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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]

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 paper presents a techno-functional analysis of two perforated bone artifacts recovered from Indor Khera and Rohana Khurd, North India, dated to c. 6th-2nd century BCE and 4th century BCE, respectively. These artifacts are made from bone walls of the unknown limb of medium/large-size mammals. Based on their morphology and parallels from archaeological sites of India, they have been identified as pendants and daggers. However, a close microscopic analysis of these artifacts tells a different story. The use-wears generated by threads around perforations contraindicate suspending (string-up) assumption. An experimental program has tested this by employing replicas of these artifacts as suspenders and fasteners. The result of this experiment and their comparison with archaeological ones suggest that these artifacts were probably used as fasteners rather than suspenders, thus challenging the conventional hypothesis that they were used as pendants. Apart from the functional aspects of these artifacts, the same experimental program was also used to understand the manufacturing process, i.e., the chaine operatoire. [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]

[Display omitted] • Sampling artifacts may lead to inaccurate estimates of trends or summary statistics. • Models that account for seasonal variation may provide accurate estimates. • Some sampling artifacts cannot be compensated for and should be avoided. • Sampling design and model choice can improve accuracy and uncertainty for low cost. Water temperature is a key physical indicator of stream health, and as such, is commonly measured as part of long-term river health monitoring programs. However, analysis of long-term stream water temperature time series can be challenging, due to typically low frequencies of sampling combined with common characteristics of data collection from streams – such as observations unevenly spaced across seasons, changes to routine sampling frequencies, or improvements in the accuracy of measurements over time – known as sampling artifacts. While there are many models regularly used to estimate trends and summary statistics in long-term stream temperature datasets, there is limited understanding of the impact that commonly encountered sampling artifacts have on the accuracy and uncertainty of their estimates. This study constructed Monte-Carlo simulations to examine the influence that common sampling artifacts and the choice of analysis model can have on trend and mean estimates from long-term stream temperature time series covering tropical, temperate and cold climates. We found that, if not appropriately accounted for during analysis, sampling artifacts may obscure true trends or summary statistics, such as site means, and lead to inaccurate or misleading estimates. However, models that included components to account for seasonal variation within the model structure could estimate trends and means with high confidence, in the presence of almost all of the sampling artifacts commonly found in long-term stream temperature datasets. Structural biases in the time-of-day of sampling, such as always sampling in the morning, or where the start and end of the record are sampled at different times of day, could make estimates highly inaccurate and uncertain, and should be avoided in data collection strategies. This work aims to facilitate the analysis of historical stream temperature datasets with confidence, through identifying models that perform reliably in the presence of common sampling artifacts. The findings will enable further global insights into stream temperature, support management decisions based on accurate analysis and assist the design of future stream sampling programs using cost-effective, low-frequency sampling strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artifacts created by the presence of metal objects in the jaw negatively affect the cone-beam computed tomographic image quality. This study compares artifacts produced by metal objects outside of the field of view (FOV) in a small FOV CBCT image with those produced in a large FOV image in which the metal object is within the FOV. We methodically placed 4 titanium implant–sized rods and 4 zirconium crown–sized disks on 1 side of a human cadaver mandible. Using the Accuitomo 170 CBCT machine (J Morita, Irvine, CA), a total of 18 scans (9 with a small FOV and 9 with a large FOV) were made. Ten axial slices from each scan were transferred to ImageJ software (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD) for analysis. The mean standard deviation of all voxel values of a fixed region of interest (ie, uniform air located lingual to tooth #30) was compared between small and large FOV slices. Two blinded observers subjectively rated the images for diagnostic quality and the presence of artifacts. The Wilcoxon signed rank test showed that the standard deviation for both small and large FOV slices increases as the number of metal objects increases. The mean of the standard deviation for small and large FOVs is 3.6 and 2.5, respectively (P =.0000). Fifty-three percent of the small FOV slices had more artifacts in the subjective analysis. One hundred percent of the small FOV slices were rated as higher quality. Metal objects outside of the FOV in the contralateral quadrant do affect the quality of small FOV images. However, small FOV images have a higher resolution compared with large FOV images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, several studies have presented quantitative data of lithic assemblages from Islands Southeast Asia (ISEA), based on technological and morphological analyses. While this has led to a better overall understanding of the nature of these assemblages, there is still lack of clarity about the relationship between manufacturing technology and usage. Accordingly, this study collected detailed data of lithic assemblages from Callao Cave in northern Luzon, Philippines. Multifaceted analyses including technological and morphological analysis and use-wear analysis were conducted to clarify the actual nature of lithic technology and tool use in relation to human behavior. Results of the technological and morphological analysis show that several core tools share same types of secondary reduction (retouch) with flake tools, while there are several retouched tools (flake tools and core tools) with several types of secondary reduction (retouch). In addition, there are no major differences between the sizes of the core tools and flake tools. Result of the use-wear analysis indicates that several retouched areas on both the core tools and flake tools were actually used. These stone-tool manufacturing and usage characteristics suggest that the hunter-gatherers who left the assemblages did not clearly distinguish between cores and flakes (or between core tools and flake tools), and did not treat lithic tools as single-function items. That is, it appears that secondary reduction was completed depending on the shapes, thicknesses, and angles of the edges of these lithic artifacts. The users/manufacturers thus placed emphasis on functional edges. It also seems that the core tools were used as both tools and objects for flake production. The characteristics of the assemblages in manufacturing and their usage suggest that lithic artifacts and lithic raw materials were used in Callao Cave efficiently and economically. Furthermore, in terms of their primary and secondary reduction processes, the assemblages from Callao Cave are considerably different from Upper Paleolithic assemblages found in the northern regions of Eurasia. This indicates that the characteristics of stone tool manufacturing and usage in Callao Cave reflect another strategy of early modern humans for using lithic raw material. However, these characteristics of the assemblages may most closely reflect the characteristics of the occupations and activities in the site. Accordingly, similar analyses, including technological and morphological analysis and use-wear analysis, need to be conducted on other lithic assemblages which are composed of many lithic artifacts in ISEA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work is to deepen our knowledge about the use of wood as raw a material among Patagonian hunter-gatherers, to identify the woody species used in the manufacturing of artifacts and to assess the shifts or continuities in the wood techonology of these societies during the Holocene. For this purpose we analyzed 10 wood artifacts coming from two Patagonian archeological sites Cerro Casa de Piedra 5 (6780 ± 110 and 2805 ± 105 years BP) and Cerro Casa de Piedra 7 (10,620 ± 40 and 3480 ± 70 years BP) (Santa Cruz prov., Argentina) and 20 wooden artifacts housed at three museum collections Museo del Fin del Mundo (Tierra del Fuego, Argentina), Museo de la Patagonia (Río Negro, Argentina) and Museo delle civilità (Roma, Italia). The studied ethnographic artifacts were collected by ethnographers and travellers in Patagonian lands, in the period of contact between ancient settlers and Europeans (XVI century to the beginning of XX). The archeological artifact analysis highlighted the use of one shruby species as raw material, while the results of the ethnographic pieces demonstrated the use of two species: Berberis sp. and Ribes magellanicum. The repeated use of the same woody species - Berberis sp.-, for the manufacturing of different types of artifacts, since early times (middle Holocene) until European contact periods (XVI century to the beginning of XX), allow us to document the development of a particular wood technology among Patagonian hunter-gatherer groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Pre-Columbian textiles were studied using hyperspectral imaging (400–2500 nm). • Spectral unmixing was used to identify endmembers of possible dye mixes. • Both an a priori and an automatic processing approach were used to define endmembers. • The selected endmembers were mapped to reveal patterns of dyes and fiber materials. • A comparison between maps obtained with the two selection approaches is provided. In this study, two pre-Columbian textiles belonging to the Middle Orizon and Necropolis Paracas Cultures are studied by means of reflectance imaging spectroscopy. The non-invasive analysis of artifacts is a fundamental step when investigating the constituent materials and their state of conservation in order to target subsequent sampling campaigns in specific areas. The paper aims to explore the spectral properties in the Visible Near-Infrared (VNIR) and Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) intervals and investigate the spectral correlation between the relevant identified regions of interest. Two ways of selecting relevant spectral signatures are proposed: manual selection and automatic filtering. According to these two selections, the regions of interest undergo spectral unmixing in the VNIR interval to investigate which dyes had been used as such. The hyperspectral images are then mapped according to the selected endmembers in both VNIR and SWIR intervals. Small areas that feature the usage of a peculiar black thread have been given particular attention and imaged with a macro objective. The SWIR mapping on one of the samples has helped to reveal a pattern that can be ascribed to the manufacturing processes or the burial conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current standards for shock advisory algorithms in AEDs require performance testing on artifact-free ECGs. However, AED analysis in the real world is more challenging due to potential artifacts from various sources (e.g., patient handling, and electromagnetic interference). This retrospective data analysis reports the real-world performance and behavior of a shock advisory algorithm used in three AED models with the presence of artifacts. ECG rhythm analyses recorded during the use of three AED models (HS1, FRx and FR3) were reviewed. The shock recommendations made in the AEDs were compared to the expert annotations of reviewers. The effects of real-world artifacts and the handling by the algorithm were analyzed. Among the 3,941 analyses, 619 were annotated as shockable rhythms, and 2,912 were non-shockable. The overall sensitivity and specificity were 97.1% (601/619), and 99.9% (2,908/2,912), respectively. Artifacts were detected by the algorithm in 23.3% (918/3,941) of the analysis periods. The algorithm performance for the analysis periods with artifacts detected was 95.2% (80/84) for sensitivity and 100.0% (687/687) for specificity. In the remaining analysis periods with no artifacts detected, the sensitivity was 97.4% (521/535), and specificity was 99.8% (2,221/2,225). The performance of this shock advisory algorithm during real-world resuscitations with or without artifacts, exceeded AHA recommendations and the requirements in international standards. The high sensitivity and specificity demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of this algorithm in all three AED models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Thorough analysis of the ringing artifacts present in the wavelet based image fusion is presented. • A quantitative measure using structural dissimilarity is proposed to measure ringing artifacts present in the fused image. • A model for intra- and inter-scale dependency is proposed. • A filtering based approach is proposed to compensate ringing artifacts. • Another approach using inter-scale dependency is proposed to compensate ringing artifacts. In this paper, we investigate an issue of the ringing artifacts inherent to wavelet based image fusion. A thorough analysis of the ringing phenomenon, by experimenting with different types of images and different wavelet families, with varying lengths of filters and varying levels of decomposition is performed to obtain deeper insights of the ringing artifacts. It is experimentally shown that wavelet based fusion results in the modification of the intra- and inter-scale dependencies, with the inter-scale dependency being the dominating factor causing the ringing artifacts. Also, these ringing artifacts are localized in the Fourier domain. Subsequently, a quantitative measure using structural dissimilarity is proposed to measure the ringing artifacts due to wavelet based fusion. Two possible solutions to compensate for the ringing artifacts are then proposed. In the first strategy, a filtering based method is proposed to reduce these ringing artifacts. It takes advantage of the localized nature of the ringing artifacts. Furthermore, the intra- and inter-scale dependencies are modeled using order-zero entropy. A second strategy using the inter-scale dependency is then proposed to reduce the ringing artifacts. Experimental results show that both these methods are able to reduce the ringing artifacts significantly and have further scope for improvement. Another critical finding of this work is selection of the wavelet filter and its levels of decomposition for the process of fusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The truthfulness of digital images can be evaluated by investigating the CFA artifacts introduced due to the interpolation process of the image acquisition phase. In this paper, an image tampering detection technique is proposed by exposing the CFA artifacts in difference domain through the higher-order statistical analysis based on the Markov transition probability matrix (MTPM). Firstly, the given image is re-interpolated with most commonly used four Bayer CFA patterns. The re-interpolation process is performed by using bilinear interpolation scheme for simplicity purpose. Then, the difference between the given image and its re-interpolated versions is evaluated to analyze the CFA inconsistencies. The target difference image is selected corresponding to the maximum sum which is further processed to evaluate the MTPM based second-order statistical feature. The recommended approach is assessed on different images from UCID dataset and various social networking websites based on scalar-based and SVM/machine learning based forensic detectors. The experiment results confirm that the projected method offers improved efficiency in comparison to the existing techniques based on different forgery scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Late Pleistocene witnessed significant changes in lithic technological behaviors, mobility patterns and subsistence strategies in northeastern Eurasia, which are also correlated with paleoclimatic and paleoenvironmental changes. Integrating artifact analysis and paleoenvironmental evidence, Taoshan, a newly excavated archaeological site, provides a crucial case study for evaluating human adaptation in Northeast China. Taoshan site was excavated in 2013–2014, uncovering three prehistoric layers and abundant remains. Here we present the results of a systematic techno-typological analysis of the Late Pleistocene assemblages of the site, and place special emphasis on diachronic cultural developments and underlying dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, eight samples were selected for the spectroscopy, microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Chemometric analyses. All these samples were collected from the Chandravalli site located in Karnataka, South India. The firing technology (firing temperature and conditions) involved in the artifacts during manufacturing due to its mineralogical composition determined by FT-IR and XRD. Through vitrification factors and the high firing limit of the artifacts are correlated with the above results obtained by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The nature of the clay and refractory behavior are explained in detail through EDS and EDXRF analyses. The cluster and factor analysis are used to grouping/provenance study of the artifacts. In addition to that, the elemental oxide ratio is performed to the confirmation of grouping of artifacts. • Clay & non-clay minerals and their corresponding firing temperature were obtained from FT-IR and XRD results. • Nature of the clay type (calcareous/non-calcareous) attained by SEM analysis. The EDS & XRF techniques provides the quantitative and qualitative analysis of ancient artifacts. • The HCA, FA and SiO 2 /Al 2 O 3 are used to identify the provenance of the artifacts. • Presence of organic substances indicate that samples might be used for household purposes. • These information will help to the archaeologist scientifically to know the cultural sequences of ancient people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carrying capabilities of drones and their easy accessibility to the public have led to an increase in drone crimes. The need for drone forensic analysis is paramount. The paper presents the collection, examination, correction, and analysis of important artifacts from the recorded flight data. The crime reconstruction for temporal analysis and relational artifacts is presented for exploring and evaluating the association among the drone, the mobile phone and SD card. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The Nam Lot site in Laos and the hominin-bearing Duoi U'Oi site in Vietnam are dated to MIS 5 (86–72 ka) and MIS 4 (70–60 ka), respectively. Located in the same latitudinal belt ~20°N in the north of the Indochinese area, the faunal assemblages recovered from breccia deposits in a karstic context have the potential to provide information on the palaeoenvironmental conditions faced by earliest modern humans when they entered the Southeast Asian mainland. Here, zooarchaeological evidence of faunas are reviewed combined with a new stable isotope analysis (δ13C and δ18O) of tooth enamel of mammals from Nam Lot (86–72 ka), to explore environmental conditions during MIS 5–4 periods. In both sites, large predators (hyena, tiger, leopard, and dhole) had access to a great diversity of prey among mammals. The Nam Lot isotopic results indicate during MIS 5 a complexity in the forest habitats with closed low-light tropical rainforest, "intermediate" rainforest, and C 3 –C 4 open woodland/'savanna'. This woodland ecosystem – notably the "intermediate" rainforest – carried most of the ungulate biomass, with a variety of small to large-bodied ground-dwelling animals. Highlights • Two MIS 5–4 mammalian faunas from Laos and Vietnam are analyzed. • Zooarchaeological evidences reveal the diversity of resources exploitable by predators. • The Nam Lot fauna is analyzed using stable isotopes (δ13C and δ18O) in tooth enamel. • Isotopic results indicate a mosaic of habitats during MIS 5 in northeastern Laos. • Both sites constituted attractive environments for predators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The glasses are Soda-Lime-Glass of the Imperial Roman and Byzantine periods. • The glass production methodology is uniform all along the considered period. • Burial conditions produced a strong de-alkalization and network dissolution. • Colored glasses present typical chromophores. • Glass from the Catacombs of St. Lucy belong to the HIMT and Levantine type group. Abstract The study of glassmaking and glass trade in the Mediterranean region represents one of the most intriguing topics for Late Roman and Early Medieval archaeology. Until a decade ago, the identification of production centers and distribution patterns was mainly based on typological features and coloring of glass vessels. The growing popularity in the application of archaeometric techniques for characterization and study of archaeological artifacts has revolutionized the field of ancient glass studies. However, the critical lack of primary data and the limited use of analytical methods to determine the provenance of such materials has generated a gap in the knowledge, especially in important regions such as Sicily. The evidence emerged from two recent fieldworks brought the opportunity to test non-destructive techniques on an assemblage of ancient vessels to compare Late Roman and Early Medieval glass production technology and emphasizes evidence of continuity and discontinuity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impedance cardiography (ICG) is an attractive noninvasive method for measuring stroke volume and cardiac output. However, it is easily disturbed by the artifacts such as respiration and body shaking. Considering the correlation between physiological and motion signals, and the synchronization relationship among the physiological signals, this paper introduces an ICG denoising method based on canonical correlation analysis (CCA) and coherence analysis to remove the artifacts during the measurement. First, the CCA extracts the shared components between the electrocardiogram (ECG) and the motion signal, as well as the shared components between ICG and the motion signal. Then, set those shared components to zero to suppress the primary motion artifacts. Next, the coherence analysis was used to calculate the synchronization relationship between obtained ECG and ICG components. Finally, the components with strong synchronization relationships were used to reconstruct the ICG signal. The denoising method was evaluated for 54 subjects during lying and walking. Experimental results show that after removing the artifacts, the signal quality index beat contribution factor (BCF) was increased from the original 78.1% to 97.8%, and the physiological parameters measured based on the proposed method were in good agreement with those measured by the standard instrument. The proposed denoising method effectively improves the reliability of analysis and diagnosis on cardiovascular diseases relying on ICG signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

L'histoire de la recherche préhistorique en Amérique du Sud a connu différentes écoles de pensée. Historiquement, l'École française s'est probablement plus concentrée sur les périodes les plus anciennes en appliquant des méthodes de fouilles rigoureuses (étude spatiale, enregistrement 3D des vestiges archéologiques, etc.) et l'étude technologique des artefacts lithiques. Les deux dernières décennies ont vu l'émergence de recherches préhistoriques d'une école en particulier, celle de la technologie fonctionnelle. À partir d'une révision historique des travaux universitaires consacrés à ce thème, l'objectif de cet article est de réfléchir sur l'impact qu'a eu cette École en Amérique du Sud en tant que socle méthodologique dans les études lithiques et de proposer des repères scientifiques pour la recherche actuelle et future. The field of prehistoric research in South America has been shaped by various schools of thought. Historically, the French School probably focused more on the most ancient periods. This school has applied rigorous excavation methods, including spatial studies, 3D recording of archaeological remains, and technological analyses of lithic artifacts. In the past two decades, a new school of thought — functional technology — has emerged, offering a fresh perspective in prehistoric research. This article aims to undertake an historical review of academic contributions on this theme, reflect on the impact of this school as a methodological cornerstone for lithic studies in South America, and propose scientific guidelines for current and future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé Les recherches archéo-préhistoriques, sur une vaste région au centre de l'actuel territoire iranien sont menées depuis plus d'un siècle et ont livré de nombreux sites allant du Paléolithique inférieur au Paléolithique supérieur et à l'Épipaléolithique. Concernant le Paléolithique supérieur, beaucoup de travaux ont porté sur la région du Zagros et ont amené certains à proposer l'existence d'un faciès propre au Zagros, le Baradostien ou Aurignacien du Zagros. Durant les deux dernières décennies, les recherches sur le Paléolithique se sont poursuivies sur les sites du Zagros et se sont étendues aux régions du sud de l'Alborz et au nord de Dasht-é Kavir (plateau central), pour lesquelles peu d'informations étaient disponibles. Quelques sites du Paléolithique supérieur tels que Sefid-āb, Bardia et Délazian (dans le Plateau Central) et Garm Roud (en Alborz) ont été découverts. Dans cette contribution, (1) une révision actualisée des découvertes dans le Zagros en mettant l'accent sur les assemblages collectés en contexte stratigraphique, met en évidence une certaine diversité des assemblages lithiques du Zagros et de sa périphérie. Leurs particularités ainsi que les datations disponibles amènent aujourd'hui à se questionner sur l'existence d'un Aurignacien du Zagros. (2) Les premiers résultats d'une étude comparative typo-technologique de deux sites « hors-Zagros », Délazian et Garm Roud, renforce cette idée. Nous pensons que de nouvelles analyses typo-technologiques des assemblages disponibles intégrant la nature et la fonction des sites sont nécessaires et que les découvertes de nouveaux sites en contexte stratigraphique dans le Zagros et hors Zagros sont susceptibles de donner une image plus réaliste de la complexité de la culture du Paléolithique supérieur dans la région. Abstract Archaeological research on a vast area centred on the current Iranian territory has been carried out for more than a century and has delivered many sites ranging from the Lower Palaeolithic to the Upper Palaeolithic and Epipaleolithic. Concerning the Upper Paleolithic, many works have focused on the Zagros region and have led some to propose the existence of a facies specific to the Zagros the Baradostian or Aurignacian of the Zagros. During the last two decades, Palaeolithic research continued on the Zagros sites and extended to the southern Alborz and northern Dasht-é Kavir regions (central plateau), for which little information was available. Some Upper Palaeolithic sites such as Sefid-āb, Bardia and Délazian (in the Central Plateau) and Garm Roud (in Alborz) have been discovered. In this contribution, (1) an updated revision of the discoveries in the Zagros, focusing on the assemblages collected in stratigraphic context, highlights a certain diversity of the Upper Paleolithic lithic assemblages of the Zagros and its periphery. Their particularities as well as the available dates lead us today to question the existence of an Aurignacian specific to the Zagros. (2) The first results of a comparative typo-technological study of two "non-Zagros" sites, Délazian and Garm Roud, reinforce this idea. We believe that new typo-technological analyses of the available assemblages integrating the nature and function of the sites are necessary and that the discoveries of new sites in stratigraphic context in the Zagros and outside Zagros, are likely to give a more realistic picture of the complexity of the Upper Palaeolithic culture in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Antialiasing analog filters are not designed to protect against DBS artifacts in EEG. • Low-pass temporal filtering is insufficient: DBS also causes low-frequency artifacts. • Tracking outliers in the frequency domain is necessary to remove DBS artifacts. Abstract A major question for deep brain stimulation (DBS) research is understanding how DBS of one target area modulates activity in different parts of the brain. EEG gives privileged access to brain dynamics, but its use with implanted patients is limited since DBS adds significant high-amplitude electrical artifacts that can completely obscure neural activity measured using EEG. Here, we systematically review and discuss the methods available for removing DBS artifacts. These include simple techniques such as oversampling, antialiasing analog filtering and digital low-pass filtering, which are necessary but typically not sufficient to fully remove DBS artifacts when each is used in isolation. We also cover more advanced methods, including techniques tracking outliers in the frequency-domain, which can be effective, but are rarely used. The reason for that is twofold: First, it requires advanced skills in signal processing since no user friendly tool for removing DBS artifacts is currently available. Second, it involves fine-tuning to avoid over-aggressive filtering. We highlight an open-source toolbox incorporating most artifact removal methods, allowing users to combine different strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Do we have any means of predicting or evaluating how technological developments could contribute to a good society before they become part of everyday life? This paper turns to history for a potential answer by seeing the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition as one example of a tentative materialization of a vision of the good society supported by technological systems and artifacts. The first part of the paper provides a theoretical framework for understanding the communication of private sociotechnical visions of the good society to the public by way of full-scale models, and addresses how to evaluate such visions. Based on this framework, the paper explores the Exposition as a sociotechnical prototype, publicly enacted and experienced, and essential to insights about our own sociotechnical future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In lake sediments where terrestrial macrofossils are rare or absent, AMS radiocarbon dating of pollen concentrates may represent an important alternative solution for developing a robust and high resolution chronology suitable for Bayesian modelling of age-depth relationships. Here we report an application of the heavy liquid density separation approach (Vandergoes and Prior, Radiocarbon 45:479–492, 2003) to Holocene lake sediments from karstic Lake Sidi Ali, Morocco. In common with many karstic lakes, a significant lake 14 C reservoir effect of 450–900 yr is apparent, evidenced by paired dates on terrestrial macrofossils and either aquatic (ostracod) or bulk sediment samples. AMS dating of 23 pollen concentrates alongside laboratory standards (bituminous coal, anthracite, IAEA C5 wood) was undertaken. Concentrates were prepared using a series of sodium polytungstate (SPT) solutions of progressively decreasing density (1.9–1.15 g/cm 3 ) accompanied by microscopic analysis of the resulting residues to allow quantification of the terrestrial pollen content. The best fractions (typically precipitating at 1.4–1.2 g/cm 3 ) yielded dateable samples of 0.5–5 mg (from sediment samples of ∼15 g), with C content typically ∼50% by weight. Terrestrial pollen purity ranges from 29% to 88% ( μ = 67%), reflecting the challenge of isolating pollen grains from common aquatic algae, e.g. Pediastrum and Botryococcus . A Poisson-process Bayesian depositional model incorporating radiocarbon (pollen and macrofossil) and 210 Pb/ 137 Cs data is employed. As all pollen samples incorporate some non-terrestrial organic matter, we assume an exponential outlier distribution treating each pollen concentrate datum as an old outlier and terminus post quem . This approach yields strong data-model agreement, and differences between the prior and posterior age distributions are furthermore consistent with theoretical offsets anticipated for the known reservoir ages and sample-specific terrestrial content. This application of the pollen concentrate dating approach reinforces the importance of microscopic inspection of the residues during the separation and sieving stages. Sample specific differences mean that the pollen concentrate preparation cannot be reduced to a simplistic “black box” protocol, and dating and subsequent age-model development must be supported by detailed analysis of the microfossil content of the sediments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An SPME-GC/MS method to analyze bound volatiles in small fruits was optimized. • Enzymatic hydrolyses, primarily with pectinase, resulted in high levels of alcohols. • Heat-assisted citric acid hydrolyses led to artifacts generation, mainly aldehydes. • Blueberries were characterized by high levels of lipids oxidation derivatives. • Raspberries and grapes were marked by high amounts of shikimate pathway derivatives. Bound volatiles are odorless aroma reservoirs that modify flavor when released during food processing, and their determination is important to understand the aroma of fruit beverages. However, the generation of oxidation/degradation artifacts during analyses of glycosidically-bound volatiles has not been compared across fruit species and their dependence on diverse acidic and enzymatic hydrolytic conditions remains unclear. This work aimed to optimize and compare different hydrolytic conditions for the analysis of glycosidically-bound volatiles in blueberries, raspberries, and grapes with a solid-phase microextraction – gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (SPME-GC/MS) methodology. Enzymatic hydrolyses using AR2000® at 100 mg.mL−1 and Pectinex Ultra SPL® at 25–100 μL.mL−1 showed profiles characterized by the expected alcohols, while using AR2000® at 200–400 mg.mL−1 and citric acid at 50–100 mM resulted in profiles defined by artifacts (hydrocarbons, norisoprenoids, and aldehydes). (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, 3-methyl-1-butanol, linalool, citronellol, and geraniol presented Odor Activity Values (OAV) > 1 for most small fruit genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Video editing software can be used to combine different videos into one video using the chroma key feature. However, detecting such video manipulation is an understudied topic. Digital forgers may present a manipulated video from chroma key composition as evidence in court, thus creating a severe problem. In this paper, we propose a blind detection technique designed to analyze the statistical correlation of blurring artifact extracted from a digital video. This technique allows us to detect chroma key forgery in a manipulated composite video. Findings from our experiments demonstrate that the proposed detection technique can adequately determine the presence of manipulation on a video using chroma key, with a true positive detection rate of 91.12% and a false positive detection rate of 1.95%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In multimedia applications, compositing is an inevitable step for creating special visual effects from entertainment to education. It is often desirable to merge two regions or an object from one image over background of another image to get a completely new image. However, compositing multiple images with different textures and colors results in the creation of visual artifacts along the boundaries. A multi-scale seamless image compositing method is proposed to minimize these artifacts in order to generate visually appealing and natural looking composites. Unlike existing compositing techniques, the proposed method automatically detects the visually salient objects from the source image for merging it over a destination image background. Novel facets of the algorithm are: (1) use of a novel salient object detection method for automatic mask generation, (2) formulation of a novel 2-D exponentially weighted Savitzky–Golay (2-D EWS–G) filter, which is an extension of 2-D S-G filter, for multi-scale pyramid based blending with edge preserving blurring property. Experiments performed over different datasets are compared with the state-of-the-art methods to justify the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. Despite smoothing the seams, our algorithm retains the sharpness of the image features, effectively reduces noise, and is robust to change in window size of the proposed filter. Thus, the proposed algorithm exhibits a considerable improvement in image compositing and hence it could be quite useful for multimedia applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce a novel method to detect and classify the severity of bacterial spot ( Xanthomonas spp.) in tomato ( Solanum lycopersicon ) fields. Visual spectrum images were used as inputs and they were taken at 85 days of the plantation. Two hybrids, Hypeel 108 and U2006, were planted and then inoculated separately with X. perforans and X. gardneri , respectively at 37 and 57 days. Ten (10) different plantation areas were then evaluated taking 18 image samples of each in sub-areas, which were analyzed by 7 experts to grade them and be used as comparison. Productivity was also measured in the areas in order to correlate those to the different severities of the disease in the experiment. Visual spectrum images were preprocessed to area size adjustment and brightness correction and then transformed to a CIELab color space for more stable chroma analysis. A clustering process was applied in the a channel in order to group regions related to healthy leaves, unhealthy ones, bare soil and other artifacts. Post-filtering was applied to channels L and b to evaluate regions with over and underexposition of light and reddish fruits being detected. All of the processed regions were then measured and compared using a novel Severity Index SI , which automatically grades, from 1.0 to 5.0, the presence and the severity of the disease. Sixteen classes of severity SC are also proposed, as equal intervals of SI index. Images were taken in a variety of conditions and results showed besides strong correlation with experts analysis, better explanation and smaller error when analyzing the productivity affected by the disease measurements. Results indicate potential for using this methodology for detecting and grading the severity of bacterial spot in tomato fields, with advantages such as capability of repeatable results with low variance, speed and direct field-based applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because the Bohai Sea is a semi-enclosed sea connected to the North Yellow Sea only via the Bohai Strait, its sedimentary evolution during the Quaternary has been complex. In particular, the timing of Quaternary transgressions, especially Pleistocene transgressions, in the region, has long been a matter of controversy. Thus, the sedimentary history of the Bohai Sea in the Quaternary is still poorly understood. Borehole core YRD-1101 (200.30 m long), drilled in 2011 on the northern coast of the modern Yellow River delta, covers the last ~ 1.90 Ma, as indicated by paleomagnetic measurements. Here we report the results of integrated analyses of the core, including its sedimentary characteristics, downcore changes in environmental proxies (benthic foraminifers and ostracods), and accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) 14 C and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dates. From ~ 1.9 to ~ 0.83 Ma, the environment was fluvial. The first Quaternary transgression occurred at ~ 0.83 Ma (the latest Early Pleistocene), presumably caused by minor subsidence of the Miaodao Islands Uplift. Several relatively weak transgressions occurred from ~ 0.83 Ma to the end of the Middle Pleistocene, and three major marine sedimentary beds, here called T-3, T-2, and T-1 in ascending order, recorded in the early to middle MIS 5, the early MIS 3, and the middle to late Holocene, respectively, were presumably caused by major subsidence of the Miaodao Islands Uplift. In transgression strength, T-3 was weaker than T-2, which was basically the same as T-1. We interpret the change in transgression strength to reflect the interplay of sea-level changes, neotectonic subsidence, and sediment supply changes. Comparisons with other cores from around the Bohai Sea showed that the thickness of the Quaternary sedimentary sequence differs significantly among them, and both the T-2 and T-3 clearly display differences in thickness, facies sequence, and completeness among the cores, highlighting the important role of tectonic activity in the evolution of the Quaternary stratigraphy in the Bohai Bay Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ratio between first and second Eigenvalues from GC–MS data serves as an approximation of an F-value, allowing them to be interpreted as Fisher ratios. • A moving window across a GC–MS chromatogram is used to compute Fisher ratios. • Probability of each acquisition being in a region of interest is computed from Fisher ratios. • Our algorithm is capable of detecting chromatographic regions of interest down to 5 pg on column. • Free, open-source algorithm available for implementation into existing chemometric workflows. There are many challenges associated with analysing gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC–MS) data. Many of these challenges stem from the fact that electron ionization (EI) can make it difficult to recover molecular information due to the high degree of fragmentation with concomitant loss of molecular ion signal. With GC–MS data there are often many common fragment ions shared among closely-eluting peaks, necessitating sophisticated methods for analysis. Some of these methods are fully automated, but make some assumptions about the data which can introduce artifacts during the analysis. Chemometric methods such as Multivariate Curve Resolution (MCR), or Parallel Factor Analysis (PARAFAC/PARAFAC2) are particularly attractive, since they are flexible and make relatively few assumptions about the data - ideally resulting in fewer artifacts. These methods do require expert user intervention to determine the most relevant regions of interest and an appropriate number of components, k , for each region. Automated region of interest selection is needed to permit automated batch processing of chromatographic data with advanced signal deconvolution. Here, we propose a new method for automated, untargeted region of interest selection that accounts for the multivariate information present in GC–MS data to select regions of interest based on the ratio of the squared first, and second singular values from the Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) of a window that moves across the chromatogram. Assuming that the first singular value accounts largely for signal, and that the second singular value accounts largely for noise, it is possible to interpret the relationship between these two values as a probabilistic distribution of Fisher Ratios. The sensitivity of the algorithm was tested by investigating the concentration at which the algorithm can no longer pick out chromatographic regions known to contain signal. The algorithm achieved detection of features in a GC–MS chromatogram at concentrations below 10 pg on-column. The resultant probabilities can be interpreted as regions that contain features of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Results from AMS dating applied to insect chitin from a variety of contexts and different preservation conditions and retrieval methods are presented. Secure contexts, which include other dated organic material from different geographic locations ranging from Egypt to Greenland and different chronological periods, from Lateglacial to Medieval, have been used. In addition, insect species with different dietary requirements have been selected for dating purposes in order to provide an understanding as to whether diet plays a role in the chitin dating results. Dates from each context/site are discussed separately in the context of their stratigraphy and/or archaeology. Our research concentrates on the results from pre-treatment methods which require small quantities of chitin as these could be applied in a variety of Quaternary and archaeological contexts. The dates from carbonised and desiccated remains where no chemicals had been involved in storage fell within the range of dates from other organics or the archaeology. Although some of the dates from waterlogged contexts were successful, problems were encountered and these have been linked with long term storage in various alcohols of uncertain provenance. Whilst short term immersion in paraffin (kerosene) and alcohols during processing probably has no impact, it is recommended that chitinous material for dating be stored in acidified distilled water. Our results demonstrate the potential of chitin as a dating medium and provide a basis for its wider application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, Bernard, Gervais, Allen, Campomizzi, and Klein (2012) reported that individuals were less able to recognize inverted vs. upright pictures of sexualized men as compared to women. Based on their formulation of the sexualized-body-inversion hypothesis (SBIH) it was concluded that sexualized women as compared to men are perceived in a more object-like manner supporting sexual objectification (SO) of females – independent from observer gender. We challenge this interpretation and hypothesize that the originally reported effect is the result of a methodological artifact due to gender-symmetry and stimuli setup-symmetry confounds in the original stimulus set. We tested this theoretically more parsimonious account in a methodologically stricter and extended conceptual replication of the putative SO-effect. Results from two studies showed that the original stimulus set indeed suffered from symmetry confounds and that these are necessary boundary-conditions in order for the hypothetical SO-effect to occur. It is concluded that the SBIH as postulated by Bernard et al. (2012) is based on a methodological artifact and cannot be related to SO but symmetry detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work aims to investigate the morphology and composition of natural patina formed after long-term atmospheric exposure (∼100 years) on the bronze screws used in assembling the statuary group of Mathias Rex, placed in the center of Cluj-Napoca, Romania. The chemical composition of the bronze and of the natural patina, formed on the screws’ surface were determined by X-ray fluorescence analysis, and the morphology of the latter was determined by SEM - EDX cartographies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When using cardiac nuclear medicine images for diagnosis, the filtered back-projection (FBP) algorithm can reconstruct positron emission tomography (PET) images under low count rates. However, background strike artifacts in PET images are affected by diagnostic judgment. Hence, this study developed a robust method of removing background strike artifacts from FBP images without reducing image quality. A Jaszczak anthropomorphic torso phantom and a laboratory rabbit were used for performance tests of the proposed method. Parallel computing was applied to optimize the mask size of morphological structure operator (MSO) by minimizing the background standard deviation (Std). The optimal MSO mask size for the evaluated Jaszczak phantom was 3×3. The FBP images processed by MSO had significantly reduced strike artifacts measured by background Std (P=1E-5). After MSO processing, the time activity curve (TAC) of FBP images was stable and resembled the original FBP images (P=0.5). The proposed approach is highly stable and reduces noise by 13.08±2.32 in FBP images after MSO processing with 3×3 mask. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a semi-automatic approach for archaeological traces detection from aerial images. The method developed was based on the multiphase active contour model (ACM). The image was segmented into three competing regions to improve the visibility of buried remains showing in the image as crop marks (i.e. centuriations, agricultural allocations, ancient roads, etc.). An initial determination of relevant traces can be quickly carried out by the operator by sketching straight lines close to the traces. Subsequently, tuning parameters (i.e. eccentricity, orientation, minimum area and distance from input line) are used to remove non-target objects and parameterize the detected traces. The algorithm and graphical user interface for this method were developed in a MATLAB environment and tested on high resolution orthorectified aerial images. A qualitative analysis of the method was lastly performed by comparing the traces extracted with ancient traces verified by archaeologists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder with a comparatively high prevalence rate. It is a condition characterized by repeated and unprovoked seizures. Seizures are managed with the help of Antiepileptic Drugs and other treatment options like epilepsy surgery. Unfortunately, people with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy is not able to achieve full seizure freedom since there is no effective treatment to handle the type of seizure or its cause. The possibility of untimely death in people with epilepsy is higher than in the general population. The prediction of seizures before the onset is very crucial in managing patients with uncontrollable seizures. The detection of seizures from long EEG recordings can help in the proper diagnosis of epilepsy. The focus of this review is to explore the methods for both seizure detection and prediction from traditional signal processing to models employing machine learning principally deep learning. The various neuroimaging techniques and comparison of non-invasive techniques for EEG data acquisition are presented. A thorough analysis of artifact removal techniques and entropy-based approaches for seizure detection is conducted. The challenges in developing robust models and the efficacy of existing approaches are also discussed. The novelty of this study is the comprehensive overview of the latest research on seizure detection and prediction with an emphasis on deep learning models. • An exhaustive and systematic review of the latest research on Epileptic Seizure detection and prediction. • The article benefits from an extensive literature review of 162 related papers to offer a systematic critique. • The various neuro imaging techniques and EEG signal processing techniques are discussed. • The performance of Machine Learning and Deep Learning models observed in previous researches are critiqued. • The challenges, recommendations and future research perspectives are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] C-terminal methylation can result when neuropeptides are extracted with methanolic solvents. [•] An enzyme-assisted mechanism for C-terminal methylation is demonstrated. [•] The C-terminal methylation calls into question previously identified neuropeptides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Archeological artifacts such as burial and embalmment materials are commonly dated by 14C labeling using accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). The presence of contaminant organic matter can interfere with the accurate determination of an object's age, hence sample preparation is a critical step before radiocarbon-based dating. Both harsh acid and base treatments have been applied to remove contamination, such as humic acids, resin-based adhesives, and plant oils. Additional removal of carbon-laden material can also be affected by applying such methods as plasma oxidation. In this study, SC-CO2 with addition of a cosolvent has been applied to remove the above materials prior to plasma oxidation and subsequent dating via AMS. Initially, wood/charcoal samples were extracted using a modified-Isco SFX-2-10 extraction unit (Isco Inc., Lincoln, NE). Experiments were conducted using supercritical carbon dioxide/10% methanol at a pressure of 20.4MPa (3000psig) (p r =2.80) and 40°C (T r =1.36), and carbon dioxide flow rates of ∼1.4±0.1ml/min. Comparison of the SC-CO2–methanol cosolvent treatment with traditional acid–base–acid sample pretreatment on identical wood-charcoal samples showed comparable radiocarbon dating results encompassing a period of 10,000 years. In addition, both Russian and Egyptian mummy gauzes and Russian textiles were similarly treated and the extracts analyzed by MALDI-TOF-MS and GC/MS to determine the chemical identity of the extracted material. A polyglycerol-based polymer was positively identified in addition to fatty acid moieties as their fatty acid methyl ester derivatives (FAMES), which potentially formed from the in situ reaction of the triglycerides present in the embalment materials with the SC-fluid mixture. Model extractions from spiked-linen gauze samples have verified removal of such materials as beeswax, coconut oil, frankincense, glycerol, and humic acids in varying amounts. Application of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) appears to be a promising method to pretreat small samples for 14C radiocarbon dating where conservation of the archeological artifact is of importance. The SFE pretreatment has the potential to replace harsh acid–base pretreatment methods, and can be coupled with a non-destructive argon or oxygen plasma treatment for microgram carbon removal prior to accelerator MS isotope ratio age determination of the archeological artifact. This combination of techniques requires as little as 0.05mg of carbon-equivalent weight for the age determination of the artifact while minimizing sample degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We summarize how radiocarbon measurements are made using accelerator mass spectrometry. We also discuss some complications inherent in the radiocarbon-dating method when calibrating radiocarbon dates to calendar dates. For example, measurements of radiocarbon (14C) in some types of materials are complicated by a “reservoir effect”, caused by an apparent age of the source reservoir that differs from the contemporary atmospheric surface 14C value. In other cases, mobile carbon sources in nature can produce mixed sources of carbon. We explore these effects and discuss their possible implications for 14C measurements and how we can deal with them. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Several new tools to obtain three-dimensional information from unorganized image sets are now available for the public use. The main advantage of this software, which is based on dense stereo matching, is the possibility to generate 3D content without the need of high-cost hardware (e.g. 3D scanning devices). Nevertheless, their use in real-world application domains (like cultural heritage) is still not very diffused, due to the non-straightforward usability of the raw data produced. In this paper, we investigate the use of automatic dense stereo reconstruction tools for the monitoring of an excavation site. A methodology for the effective acquisition and processing of data is presented. In addition, the results of the data assessment demonstrate the repeatability of the data acquisition process, which is a key factor when qualitative analysis is performed. The use of three-dimensional data is integrated in an open source mesh processing tool, thus showing that a spatio-temporal analysis can be performed in a very intuitive way using off-the-shelf or free/open digital tools. Moreover, the use of peculiar rendering and the creation of snapshots from arbitrary points of view increase the amount of documentation data, and suggest a perfect integration of data produced with dense stereo matching in the future standard documentation for excavation monitoring. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The degree to which the sub-micrometer pitch measurement accuracy of a gear-measuring instrument (GMI) can be evaluated is limited when using a gear artifact. We propose a new method of evaluating GMI pitch measurement accuracy using a sphere artifact, where the sphere is treated as a tooth flank. In this paper we report (i) the design of the sphere artifact, (ii) a method of measuring the sphere artifact with a GMI, (iii) a method of evaluating pitch measurement accuracy based on a self-calibration technique or a comparative measurement technique, and (iv) the results of evaluating GMI pitch measurement accuracy using a sphere artifact. Sub-micrometer evaluation was found to be possible. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: During 2008 and 2009 heavy rainfall took place around the Mazatlan County in the Sinaloa state, Mexico, with a return period (Tr) between 50 and 100years. As a result, the region and its infrastructure, such as the railways and highways (designed for a Tr=20years) were severely exposed to floods and, as a consequence damage caused by debris and sediments dragged into the channel. One of the highest levels of damage to the infrastructure was observed in the columns of Quelite River railway’s bridge. This is catastrophic as the railway is very important for trade within the state and also among other states in Mexico and in the USA. In order to understand the impact of the flooding and to avoid the rail system being damaged it is necessary to analyse how significant the changes in the river channel have been. This analysis looks at the definition of the main channel and its floodplain as a result of the sediment variability, not only at the bridge area, but also upstream and downstream. The Quelite River study considers the integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing data to map, recognise and assess the spatio-temporal change channel morphology. This increases the effectiveness of using different types of geospatial data with in situ measurements such as hydrological data. Thus, this paper is an assessment of a 20years study period carried out using historical Landsat images and aerial photographs as well as recent Spot images. A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of local topography and flow volumes were also used. The results show the Quelite River is an active river with a high suspended sediment load and migration of meanders associated to heavy rainfall. The river also has several deep alluvial floodplain channels which modified the geometry and other morphological characteristics of the channel in the downstream direction. After the identification of the channel changes, their causes and solutions to control, the channel migration and the dynamics structure, a river management plan was projected not only to protect the bridge but also to provide a flood risk awareness in order to reduce the social–economical impact during a flood event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Starting on a laboratory developed portable X-ray fluorescence (PXRF) spectrometer; three different analytical results can be performed: analysis of chemical elements, analysis of major chemical crystalline phase and structural analysis, which represents a contribution to a new, low cost development of portable X-ray analyzer; since these results are respectively obtained with independent equipments for X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction and radiography. Detection limits of PXRF were characterized using standard reference materials for ceramics, glass, bronze and bones, which are the main materials requiring quantitative analysis in art and archeological objects. A setup for simultaneous energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence and diffraction (ED (XRF–XRD)) in the reflection mode has been tested for in situ and non-destructive analysis according to the requirements of art objects inspection. The system uses a single low power X-ray tube and an X-ray energy dispersive detector to measure X-ray diffraction spectrum at a fixed angle. Application to the identification of jadeite-jade mineral in archeological objects by XRD is presented. A local high resolution radiography image obtained with the same low power X-ray tube allows for studies in painting and archeological bones. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An interactive software tool, here called Spatial Analysis of Lineaments (SAL), has been developed for calculating the spatial properties azimuth, length, spacing, and unidirectional frequency of lineaments which are defined by their start and end coordinates. In a series of steps the user is guided by displays of relevant statistical distributions, which can be user designed. Statistical outliers can be excluded and the total sample of lineaments can be subdivided into azimuth sets and, if required, into spatial clusters. Special attention is given to the removal of spatial outliers in an interactive way. Several rule-based decisions are made to determine the nearest lineament in the spacing calculation. As a default procedure, the program defines a window whose size depends on the mode value of the length distribution of the lineaments in the study area. The software can accept a large amount of lineaments and can analyze the spatial properties of each azimuth set avoiding the repetitive calling of the original database. A simple rule was developed to derive the unidirectional lineament frequency. The spatial properties are presented as histograms for each azimuth set together with the mode, mean, standard deviation, and number of involved lineaments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The influence of firing conditions on the chemical composition of the major pyrometamorphic phases of Ca-, Fe-rich Plio-Pleistocene sediments of NW Peloponnese is studied. These sediments have been used in the production of ceramic artefacts for a large historical period and are still in use by the local heavy clay industry. Firing conditions were oxidising (CO/CO2, %, ranging from 0.2 to 4.4) or reducing atmosphere (CO/CO2, %, ranging from 11.2 to 23.0), for a temperature range 850–1050°C. At 850°C, for both atmospheres, fassaite and gehlenite are the predominant new minerals with anorthite and wollastonite also formed in a small quantity. Up to 950°C, the chemistry of minerals in oxidising and reducing conditions does not exhibit considerable differences. Fe3+ is present even in reducing atmosphere entrapped in the structure of fassaite, gehlenite, anorthite. At 1050°C, in reducing atmosphere, more hedenbergite component (CaFe2+Si2O6) incorporates in fassaite, whereas the ferrigehlenite component () is absent from gehlenite structure. Fe3+ is detected only in fassaite and anorthite structure. The work concludes with a summary of the results from Part I and Part II, in the form of a reverse engineering table for the determination of the firing conditions in a ceramic body by using analytical information. Three examples are given that compare ancient ceramic sherds with ones reproduced in laboratory conditions and demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Archaeometric investigation on ancient ceramic collected from excavations in NW Peloponnese demonstrated that the ancient potters used the local Plio-Pleistocene clay sedimentary deposits for a large historical period. Three representative raw materials of these local sediments were chosen for experimental work aiming to evaluate their firing behaviour in a propane-fired kiln, with a different atmosphere and temperature. The determination of mineralogy and microstructure was carried out by XRD and SEM-EDS analysis. For ceramics fired at 850 and 950°C, no significant mineralogical and microstructural differences were observed between the oxidising and reducing atmosphere. The main pyrometamorphic phases are fassaite, gehlenite, anorthite and wollastonite. On the contrary, at 1050°C in reducing atmosphere, gehlenite and wollastonite are diminished whereas the content of anorthite, fassaite and amorphous phase is higher. The higher vitrification is attributed to Fe2+ that participates either in the formation of eutectic phases or in low melting crystalline phases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Serapeum Temple and the ancient annex library in Alexandria, Egypt from the Greek–Roman era, represent cultural heritage of outstanding universal values. They suffer weathering — aging as well as multiple geotechnical and earthquake hazards. A pilot study has been carried out in order (a) to define the pathology and the causes of deterioration and degradation (b) to study the seismic performance of this kind of monuments (c) to assess the global risk due to combined hazards and (d) to define the appropriate retrofitting techniques. In the paper a general outline of the various tests, surveys and analyses is presented, highlighting the most important issues related to the static and seismic stability of the above monuments. A particular feature of Serapeum is the column of Diocletian, founded just above it. The paper presents the comprehensive field and laboratory surveys and tests undertaken in the site, and the numerical analysis of the monument under static conditions and seismic conditions. The field testing program comprises various geotechnical and geophysical field and laboratory tests aiming to define the physical, mechanical and dynamic properties of the soils and soft rock materials of the site where the monuments is founded. Then an extensive parametric 2D and 3D numerical analyses were performed for the pillar and the Serapeum, subjected to seismic motions having different values of peak ground acceleration PGA and frequency content. Advanced soil and rock elasto-plastic modeling has been used throughout the different phases of the numerical analysis. The seismic analysis combined with the static one allowed us to define the pathology of the monuments and to estimate the ultimate load that they can survive under their present conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Middle-Eastern copper slag is a promising new material for studying intensity variations in the geomagnetic field with high resolution and precision. The purpose of this study is to test the accuracy of archaeointensity estimates determined using copper slag by addressing two questions: 1) “Does slag material display the magnetic properties required for valid Thellier experiments?” and 2) “What is the accuracy of the archaeointensity estimates derived from Thellier-style experiments on optimal samples?” We address the first question through a comprehensive microscopic and magnetic study of representative archaeological slag samples in order to identify the properties responsible for optimal behavior in Thellier experiments. To address the second question, we reproduced slag samples in the laboratory under controlled magnetic fields and analyzed them using the same IZZI paleointensity technique used for the ancient slag. Microscopic analyses of the archaeological slag show that ferromagnetic phases occur as three-dimensional dendritic structures whose branches consist of submicron-elongated particles. Magnetic analyses show that these dendrites behave as an assemblage of shape-controlled, single-domain-like particles and that their magnetization is thermoremanent. We conclude that slag material can be magnetically suitable for valid Thellier experiments. The laboratory-produced slag material demonstrated similar magnetic and mineralogical properties as the archaeological slag. IZZI experiments showed that non-linear TRM acquisition, even at field strengths similar to Earth''s, and TRM anisotropy are important factors to monitor during paleointensity studies of slag material. Anisotropy and non-linearity are probably related to the dendritic shape of the oxide grains. Intensity estimates derived from three laboratory-produced slag samples demonstrated accuracy to within ∼5% after applying the required corrections. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Samples from 20 reverse paintings on glass from different regions have been analyzed by NAA with the aim to deduce the place and date of their origin. A separation of earlier and later paintings was due to different concentrations of K and Na, because a sodium-containing flux came into use after 1870. Since in southern Germany quartz sand, and in the eastern area quartz rock had been used for glass manufacture, specific impurities could be used to distinguish southern from eastern glasses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Many on-chip network circuit and architecture techniques are incompatible with modern design flows, making them unsuitable for use in systems-on-chip. This paper presents a networks-on-chip (NoC) architecture design space exploration method for multi-processor systems-on-chip architecture. The NoC architecture design space is designed with a Layer-Interactive-Building block (LIB) methodology that is divided into three layers: application layer, link/network layer, and physical layer. The suggested LIB design paradigmatic philosophy provides modular building block structure in both hardware and software and the protocols for their interconnection in the three architecture layers. Using LIB the designer can easily select these building blocks to build application-specific NoCs to meet different application requirements such as media, graphic, software radio and communication network applications. The LIB provides the NoC building blocks, architecture interacting systems-on-chip components, the programming models and application mapping strategies. The LIB can be used as a complementary library and tools for future on-chip interconnection network design. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The archaeometrical survey of the tomb of Menna (TT69), which took place in November–December 2007, is part of the extended research program that aims to study and preserve this tomb in all its aspects. Menna was a high official who served as an overseer of Cadastral surveys during the reigns of pharaohs Tuthmosis IV and Amenhotep III (ca. 1419–1370 bc). The research team aimed to gather information, in a totally non-destructive way, on the materials used and the painting techniques. The technical examinations included photography with normal and raking light, macrophotography, ultra-violet (UV) fluorescence photography, and microscopy. On selected points X-ray fluorescence (XRF) was combined with diffuse reflectance UV-spectrometry, near infrared (NIR) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The technical aspects as well as problems that are inherently associated with an interdisciplinary survey of this extent, are discussed. The project worked with a large team of people with different backgrounds and sensitive technical equipment. Working conditions were quite hostile, including elevated temperatures and dust hampering the examinations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]