Experimental production of the Late Neolithic/ Early Chalcolithic engraved schist plaques of Southwestern Iberia: an approach to techniques and tools

Engraved schist plaques are one of the most original artistic manifestations in Southwestern Iberia during the Late Neolithic and Early Chalcolithic local chrono-zones (3200–2600 cal BCE), being assumed to be the distinguishing feature of the megalithic group that develops in this region since the mid-4th millennium BCE onwards. Although their «symbolic production» (in terms of their possible meanings) is extensively debated, the stages of their «physical production» are yet to be precisely defined, especially regarding the techniques and tools used. Based on some Experimental Archaeology exercises, the authors rehearse a practical approach to the manufacture of engraved schist plaques by defining the possible tools used in their production and how they influence the final outcome of the artefact. Replicas were analysed both macroscopically and microscopically, combining SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and EDX (energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy), in order to identify potential micro evidence from the use of different tools, thus setting up some working basis for further analysis on archaeological samples.As placas de xisto gravadas são uma das mais originais manifestações artísticas do Sudoeste peninsular durante o Neolítico Final e Calcolítico Inicial (3200–2600 cal a.n.e.), sendo assumidas como um elemento característico do grupo megalítico que aquí se desenvolve desde meados do IV milénio a.n.e. adiante. Ainda que a sua «produção simbólica» (a nível dos seus possíveis significados) seja amplamente debatida, as etapas da sua «produção física» ainda não estão definidas com rigor, particularmente em relação às técnicas e utensilios utilizados. Com base em alguns exercícios de Arqueologia Experimental, os autores ensaiam uma aproximação prática à produção de placas de xisto gravadas, procurando definir os potenciais utensilios utilizados na sua manufactura e de como estes influenciariam o resultado final do artefacto. As réplicas produzidas foram analisadas tanto macroscopicamente como microscopicamente, combinando análises de SEM (microscopia electrónica de varrimento) e EDX (espectroscopia de raios X por energia dispersiva), com o objectivo de identificar potenciais micro evidências do uso de diferentes utensílios, estabelecendo deste modo uma base de trabalho para análises futuras sobre amostras arqueológicas.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Plant sentience revisited: Sifting through the thicket of perspectives

In our target article (Segundo-Ortin & Calvo 2023), we proposed the intriguing possibility of plant sentience, drawing parallels with non-human animal studies. This response aims to sift through the rich thicket of perspectives offered by our commentators. To do so, we assess the risks of employing double standards, as well as the tendencies of anthropomorphizing and zoomorphizing in plant studies. We also emphasize the need for clarity in linguistic and conceptual terms, examine the neurophysiological evidence for plant sentience, and discuss the ethical implications of such recognition

Mechanical Design and Integration of a Tracking Fluoroscope System

The Tracking Fluoroscope System (TFS) – patent pending serial number 60/606,480 – is a robotic platform designed to follow a patient\u27s natural, uninhibited walking motion and obtain full-range-of-motion x-ray videos of a patient\u27s ankle, knee, or hip. The video data can be used to analyze dynamics within the human body and develop mathematical models of the joints. The TFS can also be used to study artificial implants under various conditions in order to design more effective versions. Similar systems could be used to aid surgeons in artificial implant procedures. Athletic motions could be analyzed to design more effective sports equipment or aid in rehabilitation. The objective of this thesis is to present the evolution of the mechanical design of the TFS, analyze different strategies for the fluoroscope system, discuss safety concerns, and present future design improvements. Anthropomorphic, geometric, speed, acceleration, inertial, electrical and budgetary constraints have all influenced the mechanical design ofthe TFS. These issues are presented in detail. The TFS weighs approximately 454 kg,can move at a maximum speed of 2.2 m/s, and operates in close proximity to humans.Therefore, many safety concerns are presented as well as suggestions for future designimprovements and alternative applications

Microwave Imaging to Improve Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Breast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer worldwide. The correct diagnosis of Axillary Lymph Nodes (ALNs) is important for an accurate staging of breast cancer. The performance of current imaging modalities for both breast cancer detection and staging is still unsatisfactory. Microwave Imaging (MWI) has been studied to aid breast cancer diagnosis. This thesis addresses several novel aspects of the development of air-operated MWI systems for both breast cancer detection and staging. Firstly, refraction effects in air-operated setups are evaluated to understand whether refraction calculation should be included in image reconstruction algorithms. Then, the research completed towards the development of a MWI system to detect the ALNs is presented. Anthropomorphic numerical phantoms of the axillary region are created, and the dielectric properties of ALNs are estimated from Magnetic Resonance Imaging exams. The first pre-clinical MWI setup tailored to detect ALNs is numerically and experimentally tested. To complement MWI results, the feasibility of using machine learning algorithms to classify healthy and metastasised ALNs using microwave signals is analysed. Finally, an additional study towards breast cancer detection is presented by proposing a prototype which uses a focal system to focus the energy into the breast and decrease the coupling between antennas. The results show refraction calculation may be neglected in low to moderate permittivity media. Moreover, MWI has the potential as an imaging technique to assess ALN diagnosis as estimation of dielectric properties indicate there is sufficient contrast between healthy and metastasised ALNs, and the imaging results obtained in this thesis are promising for ALN detection. The performance of classification models shows these models may potentially give complementary information to imaging results. The proposed breast imaging prototype also shows promising results for breast cancer detection