Analysis Of Artifacts Research Articles

Augmented reality's impact on STEM learning

Introduction: Augmented Reality (AR) is an emerging technology with potential to enhance STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. This study investigates the impact of implementing AR in STEM learning. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of AR in enhancing students' motivation, understanding, academic performance, and problem-solving abilities in STEM disciplines. Methods: A mixed methods approach with a quasi-experimental design was employed. The study involved 180 university students and 12 STEM instructors from various programs. Data collection methods included standardized tests, questionnaires, interviews, observations, and artifact analysis. Results: The AR group showed significant improvements in academic performance, motivation, and attitudes toward STEM subjects compared to the control group. Qualitative data supported AR's potential to create more engaging and interactive learning experiences. Students reported better understanding of complex concepts and increased interest in STEM fields. Conclusions: Integrating AR in STEM education can enhance academic performance, motivation, attitudes, and comprehension of complex concepts. These findings support the importance of exploring and implementing AR technology in STEM educational settings to improve learning outcomes and foster student engagement.

Rapid Mental Workload Detection of Air Traffic Controllers with Three EEG Sensors.

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

Evidence for an earlier Magdalenian presence in the Lone Valley of southwest Germany

After the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) people associated with the Magdalenian resettled Central Europe, which had been uninhabited, or very sparsely inhabited, during the LGM. The precise timing and origin of this resettlement, however, remain unclear. We present new data from the Lone Valley of the Swabian Jura in southwestern Germany to improve our spatial and temporal understanding of this resettlement. Our work focuses on two Paleolithic sites: Vogelherd, a well-known cave originally excavated in 1931, and Langmahdhalde, a rock shelter approximately 2 km from Vogelherd that has been excavated since 2016. We report radiocarbon dates associated with the Magdalenian from both sites, lithic and organic artifact analysis from Vogelherd, and zooarchaeological, microfaunal, and preliminary lithic data from Langmahdhalde. These results reveal an earlier presence of people in the Lone Valley than previously thought, dating to before the Upper Magdalenian, while providing an improved paleoecological context of this resettlement. The available data suggest ephemeral use of the Lone Valley between ca. 19,500 and 16,500 cal yr BP, followed by regular occupation of the region. Our study highlights the advantages of bringing together data from multiple sites that are close together and were used during the same time in the past. In this case, the data from each site compliments each other and allows us to gain important insights into the Paleolithic settlement dynamics of southwestern Germany.

On the neutrality and values of artifacts

This paper criticizes the thesis of the neutrality of moral values of artifacts, and makes the case for a proposal known as Value Sensitive Design, which states that moral values must be considered in the construction and analysis of artifacts. First, (1) we will present the best defense of the thesis of the neutrality of moral values of artifacts, made by Joseph Pitt. In the following, (2) we will criticize each of the arguments presented by Pitt in favor of the neutrality thesis. Finally, (3) we will consider the Value Sensitive Design proposal presented by Ibo van de Poel and Peter Kroes and explain how it would be suitable for a critique of the values and moral issues that artifacts can represent.

DIGITAL LEARNING FOOTPRINT AS A WAY OF FIXING SECONDARY EDUCATIONAL TEXTS AS A RESULT OF SEMANTIC READING BY SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Purpose. One of the main directions of teaching methodology is the creation of a personalized educational route. In the context of the development of the digital educational environment, it is necessary to explore the possibilities of combining individualization of learning with modern digital platforms. The key concept in the study of this topic is the "digital footprint". The article presents a model for displaying a digital footprint in the form of a digital profile, a universal diagnosis of the understanding of the educational text is compiled to create its own text field and it is recorded that the secondary educational text can be a digital artifact that remains in cloud storage and forms part of the digital footprint for a certain period of time. Methodology. The research is based on the analysis and synthesis of psychological, pedagogical and educational literature, on modeling the process of fixing secondary educational texts in the form of a digital artifact, which will be part of the digital footprint, as well as displaying the levels of subject, meta-subject and personal results. Results. The concepts of digital footprint and digital artifact, secondary educational text, and semantic reading are defined. A digital footprint model consisting of digital artifacts in the form of secondary educational texts has been developed, and a universal diagnostic of the understanding of the educational text has been created to create a secondary text by students. Practical implications. The results can be applied in creating a digital educational environment of an educational organization based on the compilation and accumulation of a digital footprint of each student, in the analysis of digital artifacts presented in the form of secondary educational texts, in the development of a system for evaluating educational results achieved using modern technologies.

Elemental analysis of glass artifacts from Sarethi (India): Examining possible evidence of glass craft in northeastern Uttar Pradesh

Fragments of glass bangles from the site of Sarethi in Uttar Pradesh, India were investigated using laser ablation – inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry. This site yielded glass artifacts dating from 200 BCE to 1500 CE but also some possible evidence of bangle making during the 200 BCE-300 CE period. Two main glass types were identified at the site, with only one sample with a possible Middle Eastern origin and all the other bangles manufactured from three different sub-types of Indian glass. Most of the tested samples belong to the recently discovered and still poorly documented glass group m-Na-Al 8. The other samples could be attributed to either the m-Na-Al 3 or m-Na-Al 4 glass types. We hypothesized that all these different m-Na-Al glasses were manufactured within the eastern Uttar Pradesh region where Sarethi is located although this will need further investigations. Vitreous artifacts of an uncertain nature were also analyzed to determine if they were connected to glass working at the site. These artifacts were certainly the results of the presence of sand close to a wood fire. Comparison of the results of Sarethi and Kopia, a site located 70 km away, indicates distinct glass patterns, suggesting their inclusion in different exchange networks despite their contemporaneity and proximity.

Archaeobotanical analysis of the judgement samples from research of Stare gmajne, an Eneolithic pile-dwelling site: mosses, vessel contents and the analysis of the wooden artefacts

The archaeobotanical research of the Stare Gmajne pile-dwelling site included analyses of samples taken from moss remains and vessel contents, as well as wood anatomical analyses of several wooden artefacts and charcoal pieces.The moss of two forest species and other macroremains provide evidences of human diet and gathering as well as surrounding vegetation in the Eneolithic (3521−3366 cal BC). The results show the inhabitants collected wild plants and cultivated crops, with six cultivars identified. For the wooden artefacts, they show the bow was made of yew and the rings of hazel. They also reveal significant differences between the two excavated trenches and between different stratigraphic units. Further research of the systematically sampled sediments will address questions concerning the possibility of detecting changes in water levels and the location of the Eneolithic settlement. What is already clear is that the organic remains in the present-day Ljubljansko barje soil are highly endangered.

Pedernales-5: An enclave for flamingo (Phoenicopteridae) exploitation during the Early Holocene in the Chilean southern Puna (26°S-69°W)

We present the results of an interdisciplinary study conducted at the Pedernales-5 site, situated in the Salar de Pedernales basin (26°S; 3356 masl), dated from 10,510−10,749 to 11,201−11,612 cal. BP. Unlike other Late Pleistocene and Holocene sites in the Andean Puna, where vicuñas ( Vicugna vicugna) were the primary prey, at Pedernales-5, the zooarcheological assemblage consists almost exclusively of flamingo (Phoenicopteridae) and bird remains. Through the analysis of lithic and bone artifacts, archeobotanical remains, pigment composition, and paleoenvironmental data, we propose that the emphasis on flamingo exploitation cannot be solely explained by alimentary consumption but also served cultural and symbolic purposes related to the acquisition of feathers, hides, and bones. The unique archeological context of Pedernales-5 offers a distinctive perspective on human dynamics in the Andean highlands during the Early Holocene.

Examining the distance-decay effect on obsidian lithic technological organization and its implications for raw material transportation: A case study from the Upper Paleolithic of Northeast Asia

This study conducts a comprehensive quantitative comparative analysis of the Upper Paleolithic obsidian industry in Northeast China and South Korea, examining the human adaptation, exploitation, and distribution of obsidian, juxtaposed with migration and interaction dynamics across the Mount Paektu (Paektusan) and Korean Peninsula. Integrating distance-decay theory with the hunter-gatherer social network model, and informed by new archaeological findings, our research addresses three vital domains: the supply zone of Paektusan obsidian, dispersal patterns, and lithic technological strategies correlated to obsidian availability.An obsidian raw material supply zone hypothesized to extend 100 km from Paektusan is established based on artifact frequency and size variations. Through a novel statistical approach, coupled with extensive database analysis of artifacts from three recent Northeast China excavations and existing Sino-Korean literature, our findings indicate a higher exploitation intensity of limited obsidian resources in South Korea, manifesting in specialized microlith use. The comparative analysis across five distance groups and Least Cost Path (LCP) models suggests the possibility of more geographically restricted southward material transport to South Korea. This research advances our understanding of the regional prehistoric exchange networks and offers fresh insights into the technological organization within the Upper Paleolithic obsidian industries of Northeast Asia. It underscores potential variations in raw material conveyance loss and foreshadows the investigative opportunities that may emerge from future data accessibility in North Korea.

Historic dog Furs Unravel the Origin and Artificial Selection of Modern Nordic Lapphund and Elkhound dog Breeds.

The origins and extreme morphological evolution of the modern dog breeds are poorly studied because the founder populations are extinct. Here, we analyse eight 100 to 200 years old dog fur samples obtained from traditional North Swedish clothing, to explore the origin and artificial selection of the modern Nordic Lapphund and Elkhound dog breeds. Population genomic analysis confirmed the Lapphund and Elkhound breeds to originate from the local dog population, and showed a distinct decrease in genetic diversity in agreement with intense breeding. We identified eleven genes under positive selection during the breed development. In particular, the MSRB3 gene, associated with breed-related ear morphology, was selected in all Lapphund and Elkhound breeds, and functional assays showed that a SNP mutation in the 3'UTR region suppresses its expression through miRNA regulation. Our findings demonstrate analysis of near-modern dog artifacts as an effective tool for interpreting the origin and artificial selection of the modern dog breeds.

Writing Instructors’ Intentional Integration of the Information Literacy Framework

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

Expanding the horizons: Raman probe development and spectra preprocessing evaluation for recognition of large hydroxyapatite‐based samples

AbstractThis 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.

The role of Zhuang stringed instruments in the Zhuang autonomous region of Guangxi, China: A cultural analysis

This study explores the function and role of musical stringed instruments among the Zhuang ethnic group in China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Through ethnographic fieldwork, participant observation, interviews, and content analysis of cultural artifacts, the study investigates the multifaceted significance of these instruments within Zhuang culture. Findings reveal that Zhuang stringed instruments play integral roles in entertainment, emotional expression, relaxation, community performances, cultural exchange, stage arts, and folk rituals. The Maguhu is a prominent instrument, particularly in solo performances and Zhuangju accompaniment, reflecting its unique timbre and cultural importance. Through their diverse functions, these instruments serve as vital conduits for preserving Zhuang heritage, fostering community cohesion, and facilitating cultural communication. Understanding the nuanced roles of Zhuang stringed instruments enriches our appreciation of Zhuang culture and underscores their significance in cultural identity and heritage preservation.

Music and Religion in the Spiritual World of the Hungarian Aristocracy: The Case of Count Anton Erdődy (1714–1769)

This study deals with the forms and expressions of the Christian piety of the Hungarian aristocracy in the early modern period on the example of Anton Erdődy (1714–1769), a representative of one of the most influential and most ancient Hungarian–Croatian noble families. The personal piety of this socially high-ranking aristocrat was shaped by familial, social, and spiritual traditions, which determined the nature of his artistic patronage. The unique Baroque organ preserved in the chapel of his no longer existing mansion in Trenčianske Bohuslavice, Slovakia (former Bohuslavice, Upper Hungary) is a magnificent manifestation of this patronage. The reconstruction of Anton Erdődy’s idea of the spiritual world and of his piety enables us to formulate a hypothesis that the atypical architectural and structural design of this organ did not result only from the aesthetic requirements of its commissioner, but also had a theological foundation and religious essence in addition to its visual effect. This study is the result of extensive heuristic research and analysis of sources and extant artefacts using the methods of music historiography.

Another pit, another post-hole: Are we learning anything new from Parramatta’s ‘convict hut’ sites?

This paper explores the archaeology of one of the more recently excavated ‘convict hut’ sites, the structures associated with early convict occupation (c.1788–1818) of the colonised agricultural landscape of what is now Parramatta in New South Wales. The paper primarily examines what substantive conclusions can be drawn from what could be considered repetitious archaeological sites: one hut in a long line of huts. The work focuses on the temporal and spatial constraints of evidence from the Club Parramatta site, building on the legacy of excavations that have occurred over the last 40 years. The results are framed through a conceptual lens of assemblages of practice and make use of comparative artefact analysis of three huts. We argue that New Materialism is particularly helpful for avoiding dualistic interpretations, such as convict/free, and instead allows for more nuanced and active understandings of people in the past.

Translanguaging in Academic Writing Classroom: A Case Study of EFL Pre-Service Teachers's Perception

This case study explores the perceptions of translanguaging in the academic writing process of pre-service teachers. Drawing upon the theories of forms translanguaging (Baynham & Lee, 2019; Garcia & Lin, 2016; Hua & Wei, 2022) and the stages of writing proposed by Hyland (2003), this research delves into how pre-service teachers perceive and utilize translanguaging in their writing. The study integrates observations, interviews, and artifact analysis involving pre-service teachers to understand their engagement with translanguaging as both a communicative and pedagogical strategy. The findings show that pre-service teachers not only view translanguaging as a method for effective communication but also as a crucial tool for enhancing their engagement with academic content, particularly in the stages of topic selection, pre-writing, writing, and feedback. In addition, the significant use of translation, code-mixing, and code-switching underscores their linguistic adaptability in a multilingual academic context. This research contributes to the academic discourse by providing insights into the role of translanguaging in the academic writing process and its implications for future teaching practices.

Juqu Mengxun’s Buddhism-Politics System Drawing on the Kushan Empire: A Case Study of Mogao Cave 275 in Dunhuang, China

The research provides an in-depth analysis of the precious artifacts in Dunhuang Mogao Cave 275, as well as the literature and Mahayana scriptures related, from the Political Science of Religion (PSR) perspective, aiming to discuss the history that Juqu Mengxun tried to make Northern Liang a Kushan-style Mahayana regime. According to the findings, Mahayana, whose teachings were used by Juqu Mengxun to consolidate his political status, had a considerable influence on Northern Liang’s political pattern, cultural expression, and social structure. The research demonstrates the profound influence of Mahayana on the Northern Liang community and reflects Juqu Mengxun’s deep insight into and strategic use of Mahayana. The achievement of this research is expected to provide a new clue for the community to explore Buddhism and the political dynamics on the ancient Silk Road.

Resurrecting, reinterpreting and reusing stratigraphy: an afterlife for archaeological data

Stratigraphic data form the backbone of archaeological records from excavated sites and are essential for the integrated analysis and wider interpretation of artefacts and sites. Accessible archiving of this data is therefore vital for understanding and revisiting such interpretations. Here, the authors highlight the need for more consistent digital records of stratigraphic and associated temporal relationships derived during post-excavation analysis phasing activities. They argue for the distillation of best practice in post-excavation procedures and the application of consistent and persistent terminology to make this fundamental archaeological data sustainably FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable) and ‘Open’ across present-day geopolitical and spatiotemporal boundaries.

Origins and consequences of asymmetric nano-FTIR interferograms

Infrared scattering-type near-field optical microscopy, IR s-SNOM, and its broadband variant, nano-FTIR, are pioneering, flagship techniques for their ability to provide molecular identification and material optical property information at a spatial resolution well below the far-field diffraction limit, typically less than 25 nm. While s-SNOM and nano-FTIR instrumentation and data analysis have been discussed previously, there is a lack of information regarding experimental parameters for the practitioner, especially in the context of previously developed frameworks. Like conventional FTIR spectroscopy, the critical component of a nano-FTIR instrument is an interferometer. However, unlike FTIR spectroscopy, the resulting interference patterns or interferograms are typically asymmetric. Here, we unambiguously describe the origins of asymmetric interferograms recorded with nano-FTIR instruments, give a detailed analysis of potential artifacts, and recommend optimal instrument settings as well as data analysis parameters.

Social Network Analysis of Ancient Japanese Obsidian Artifacts Reflecting Sampling Bias Reduction

Social Network Analysis of Ancient Japanese Obsidian Artifacts Reflecting Sampling Bias Reduction