Reconstruction Hypothesis Research Articles

DIGITAL RECONSTRUCTION OF AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE BASED ON THE INTEGRATION OF 3D DATA AND HISTORICAL SOURCES

Abstract. The methodology proposed in this paper in based on an integrated approach for creating a 3D digital reconstruction of an archaeological site, using extensively the 3D documentation of the site in its current state, followed by an iterative interaction between archaeologists and digital modelers, leading to a progressive refinement of the reconstructive hypotheses. The starting point of the method is the reality-based model, which, together with ancient drawings and documents, is used for generating the first reconstructive step. Such rough approximation of a possible architectural structure can be annotated through archaeological considerations that has to be confronted with geometrical constraints, producing a reduction of the reconstructive hypotheses to a limited set, each one to be archaeologically evaluated. This refinement loop on the reconstructive choices is iterated until the result become convincing by both points of view, integrating in the best way all the available sources. The proposed method has been verified on the ruins of five temples in the My Son site, a wide archaeological area located in central Vietnam. The integration of 3D surveyed data and historical documentation has allowed to support a digital reconstruction of not existing architectures, developing their three-dimensional digital models step by step, from rough shapes to highly sophisticate virtual prototypes.

The Bolyai noble court. An Early Modern noble residence

Building works on the Bolyai noble court (Buia village, county of Sibiu) was carried out in different phases over more than four centuries. Based mainly on the archival and historical sources, specialists have suggested several hypotheses regarding the patronage and the phases of constructions of the noble court. A small fragment of vividly coloured wall painting preserved on the south-eastern side of the polygonal chapel’s chancel indicated the existence of the chapel in the medieval period. This had shaped the general idea that the noble court developed gradually around the existing medieval chapel. Nevertheless, little information is available regarding the architectural configuration of the noble court between the yet unknown founding date of the chapel and the middle of the 17th century. The present article, based mainly on the direct analysis of the ruins, aims at reconsidering the building’s relative chronology and providing a critical evaluation of the monument. Three unpublished architectural surveys found in different archives (i.e. National Institute of Heritage – Bucharest, “Ion Mincu” University of Architecture and Urban Planning – Bucharest, and KÖH Archive – Budapest) proved valuable sources in the hypothetical reconstruction of the monument’s architectural configuration during the Late Middle Ages and the Early Modern period (14th - 17th centuries). The study also includes a catalogue of seven limestone blocks incorporated in the castle’s masonry - spolia and of a limestone door frame preserved in situ. The comparison of their dimensions and moulding characteristics indicated further elements of chronological dating, meanwhile allowing several reconstruction hypotheses of doors and windows frames. Moreover, starting from a brief account of the social life of its founders, the study illustrates the relation between elements of social identity and the architectural features of the noble residence.

SPIDERGL: A GRAPHICS LIBRARY FOR 3D WEB APPLICATIONS

Abstract. The recent introduction of the WebGL API for leveraging the power of 3D graphics accelerators within Web browsers opens the possibility to develop advanced graphics applications without the need for an ad-hoc plug-in. There are several contexts in which this new technology can be exploited to enhance user experience and data fruition, like e-commerce applications, games and, in particular, Cultural Heritage. In fact, it is now possible to use the Web platform to present a virtual reconstruction hypothesis of ancient pasts, to show detailed 3D models of artefacts of interests to a wide public, and to create virtual museums. We introduce SpiderGL, a JavaScript library for developing 3D graphics Web applications. SpiderGL provides data structures and algorithms to ease the use of WebGL, to define and manipulate shapes, to import 3D models in various formats, and to handle asynchronous data loading. We show the potential of this novel library with a number of demo applications and give details about its future uses in the context of Cultural Heritage applications.

Book review: Getting to the root of phylogenetics

news and update ISSN 1948-6596 book review Getting to the root of phylogenetics The Phylogenetic Handbook: A practical approach to phylogenetic analysis and hypothesis test- ing (2nd Ed.), ed. by Philippe Lemey, Marco Salemi & Anne-Mieke Vandamme Cambridge University Press, 2009, 722 pp. ISBN13: 9780521730716 http://www.cambridge.org/ The molecular genetics revolution revitalized his- torical biogeography (Riddle et al. 2008), allowing a greater understanding of phylogenetics at inter- and intraspecific levels, essential in the burgeon- ing science of ‘phylogeography’ (Avise 1987, 2009). Proponents of phylogenetics must master the theoretically and practically rich, rapidly changing facets of this field. As a diverse group of graduate students, with assorted backgrounds in taxonomy, genetics, conservation and evolution- ary biology, ecology, genomics, and biogeography, we recently completed a class using the revised second edition of The Phylogenetic Handbook: A Practical Approach to Phylogenetic Analysis and Hypothesis Testing, a book we found to be a use- ful starting point for those inexperienced in the field of phylogenetics, such as ourselves. This book is a good introductory text for those who hope to understand and practice the theories of phylogenetics, as each chapter has both a theoretical and a practical application sec- tion. The editors have assembled a number of prominent researchers in their respective disci- plines within phylogenetics to pen different chap- ters, including the creators of many of the phy- logenetic programs widely used today, such as MODELTEST with David Posada (Posada and Crandell 1998), PAUP * with David Swofford (Swofford 2002) and MRBAYES with Frederick Ronquist and John Huelsenbeck (Ronquist and Huelsenbeck 2003). We found this collection of authors to be reassur- ing, given our familiarity with their research and their ability to introduce and explain ideas, theo- ries, and related software programs. However, it should also be stressed that the authors of this book make the assumption that the reader is well versed in the basics concerning mathematics, sta- tistics, genetics, and advanced computer literacy. The book begins with introductory topics in phylogenetics, spanning a range of topics from collection and alignment of data through to phy- logenetic reconstruction methods and hypothesis testing. Chapters are divided into two parts; a theoretical section, followed by a practical section which walks the reader through actual data within an example program. Most authors appeared to demonstrate an intimate knowledge of the mate- rial and instructions for the programs, easing readers into the actual execution of software. Separation of theory and practice was extremely helpful for us, though no practical application should be attempted without a complete under- standing of the results. Essential ideas concerning tree topology, distance methods, maximum parsi- mony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian ap- proaches are all covered in detail, as are introduc- tions into related topics such as coalescence and population genetic parameter estimation. Readers wishing to explore a more in-depth explanation of the algorithms implemented in most phylogenetic analyses should also look to Felsenstein (2004). The use of different authors seemed to in- troduce biases and discrepancies between chap- ters. Authors naturally focused on their particular expertise, and, while providing unique learning opportunities, may not have explored additional, and possibly equally pertinent, ideas within the given topic. Understandably, the use of different authors also produces gradations in chapter qual- ity, with the chapter on Bayesian theory being exceptionally well written and understandable in our opinion. However, the diversity of authors, while effective for individual chapters, makes it difficult at times to integrate overlapping methods and techniques. We found the need to often jump ahead in the book for explanations or revisit ideas from other authors to try to fully understand the intention of individual chapters. Additionally other excellent sources outside the “handbook” were often needed for further clarification and explana- tion. © 2010 the authors; journal compilation © 2010 The International Biogeography Society — frontiers of biogeography 2.3, 2010

The Influence of Story Context on a Working Memory Span Task

The purpose of the present study was to examine factors that could influence whether recall performance in the reading span task (Daneman & Carpenter, 1980 ) would benefit from the contextual information from the sentences in the processing component of the task. More specifically, we investigated whether people would benefit from sentence sets that formed short stories or when the entire span task was one continuous story. Overall, there was a clear benefit for contextually related sentence sets (i.e., the story span tasks) compared to the traditional reading span task. However, the benefit was eliminated when the entire set formed one continuous story. These results support the recall reconstruction hypothesis for working memory (Towse, Cowan, Hitch, & Horton, 2008 ), which suggests that people may strategically use the content of the sentences from the processing component of the reading span task as memorial cues to reconstruct the target words of the storage component. However, this benefit is constrained to scenarios when the contextual cues are unique to a specific set.

I codici Casin. 98 e 99: la tradizione omiletica a Montecassino all’epoca dell’abate Desiderio

The contribution focuses on the analysis of two 11th-century homiliaries (Casin. 98 and 99) produced at Montecassino under the abbot Desiderius (1058-1087), both especially well known for the high quality of their decoration (Casin. 99 also for the valuable information conveyed by its colophon). The article offers detailed descriptions of both codices, and a thorough identification of the texts they contain. The composition of the two collections, focusing on the main feasts of the two great liturgical cycles (Temporale and Santorale), is examined within the wider framework of the homiletic production in Beneventan script. Casin. 98 also contains a sermon by Peter Chrysologus, added at the beginning of the original codex, which raises questions about its possible identification with the Sermones Severiani which are mentioned in the book catalogue reported by the Chronica Monasterii Casinensis . Moreover, the loss of most of the leaves containing decorated initials allows to formulate an hypothesis of reconstruction of the original structure of the codex.

Monte d’Accoddi and the end of the Neolithic in Sardinia (Italy)

The Prenuragic shrine of Monte d’Accoddi is probably the most comprehensive representation of prehistory in Sardinia, both because it was continuously frequented from the Middle Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age, and because it contains the most significant elements of tradition and innovation during the passage from the Neolithic to the Eneolithic. Previous studies have defined Monte d’Accoddi as an altar, a ziggurat, a temple, or a step pyramid, and a wide debate has been generated about its hypothetical genetic relationship, reconstructive hypothesis, and significance. This paper does not analyse the above issues, but draws attention to other controversial problems, such as chronology or less studied aspects such as crafts. New radiocarbon dating from sites in the South of Sardinia and recent data that has been published about craft production relating to the shrine allow us to date the building of the first monument (4000–3650 calBC) to the Ozieri facies, with the second shrine dating to the Sub Ozieri (3500–3000 calBC) facies.

Metodología y criterios para la reconstrucción virtual del Patrimonio Arquitectónico romano.

<p>This paper discusses virtual reconstructions of roman architectures from a constructive and technical point of view, and presents the results of a study about the contribution of architectural construction applied to virtual "restoration", that allowed reconstructive hypothesis realization using computer graphics for virtual reconstruction of the Villa of Livia. One of the key features regarding the methodology developed is the reliance on knowledge about ancient building techniques to underpin reconstruction hypotheses: as when designing a building, the preparation of a virtual model relies on architectural and engineering criteria, such as structural stability, functionality and correct use of building materials. In this regard, the virtual reconstruction of Roman buildings is eased by the existence of strong codes and principles that have ruled design and on which reconstruction hypotheses can be based. The paper introduces how the methodology is perfectly transparent and repeatable, guarantying a sound and objective final product.</p>

La Fuente de Foncalada (Oviedo): Aplicación de métodos gráficos e infográficos de análisis compositivo y metrológico a la formulación de una hipótesis de Anastilosis Virtual del Monumento

<p>In this work, the application to Foncalada´s fountain of the graphic methodology of compositive analysis tested by the author, and already applied to certain monuments of the Asturian Upper-medieval stage, allows to appreciate the proportional relationships between the different parts of the monument, defining a similar and common development, allowing, in this way, the formulation of a hypothesis of the complete reconstruction of the monument; since it allows to formulate, in hypothesis, the total proportions of the pond, which leads us to determine the specific location of the place of closing or culmination of it, revealing itself as a powerful recovery tool of the archaeological exploration.</p>

Cognitive underpinnings of contextual interference during motor learning

The reported study examined the cognitive processes underlying contextual interference (CI) in motor learning. This experiment was designed to assess the combined influence of practice schedule (blocked or random) and task similarity (similar or dissimilar) on acquisition and retention performance. Participants (N=60) learned a set of three variations of a timing task according to a similar (900, 1000 and 1100ms) or dissimilar parameter condition (700, 1000 and 1300ms) with either a blocked or random practice order: this resulted in 4 experimental groups. Performance in delayed retention demonstrated a typical CI effect due to the schedule of practice for the dissimilar parameter condition with the random practice group outperforming the blocked practice group. Conversely, no blocked-random difference was found for the similar parameter condition. These findings lend support for the reconstruction hypothesis by showing that supplementing random practice with additional intertask elaboration (i.e., similar parameter condition) did not facilitate subsequent retention performance.

Semantic and phonetic automatic reconstruction of medical dictations

Automatic speech recognition (ASR) has become a valuable tool in large document production environments like medical dictation. While manual post-processing is still needed for correcting speech recognition errors and for creating documents which adhere to various stylistic and formatting conventions, a large part of the document production process is carried out by the ASR system. For improving the quality of the system output, knowledge about the multi-layered relationship between the dictated texts and the final documents is required. Thus, typical speech-recognition errors can be avoided, and proper style and formatting can be anticipated in the ASR part of the document production process. Yet – while vast amounts of recognition results and manually edited final reports are constantly being produced – the error-free literal transcripts of the actually dictated texts are a scarce and costly resource because they have to be created by manually transcribing the audio files. To obtain large corpora of literal transcripts for medical dictation, we propose a method for automatically reconstructing them from draft speech-recognition transcripts plus the corresponding final medical reports. The main innovative aspect of our method is the combination of two independent knowledge sources: phonetic information for the identification of speech-recognition errors and semantic information for detecting post-editing concerning format and style. Speech recognition results and final reports are first aligned, then properly matched based on semantic and phonetic similarity, and finally categorised and selectively combined into a reconstruction hypothesis. This method can be used for various applications in language technology, e.g., adaptation for ASR, document production, or generally for the development of parallel text corpora of non-literal text resources. In an experimental evaluation, which also includes an assessment of the quality of the reconstructed transcripts compared to manual transcriptions, the described method results in a relative word error rate reduction of 7.74% after retraining the standard language model with reconstructed transcripts.

L’utilizzo della ricostruzione nella comunicazione del patrimonio archeologico. L’approccio, il metodo, le finalità e alcuni spunti di discussione.

<p>This paper focuses on the graphic reconstruction process and on the emotional response that the reconstructions stimulate. The reconstruction process is a collaboration carried out by archaeologist and illustrator and shall be considered as an instrument for both the visual verification of the archaeological interpretation and the spread out of the archaeological data to different kinds of beneficiaries. This process is made possible by the continuous exchange of information (scientific data and reconstruction hypotheses) and the debate originating from this helps in setting methods and schedules of the reconstruction process. The method is based on the integration between 3D and traditional illustration and is aimed to the creation of reconstructions that will meet both the requirements of scientific reliability and aesthetic satisfaction.</p>

Testing hypotheses of dietary reconstruction from buccal dental microwear in Australopithecus afarensis

A recent study of occlusal microwear in Australopithecus afarensis described this species as an opportunistic dweller, living in both forested and open environments and greatly relying on fallback resources and using fewer food-processing activities than previously suggested. In the present study, analysis of buccal microwear variability in a sample of A. afarensis specimens (n = 75 teeth) showed no significant correlations with the ecological shift that took place around 3.5 Ma in Africa. These results are consistent with the occlusal microwear data available. In fact, significant correlations between buccal and occlusal microwear variables were found. However, comparison of the buccal microwear patterns showed clear similarities between A. afarensis and those hominoid species living in somewhat open environments, especially the Cameroon gorillas. A diet based mainly on succulent fruits and seasonal fallback resources would be consistent with the buccal microwear patterns observed.

La legislazione dell’imperatore Giuliano: primi appunti per una palingenesi

This essay is a first, partial skeleton of a larger work, currently under way, on the palingenesis of the Emperor Julian’s constitutions. The normative production of the last pagan Emperor requires a broader discussion leading to a comprehensive study, where a reliable reconstructive hypothesis can serve as useful background. This palingenesis covers the period from 355, when Julian was Caesar in Gaul, to his death (27 june 363), and will be conducted on all types of sources, legal, extrajuridic, epigraphic, relying on the works of the same Julian, in particular the letters, some of which are official documents with a clear normative value. In this work I have tried, for the meantime, to explain some problems of attribution emerged from a first reading of the Theodosian Code.

The Recall of Information from Working Memory

We describe and evaluate a recall reconstruction hypothesis for working memory (WM), according to which items can be recovered from multiple memory representations. Across four experiments, participants recalled memoranda that were either integrated with or independent of the sentence content. We found consistently longer pauses accompanying the correct recall of integrated compared with independent words, supporting the argument that sentence memory could scaffold the access of target items. Integrated words were also more likely to be recalled correctly, dependent on the details of the task. Experiment 1 investigated the chronometry of spoken recall for word span and reading span, with participants completing an unfinished sentence in the latter case. Experiments 2 and 3 confirm recall time differences without using word generation requirements, while Experiment 4 used an item and order response choice paradigm with nonspoken responses. Data emphasise the value of recall timing in constraining theories of WM functioning.

Word Frequency Effects in Immediate Serial Recall of Pure and Mixed Lists: Tests of the Associative Link Hypothesis.

In immediate serial recall, high-frequency words are better recalled than low-frequency words. Recently, it has been suggested that high-frequency words are better recalled because of their better long-term associative links, and not because of the intrinsic properties of their long-term representations. In the experiment reported here, recall performance was compared for pure lists of high- and low-frequency words, and for mixed lists composed of either one low- and five high-frequency words or the reverse. The usual advantage of high-frequency words was found with pure lists and this advantage was reduced, but still significant with mixed lists composed of five low-frequency words. However, the low-frequency word included in a high-frequency list was recalled just as well as high-frequency words. Results are challenging for the associative link hypothesis and are best interpreted within an item-based reconstruction hypothesis, along with a distinctiveness account.

Random Practice Can Facilitate the Learning of Tasks that Have Different Relative Time Structures

The contextual interference (CI) effect has been replicated many times since its first demonstration by Shea and Morgan (1979) in the motor learning domain (see Brady, 1998; Magill&Hall, 1990). The CI effect is characterized by the observation that experiencing greater interference during acquisition is detrimental to immediate performance but enhances delayed performance as measured on retention or transfer tests. High CI is most often created by random practice in which the learning of multiple tasks occurs in a single training. In contrast, low CI is frequently created by using a blocked practice format in which all the practice trials of one task are completed before another task is introduced. One theoretical account that has been forwarded to account for the CI effect is labeled the action plan reconstruction hypothesis (Lee&Magill, 1983, 1985). This position intimates that before a movement occurs an “action plan” must be prepared. In blocked practice, a previously prepared “action plan” is readily available from trial to trial, but it suffers from lack of attention on trials following initial retrieval from working memory. In random practice, however, each time a task must be executed a “reconstruction” of the action plan must be processed, because the interchange of information from trial to trial never allows the same information to remain in working memory for an extended amount of time. Presumably, the additional trial-to-trial preparation used by the random practice participant during practice results in a more resilient memory representation that better supports long-term recall efforts compared to their blocked practice counterparts.

A Meta-analysis of the Spacing Effect in Verbal Learning: Implications for Research on Advertising Repetition and Consumer Memory

The effects of repeated advertising exposures depend on the size of the interval, or space, between ad exposures. A meta‐analysis of 97 verbal learning studies identified several stimulus characteristics and learning context factors that interact with stimulus spacing to facilitate memory for repeated information. The majority of the findings are consistent with the predictions of two enhanced processing explanations of learning—the retrieval hypothesis and the reconstruction hypothesis. These two hypotheses predict that an effective repetition strategy should encourage incidental processing during one presentation of the material and intentional processing during the other presentation of the material, but the hypotheses differ about the optimal order of these two types of processing. Thus, the most effective repetition strategy may be a combination of spaced exposures that alternate in terms of media that are involving (e.g., television commercials) and less involving (e.g., billboards, product placements).

New therapeutic options in congestive heart failure: Part II.

The second part of this review deals with newer, nonneurohumoral, pharmacological approaches to congestive heart failure (CHF) and nonpharmacological interventions in heart failure patients with low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) as well as potential treatments for CHF with preserved LV systolic function. An algorithm summarizing current, evidence-based therapy is also provided. Cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor, are produced in increased amounts in a variety of tissues in patients with CHF.1 Higher plasma cytokine concentrations are associated with a worse prognosis.1 Experimentally, cytokines depress myocardial contractility, cause myocyte death, and induce heart failure.1 There is some evidence that anticytokine interventions improve ventricular function and clinical status in CHF.2,3⇓ Two parallel trials (Randomized Etanercept North American Strategy to Study Antagonism of Cytokines [RENAISSANCE] and Research into Etanercept Cytokine Antagonism in Ventricular Dysfunction Trial [RECOVER], pooled as the Randomized Etanercept Worldwide Evaluation [RENEWAL] program) examining the effect of the anti–tumor necrosis factor agent etanercept on morbidity and mortality in CHF, however, were recently discontinued because of futility (Table). Even more recently, a placebo-controlled phase II trial with an alternative anti–tumor necrosis factor chimeric monoclonal antibody, infliximab, was stopped early because of higher rates of mortality and hospitalization in the active-therapy group. Whether this means that the cytokine hypothesis is invalid, that etanercept and infliximab were the wrong drugs to use (or were used incorrectly), that inappropriate patients were chosen, or that the study designs were flawed is unknown. View this table: Table 1107874. Ongoing and Planned Trials of Pharmacological Agents in CHF The constitution of the cardiac extracellular matrix depends on the balance in activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases.4,5⇓ End-stage heart failure is associated with increased collagenase activity (increased expression of MMP-1 and MMP-9) and reduced expression of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases.5 Experimentally, …

Unconscious Familiarity and Local Context Effects on Low-Level Face Processing: A Reconstruction Hypothesis

A common view in face recognition research holds that there is a stored representation specific to each known face. It is also posited that semantic or memory-based information cannot influence low-level face processing. The two experiments reported in this article investigate the nature of this representation and the flow of face information processing. Participants had to search for a particular primed face among other faces. In Experiment 1, the search was done in a context where distractors had either a different degree of fame or the same degree of fame. In Experiment 2, the target face was primed either with semantic information or without any information. Both experiments demonstrated that increasing the display set size lengthened face detection time. However, the lengthening was a function of face fame. The search context also had an effect on the slope of the famous face detection. The results are explained in terms of the idea that face representations are reconstructed and that high- and low-level information are integrated into the processing. The integration process is not a conscious one.