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"Unionizing the Ivory Tower: Cornell Workers' Fifteen-Year Fight for Justice and a Living Wage" by Al Davidoff is a memoir that tells the story of how low-paid Cornell employees organized and fought for better working conditions and wages. The book provides a detailed account of the challenges faced by these workers, including poverty wages, arbitrary bosses, and oppressive conditions. It also explores the process of organizing a union and the strategies employed to gain recognition and negotiate a fair contract. The book addresses issues of race and racism within the context of the struggle for justice. Overall, "Unionizing the Ivory Tower" offers valuable insights into worker organizing, union building, and labor-management relations. [Extracted from the article]

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcribed elements increasingly recognized for their roles in regulating gene expression. Thus far, however, we have little understanding of how lncRNAs contribute to evolution and adaptation. Here, we show that a conserved lncRNA, ivory, is an important color patterning gene in the buckeye butterfly Junonia coenia. ivory overlaps with cortex, a locus linked to multiple cases of crypsis and mimicry in Lepidoptera. Along with a companion paper by Livraghi et al., we argue that ivory, not cortex, is the color pattern gene of interest at this locus. In J. coenia, a cluster of cis-regulatory elements (CREs) in the first intron of ivory are genetically associated with natural variation in seasonal color pattern plasticity, and targeted deletions of these CREs phenocopy seasonal phenotypes. Deletions of different ivory CREs produce other distinct phenotypes as well, including loss of melanic eyespot rings, and positive and negative changes in overall wing pigmentation. We show that the color pattern transcription factors Spineless, Bric-a-brac, and Ftz-f1 bind to the ivory promoter during wing pattern development, suggesting that they directly regulate ivory. This case study demonstrates how cis-regulation of a single noncoding RNA can exert diverse and nuanced effects on the evolution and development of color patterns, including modulating seasonally plastic color patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The site of Iita in northwestern Greenland had near-continual occupation from 1000 CE to the mid-twentieth century, which presents an unparalleled opportunity to examine diachronic changes in the use of marine mammals for food and raw material resources by Pre-Inuit (Late Dorset) and Inuit–Inughuit—two culturally distinct Indigenous groups. Limited wood in High Arctic environments necessitated the use of antler, bone, and ivory for tool making. Choices in the selection and processing of osseous material reflect changes in the way these two groups used the same resources. However, modification of osseous material during the toolmaking process is often to such an extent that few diagnostic features remain for species identification. Here, we include Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry (ZooMS) to identify typically indeterminate pieces of manufacturing debris from preserved collagen. The minimally destructive extraction technique using polishing films had a 99% success rate. The results suggest that selection of raw materials from certain marine mammals, particularly narwhal, by toolmakers at Iita was more frequent than previously understood through traditional faunal analysis alone. There is a paucity of narwhal from the Pre-Inuit (Late Dorset) assemblage, which contrasts starkly with the high frequency of narwhal in the Inuit–Inughuit assemblage. We demonstrate the importance of combining the analysis of bone-tool manufacturing debris with traditional dietary faunal remains to improve our understanding of resource use in coastal environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Walrus ivory was a prized commodity in medieval Europe and was supplied by Norse intermediaries who expanded across the North Atlantic, establishing settlements in Iceland and Greenland. However, the precise sources of the traded ivory have long remained unclear, raising important questions about the sustainability of commercial walrus harvesting, the extent to which Greenland Norse were able to continue mounting their own long-range hunting expeditions, and the degree to which they relied on trading ivory with the various Arctic Indigenous peoples that they were starting to encounter. We use high-resolution genomic sourcing methods to track walrus artifacts back to specific hunting grounds, demonstrating that Greenland Norse obtained ivory from High Arctic waters, especially the North Water Polynya, and possibly from the interior Canadian Arctic. These results substantially expand the assumed range of Greenland Norse ivory harvesting activities and support intriguing archaeological evidence for substantive interactions with Thule Inuit, plus possible encounters with Tuniit (Late Dorset Pre-Inuit). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of the matrix system on proximal contact tightness (PCT) of posterior composite resin restorations. Standardized class II cavities on 180 first lower molar dentiform model teeth (Frasaco GmbH, Tettnang, Germany) were prepared. Three groups were formed considering the matrix system: Group-IM: Ivory matrix (Hahnenkratt GmbH, Königsbach-Stein, Germany), Group-OM: Omni matrix (Ultradent, South Jordan, UT, USA), and Group-PM: Palodent V3 sectional matrix (Dentsply, Charlotte, NC, USA). Teeth were restored with resin composite mounted in a manikin head to simulate the clinical environment. Proximal contact tightness (PCT) was measured using a custom-made portable dental pressure meter (PDPM), and the validation of the PCT results was performed with a histogram analysis acquired from bite-wing radiography. All data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and t-test in SPSS software (v.27.0) (p < 0.05). PM group showed statistically tighter contacts on both mesial (PCTm: 228.28 ± 59.17 N) and distal surfaces (PCTd: 254.91 ± 65.69 N) (p > 0.05). Mesial contacts were found to be significantly tighter than distal contacts among all (p < 0.05). According to the histogram results, only in the PM group, the difference between the mesial and distal areas is significant (p < 0.05). Histogram results confirmed that the tightest contact values were achieved in the PM group, followed by the OM and IM groups, respectively (p < 0.05). The use of sectional matrix systems and separation rings is more effective in creating tighter contact than conventional matrix systems. The use of anatomical wedges will help to create a more natural approximal contour and narrow contact area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Russula subg. Brevipes, growing in Sal-dominated forests is described based on macro- and micromorphological and molecular evidence. It is distinguished macroscopically by small to medium-sized and ivory to white-coloured fruit bodies, globose to sub-globose basidiospores, and clavate or cylindrical hymenial cystidia with a mucronate to rounded apex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is an author index from the Journal of Planning Literature, providing a list of names and affiliations of various individuals. The index includes authors from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, reflecting a range of viewpoints. However, without additional information, it is unclear what the purpose or context of this list is. [Extracted from the article]

This work is the most complete investigation to date of the enigmatic ivory rings found in graves of fifth‐ to seventh‐century lowland Britain. This new survey of the archaeological evidence has produced a corpus of 752 ivory rings from seventy‐eight cemeteries. This corpus has been used to reveal a novel pattern of use, with the majority of ivory rings deposited in eastern England in the fifth century. In the sixth century, the distribution widened, and the number of rings deposited decreased. Most of the ivory rings in lowland Britain were deposited before 560. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extent to which evolution is repeatable has been a debated topic among evolutionary biologists. Although rewinding the tape of life perhaps would not lead to the same outcome every time, repeated evolution of analogous genes for similar functions has been extensively reported. Wing phenotypes of butterflies and moths have provided a wealth of examples of gene re-use, with certain 'hotspot loci' controlling wing patterns across diverse taxa. Here, we present an example of convergent evolution in the molecular genetic basis of Batesian wing mimicry in two Hypolimnas butterfly species. We show that mimicry is controlled by variation near cortex/ivory/mir-193, a known butterfly hotspot locus. By dissecting the genetic architecture of mimicry in Hypolimnas misippus and Hypolimnas bolina, we present evidence that distinct non-coding regions control the development of white pattern elements in the forewing and hindwing of the two species, suggesting independent evolution, and that no structural variation is found at the locus. Finally, we also show that orange coloration in H. bolina is associated with optix, a well-known patterning gene. Overall, our study once again implicates variation near the hotspot loci cortex/ivory/mir-193 and optix in butterfly wing mimicry and thereby highlights the repeatability of adaptive evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elephant trunks are capable of complex, multimodal deformations, allowing them to perform task‐oriented high‐degree‐of‐freedom (DOF) movements pertinent to the field of soft actuators. Despite recent advances, most soft actuators can only achieve one or two deformation modes, limiting their motion range and applications. Inspired by the elephant trunk musculature, a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE)‐based multi‐fiber design strategy is proposed for soft robotic arms in which a discrete number of artificial muscle fibers can be selectively actuated, achieving multimodal deformations and transitions between modes for continuous movements. Through experiments, finite element analysis (FEA), and a theoretical model, the influence of LCE fiber design on the achievable deformations, movements, and reachability of trunk‐inspired robotic arms is studied. Fiber geometry is parametrically investigated for 2‐fiber robotic arms and the tilting and bending of these arms is characterized. A 3‐fiber robotic arm is additionally studied with a simplified fiber arrangement analogous to that of an actual elephant trunk. The remarkably broad range of deformations and the reachability of the arm are discussed, alongside transitions between deformation modes for functional movements. It is anticipated that this design and actuation strategy will serve as a robust method to realize high‐DOF soft actuators for various engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"What is the summum bonum ?" This question is, without exaggeration, the ultimate existential question. Of no less import is its corollary: how is one to achieve this summum bonum ? Maimonides' Guide for the Perplexed endeavors to provide the answers. That said, the precise intent of Maimonides answers has generated no less perplexity than the original questions. Indeed, modern Jewish philosophers have spared no ink in trying to ascertain Maimonides' intentions on human perfection. In this essay, I seek not to add yet another perspective on Maimonides' intentions but to provide compelling support for existing positions; support found – worlds apart from the ivory towers where philosophers spill their ink – in the private quarters of a Canaanite slave. It is my thesis that Maimonides, in his last Law on Slaves, provides us with the answers to the ultimate existential questions and, accordingly, with a resolution to the perennial polemics on perfection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A nondestructive and practical approach using vibrational spectroscopy and chemometrics was developed to determine ivory provenance. • Geochemical conditions, elephant physiology, and diet alter ivory composition. • Collagen, water, and hydroxyapatite content in ivory drives this classification. • Ivory from African elephants had desirable mechanical properties making it a preferred carving material. • Knowledge of ivory provenance establishes artistic context and facilitates prevention of illegal ivory trade. Ivory trafficking is a multifaceted problem that has long endangered the fate of African and Asian elephants. In field investigations, it is essential to conduct ivory inspections in a nondestructive manner to prevent the inclusion of noncompliant materials. In this research, a practical approach to identify Asian and African elephants' ivories was developed using an integrated methodology of art history, vibrational spectroscopy, and chemometrics. Spectra were acquired by an FT-IR spectrometer and a fiber optics reflectance spectrometer (FORS) in the Vis-NIR region. The discriminant methods were calibrated with spectra acquired from Asian and African elephant ivory tusks and applied to historic ivory objects (n = 78) of uncertain origin. Models based on the chemometric methods Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Partial Least Squares -Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) were able to successfully classify ivory objects into Asian and African ivory, with an estimated true prediction rate (TPR) of 99 % both for African and Asian ivory samples. This study demonstrated the potential of FT-IR spectroscopy and FORS with chemometric methods as suitable tools for ivory investigations, aiding to the existing set of ivory trafficking prevention methods. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The long-trunked elephantids underwent a significant evolutionary stage characterized by an exceptionally elongated mandible. The initial elongation and subsequent regression of the long mandible, along with its co-evolution with the trunk, present an intriguing issue that remains incompletely understood. Through comparative functional and eco-morphological investigations, as well as feeding preference analysis, we reconstructed the feeding behavior of major groups of longirostrine elephantiforms. In the Platybelodon clade, the rapid evolutionary changes observed in the narial region, strongly correlated with mandible and tusk characteristics, suggest a crucial evolutionary transition where feeding function shifted from the mandible to the trunk, allowing proboscideans to expand their niches to more open regions. This functional shift further resulted in elephantids relying solely on their trunks for feeding. Our research provides insights into how unique environmental pressures shape the extreme evolution of organs, particularly in large mammals that developed various peculiar adaptations during the late Cenozoic global cooling trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Sanxingdui Site in Guanghan City, Sichuan Province, China, is one of the precious heritage sites of the ancient Chinese civilization. Archaeological work at Sanxingdui is of great significance in clarifying the origins and main contents of the ancient Shu culture and the Yangtze River civilization. Since the 1920s, archaeologists have conducted extensive excavations and research at the site, with particular attention given to the large number of ivory artifacts unearthed. However, the buried ivory is influenced by soil pH, temperature, humidity, and other physical and chemical factors, along with the potential impact of microbial activities that may lead to the corrosion and decomposition of ivory. By understanding the types and activities of microorganisms, appropriate measures can be taken to protect and preserve cultural relics. Methods: Multi-point sampling of soil samples around the ivory of the three sacrificial pits at the Sanxingdui site was carried out, and strict aseptic operation was carried out during the sampling process. Subsequently, the microbial community structure and diversity in the buried ivory soil of Sanxingdui site were identified and analyzed by Illumina high-throughput sequencing technology. Results: 16S rRNA and internal transcribed spacer sequence analysis revealed significant differences in the soil microbial community structure among different sacrificial pits. The dominant bacterial phyla were the Proteobacteria, GAL15, Actinobacteriota, Bacteroidota, and Methylomirabilota. The dominant fungal phyla were Ascomycota, Mortierellomhcota, and Basidiomycota. Most dominant bacterial and fungal communities play an indispensable role in the ivory corrosion mechanism, promoting the decay and decomposition process through various means such as decomposing organic matter and producing acidic substances. Discussion: It is particularly important to take a series of measures to control microbial activity to effectively protect ivory. Our preliminary study of the mechanism of action of microorganisms on ivory in a buried environment provides a scientific basis to prevent and protect against microbial degradation in ancient ivory unearthed in Sanxingdui. Following the research results, suitable antibacterial agents tailored to the preservation environment and microbial characteristics of ancient ivory can be prepared. Ensure that the selected antibacterial agents meet safety and effectiveness requirements to maximize protection against microbial degradation of ancient ivory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents Epistemic Spatialization as a new framework for investigating the interconnected patterns of biases when identifying objects with convolutional neural networks (convnets). It draws upon Foucault's notion of spatialized knowledge to guide its method of enquiry. We argue that decisions involved in the creation of algorithms, alongside the labeling, ordering, presentation, and commercial prioritization of objects, together create a distorted "nomination of the visible": they harden the visibility of some objects, make other objects excessively visible, and consign yet others to permanent or haphazard invisibility. Our approach differs from those who focus on high-stakes misidentifications, such as errors tied to structural racism. Examining the far more dominant series of low-stakes mistakes shows the scope of errors, destabilizing the goal of image content identification with considerable societal impact. We explore these issues by closely examining the demonstration video of a popular convnet. This examination reveals an interlocking series of biases undermining the content identification process. The picture we paint is crucial for a better understanding of the errors that result as these convnets become further embedded in everyday products. The framework is valuable for critical work on computer vision, AI studies, and large-scale visual analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This document discusses new analytical approaches and tools that are being used to assess and preserve archaeological crystalline structures. The document highlights the use of non-destructive techniques and chemometric tools in this field of investigation. It also presents several case studies that examine the physical-chemical properties of archaeological materials, such as glass tesserae, mortars, plasters, and pigments. The document emphasizes the importance of developing non-invasive methodologies for studying the origin and transformations of crystalline materials, as well as the need for new conservation materials that respect the original mineralogical structure and composition of these materials. [Extracted from the article]

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]

African elephants have a wide range of abilities using their trunk. As a muscular hydrostat, and thanks to the two finger-like processes at its tip, this proboscis can both precisely grasp and exert considerable force by wrapping. Yet few studies have attempted to quantify its distal grasping force. Thus, using a device equipped with force sensors and an automatic reward system, the trunk tip pinch force has been quantified in five captive female African savanna elephants. Results showed that the maximum pinch force of the trunk was 86.4 N, which may suggest that this part of the trunk is mainly dedicated to precision grasping. We also highlighted for the first time a difference in force between the two fingers of the trunk, with the dorsal finger predominantly stronger than the ventral finger. Finally, we showed that the position of the trunk, particularly the torsion, influences its force and distribution between the two trunk fingers. All these results are discussed in the light of the trunk's anatomy, and open up new avenues for evolutionary reflection and soft robot grippers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I analyse two versions that have come down to us of Marcus Aurelius' dream before he was appointed as Antoninus Pius' successor, a dream in which Marcus has ivory shoulders. I examine the dream metaphorically and proceed to a summary of Marcus's life, from his childhood to the empire, ending by understanding the dream as a dreamlike prescription about what attitude would be favourable to Marcus at the helm of Rome, as well as an anticipation of his capacity to endure great challenges during his rule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The ancient ivories unearthed from the Sanxingdui Ruins site are valuable cultural relics, however, the microbial biodeterioration on ivories during temporary cold storage poses a great threat to their later long-term preservation. Methods: Here, the combination of high-throughput sequencing and biochemical assays was applied for the in-depth investigation of the key deteriorative microorganisms colonizing on the ivories and the tracing of their origin, as well as the assessment of the ethanol disinfection impact on the microbial communities on ivories. Results: It was observed that the surfaces of ivories were scattered by the fungal patches of white, dark grey, and hedge green colors during cold storage. The high-throughput sequencing results showed that the genera Mortierella (38.51%), Ilyonectria (14.43%), Penicillium (1.15%), and Aspergillus (1.09%) were the dominant fungi, while Pseudomonas (22.63%), Sphingopyxis (3.06%), and Perlucidibaca (2.92%) were the dominant bacteria on ivories. The isolated Aspergillus A-2 resulted in the highest amount of calcium releasing from the degradation of hydroxyapatite (HAP), the main component of ivory, by the organic acids produced, including oxalic acid and citric acid. The fast expectationmaximization for microbial source tracking (FEAST) analysis revealed that the majority of the fungi (57.45%) and bacteria (71.84%) colonizing on the ivories were derived from the soils surrounding ivories in the sacrifice pits, indicating soils as the primary source for the spoilage microbes growing on ivories. The dominant strains could degrade cellulose, the key components of wet cotton towels commonly applied on ivories for moisture maintenance, aiding the spoilage microbes colonizing on ivories. Notably, the ivory disinfection with 75% ethanol during the cleansing significantly decreased the relative abundance of the dominant genera of Ilyonectria, Aspergillus, and Pseudomonas, with Mortierella becoming the dominant one on ivories. Discussion: Together, the fungi, particularly Aspergillus and Penicillium, played a significant role in the microbial biodeterioration of unearthed ancient ivories by producing the organic acids. These results may improve the control of the microbial biodeterioration and develop more efficient strategies for the longtime conservation of unearthed ancient ivories and other cultural relics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of elephant ivory as a commodity is a factor in declining elephant populations. Despite recent worldwide elephant ivory trade bans, mammoth ivory trade remains unregulated. This complicates law enforcement efforts, as distinguishing between ivory from extant and extinct species requires costly, destructive and time consuming methods. Elephant and mammoth ivory mainly consists of dentine, a mineralized connective tissue that contains an organic collagenous component and an inorganic component of calcium phosphate minerals, similar in structure to hydroxyapatite crystals. Raman spectroscopy is a non-invasive laser-based technique that has previously been used for the study of bone and mineral chemistry. Ivory and bone have similar biochemical properties, making Raman spectroscopy a promising method for species identification based on ivory. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that it is possible to identify differences in the chemistry of mammoth and elephant ivory using Raman spectroscopy. Mammoth and elephant tusks were obtained from the Natural History Museum in London, UK. Included in this study were eight samples of ivory from Mammuthus primigenius, two samples of carved ivory bangles from Africa (Loxodonta species), and one cross section of a tusk from Elephas maximus. The ivory was scanned using an inVia Raman micro spectrometer equipped with a x50 objective lens and a 785nm laser. Spectra were acquired using line maps and individual spectral points were acquired randomly or at points of interest on all samples. The data was then analysed using principal component analysis (PCA) with use of an in-house MATLAB script. Univariate analysis of peak intensity ratios of phosphate to amide I and III peaks, and carbonate to phosphate peaks showed statistical differences (p<0.0001) in the average peak intensity ratios between Mammuthus primigenius, Loxodonta spp. and Elephas maximus. Full width at half maximum hight (FWHM)analysis of the phosphate peak demonstrated higher crystal maturity of Mammuthus primigenius compared to living elephant species. The results of the study have established that spectra acquired by Raman spectroscopy can be separated into distinct classes through PCA. In conclusion, this study has shown that well-preserved mammoth and elephant ivory has the potential to be characterized using Raman spectroscopy, providing a promising method for species identification. The results of this study will be valuable in developing quick and non-destructive methods for the identification of ivory, which will have direct applications in archaeology and the regulation of international trade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among tetrapods, grasping is an essential function involved in many vital behaviours. The selective pressures that led to this function were widely investigated in species with prehensile hands and feet. Previous studies namely highlighted a strong effect of item properties but also of the species habitat on manual grasping behaviour. African savannah elephants (Loxodonta africana) are known to display various prehensile abilities and use their trunk in a large diversity of habitats. Composed of muscles and without a rigid structure, the trunk is a muscular hydrostat with great freedom of movement. This multitasking organ is particularly recruited for grasping food items while foraging. Yet, the diet of African savannah elephants varies widely between groups living in different habitats. Moreover, they have tusks alongside the trunk which can assist in grasping behaviours, and their tusk morphologies are known to vary considerably between groups. Therefore, in this study, we investigate the food grasping techniques used by the trunk of two elephant groups that live in different habitats: an arid study site in Etosha National Park in Namibia, and an area with consistent water presence in Kruger National Park in South Africa. We characterised the tusks profiles and compared the grasping techniques and their frequencies of use for different foods. Our results show differences in food‐grasping techniques between the two groups. These differences are related to the food item property and tusk profile discrepancies highlighted between the two groups. We suggest that habitat heterogeneity, particularly aridity gaps, may induce these differences. This may reveal an optimisation of grasping types depending on habitat, food size and accessibility, as well as tusk profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large amount of ivory was excavated from Sanxingdui site which was waterlogged, severely degraded and in urgent need for conservation. There has been much effort for the conservation of waterlogged ivory by scientists. However, due to a lack of appropriate conservation material and the need to use non-destructive methods, no satisfactory results have been achieved previously. In this work, a novel formulated water-based Al–Si hybrid sol of size about 20 nm was prepared and introduced through a quasi-dynamic equilibrium method to waterlogged ivory tusk for the purpose of conservation. Good conservation performance could be achieved, since Al–Si sol gradually permeates into the interior of the ivory, distributes homogeneously and connects the loose components of ivory. Samples treated with appropriate amount of Al–Si sol displayed satisfactory compressive strength and porous intact structure. It was found that the fluidity of Al–Si sol had a significant influence on the conservation effect. Moreover, Al–Si sol not only consolidated HAP but also worked well on the soil embedded in unearthed ivory, which was beneficial to conserve ivory intactly. Slightly negatively charged Al–Si hybrid gel could interact with ivory matrix through multiple interactions including van der Waals force, electrostatic interaction, chemical and hydrogen bonding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming to enhance the potential applications of bioproducts, we developed an innovative approach for their hydrophobization using plasma activation of liquids. In this study, microparticles of vegetable ivory, a porous hygroscopic material, were treated by an air plasma jet while immersed in silicone oil. The in‐liquid plasma treatment formed coatings that reduced particle water vapor sorption. Pore surface coverage and sorption reduction were enhanced by mixing silicone oil with copaiba oil‐resin (Copaifera spp.). Mulateiro extract (Calycophyllum spruceanum) was not as effective, owing to a lower affinity with silicone oil. For the first time, we demonstrate the plasma‐induced coating formation on particles immersed in liquid mixtures, a process in which liquid–liquid interfacial properties play a fundamental role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Siege of the Castle of Love was a popular motif in the art of medieval Europe and was depicted on a group of composite caskets—ivory boxes presenting a medley of subjects related to medieval love—produced in northern France in the first half of the fourteenth century. This essay identifies, for the first time, a literary antecedent to the Siege motif: Andreas Capellanus's De amore (On Love , ca. 1185). In this text, Andreas describes a palace of Love occupied by maidens who, like the garrisoned maidens in the Siege motif, defend a castle against prospective lovers and "repulse the unworthy far from the court of Love." While the ivory carvers who produced the caskets may not have engaged directly with Andreas's text, they inhabited a cultural milieu steeped in the love literature produced at the court of Marie de Champagne, Andreas's patron. This essay argues that the identification of a textual precursor affords new insights into the semiotics of ivory—whereby heat signs carnality and cold signs chastity—and the reception of the composite caskets by medieval handlers/viewers. It also challenges the traditional assumption that the Siege was necessarily understood as an allegory of seduction, suggesting that, for a sophisticated patron such as Queen Clémence de Hongrie (1293–1328), it would have been read as an affirmation of the decision-making power exercised by maidens dwelling inside the castle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence for the manufacture and use of fiber technology such as rope and twine is rare in the Paleolithic, despite the widely held view that such artifacts were in regular use during the Pleistocene. On the basis of the discovery of a more than 35,000-year-old perforated baton made from mammoth ivory at Hohle Fels Cave in Ach Valley of southwestern Germany together with experimental studies, we are now able to demonstrate one way people of the early Upper Paleolithic manufactured rope. This work contributes to our understanding of the evolution of technology, cooperative work, and Paleolithic social organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the publication of the influential text, An African Miracle, much scholarship has focused on Botswana's supposed "exceptionality" anchored in the country's economic growth and sustained democracy. Botswana's success story has proved enduring and versatile, being deployed in numerous contexts including in relation to Botswana's status as a conservation "safe haven" in southern Africa. Many green plaudits are associated with the tenure of former president Ian Khama (2008–2018), who broke with longstanding tradition and actively campaigned against his own vice president and successor, President Mokgweetsi Masisi. Their acrimonious relationship is multifaceted but in this article, we refer to disputes over wildlife conservation policy wherein Masisi rolled back his predecessor's signature conservation policies, focusing specifically on the reversal of the hunting ban, the disarming of some anti-poaching officers, and changes in Botswana's stance in international environmental diplomacy regarding ivory and the CITES regime. We contend that Khama's conservation decisions—underpinned by lack of consultation and green violence—made Botswana a "green miracle" to outside observers while contravening the central principles of local democratic practice such as therisanyo (consultation) cherished in the country. We argue that Masisi's reversal of Khama-era positions that were unpopular with conservation-adjacent communities represents not a "fall from grace," but rather the bringing back down to earth of policies that had alienated the local population, thus indicating the potential to pursue inclusive governance that domestically Botswana acclaims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the prevalence of elephant poaching and ivory trafficking, domestic and international ivory markets around the world are slowly closing due to increased education and enforcement efforts. This includes California’s ivory market in 2016 after the passage of Assembly Bill 96 (AB 96), which prohibits the purchase, sale, offer for sale, possession, or importation with intent to sell, of ivory from elephant, mammoth, and mastodon along with other non-proboscidean species. To assist with enforcement efforts, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Wildlife Forensic Laboratory (CDFW-WFL) has created and implemented a scientific workflow to taxonomically identify, geographically assign, and age California’s seized ivory. Here we discuss the application of this scientific workflow to a 32-piece ivory chess set, which was purchased in 1969 and donated to and examined by the WFL in 2021. Genetic data revealed 11 unique haplotypes and 19 unique genotypes, suggesting a diverse set of African elephants from numerous locations in Africa were used to assemble the chess set. Stable isotope data corroborated these findings and radiocarbon dating suggested the ivory used to carve these chess pieces grew approximately 6 years prior to the chess set being purchased. Our results indicate that the use of a variety of scientific techniques provides a wide scope of information; furthermore, taxonomically identifying, geographically assigning, and aging the ivory chess set demonstrates to law enforcement officers how our ivory workflow can assist them in coordinating efforts locally, nationally, and internationally to help stop the illegal importation of ivory into California.

(The Bible as a research source on trade between the Graeco-Roman World and South and East Asia): The Bible mentions several luxury goods (sapphire, emerald, carnelian, topaz, silk, ivory, spikenard, cinnamon, amomum) that were imported by the Roman Empire from South and East Asia via various routes during the 1st-4th centuries CE. The list of goods that appear in the pages of the New Testament testifies to the sound understanding of economic realities that were displayed by the biblical authors and corresponds to the knowledge of Rome's trade contacts with Asian countries.

The esophagus is a muscular membranous organ that participates in the swallowing process by passing solid and liquid substrates from the pharynx into the stomach. The embryonic endoderm, mesoderm, and neural crest cells participate in the development of the esophagus. The pathology of the esophagus is very varied and surgical correction techniques require numerous improvements and refinements. The most common condition is Barret's esophagus due to gastroesophageal reflux, but strictures can also occur either from neoplastic causes or from chemical burns. Studying the anatomy and physiology of the esophagus is essential for both internal medicine and surgical approaches. The treatment of esophageal strictures in recent times is done with esophageal stents. These are made of a variety of materials including metal, polymer, or biodegradable. Clinical results are very good but complications are quite common. The first attempt at stenting was made in the mid-19th century using an ivory tube. In the case of ingestion of caustic substances dilation and stenting have very good results. Immediate and late complications are multiple and can range from pain to failure of the stent to expand completely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study is to establish the technique of creating four miniature portraits by Rosalba Carrera (1673-1757) from the collection of the Bohdan and Varvara Khanenko National Museum of Art (The Khanenko Museum) using optical and physicochemical methods and to introduce the results into scientific circulation. The methodology of the work is to use modern methods of analysing works of art in different spectral ranges, including microscopic, ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) studies, X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). The scientific novelty is that for the first time a comprehensive study of miniature portraits of the famous Venetian artist Rosalba Carrera from the Khanenko Museum collection is presented, which establishes the technological features of creating miniatures on ivory and their design using various materials, the author's techniques of applying the image of portraits and the identification of pigments of the paint layer. Conclusions. As a result of the research, it was found that ivory was used as a basis for creating the miniatures. Infrared light studies have shown the absence of preliminary drawings, author's changes of composition and hidden signatures on the miniatures. The XRF method confirmed that copper substrates, gilded silver frames, and Venetian glass coverings were used in the design of the art objects. It has been established that the portraits were painted with watercolours using the author's spot method, and the pigments in the paint composition identified by ATR-FTIR correspond to the time of creation of the miniatures in the second quarter of the 18th century, which coincides with the museum attribution. The results obtained can be useful for art historians, restorers, and technology experts for the attribution/re-attribution of works of art of the 18th- 19th centuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2015, an exquisite ivory pyxis lid was discovered in the grave of the Griffin Warrior at Pylos. The lid, carved in high relief, depicts in great detail a combat in which a lion defeats a griffin. The modeling and carving of the ivory are of exceptional quality. Here, we first consider the specific context and circumstances of discovery of the lid--the final find removed from the grave--before turning to a discussion of precedents and parallels for its motifs and theme. Finally, we consider the possibility that a scene of a lion victorious over a griffin had particular significance at Pylos, in light of relations between Messenia and Neopalatial Crete in the Late Helladic IIA period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since May 2022, six newly-discovered sacrificial pits have been excavated at the Sanxingdui site, revealing 13,000 cataloged artifacts. Over 3000 of them are intact, well-preserved artifacts made of ivory and other materials. Considering the discoveries from these six pits and the two previously excavated pits, we propose that pits K5 and K6 were used as sacrificial pits for sacrificial activities, while the other pits served as burial pits for ritual objects. The excavations detailed in this article hold great significance for understanding the sacrificial activities, the sacrificial systems of the ancient Shu state, and the shifting settlement patterns at the Sanxingdui site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the research and observations regarding African art, specifically focusing on clay figures in Ọ̀wọ,̀ Nigeria. It reflects on the neophyte researcher's initial emphasis on more exquisite materials like ivory, brass, and wood, overlooking earthen clay figures called ṣìgìdì and ìyègbè. It further underscores the evolving relevance of these objects, their diminishing recognition in contemporary society, and their connection to the shifting dynamics of power, knowledge, and cultural practices in Ọ̀.

This article is devoted to the work of ivory carving artists in Sakha (Yakutia). It analyzes the ways craftsmen use, engage, and relate to mammoth ivory in their creative work. They start each carving project with consideration of the material, its quality and condition. Material often dictates the ways the creative idea develops and predetermines the outcome. Attention to the material is an important aspect of the relational engagement with it. Mammoth ivory, due to its structure, responds to climatic fluctuations, which is often described by artists as "breathing," and it therefore demonstrates the qualities of an active material. For craftsmen, mammoth ivory is an agent and sentient material. The article contributes to the discussion of the importance of material in creative work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elephant ivory, a prestigious and valuable raw material in the post-Roman West and Byzantium between the 5th and 7th centuries AD, may originate from various sources. While both written and art historical evidence suggests that in the case of early medieval artefacts, African provenance is more likely than Asian, no data at hand is conclusive. The present paper investigates, with the help of FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, carbon and nitrogen concentration and nitrogen isotope (δ15N) analyses, the material resources of elephant ivory artefacts discovered in 6th- and 7th-century AD archaeological context in the Carpathian Basin to contribute to our understanding of late antique long-distance trade networks and economic relations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Gepid Period row cemetery at Tiszaug-Országúti bevágás was unearthed in 2018–2019. Grave 301 was one of the outstanding burials amongst the 194 graves unearthed thus far. It kept the remains of a 9–11-year old boy, who was laid to rest in a scale-down burial created according to the funerary customs of the area and era but dressed in a mortuary costume and provided with goods befitting adult men. He had a purse hanging from his belt, containing an iron knife, and some pieces of flint. A double-row antler comb was placed beside his head. A cast copper alloy belt buckle with a shield-shaped pin base and punch-mark decoration fastened his clothing on the front. While buckles of this type were widely used at that time, the closest analogies to the punch-mark decoration could be collected from the Carpathian Basin. Based on those, the burial could be dated to the mid or late 6th century AD. Another outstanding feature of the cemetery was the four burials (including Grave 301) where the deceased were laid to rest in coffins made from or imitating log boats. Grave 301 also contained a rounded conical ivory object. The optical microscope and vibration spectroscopy analyses confirmed the initial hypotheses of the finders about the raw material of the artefact. Despite carrying out a comprehensive survey for analogies and an analysis of production and use-related marks, we could not determine what the object could have been used for; it may be a semi-finished product, but it could also be a toy or amulet. At any rate, it was made from a raw material which was extremely rare in the eastern part of the Carpathian Basin in the period in question. Grave 301 was positioned in a cluster comprising more child burials, with the graves of two adult women at the fringes; the ongoing archaeogenetical investigations may shed light on the connections between them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The earliest European carvings, made of mammoth ivory, depict animals, humans, and anthropomorphs. They are found at Early Aurignacian sites of the Swabian Jura in Germany. Despite the wide geographical spread of the Aurignacian across Europe, these carvings have no contemporaneous counterparts. Here, we document a small, intriguing object, that sheds light on this uniqueness. Found at the Grotte des Gorges (Jura, France), in a layer sandwiched between Aurignacian contexts and dated to c. 36.2 ka, the object bears traces of anthropogenic modifications indicating intentional carving. Microtomographic, microscopic, three-dimensional roughness and residues analyses reveal the carving is a fragment of a large ammonite, which was modified to represent a caniformia head decorated with notches and probably transported for long time in a container stained with ochre. While achieving Swabian Jura-like miniaturization, the Grotte des Gorges specimen displays original features, indicating the craftsman emulated ivory carvings while introducing significant technical, thematic, and stylistic innovations. This finding suggests a low degree of cultural connectivity between Early Aurignacian hunter-gatherer groups in the production of their symbolic material culture. The pattern conforms to the existence of cultural boundaries limiting the transmission of symbolic practices while leaving space for the emergence of original regional expressions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]