universitat Oberta de Catalunya 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.)

X-ray computed tomography (XRCT) imaging allows non-destructive visualization of the structure of various materials. Applied to wooden objects, it allows determination of their morphologies or manufacturing techniques, but also measurement of growth ring widths. We have applied XRCT to a selection of 38 mummy labels. This funerary furniture, made up of endemic or imported tree species, has survived thanks to environmental conditions in very large quantities in regions in Middle and Upper Egypt and is featured now in museum collections across the globe. Mummy labels thus represent a unique and abundant data source to build floating or absolutely dated dendrochronological chronologies for this period. Here we discuss the possible contributions and limitations of XRCT for the analysis of these artifacts and show that the approach allows identification of discriminating markers for the identification of certain species on the transverse plane, but that the insufficient resolution of the tangential and radial planes normally prevents formal identification of species. By contrast, XRCT undeniably enhances the visibility of toolmarks (in terms of numbers and depth), and thereby allows highlighting marks that remain invisible to the naked eye; XRCT also provides key insights into cutting methods and the calibers used and yields new information on silvicultural practices and the knowhow of Egyptian craftsmen. Finally, the measurement of ring widths on XRCT imagery is also more accurate than what can be achieved by traditional dendrochronological measurements, especially in the case of cuts realized on a slab. The approach also confirms the limited potential of local broadleaved species for dendrochronological approaches due to unreadable or poorly visible tree rings and mostly short tree-ring sequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes a cultural and chronological analysis of artifacts from the late La Tène period, which were discovered in the Prosna and Warta rivers in Poland. Imported items such as brooches, painted ceramics, mirrors, and knot rings were found, while coins and blacksmithing products were locally produced. Gold coins were also found in the Janków II settlement, indicating the presence of a mint. In addition, rich graves of blacksmiths and armed individuals were discovered, indicating a flourishing power center of the Celtic Rix. The findings suggest that the area between the Prosna and Warta rivers was controlled by a Celtic faction within the Przeworsk culture at the end of the La Tène period. [Extracted from the article]

To compare hardness versus strain rate data from different kinds of indentation creep test can be challenging. It is often difficult to determine whether measured differences in material response along different loading paths, such as constant load creep or load relaxation, are real or merely arise as artifacts from the analysis. We argue that the difficulty lies in how indentation strain rate is defined. For traditional definitions of strain rate, such as ε ˙ h , which measures the rate of penetration, or ε ˙ A , which measures the growth of indent area, material response might seem path-dependent even when it is not. We introduce a new definition of plastic strain rate, ε ˙ irr , which is based on irreversible work and is well-posed in the sense that it gives the same results from different loading paths when deformation is path-independent. This property frees experimenters to isolate and explore deformation mechanisms that respond differently along different loading paths, which is useful for revealing the influences of time and strain rate on evolution of structure. ε ˙ irr is important for exploring path-dependence in high-hardness/modulus (≳ 0.02) materials like ceramics and polymers. For low-hardness-modulus materials other measures of strain rate suffice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Mexicon is the property of Verlag Anton Saurwein 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.)

The article focuses on the discovery of a significant cache of artifacts linked to the Red Ocher Culture in Thiensville, Wisconsin, in 1958. Topics include the initial find and its subsequent acquisition by Ernest Schug, the detailed excavation efforts by members of the Wisconsin Archeological Society, and the characteristics of the artifacts that helped classify them within the Red Ocher cultural context.

Blooming artifacts caused by calcifications appearing on computed tomography (CT) images lead to an underestimation of the coronary artery lumen size, and higher X-ray energy levels are suggested to reduce the blooming artifacts with subjective visual assessment. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of higher X-ray energy levels on the quantitative measurement of adjacent pixels affected by calcification using CT images. In this two-part study, CT images were acquired from dual-energy CT scanners by changing the X-ray energy levels such as kilovoltage peak (kVp) and kilo-electron volts (keV). Adjacent pixels affected by calcification were measured using the brightened length, excluding the actual calcified length, as determined by the full width at third maximum. In a separate clinical study, the adjacent affected pixels associated with 23 calcifications across 10 patients were measured using the same method as that used in the phantom study. Phantom and clinical studies showed that the change in kVp (field of view [FOV] 300 mm: p = 0.167, 0.494, and 0.861 for vendors 1, 2, and 3, respectively) and keV levels (p = 0.178 for vendor 2) failed to reduce the adjacent pixels affected by calcification, respectively. Moreover, the change in keV levels showed different aspects of adjacent pixels affected by calcification in the phantom study (FOV 300 mm: no significant difference [p = 0.191], increase [p < 0.001], and decrease [p < 0.001] for vendors 1, 2, and 3, respectively). Quantitative measurements revealed no significant relationship between higher X-ray energy levels and the adjacent pixels affected by calcification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A master copy is an artifact whose quality or value carries over to the copies it engenders. In the United Arab Emirates, home to a marketplace trade in Pashto‐language film and music, master copy also refers to the context of the artifact's accessibility; it describes a print made from a medium—such as a celluloid film, an audiocassette, or a vinyl record—considered to hold the earliest or highest‐quality recording. Situated at a narrowing analog‐to‐digital bottleneck, a master copy is not an original but an interface between the social circumstances afforded by storage and communication media. Thus, as distinct from the formats that manifest content or preserve data, bottlenecks and interfaces ought to be studied on their own terms, as is shown in ethnographic research on master copies that travel between Pakistan and Afghanistan, and beyond, throughout the Pashtun diaspora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce a family of s-rectangular robust Markov decision processes (s-RMDPs) indexed with r in [1, infty ]. In each state, the ambiguity set of transition probability mass functions (pmfs) across actions equals a sublevel set of the ell rho -norm of a vector of distances from reference pmfs. Setting rho = infty recovers (s, a)-RMDPs. For any s-RMDP from this family, there is an (s, a)- RMDP whose robust optimal value is at least as good, and vice versa. This occurs because sand (s, a)-RMDPs can employ different ambiguity set radii, casting doubt on the belief that (s, a)- RMDPs are more conservative than s-RMDPs. If the distance is lower semicontinuous and convex, then, for any s-RMDP, there exists an (s, a)-RMDP with an identical robust optimal value. We also study data-driven s-RMDPs, where the reference pmf is constructed from state transition samples. If the distance satisfies a Pinsker-type inequality, the robust optimal and out-of-sample values both converge with sample-size to the true optimal. We derive rates of convergence and sample complexity when the distance satisfies a concentration inequality. Under this concentration inequality, the robust optimal value provides a probabilistic lower bound on the out-of-sample value. An artifact of the analyses behind these guarantees is the surprising conclusion that (s, a)-RMDPs might be the least conservative among all s-RMDPs within our family. The asymptotic and finite sample properties also extend for a class of nonrectangular RMDPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article delves into the study and preservation of petroglyph sites in southern Illinois and southeastern Missouri, highlighting the techniques used to create these ancient images, their cultural importance, and the challenges they face. It also discusses the analysis of pigments by archaeologists, the diverse motifs depicted in the petroglyphs, and the significance of photography in documenting and safeguarding these sites.

The article focuses on two significant archaeological sites in North Carolina: Town Creek Indian Mound and the Rankin Museum of American Heritage. It discusses the history, excavations, artifacts, and modern interpretations of these sites, highlighting their importance in understanding Native American culture and history. Additionally, it recommends visiting these sites and suggests acquiring background information beforehand to enhance the experience.

The Salado and Verde streams constitute the two main seasonally available freshwater courses that flow into the Atlantic coast of the Río Negro province (continental Patagonia, Argentina, 42° South). This would have favored their use in the past as corridors for human circulation between the coast and the interior. This paper presents the results of the technomorphological and geochemical analyses of the obsidian artifacts recovered in the area to constrain mobility. The results allow us to propose the existence of toolkit reconditioning or replacement activities, and the identification of different sources of provenance of the obsidians (Sacanana, Telsen, and Portada Covunco, distant up to 800 km from the study area), reinforcing the hypothesis of a coast–inland circulation, with the possible existence of circuits of exchange of this raw material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computer aided implant surgery has been widely adopted in modern implant dentistry. However, absence of reliable anatomic landmarks for superimposing digital data sets for patients with terminal dentition or complete edentulism remained challenging. Utilization of additional fiducial markers intraorally as the reference points for the improvement of accuracy became crucial in implant digital workflow. Nevertheless, the choice of the material for fiducial markers should present the least radiographic artifacts under cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) for better accuracy. The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the volume of radiographic artifacts generated through different materials under the image of CBCT. Fifteen dental materials were selected and configured into cubic shape. All the materials were scanned initially with the laboratory scanner as the control groups. The samples were scanned by CBCT machine as test groups and the volume of artifact generated under CBCT images were compared and analyzed using 3D modeling software. Eleven out of fifteen materials could be recognized under CBCT images. Volumetric analysis reported that statistically significant differences among the materials could be noted, and the flowable composite resin presented the least volumetric difference. Lithium disilicate glass-ceramic, flowable composite resin, and gutta-percha presented the least deformation and maintained their cubic shapes. The results of the present study may imply that flowable composite resin compared to all ceramic materials, amalgam and gutta-percha may be a preferable choice when utilized as fiducial markers under CBCT images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on digital forensic investigations of the databases used in an instant messenger application. Instant messengers store and manage user data in databases, which can be encrypted for privacy protection. We proposed a method to identify and decrypt an SQLite version 3.40.0 database encrypted using wxSQLite3 version 4.9.1, and then we examined the LINE instant messenger application to validate the proposed method. As a result, we successfully acquired the wxSQLite3 passphrase, which was used to decrypt the database of the LINE messenger application. We also performed artifact analysis to enumerate the data from a digital forensics perspective. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to propose a method to identify and decrypt of wxSQLite3-encrypted database and its applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Demonstrate a case study on project management using the Scrum framework in the development of systems for a public organization. Design / Methodology / Approach: The research method used in the Case Study is an exploratory research with a qualitative approach, through data collection, application of a structured questionnaire to Stakeholders, Scrum Master and Product Owner and analysis of the artifacts generated. Results: The work demonstrated the factors that affect the effectiveness application of the Scrum framework, highlighting bad practices and barriers related to the understanding of business and products, which reduce the ability to deliver quality and value, ineffectiveness of the method application. Research limitations: the number of interviewees in the organization, for further analysis in the case study. Originality/Value: while previous studies focus on the application of the Scrum method in private companies, this paper presents a case study from the perspective of a public organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents an exploratory study that examines how 11 first-year writing instructors' conceptualizations of information literacy evolved over the course of their participation in an inquiry group co-developed and co-facilitated by the Libraries' teaching faculty and the Director of Composition & Rhetoric at a public university in the United States. The authors developed a coding schema to identify the presence of information literacy-related themes and practices in pre- and post-program course syllabi and in reflective pieces submitted by instructors. The findings revealed that instructors' use and applications of the ACRL Framework increased after the program, showing greater personal engagement as evidenced by more preferential application of frames most relevant to their learning goals. Moreover, instructors integrated those frames more fully into their instructional practices. The authors' analysis of instructor-created artifacts provides a unique lens into disciplinary instructors' conceptualizations of and approaches to information literacy while examining the impact of one path for collaboration and scalability of information literacy integration within a curriculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this technological era, as the need for security arises, the use of biometrics is increasing in authentication systems as a secure and convenient method of human identification and verification. Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals have gained significant attention among the various biometric modalities available because of their unique and unforgeable characteristics. In this study, we have proposed an EEG‐based multi‐subject and multi‐task biometric authentication system for the military applications that address the challenges associated with multi‐task variation in EEG signals. The proposed work considers the use of respective EEG signals for the access of artillery, entrance to highly confidential places for the military and so forth by authenticated personnel only. We have used a multi‐subject, multi‐session, and multi‐task (M3CV$$ {M}^3 CV $$) dataset. The dataset was partially preprocessed with basic signal processing techniques such as bad channel repairing, independent component analysis for artifact removal, downsampling to 250 Hz, and an audio filter of 0.01–200 Hz for signal improvisation. This partially preprocessed dataset was further processed and was used in our deep learning model (DL) architectures. For EEG‐based biometric authentication, convolutional neural network (CNN) outperforms many of the state‐of‐the‐art DL architectures with a validation accuracy of approximately 99.86%, training accuracy of 98.49% and precision, recall and F1‐score with values of 99.91% that makes this EEG‐based approach for authentication more reliable. The DL models were also compared based on training and inference time, where CNN used the most training time but took the least time to predict the output. We compared the performance of the CNN model for three preprocessing techniques by feeding mel spectrograms, chromagrams and mel frequency cepstral coefficients, out of which mel spectrograms provided better results. This proposed architecture proves to be robust and efficient for military applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on utilizing museums in urban societies for multiliteracies education in English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction, drawing on the New London Group's pedagogy to engage learners critically with museum spaces. Topics discussed include the significance of museums in enriching learning experiences, fostering disciplinary literacy education, and welcoming newcomers to community culture through artifact representation.

Background: To compare the potential of various bone evaluations by considering photon-counting CT (PCCT) and multiple energy-integrating-detector CT (EIDCT), including three dual-energy CT (DECT) scanners with standardized various parameters in both standard resolution (STD) and ultra-high-resolution (UHR) modes. Methods: Four cadaveric forearms were scanned using PCCT and five EIDCTs, by applying STD and UHR modes. Visibility of bone architecture, image quality, and a non-displaced fracture were subjectively scored against a reference EIDCT image by using a five-point scale. Image noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were also compared. To assess metal artifacts, a forearm with radial plate fixation was scanned by with and without Tin filter (Sn+ and Sn−), and virtual monoenergetic image (VMI) at 120 keV was created. Regarding Sn+ and VMI, images were only obtained from the technically available scanners. Subjective scores and the areas of streak artifacts were compared. Results: PCCT demonstrated significantly lower noise (p < 0.001) and higher bone SNR and CNR (p < 0.001) than all EIDCTs in both resolution modes. However, there was no significant difference between PCCT and EIDCTs in almost all subjective scores, regardless of scan modes, except for image quality where a significant difference was observed, compared to several EIDCTs. Metal artifact analysis revealed PCCT had larger artifact in Sn− and Sn+ (p < 0.001), but fewer in VMIs than three DECTs (p < 0.001 or 0.001). Conclusions: Under standardized conditions, while PCCT had almost no subjective superiority in visualizing bone structures and fracture line when compared to EIDCTs, it outperformed in quantitative analysis related to image quality, especially in lower noise and higher tissue contrast. When using PCCT to assess cases with metal implants, it may be recommended to use VMIs to minimize the possible tendency for artifact to be pronounced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Confucianism is often criticized as a disincentive for creativity and innovation. This article investigated Confucian conceptions of creativity and innovation from a sociocultural perspective using Glăveanu's Five A framework. Confucian aims of creation and innovation were lofty, but the range of people who could create was exclusionary, pathways to creative achievements were relatively narrow, and thus fewer creative artifacts were produced by Confucians. At the same time, Confucian thought contains a more nuanced conceptualization of both appropriateness/usefulness and aim/purpose than is found in contemporary, largely Western approaches to creativity and innovation. Based on the conceptual analysis, the authors recommend adding a sixth A, aim, to the 5A sociocultural framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Succeeding in bringing a culture of consent involves the mobilization of all partners. In New Brunswick, a group of professors brought together for the first time in this Canadian province, people from the community, schools, and post-secondary sectors to discuss, reflect and reimagine education. This is how in 2015, from the perspective of shared leadership, the Forum francophone sur l'apprentissage (Francophone conference on education and learning) was created. In 2022, the fourth edition of the Forum aimed to define the notion of consent to reduce violence in all its forms. Hence, this Forum was the event that led to the first Consent and Healthy Relationships Summit in 2023. This article will shed light on how the power of human mobilization and shared leadership can advance a culture of consent. Through documentary analysis of artifacts collected during these events, the authors identify the ingredients that led to their success. Although these events took place in small communities, these results are similar to those of Routhieaux (2015). Shared leadership actions lead to partnerships to address complex societal issues like consent and healthy relationships; these impacts can inspire others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2), a method of cerebral tissue oxygenation measurement, is recorded using non-invasive near-infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) devices. A major limitation is that recorded signals often contain artifacts. Manually removing these artifacts is both resource and time consuming. The objective was to evaluate the applicability of using wavelet analysis as an automated method for simple signal loss artifact clearance of rSO2 signals obtained from commercially available devices. A retrospective observational study using existing populations (healthy control (HC), elective spinal surgery patients (SP), and traumatic brain injury patients (TBI)) was conducted. Arterial blood pressure (ABP) and rSO2 data were collected in all patients. Wavelet analysis was determined to be successful in removing simple signal loss artifacts using wavelet coefficients and coherence to detect signal loss artifacts in rSO2 signals. The removal success rates in HC, SP, and TBI populations were 100%, 99.8%, and 99.7%, respectively (though it had limited precision in determining the exact point in time). Thus, wavelet analysis may prove to be useful in a layered approach NIRS signal artifact tool utilizing higher-frequency data; however, future work is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An interdisciplinary scientific project composed of different work groups was set up after the fire of Notre-Dame cathedral in 2019 which aims at studying all different aspects of the building and its evolutions from the 12th to the 19th century. One of them is the Metal work group who investigates the use of iron and lead in this monument and try for instance to trace the history of lead uses in the construction and restorations of cathedrals. The present paper focuses on the case of Notre-Dame de Paris, a jewel of French gothic architecture to question the role of this metal in its structure, to determine the quantities used and to investigate issues related to its provisioning and its recycling. Paradoxically, though the fire of 15th April 2019 melted almost the whole lead roof as well as decorative elements on the spire, lost forever for scientific investigations, it also enabled to reveal hidden parts of the cathedral where lead used as sealing became accessible thanks to scaffolding. A methodology combining archaeology, archive record study and archaeometry was implemented to study the remaining lead in the cathedral leading to a textual approach coupled with a material approach. Two case studies are considered in this paper as representative of lead uses at different periods of the cathedral's life: in medieval masonry with cramp's sealings in the tribunes, and on the sacristy's roof dating from the 19th century. For the first case, a chronology of the construction will be suggested and for the second a discussion between chemical analyses and archive records will be opened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the results of a systematic survey of La Pastosa Islet, located 700 m off the west coast of Río Negro, Argentina. This small islet has the particularity of hosting the northernmost colony of Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) to date and contains evidence of its use by hunter-gatherer groups during the late Holocene. This growing colony started around 2002 and has had a significant impact on the subsurface archeological record of the islet by increasing erosion and exposing buried materials through nest excavation, particularly lithic artifacts. The spatial analysis of the distribution of artifact and penguin burrows indicates that the actions of the latter generated a "snapshot" of the subsurface distribution of the lithic record. The observed distribution suggested higher discard rates at the center of the islet. Furthermore, this study shows the synergy between both types of records in the formation dynamics of the lithic landscape and the agency of penguins as active landscape engineers. Finally, the obtained results have important implications for the management of the protected sector of the recently established Islote Lobos National Park, within which the study area is located. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Wine was a primary commodity in antiquity and prevalent in the Southern Levant Mediterranean-basin regions and Mesopotamia. Therefore, its identification in archaeological artifacts by chemical analysis is of great importance. Many studies of wine residues were conducted on pottery from Mediterranean and Near Eastern sites, using a wide range of approaches to extract and detect organic compounds. This article will evaluate and compare these methods and raise consequent considerations for the interpretation of results to arrive at a historic picture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on Wisconsin Winged bannerstones, also known as "Bowties," discussing their production by a clan of traders and their symbolism in representing ancestry clans or tribal deities. It covers general information on bannerstones, such as their use in elite burials and the materials used for their construction, as well as specific details about Wisconsin Winged bannerstones, including their distribution and unique features like miniature size and material composition.

The article focuses on the importance of documenting provenience in artifact collecting and archaeology, stressing its value in preserving historical context. It discusses methods for collectors to maintain detailed records of artifact finds, emphasizing the significance of preserving provenience information for future research and understanding.

The application of an integrated research approach to the reconstruction of ceramic production technology on the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic is considered based on the results obtained by modern methods. For the first time, the results of studying physicomechanical and physicochemical properties are summarized and an attempt is made to open up methods of technical analysis of ceramic artifacts. A unified scientific approach has been developed to the ceramics of various periods ranging from the 2nd millennium BC to our era up to the 10th – 12th centuries, and excavated in Kyrgyzstan, so as to determine the relationship between their microstructure and physical and mechanical properties. Ceramic technology, like no other industry, requires this kind of research because of the specificity of technical information associated with both natural and social factors. The lack of solid knowledge in the field of ceramics technology prevents the acquisition of important information about the history, culture, and economy of Kyrgyzstan as a nation-building entity. However, a comprehensive study of production techniques, types, compositions, and quality of ceramics would open up completely new prospects for confirming the antiquity of Kyrgyzstan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Few studies take the intersection of media and design literacies into consideration. • Fewer investigate the role it plays in absorbing complex topics, like propaganda. • Media design rhetoric is a bridging concept between media and design literacies. • Media design rhetoric helps learners absorb complexity in history education context. • Media design rhetoric helps learners adopt strategies and communicate new ideas. This paper investigates the intersection of media and design literacies in learners becoming more competent in developing complex ideas within a history classroom. Drawing from multiliteracies, design literacy, and media literacy, this paper conceptualizes media design rhetoric as a process. It utilizes a virtual exhibition as a facilitator to deepen the understanding of propaganda. We accumulate qualitative data from artifacts created by 10th and 11th graders (age range: 15–17) in a history classroom within a suburban high school in Western Canada, with written reflections on their artifacts. artefact analysis is followed by thematic and subject analysis in NVivo 12. Results show that media design rhetoric supports learners in deepening their understanding of propaganda, critically reading media, and creatively communicating messages. Results suggest that virtual exhibitions can be pivotal in creating new artifacts with complex but interest-driven topics. This research introduces media design rhetoric as a bridging concept (between multiliteracies, design literacy, and media literacy) and situates virtual exhibitions as a facilitator for developing complex ideas. This research highlights the significance of critical thinking and creativity in the media design rhetoric, as students critically engaged with historical content and creatively adapted it to modern contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on Lamar Wilson's discovery of Kanawha points in north Alabama, sharing his hunting experiences and interactions with archaeologists to identify the points accurately. Topics include his persistence in hunting on a specific property, seeking expert opinions for point identification, and confirming the points' classification through research and consultation with archaeologists.

The article focuses on a remarkable discovery of a three-quarter groove axe while artifact hunting in Franklin County, Tennessee, showcasing the author's dedication to archaeology and gaining the landowner's trust. Topics include the site's multi-occupational relics spanning from Paleo to Mississippian periods, challenges faced due to disrespectful artifact hunters damaging crops, and the author's commitment to responsible artifact hunting practices.