bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unifying Electronic and Remote Voting
Authors: Riccioni Anna , Merighi Francesca
Published: June 2014

The voting scenario is rich and complex: democratic institutions typically call several kinds of elections, which often have different requirements in terms of costs and needed resources, and are exposed to different security risks. Some electoral events could target relatively small sets of voters, sparsely distributed across the country or even in the world: a typical example is the election for renewing the board of directors of an association or research center. On the other hand, Government or public-office elections typically involve a great number of voters who, in most part, are localized within a country or a regional area. As a consequence, the design, development and deployment of electronic voting systems suitable to accommodate the wide range of conflicting requirements emerging from such different voting scenarios is still a challenging issue. This chapter presents u-Vote, a solution which is able to operate in different deployment settings, so as to accommodate the peculiarities characterizing different voting scenarios, while striving to provide the best possible balance between security measures and convenience for voters.
Designing Writing Tasks in Google Docs that Encourage Conversation
Authors: Woodard Rebecca , Babcock Adam
Published: June 2014

This chapter explores how a high school teacher's design of writing tasks in Google Docs encouraged conversations and revisions in student writing. It details how Adam, chapter author and an English teacher in an integrated studies course, developed various scaffolds to improve feedback, including assigning self-annotation “conversation starters” in one class and participating in writing processes as an author himself in another class. Peer conversations in Google Docs were used for two purposes in the former class—to encourage the writer to revise or to affirm the writer, and for two purposes in the latter class—to debate the writer's techniques or to talk about the writer. The findings highlight instances where conversations were more and less successful, and explore possible reasons for the classes' different conversation types in Google Docs. This chapter concludes with research, teaching and learning implications for K-12 teachers using Google Docs to support feedback and revision.
Tagxedo
Authors: Albers Peggy , Hernández Oscar
Published: June 2014

This chapter focuses on Latino students in grades seven through nine in Opportunity Class, an alternative school for students with disciplinary problems at their comprehensive school sites, who used the free software tool called Tagxedo to generate stronger thinking and writing. More specifically, this chapter focuses on a study of students' digital writing through Tagxedo, and how they used Tagxedo as a way to metaphorically and symbolically represent their thinking, and as a tool to support their writing and thinking. This study took place over two years with two different groups of 13 students, each studying different inquiry-based units of study. Located in critical multimodality as a theoretical frame, this chapter positions digital writing as a critical endeavor, one that understands that modes are not neutral, and every choice made by the designer/writer of a digital text has intention and purpose.
Connecting In and Out-of-School Writing Through Digital Tools
Authors: Howell Emily , Reinking David
Published: June 2014

This chapter considers issues and possibilities for connecting the writing students are doing in digital environments outside of school to developing writing ability within school. It presents theoretical frameworks consistent with exploring that connection, including New Literacy Studies and participatory culture. The authors offer a rationale for linking in and out-of-school literacies and give specific examples of the types of writing that connect these two cultures with digital writing tools. Finally, the chapter discusses implications for teaching.
Multilingual, Multimodal Compositions in Technology-Mediated Hybrid Spaces
Authors: Martínez-Álvarez Patricia , Ghiso María Paula
Published: June 2014

This chapter describes a series of integrated curricular invitations that sought to unsettle hierarchies of power by creating hybrid spaces that leverage students' cultural and linguistic resources in the form of multilingual community-based knowledge. The project involved participation from a total of 138 bilingual first graders in two dual language public elementary schools and was implemented, investigated, and revised over a two-year period. The curricular invitations were informed by a conceptual framework that brought together Nieto's (2009) elements of culture with theories of Expansive Learning. This dual framework assists us in articulating the theoretical underpinnings of each step of the proposed sequence. Teaching implications and future research directions are presented.
Young Writers Create Digital E-Books Using Nooks
Authors: Brown Sally
Published: June 2014

This chapter presents the details of a year-long qualitative study that investigates the literacy development of a diverse group of second graders as they engage in digital writing experiences at school using the Barnes and Noble Nook e-reader. Twenty students, including eleven English learners whose first languages were Spanish, French, and Korean, immersed themselves in reading e-books and then, wrote and narrated their own digital books using the available tools from the DrawWriteRead app and the Tikatoc.com Website. The findings reveal students developed a sense of agency while developing new literacies through interactions with others. The chapter begins with an introduction to the use of technology with diverse students. Next, an overview about the theory associated with digital and new literacies is discussed. The chapter continues with a review of current research studies focusing on digital writing with young students across a variety of contexts. Finally, this particular study is detailed through a description of the methodology, findings, and conclusions.
A Historical Overview of Writing and Technology
Authors: Stewart Trevor Thomas
Published: June 2014

This chapter discusses the history of writing and technology and offers an overview of the integration of advances in the use of technology in the writing classroom. The author has framed this overview by highlighting the importance of selecting the most appropriate tool for any instructional task. Grounded in the belief that writing is a key skill for students to master for success in the classroom and, more importantly, beyond the classroom, this chapter is designed to open a theoretical and practical dialogue between readers and this book about how to best theorize and enact meaningful writing instruction in the digital age.
Online Peer Conferencing in Four Different Educational Settings
Authors: Assaf Lori Czop , Eickstead Andrew , Kaynes Stephanie , Woollven Jennifer
Published: June 2014

As the world becomes more digital and more connected, teachers must keep pace with the changing spaces of the workplace and processes of community and civic engagement. These changes are not going away. It is the responsibility of educators to help students navigate, create and problem-solve within these spaces. This chapter investigates one of the processes undertaken by four teachers, elementary through university, as they worked towards creating a vibrant digital classroom. Specifically, it addresses the challenges, systems and successes of facilitating meaningful online peer response within the context of writer's workshop. Ultimately, these educators found that authentic audience and thoughtful peer response improved student writing.
Pose/Wobble/Flow
Authors: Garcia Antero , O'Donnell-Allen Cindy
Published: June 2014

This chapter examines how culture, technology, and standards intersect to create a complex environment for preservice teachers that shapes their understanding of how to teach composition. The authors draw on the cases of two undergraduate students engaged in immersive digital writing experiences to present a model called “Pose/Wobble/Flow.” This model attempts to capture the non-linear, recursive nature of teachers' professional growth by acknowledging and interrogating uncertainties, positionality, and cultural privilege. The authors recommend the creation of virtual and face-to-face communities of practice wherein preservice teachers can take up stances, or poses, toward their practice and reflect on areas in which they “wobble” with the intent of attaining provisional moments of progress in their teaching. They conclude that engaging preservice teachers in cycles of Pose/Wobble/Flow increases the likelihood that they will in turn construct learning experiences for their students that include robust opportunities for digital composing and interaction.
Institutional Reform and Export Competitiveness of Central and Eastern European Economies
Authors: Chadee Doren , Kouznetsov Alex , Roxas Banjo
Published: June 2014

Following their political and economic independence in 1989, a group of ten Central and Eastern European countries (CEEs) embarked on major institutional reforms to modernise their economies in order to become an integral part of the global economy. This chapter provides an overview of the main institutional reforms undertaken in the CEEs and their effects on export competitiveness. The chapter focuses on selected meso and macro institutional reforms, namely price liberalisation, competition policy, trade and foreign exchange, privatisation, and corporate governance. The results show that institutional reforms in the CEEs were rapid and generally successful. All CEEs became members of the European Union (EU) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). Institutional reforms contributed significantly to improved efficiency and growth in the export sector. The results also suggest that further reforms are needed to improve competition policy and corporate governance, both of which are still below the standards found in Western industrialised countries.
Innovation and International Competitiveness of Manufacturing Firms
Authors: Lewandowska Malgorzata Stefania , Golebiowski Tomasz
Published: June 2014

Numerous firm-level studies indicate a positive relationship between innovation and exports, being an important indicator of international competitiveness. The aim of this chapter is to present a cross-country analysis of the relationship between innovation and exports of firms in selected new EU Member States from the CEE region. All types of innovation (i.e. product, process, organizational, and marketing innovation) are analyzed and their relationship with international sales is assessed in this chapter. The analysis is based on Community Innovation Survey (CIS) micro data of 10,903 innovative manufacturing firms from Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Romania for the 2006 – 2008 period. The logistic regression models are constructed to identify the relationship between each type of innovation and firms' export sales. The reverse causality (i.e. the effect of international sales on firm innovation) is also investigated. The strongest relationship between the introduction of product innovation and export sales on all foreign target markets was revealed for firms in all CEE countries. The influence of other types of innovation on export sales was also proved positive, though weaker, in most of these countries. The influence of international sales on firm's innovation in all surveyed countries was weaker than the impact of innovation on export.
Manufacturing Reshoring
Authors: Fratocchi Luciano , Iapadre Lelio , Ancarani Alessandro , Di Mauro Carmela , Zanoni Andrea , Barbieri Paolo
Published: June 2014

This chapter focuses on “reshoring” strategies, conceptualized as the relocation of production earlier off-shored independently of its governance mode (out-sourcing vs. in-sourcing). More specifically, the authors investigate two different forms of this phenomenon: the repatriation of manufacturing activities in the firm's home market or in a country located at a shorter distance from the headquarters. They suggest that such phenomena may represent a significant “threat” or an “opportunity” for the economies of East Central Europe and Baltic Countries. Based on a wide-ranging literature review and findings derived from an extensive data collection, suggestions for policy makers and managers are provided.
How Is the Crisis Affecting the Competitiveness of Countries?
Authors: Matysek-Jędrych Anna
Published: June 2014

The chapter focuses on the relation between the economic crisis and competitiveness on a national and regional dimension. The Baltic countries (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) have experienced one of the biggest GDP contractions during the Global Crisis so far. Hence, identifying and assessing changes in the relative competitiveness as a consequence of the economic downturn has sparked many interests. The international competitiveness and economic crisis intermingle with one another. The international cases selected for the purpose of this research (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) were to demonstrate clear and unquestionable evidence that crisis affects the international competitiveness of countries. One may believe that such a deep and painful financial and economic crisis as the current one—in the case of the Baltics—has to leave some permanent and explicit traces on a country's competitiveness. Thus, the results of this research may surprise a little. It may be generally concluded that a short-term crisis, even if severe, does not have a negative long-term influence on the international competitiveness as long as a proper anti-crisis policy is implemented. Sharing a number of structural, institutional, and performance features caused the crisis to undermine the competitiveness of the Baltic States in a similar manner (through macroeconomic stability channel). This in turn caused the applying of an analogue crisis management policy with the fundamental tool of fiscal policy tightening by an increased downward flexibility of wages and prices.
Investment Attractiveness of Visegrad Group Countries
Authors: Dorożyński Tomasz , Kuna-Marszałek Anetta
Published: June 2014

The aims of this chapter are to evaluate the main determinants of the inflow of FDI into selected countries of CEE and to examine the volume, dynamics, and structure of FDI inflow into these countries. Due to certain similarities, the authors focus the analysis on four countries: Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia. The reasons are geographic proximity, political, economic, and cultural similarities, as well as shared experiences of economic transformation. This chapter focuses on matters pertaining to foreign direct investment, mostly on the reasons motivating FDI inflow in light of selected studies and theories. The authors also provide characteristics of the dynamics and structure of FDI inflow into the V4 countries. The final part of the chapter compares investment attractiveness, the system of incentives, and identifies barriers facing investors in the analyzed countries.
Amplification and Virtual Back-Patting
Authors: Svensson Jakob
Published: June 2014

This chapter explores the rationalities of politicians' social media uses in Web-campaigning in a party-based democracy. This is done from an in-depth case study of a Swedish politician, Nina Larsson, who with the help of a PR agency utilized several social media platforms in her campaign to become re-elected to the parliament in 2010. By analyzing how and for what purposes Larsson used social media in her Web-campaign, this chapter concludes that even though discourses of instrumental rationality and of communicative rationality were common to make her practices relevant, Nina primarily used social media to amplify certain offline news media texts as well as to commend and support other liberal party members. Hence, from this case, the authors conclude that Web-campaigning on social media is used for expressive purposes, to negotiate and maintain an attractive political image within the party hierarchy.
Online Political Marketing
Authors: Lappas Georgios , Yannas Prodromos , Triantafillidou Amalia , Kleftodimos Alexandros
Published: June 2014

Web 2.0 has transformed user involvement and has created more active, more engaged, more participative, and more demanding users, citizens, and voters. This chapter explores the use of Facebook by candidates during the November 2010 Greek Municipal elections. In particular, this study undertakes an in-depth analysis of the use of Facebook by candidates running for the mayoral offices in approximately 325 municipal races. Using statistical analysis (e.g., chi-square independence tests, t-tests, binary regression analysis), a number of hypotheses are tested to examine the differences in the use of Facebook between candidates and assess the impact the use of Facebook has on candidates' election to office.
Sources and Formats of Campaign Information on YouTube
Authors: Klotz Robert
Published: June 2014

This chapter empirically, longitudinally, and systematically examines U.S. Senate campaign information on YouTube over three election cycles. The Internet broadcast yourself world of YouTube offers some sharp contrasts to the television broadcast world. Unlike on television, candidates and the traditional news media are being challenged by citizens in shaping their video presence on YouTube. Interest groups that leverage financial resources to force viewers to watch broadcast advertisements are marginalized on YouTube where accidental exposure is limited. While the broadcast world converges on a few video formats, YouTube campaign videos exhibit substantial diversity of format.
A Diachronic Analysis of Portuguese Digital Campaigning
Authors: Novais Rui Alexandre , Cúria Álvaro
Published: June 2014

Bearing in mind the dearth of inquiry about new media and political campaigns in Portugal, this chapter proposes an unprecedented cross-cutting analysis of the nature of online communication during the period of explosion of the e-campaigns. Such a topography and cartography for Internet communications and political campaigning, comprising distinct elections over time, allows for assessing both the evolution of the campaign online and the most influential contributions of the Internet to those evolving trends. The multiple wave nature of the data involved in the chronological study of the 2000 campaigns in Portugal is further complemented with extensive in-depth interviews conducted with different actors from the limited universe of key respondents with direct involvement in the episodes under analysis. It concludes that the Internet went from a separate operation in previous campaigns to a more central role within all Portuguese campaign divisions. Despite being touted as a revolution and a great communication tool, the core features of the Internet have reinforced the continuity of previous tendencies rather than precipitating a radical break with the past. Moreover, although important interaction flows were created with the voters, those were discontinued once the campaign was over, thus making Websites, online platforms, social networks profiles, and video sharing channels used during campaign as obsolete as old leaflets left on the floor after the rally has ended.
The New Interdisciplinary Fields of Public Policy Engineering and Computational Public Policy
Authors: Solo Ashu M. G.
Published: June 2014

This chapter describes two new interdisciplinary fields defined by Ashu M. G. Solo called “public policy engineering” and “computational public policy.” Public policy engineering is the application of engineering, computer science, mathematics, or natural science to solving problems in public policy. Computational public policy is the application of computer science or mathematics to solving problems in public policy. Public policy engineering and computational public policy include, but are not limited to, principles and methods for public policy formulation, decision making, analysis, modeling, optimization, forecasting, and simulation. The definition of these two new fields will greatly increase the pace of research and development in these important fields.
Online Election Campaigning
Authors: Lilleker Darren G. , Koc-Michalska Karolina
Published: June 2014

Studies of online campaigning tend to focus on the supply side: the way political parties communicate and campaign using the Internet. This chapter explores the online presences of the main candidates and their parties who stood in the 2012 French presidential election. The research focuses not only on the supply side but also explores demand, utilising data from the Mediapolis survey to ascertain what citizens search for online and in particular what citizens seeking help with their voter decisions seek online. The data shows that citizens are provided with a rich online experience during election campaigns. Information is presented in engaging ways and candidates attempt to mobilise their supporters and offer various opportunities to interact with the campaign and other Website visitors. Interaction is augmented in particular by the use of social networking sites. Citizens, however, appear to mostly go online to find detailed information on the policies and programmes of the candidates. There appears little call for engaging communication, interactive opportunities, or details on the personal lives or personalities of the candidates. The data may, therefore, suggest that information may need to be packaged for accessibility and presented in a way that allows voters to make up their own minds, rather than following the norms of corporate sales campaign Websites.
Cellular Stress Amplifies TLR3/4-Induced CXCL1/2 Gene Transcription in Mononuclear Phagocytes via RIPK1
Authors: Zhao Chenyang , Pavicic Paul G. , Datta Shyamasree , Sun Dongxu , Novotny Michael , Hamilton Thomas A.
Published: June 2014

The impact of environmental stressors on the magnitude of specific chemokine gene expression was examined in mouse bone marrow–derived macrophages stimulated through various TLRs. Levels of TLR-stimulated CXCL1 and CXCL2 but not CXCL10 or CCL5 mRNAs were selectively enhanced (>10-fold) in stressed macrophages. The amplification was also manifested for other proinflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1α, and IL-6. Responses through TLR3 and TLR4 exhibited the greatest sensitivity, reflecting a requirement for Toll/IL-IR domain–containing adaptor-inducing IFN-β (TRIF), the adaptor protein selectively associated with these TLRs. IFN regulatory factor 3, a transcription factor that is downstream of TLR4/TRIF signaling, was not required for sensitivity to stress-induced chemokine amplification. c/EBP homologous protein and X box binding protein 1 have been reported to enhance inflammatory cytokine responses but are not required for amplification of TLR3/4-induced CXCL1 expression. Rather, receptor-interacting protein kinase 1, a kinase also linked with TLR3/4/TRIF signaling, is required and involves a stress-dependent increase in its abundance and ubiquitination. Whereas NF-κB activation is necessary for TLR-induced chemokine gene transcription, this factor does not appear to be the primary mechanistic target of environmental stress. The application of stress also enhanced chemokine expression in macrophages infiltrating the peritoneal cavity but was not observed in the resident peritoneal cells or in the liver. These findings identify novel mechanisms for modulating the magnitude and duration of selective TLR-induced chemokine and cytokine gene expression and further establish the importance of cell stress pathways in coordinating the outcomes of cellular and tissue injury.
Strategies for information management in education: Some international experience
Authors: Bytheway Andy , Venter Isabella M.
Published: June 2014

Background: Recent analysis of the management of information and communications technologies in South African education suggests strongly that there is only limited strategic thinking that might guide policy-makers, school principals, teachers, learners and suppliers of educational technologies. It is clear that here in South Africa, as elsewhere, the actual practice of technology-mediated education is driven more by the available technologies than by actual learner needs, good management principles and the wider national imperative. There might be lessons to be learned from experience elsewhere.Objectives: This article reports and analyses conversation with eight international educators in Europe, Canada, the United States, New Zealand and Australia. All are managing the impact of technology in different ways (reactive and pro-active), at different levels (pre-primary through to senior citizen), in different roles (teachers, administrators and senior managers) and in different contexts (schools and universities).Method: Open-ended conversations with educators and educational administrators in developed countries were recorded, transcribed and analysed. The qualitative analysis of the content was done in the style of ‘open coding’ and ‘selective coding’ using a qualitative content analysis tool.Results: Whilst technology is still seen to drive much thinking, it is found that that success is not derived from the technology, but from a full and proper understanding of the needs and aspirations of those who are directly involved in educational processes, and by means of a managerial focus that properly recognises the context within which an institution exists.Conclusion: Whilst this result might be expected, the detailed analysis of the findings further reveals the need to manage investments in educational technologies at different levels and in different ways.
Data mining in radiology
Authors: Kharat Amit T , Singh Amarjit , Kulkarni Vilas M , Shah Digish
Published: June 2014

Data mining facilitates the study of radiology data in various dimensions. It converts large patient image and text datasets into useful information that helps in improving patient care and provides informative reports. Data mining technology analyzes data within the Radiology Information System and Hospital Information System using specialized software which assesses relationships and agreement in available information. By using similar data analysis tools, radiologists can make informed decisions and predict the future outcome of a particular imaging finding. Data, information and knowledge are the components of data mining. Classes, Clusters, Associations, Sequential patterns, Classification, Prediction and Decision tree are the various types of data mining. Data mining has the potential to make delivery of health care affordable and ensure that the best imaging practices are followed. It is a tool for academic research. Data mining is considered to be ethically neutral, however concerns regarding privacy and legality exists which need to be addressed to ensure success of data mining.
Sonography of acute appendicitis and its mimics in children
Authors: Sargar Kiran M , Siegel Marilyn J
Published: June 2014

The diagnosis of acute right lower quadrant pain in a pediatric population is challenging. Acute appendicitis is the most common cause of an acute surgical abdomen. The common mimics of acute appendicitis are acute gastrointestinal and gynecologic diseases. This article reviews the sonographic findings of the spectrum of common acute abdominal emergencies in children with a focus on imaging clues to a specific diagnosis. This awareness can impact on diagnostic accuracy and impact patient management.
A new model for the spread of the first farmers in Europe
Authors: Pinhasi Ron
Published: June 2014

The appearance and dispersion of the first farmers in Europe has been the subject of heated debate among anthropologists, archaeologists, and linguists for over a century. There is no consensus regarding two main aspects: (1) the extent to which the transition to farming was an indigenous process, and (2) the historical pattern in terms of the timing and tempo of the dispersion events. Morphological variability and affinities are assessed among Mesolithic and Early Neolithic populations of the Near East, Anatolia and Europe. Statistical results reveal regional and temporal differences in the dispersion process among these populations. Based on these results, a new model is presented for the spread of farming in Europe.
Stone age transitions. Neolithisation in central Scandinavia
Authors: Knutsson Helena , Knutsson Kjel
Published: June 2014

A summary of a series of individual research projects focused on the processes from the Mesolithic to the Late Neolithic in central Scandinavia. The projects were embeded in the "Coast to Coast project". The historicity in this process was emphasised.
Hunter-gatherers and farmers: neighbours in north-eastern Kuiavia, Poland
Authors: Domanska Lucyna
Published: June 2014

The aim of this paper is to discuss the new discoveries made in the Tążyna-Parchania valley, in north-eastern Kuiavia, Poland. These discoveries put into a new light the problem of contacts between hunter-gatherers and farmers from the Polish Lowland.
Seals, contracts and tokens in the Balkans Early Neolithic: where in the puzzle
Authors: Budja Mihael
Published: June 2014

Paper discusses Early Neolithic seals, contracts and tokens in the context of Neolithization processes in southeastern Europe. Paper analyses the assemblages, contexts and the patterns of regional and interregional distributions. The results contradict traditional models as the objects appearance and distributions can no longer support the models of colonization, demic diffusion and population replacement in the context of the transition to farming in the Balkans. The paper argues they were well embeddedin the Early Neolithic Balkans koine, where the transformation of hunter- gathering into farming societies took place in an arena of selective integration of the new technologies and social practices as much as the result of intensive connections and exchange networks.
The latest results from the technological and typological analysis of chipped stone assemblages from Ilipinar, Pendik, Fikir tepe and Mentes
Authors: Gatsov Ivan
Published: June 2014

The papers presents the latest results from the technological and typological analysis of chipped stone assemblages from Ilipinar, Pendik, Fikir tepe, and Mentese in NW Turkey. The stone industry of Ilipinar shows parallels with the chipped stone material from Fikir tepe. At Ilipinar the period of technological and raw material changes in Bulgarian Thrace correspond to the end of phase V-A and to the whole V-B, but the technological and typological features are completely different.
The transition to farming and the 'revolution' of symbols in the Balkans. From ornament to entoptic and external symbolic storage
Authors: Budja Mihael
Published: June 2014

In desimplifying the logic of colonisation and transition to farming we discuss huntergatherers' and farmer's symbolic structures in the Balkans and Carpathians. Particular attention is paid to the concepts of 'revolution of symbols', 'external symbolic storage' and 'signs of all time'. Our basic premises are (1) that ceramic technology and the principles of fragmentation and accumulationwere not the exclusive domains of farmers and, (2) that the hunter-gatherers' symbolic structures and the process of transition to farmingwere not exclusive and competitive but rather correlative in maintaining control and power within society and over the frameworks of external interactions and exchange networks., but strong parallels between the Near-Eastern and Greek Neolithic.
Archaeographic and conceptual advances in interpreting Iberian Neolithisation
Authors: Oosterbeek Luiz
Published: June 2014

Prehistoric research has evolved, in the last decade, from a mere collaboration of disciplines into a new, trans-disciplinary, approach to Prehistoric contexts. New stable research teams, involving researchers with various scientific backgrounds (geology, botanic, anthropology, history, mathematics, geography, etc.) working together, have learned their diversified "vocabularies" and methodologies. As a main result, a more holistic approach to Prehistory is to be considered. Previous models of the Neolithic on the Atlantic side of Iberia were focused on material culture and strict economics (this being an important improvement concerning previous typological series). Current research became open to discussing the meaning ofconcepts like "food production", "chiefdom" or "territory". It also dropped the "Portuguese/Spanish" frontier that pervaded previous models (to the limited exception of some interpretations for megaliths). Finally, new and important data is now confirming that the "Cardial Neolithic" coastal spread was only one, and a minor element in the Neolithisation of the western seaboard.
Early polished stone tools in South China evidence of the transition from Palaeolithic to Neolithic
Authors: Zhao Chaohong , Wu Xiaohong , Wang Tao , Yuan Xuemei
Published: June 2014

The appearance of polished stone tools has been taken as one of the important indicators of the beginnings of the Neolithic. Early polished stone tools excavated in South China are discussed in this paper. The polishing technology developed from stone tools with polished blades to whole polished stone tools. Different kinds of polished stone tools appeared at different times. The earliest polished stone tools are axes, adyes and cutters, with only the blades polished. They date to 21000 - 19000 cal BP. The whole polished stone tools appeared thousands of years later. The relationship of thepolishing technology with other factors during the transition from the Paleolithic to the Neolithic should be discussed after more detailed information has been obtained.
The concept of “Neolithic package”: considering its meaning and applicability
Authors: Çilingiroğlu Çiler
Published: June 2014

In this paper, one of the most frequently used terms in Neolithic studies, e.g. the so-called “Neolithic package”, will be discussed. Apart from providing a brief historical background of the term and how it was used since the 80’s, the text will concentrate on a plausible definition and the possible contents of the package which can be observed as a common set of objects in Southwest Asia, Anatolia and Southeast Europe. It will be argued that the use of this concept has both advantages and disadvantages. Although the term provides a macro level look to the large geography mentioned above, that was obviously closely interconnected in the course of 7th and 6th millennia BC, the term should be implemented cautiously at regions where the elements of the package do not seem to be fully integrated into the life of the groups.
Anthropomorphic statuettes from Cucuteni-Tripolye: some signs and symbols
Authors: Lazarovici Cornelia-Magda
Published: June 2014

Our article present anthropomorphic statuettes from the area of the Cucuteni-Tripolye culture with signs and symbols related to sacred messages used during cultic ceremonies. We also present older and newer opinions on this subject. Signs and symbols help us to decipher some aspects of the religious life of that time.
Another aspect of figurine function
Authors: Kawashima Takamune
Published: June 2014

In Japan, it is suggested that clay figurines were produced for deliberate fragmentation. However, the distribution of clay figurines was limited to some sites, and the total number of fragmented figurines is relatively small. This article tries to present some new arguments about the function of figurines, based on data from Angyo period, late and latest Jomon. I suggest that the function of figurines needs further discussion.
Semiotic approach to the features of the ‘Danube Script’
Authors: Merlini Marco
Published: June 2014

The article presents a matrix of basic semiotic markers and rules for examining the internal structure of the sign system developed in the Neo-Eneolithic in the Danube basin. It is intended a) to test the hypothesis that these cultures had an early form of writing, the so-called Danube script; b) to infer the principles of this system of writing; c) to distinguish between bi- and multi-signs texts of the Danube script, without knowing what any of them meant, from compounds of signs associated with other communication codes, among them decoration, symbols, and divinity identifiers. The matrix is applied to some recent discoveries selected not from the core area of the Danube civilization in the Vinča region, but from peripheral regions, in order to document how widespread the Danube script was.
The ethnography of the Cyclops: Neolithic pastoralists in the eastern Adriatic
Authors: Mlekuž Dimitrij
Published: June 2014

Paper discusses archaeological data of the emergence and development of pastoralism on the Eastern Adriatic coast from social perspective. Formation of pastoralism is placed in the context of social changes within indigenous hunter-gathering communities. Incorporation of sheep into households brought the change in social relations of production and caused fragmentation of communities into independent, mobile households, which did not form complex social structures.
Settlement of the Early Linear Ceramics Culture at Brunn am Gebirge, Wolfholz site
Authors: Stadler Peter
Published: June 2014

The early Neolithic sites I to V from Brunn Wolfholz, south of Vienna, were excavated between 1989 and 2005. Till now about 75 longhouses, with the standardized size of 20x7 m have been recognized. The whole settlement has a length from North to South of 850 m and from East to West of 500 m. The oldest part is site IIa in the south; it contains rough ceramics with plastic ornaments, which seem to be in a Starčevo tradition. The Early Linear Ceramics starts only in site III. The youngest phase of the settlement is in the North in site I, which apparently leads already to the Notenkopf Ceramics.
The role of Southeastern Europe (SEE) in origins and diffusion of major paternal lineages
Authors: Peričić Marijana , Barać Lauc Lovorka , Martinović Klarić Irena , Rajić Šikanjić Petra , Janičijević Branka , Rudan Pavao
Published: June 2014

The aim of this study is to explore the existing data based on high-resolution phylogenetic studies of Y chromosome variation in populations from Southeastern Europe and elsewhere in Eurasia in order to evaluate the role of the region in the process of the prehistoric colonization of the European continent and the structuring of the modern paternal genetic pool. Even though the distribution and estimated range expansions of major paternal lineages in Southeastern Europe are consistent with the typical European Y chromosome gene pool, the specific role of this region in the process of structuring the European paternal genetic landscape is evident in prehistoric episodes of significant gene flow that diffused from or into the region.
Pushing it back. Dating the CCR5–32 bp deletion to the Mesolithic in Sweden and its implications for the Meso\Neo transition
Authors: Lidén Kerstin , Linderholm Anna , Götherström Anders
Published: June 2014

Genetic variation in the chemokine receptor gene CCR5 has received considerable scientific interest during the last few years. Protection against HIV-infection and AIDS, together with specific geographic distribution are the major reasons for the great interest in CCR5 32bp deletion. The event for the occurrence of this mutation has been postulated by coalescence dating to the 14th century, or 5000 BP. In our prehistoric Swedish samples we show that the frequency of 32pb deletion in CCR5 in the Neolithic population does not deviate from the frequency in a modern Swedish population, and that the deletion existed in Sweden already during the Mesolithic period.
Neolithic skull shapes and demic diffusion: a bioarchaeological investigation into the nature of the Neolithic transition
Authors: Pinhasi Ron
Published: June 2014

There is a growing body of evidence that the spread of farming in Europe was not a single uniform process, but that it involved a complex set of processes such as demic diffusion, folk migration, frontier mobility, and leapfrog colonisation. Archaeogenetic studies, which examine contemporary geographical variations in the frequencies of various genetic markers have not succeeded in addressing the complex Neolithisation process at the required level of spatial and temporal resolution. Moreover, these studies are based on modern populations, and their interpretive genetic maps are often affected by post-Neolithic dispersals, migrations, and population movements in Eurasia. Craniometric studies may provide a solid link between the archaeological analysis of past events and their complex relationship to changes and fluctuations in corresponding morphological and thus biological variations. This paper focuses on the study of craniometric variations between and within Pre-Pottery Neolithic, Pottery Neolithic, and Early Neolithic specimens from the Near East, Anatolia and Europe. It addresses the meaning of the observed multivariate morphometric variations in the context of the spread of farming in Europe.
Why were the Neolithic landscapes of Bela krajina and Ljubljana Marshes regions of Slovenia so dissimilar?
Authors: Andrič Maja
Published: June 2014

This paper compares the development of Holocene vegetation in Bela krajina and Ljubljana Marshes (Ljubljansko barje) regions of Slovenia. The results of pollen analysis suggest that in Bela krajina the human impact on the environment (forest clearance and burning) was very intensive throughout the Holocene and led to changes in forest composition, increased biodiversity, and the formation of a mosaic landscape. In the Ljubljana Marshes, forest burning and clearance seem less intensive, although changes in forest composition and ‘anthropogenic indicator’ pollen types were detected. These differences between study regions are presumably a consequence of various climates, hydrology, bedrock and land-use in the past.
The 8200 calBP ‘climate event’ and the process of neolithisation in south-eastern Europe
Authors: Budja Mihael
Published: June 2014

Climate anomalies between 8247–8086 calBP are discussed in relation to the process of transition farming and to demographic dynamics and population trajectories in south-eastern Europe.
Is it goddess or bear? The role of Catalhöyük animal seals in Neolithic symbolism
Authors: Türkcan Ali Umut
Published: June 2014

Two examples of stamp seals discovered in the 2003 and 2005 seasons, one depicting a leopard, the other, a bear (both unusual with respect to their uncommon amulet forms reminiscent of figurines, and their recurrence in wall reliefs) provide a key role in understanding the symbolism of Çatalhöyük, along with the complex relations between some distinctive animal groups and their ritual role in the settlement. They demonstrate that the depiction of animals seems not to be confined only to the walls at Catalhöyük, but also appear as sacred symbols of the community on seals. The stamp in the form of a bear is another unique form that is also echoed in the large wall reliefs uncovered by Mellaart, which compels us to change some preconceptions about the ritual role of these wall reliefs, which have been interpreted as mother goddess images.
The Mesolithic at the Danube’s Iron Gates: new radiocarbon dates and old stratigraphies
Authors: Dinu Alexandru , Soficaru Andrei , Miritoiu Doru
Published: June 2014

In this paper we present 31 new AMS radiocarbon dates from the Mesolithic Iron Gates sites. The new dates allowed for a total reconsideration of the chronological sequences, and offer new insights for a reinterpretation of both Upper Paleolithic-Mesolithic and Mesolithic-Neolithic developments in the region.
Social aspects of the transition to farming in the Balkans
Authors: Mihailović Dušan
Published: June 2014

The Neolithization of the Balkans could be considered as a very complex social phenomenon. In this work we study the causes for the cultural and social integration of hunter-gatherer communities in the Late Glacial and Early Holocene, social networks and contacts in the Iron Gates Mesolithic, and also factors having an impact on the spread of the Neolithic in the Balkans. It has been perceived that the evolution of culture in the Balkans was simultaneously influenced by internal and external factors, and this contributed to the very rapid acceptance of Neolithic values and the Neo- lithic way of life in the period from 6500 to 6200 calBC.
The catastrophic final flooding of Doggerland by the Storegga Slide tsunami
Authors: Weninger Bernhard , Schulting Rick , Bradtmöller Marcel , Clare Lee , Collard Mark , Edinborough Kevan , Hilpert Johanna , Jöris Olaf , Niekus Marcel , Rohling Eelco J. , Wagner Bernd
Published: June 2014

Around 8200 calBP, large parts of the now submerged North Sea continental shelf (‘Doggerland’) were catastrophically flooded by the Storegga Slide tsunami, one of the largest tsunamis known for the Holocene, which was generated on the Norwegian coastal margin by a submarine landslide. In the present paper, we derive a precise calendric date for the Storegga Slide tsunami, use this date for reconstruction of contemporary coastlines in the North Sea in relation to rapidly rising sea-levels, and discuss the potential effects of the tsunami on the contemporaneous Mesolithic population. One main result of this study is an unexpectedly high tsunami impact assigned to the western regions of Jutland.
Feasting and inter-village networks
Authors: Kawashima Takamune
Published: June 2014

While the exchange of material goods and techniques is thought to be the main reason for the existence of exotic materials at Jomon sites, it is not clear what kind of exchange occurred. I propose that feasting could be one of the reasons for the diffusion of material goods and even techniques. As feasting is connected to activities such as exchange and ritual, feasting remains could be an indicator of exchange. This paper uses exotic materials and feasting remains to analyze the distribution of goods, using ethnographic data related to ritualized exchange and feasting.
Reassessing the Mesolithic\Neolithic ‘gap’ in Southeast European cave sequences
Authors: Mlekuž Dimitrij , Budja Mihael , Payton Robert , Bonsall Clive , Žibrat Gašparič Andreja
Published: June 2014

Radiocarbon sequences from some northern Mediterranean cave sites show a temporal gap between Mesolithic and Neolithic occupations. Some authors regard this as a regional phenomenon and have sought to explain it in terms of a general population decline in the late Mesolithic, which facilitated the replacement of indigenous foragers by immigrant farmers. New evidence from the rockshelter site of Mala Triglavca, in Slovenia, leads us to question this view. The results of AMS radiocarbon dating of samples recovered in excavations in the 1980s and associated soil/sediment analyses reveal evidence of substantial postdepositional disturbance of the cave sediments by human agency and geomorphological processes, which have created ‘temporal gaps’ and ‘inversions’ in the radiocarbon sequence and secondary deposits with residual finds.
Archaeological research in Miercurea Sibiului – Petris¸ (Sibiu County, Romania): the Starčevo-Cris¸ level during 1997–2005 (a preliminary report)
Authors: Luca Sabin Adrian , Diaconescu Dragoş , Suciu Cosmin Ioan
Published: June 2014

The article presents an archaeological description of the Starčevo-Cris close complexes at Miercurea Sibiului-Petris, one of the Earliest Neolithic settlements in Romania. The site belongs to the early wave of First Temperate Neolithic communities who reached Romania. Each complex is presented through plans, statistical ceramic analyses and some representative materials. White painting is present here in the earlier complexes.