New insights into the neolithisation process in southwest Europe according to spatial density analysis from calibrated radiocarbon dates

The agricultural way of life spreads throughout Europe via two main routes: the Danube corridor and the Mediterranean basin. Current archaeological literature describes the arrival to the Western Mediterranean as a rapid process which involves both demic and cultural models, and in this regard, the dispersal movement has been investigated using mathematical models, where the key factors are time and space. In this work, we have created a compilation of all available radiocarbon dates for the whole of Iberia, in order to draw a chronological series of maps to illustrate temporal and spatial patterns in the neolithisation process. The maps were prepared by calculating the calibrated 14C date probability density curves, as a proxy to show the spatial dynamics of the last hunter-gatherers and first farmers. Several scholars have pointed out problems linked with the variability of samples, such as the overrepresentation of some sites, the degree of regional research, the nature of the dated samples and above all the archaeological context, but we are confident that the selected dates, after applying some filters and statistical protocols, constitute a good way to approach settlement spatial patterns in Iberia at the time of the neolithisation process

Las plaquetas grabadas de Cueva de la Cocina (Dos Aguas, Valencia) a través de la tecnología 3D

El conjunto de plaquetas con grabados lineales recuperado durante las primeras intervenciones en Cueva de la Cocina (excavaciones Luís Pericot en los años 40) ocupa un lugar destacado entre los episodios gráficos de cronología Holocena en el arco Mediterráneo peninsular (Pericot, 1945) (Figura 1). Hasta la fecha, el estudio de estas plaquetas ha quedado circunscrito a una descripción somera, si bien su mención resulta recurrente por obedecer a una manifestación gráfica singular –grabado en soporte mueble– del Mesolítico geométrico, y también a la excepcionalidad que supone su presencia casi exclusiva en este yacimiento. En el marco de la investigación que nuestro equipo de trabajo desarrolla sobre su secuencia, se ha procedido a la revisión de los materiales depositados en los fondos del Museo de Prehistoria de Valencia, que incluyen, en el momento actual, un total de 34 plaquetas con motivos lineales grabados en una o ambas caras, y que se organizan siguiendo un patrón compositivo dispuesto a partir de un eje central. En este trabajo presentamos el protocolo de registro diseñado para integrar el estudio y documentación de la colección de plaquetas grabadas en un entorno de trabajo 3D. Para ello, se ha realizado el modelado de las piezas mediante el escaneado 3D y su texturización a través de técnicas fotogramétricas. Los resultados obtenidos permiten, por un lado, optimizar el análisis cuantitativo de los datos mediante la automatización de la medición y descripción formal del tipo de grabado y su secuencia de ejecución; y por otro, realizar el calco digital con una precisión milimétrica evitando las consabidas distorsiones. Este nuevo protocolo de restitución, en combinación con observaciones microscópicas, permitirá caracterizar todos los elementos –tratamiento del soporte, técnica, útiles y secuencia de gestos– que intervienen en la cadena operativa de preparación y decoración de las plaquetas de Cocina. El análisis espacial de las plaquetas decoradas en la secuencia mesolítica descrita en la cavidad (García Puchol et al., 2017) (Figura 2) contribuye a afinar su posición estratigráfica y de este modo avanzar en la interpretación del significado de esta manifestación gráfica en el marco de la secuencia regional y peninsular

Effect of ionic liquid content on the crystallization kinetics and morphology of Semicrystalline Poly(vinylidene Fluoride)/Ionic liquid blends

The crystallization kinetics of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) in blends with the ionic liquid (IL) 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride [Emim][Cl] has been studied as a function of [Emim][Cl] content up to 40 wt %. Blends were produced by a solvent casting technique from diluted solutions and solvent evaporation at a temperature higher than the melting point of PVDF followed by cooling to room temperature. Polymer phase, morphology, and crystallization behavior were evaluated. When the molten blend was crystallized from the melt, it was observed that [Emim][Cl] induces nucleation of PVDF in the electroactive and highly polar β-crystalline phase, while pure PVDF crystallizes in the α phase with the same thermal treatments. It is shown that PVDF crystal growth segregates an amorphous phase rich in IL molecules to the surface of the films and that the IL also remains in the spaces between the lamellae or between spherulites as demonstrated by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and polarizing optical microscope (POM) images. Differential scanning calorimetry results of isothermal crystallization show the dependence of equilibrium melting temperature and the Avrami exponent with the [Emim][Cl] contentPortuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) in the framework of the Strategic Funding UID/FIS/04650/2020. The authors thank FEDER funds through the COMPETE 2020 Programme and National Funds through FCT under the projects PTDC/BTM-MAT/28237/2017, PTDC/EMD-EMD/28159/2017 and PTDC/FIS-MAC/28157/2017. D.M.C. and C.M.C. also thank to the FCT for grants SFRH/BPD/121526/2016 and SFRH/BPD/112547/2015, respectively. Financial support from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) through the project MAT2016-76039-C4-1-R (AEI/FEDER, UE) (including the FEDER financial support), from the Spanish State Research Agency (AEI) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERFD) through the project PID2019-106099RB-C43 / AEI / 10.13039/501100011033. and from the Basque Government Industry and Education Departments under the ELKARTEK, HAZITEK and PIBA (PIBA-2018-06) programs, respectively, are acknowledged. CIBER-BBN is an initiative funded by the VI National R&D&I Plan 2008–2011, Iniciativa Ingenio 2010, Consolider Program. CIBER Actions are financed by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III with assistance from the European Regional Development Fun

Crystallization monitoring of semicrystalline poly(vinylidene fluoride)/1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate [Emim][PF6] ionic liquid blends

The electroactive characteristics of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) are widely and increasingly being used in technological applications, where controlling the crystallization of the PVDF is of utmost importance. The nucleation and growth of crystals in the β or γ electroactive phases, or in the nonelectroactive α phase, depends on a number of factors that, despite the studies carried out, are still to be properly understood, in particular, when blended with specific active fillers. In this context, the crystallization of PVDF blended with the ionic liquid (IL) 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([Emim][PF6]) has been analyzed. Both components are capable of crystallizing from the melt. The growth of the crystalline phases of PVDF during isothermal crystallization at different temperatures has been monitored using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The isothermal crystallization kinetics of PVDF and the melting temperatures of both PVDF and IL were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, and the microstructures of the blends were analyzed by optical and electron microscopy. It is observed for [Emim][PF6]/PVDF blends that the isothermal crystallization from the melt between 120 and 162 °C produces PVDF crystallites in the β and γ electroactive phases, while the formation of α-phase crystals is nearly suppressed. The morphology of the blends is altered by the addition of IL, which results in the separation of solid phases at room temperature. In addition, [Emim][PF6] remains liquid when mixed with the amorphous PVDF chains due to the cryoscopic descent.This work was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) in the framework of the Strategic Funding UID/FIS/04650/2019. The authors thank FEDER funds through the COMPETE 2020 Program and National Funds through FCT under the projects PTDC/BTM-MAT/28237/2017, PTDC/EEI-SII/5582/2014, and PTDC/FIS-MAC/28157/2017. D.M.C. thank the FCT for grant SFRH/BPD/121526/2016 and C.M.C. for the Investigator FCT Contract 2020.04028.CEECIND. The work of the Spanish groups has been funded by the Spanish State Research Agency (AEI) through the PID2019-106099RB-C41/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 project and from the Basque Government Industry and Education Departments under the ELKARTEK and PIBA (PIBA-2018-06) programs, respectively. CIBER-BBN is an initiative funded by the VI National R&D&I Plan 2008-2011, Iniciativa Ingenio 2010, Consolider Program. CIBER Actions are financed by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III with assistance from the European Regional Development Fund

Early Neolithic Agriculture in the Iberian Peninsula

The spread of agriculture in the Iberian Peninsula is documented from at least ca. 5600–5500BC, although botanical data are absent or very limited for large areas. Archaeobotanical information shows from the beginning an imported agrarian system with a great diversity of crops: hulled and naked wheats and barleys, legumes such as pea, lentil, fava bean, vetches and grass peas, flax and poppy. This diversity of plants with different requirements, processing and uses, implies that the first farmers quickly imported or acquired a wide range of agrarian knowledge. Regional and inter-site agrarian differences are discussed in relation to factors like ecology, culture, use of the cultivated plants and management of the risk of crop failure. The adoption of farming resulted in significant ecological, economic, dietary, and social changes for the Neolithic people of Iberia.Peer reviewe

Neolithic Human Societies and Woodlands in the North-Western Mediterranean Region: Wood and Charcoal Analysis

International audienc