bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance Analysis of Evolved RAN Architectures with Open Interfaces
Authors: Vlahov Atanas , Kougioumtzidis Georgios , Mihovska Albena , Poulkov Vladimir
Published: October 2022

The paper presents a short overview of the evolution of the Radio Access Network (RAN) towards virtualized, open and intelligent RAN architectures. Major KPIs used for performance analysis in the process of the evolution of the RAN are identified. KPIs that are considered of primary importance for ensuring high-quality multimedia communications (MMC) in a scenario of wireless Radio Access Networks based on 4G/5G Open-RAN architectures are measured and analyzed. Different split scenarios according to the O-RAN specifications are considered, as well as relevant to MMC KPIs, such as round trip time, delay jitter and packet loss. Although the variation in the results from the evaluation of these parameters in different RAN architecture scenarios is not drastic, in the context of MMC and future near to-real time services, the results show advantages of these scenarios over legacy RAN architectures. In addition, we propose a network slicing model for optimizing the network performance and enhancing the quality of MMC, by implementing optimal utilization of network resources.
Wi-Fi Evolution: The Path Towards Wi-Fi 7 and Its Impact on IIoT
Authors: Frascolla Valerio , Cavalcanti Dave , Shah Rahul
Published: October 2022

This paper provides an overview of the Wi-Fi technology and its evolution along the years, touching on its inception and then elaborating more in details on the latest three commercial releases, linking the Wi-Fi advancements with the parallel cellular technology evolution towards 6G. Finally, a glimpse on the novelties proposed by the currently under definition Wi-Fi 7 release and more specifically on Wi-Fi sensing, a promising usage of Wi-Fi, are taken as an example of the forthcoming benefits of Wi-Fi in the smart home and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) domains.
A Risk Analysis of Communication, Navigation and Sensing Satellite Systems Threats
Authors: Nikookar Homayoun
Published: October 2022

The use of space systems to support Communication Navigation Sensing and Services (CONASENSE) activities has increased exponentially since their first application in 1965 with the Initial Defense Satellite Communications System. Although the first major application was for communications services, space-based capabilities have now expanded to provide a wide range of other types of services. Today these applications include navigation, targeting, mapping, remote sensing, surveillance and meteorological tracking, prediction and other services [1, 2]. Currently space is seen as a new frontier in which satellites play a major role. Given the importance of CONASENSE satellite services in today’s life and huge amounts of financial resources and the state-of-the-art technological capabilities, that are necessary to realize this kind of technology, it makes a satellite system a realistic target for threats. Currently cyber threats are becoming the most obvious resources to take adversary action against CONASENSE satellites. In addition to that the ground control stations and antennas will also be vulnerable to cyber threats and conventional threats as well. In this paper the threats of CONASENSE satellites are studied and a risk analysis of the relevant threats is provided. The influence of artificial intelligence (AI) technology and the role it can possibly play in protective measures are also included.
Quantum Mechanics for the Future 6G Cognitive RAN
Authors: Henrique Paulo Sergio Rufino , Prasad Ramjee
Published: October 2022

Quantum Mechanics is a branch of science that describes the interactions between photons and electrons. Quantum science completed more than 100 years of existence with pioneers research made by Max Planck to explain black body radiation. This theory, historically speaking, is new by comparison with classical physics. However, quantum physics is revolutionary. It adds novel scientific concepts about our universe and the atomic world, breaking some existing concepts of Isaacs Newton’s Laws in classic physics and Pierre Laplace’s calculus. Contribution for the quantum mechanics provided by notorious scientists such as Niels Bohr and Albert Einstein paved the way for quantum computation and quantum communications. Nowadays, quantum mechanics are being engineered to quantum technologies to start a new scientific revolution and perhaps move our society for Industry 5.0 and Society 5.0. It is known that by 2030 the Big Data will be even more prominent with the number of devices connected to the Internet. Therefore, it is vital to engineering a 6G Radio that is cognitive, fast to predict events, and prevent incidents. For this, 6G Radio must have Artificial Intelligence operating with machine learning with the combined quantum computer superpower to process and harness the incommensurable amount of big data in favor of excellent service level agreements (SLAs) and Quality of Experience (QoE). Thus, this is the proposal of this study presented here.
Challenges of Machine Learning for eVTOL Reliability and Safety
Authors: Salvador Marcos Aurelio
Published: October 2022

The increasing number of requests for type certification received by the European Union Safety Agency on Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) aircraft attests to the expansion of frontiers in Urban Air Mobility (UAM). In addition, it has revealed the interest of traditional airplane and helicopter manufacturers in this new technology, all the while highlighting the emergence of new players developing their respective versions of electric-powered VTOLs (eVTOL). The perspective of eVTOLs going into service in the coming years for the transport of passengers raises new safety concerns. Indeed, it is necessary to ensure the reliability and safety aspects of those aircraft systems that will be flying under new operational missions, differing from current fixed wing (airplanes) and rotorcraft (helicopters) aircraft. At the same time, the evolution of aircraft systems monitoring technology is making it possible to acquire increasing amounts of data. The high complexity of new systems, combined with the huge amount of data provided, can make the decision-making process more difficult for pilots. Machine learning makes it possible to evaluate this data and improve reliability and safety.

Even as the number of aeronautical accidents has decreased over the last years, 60–80% of those accidents are the result of human failure. In the initial implementation and operation stages of eVTOLs, machine learning (ML) can support pilots by using aircraft data to predict system failures and contribute to improve reliability and safety. Then, at an advanced stage of eVTOL operation, ML may help reduce human interaction with the aircraft, paving the way toward fully autonomous aircraft. The association of ML with technologies such as Digital Twins and 6G networks has the potential to enable safe and reliable autonomous flight. However, the introduction of eVTOLs will also increase air traffic in highly populated areas and thus needs to be studied to support the incorporation of the future autonomous aircraft. This paper addresses the main challenges for the incorporation of ML in the upcoming eVTOL fleet and its potential contribution to aircraft systems reliability and safety. It also explores the need for the use of ML techniques in a more autonomous air traffic management systems the face of increased air traffic.
Social Media Insights About COVID-19 in Portugal: A Text Mining Approach
Authors: Marreiros Carolina Ferraz , Bone João , Ferreira Joao C. , Ribeiro Ricardo
Published: October 2022

The rapid spread of COVID-19 around the world had a significant impact on daily life. As in other countries, measures were taken in Portugal to combat the exponential increase of cases, such as curfews and the use of masks. Thus, in parallel with the direct consequences on health and the healthcare sector, the pandemic also caused changes in human behavior from a sociological viewpoint.

The objective of this dissertation is to attain a perception of the reality concerning COVID-19. For this purpose, real-time data was extracted from three sources, two of them being social media platforms – Twitter and Reddit – and the other one being Público, a Portuguese online newspaper. The adopted approach, based on topic modelling and sentiment analysis, was validated within the Portugal context, concerning data over a period of one year, but it can equally be employed in similar situations and other countries and provide decision-making support.

After the data extracting, it was prepared for application of natural language processing (NLP) tools specific to the Portuguese language, which can represent a challenge due to the lexical richness. With the gathered information, a dashboard was built, with the purpose of gaining insights on the COVID-19 pandemic in Portugal. It was concluded that the topics discussed on social media reflect the events related to the pandemic. In a final stage, these dashboards were evaluated by public health experts, who highlighted the potential of the results obtained. The data and dashboards will be made available to the scientific community upon request.
Comparison of ultrasonography and fluoroscopy as guides for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in nephrolithiasis patients: a systematic review
Authors: Duarsa Gede Wirya Kusuma , Putra Christian Nurtanto , Ivandi Kevin , Wiryadana Kadek Adit , Tirtayasa Pande Made Wisnu , Pribadi Firman
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is one of the first-line treatment options for patients with renal stones <2 cm. The large variability in ESWL results may be due to the stone visualization methods using ultrasonography (USG), fluoroscopy, or a combination of both. This study aimed to review the efficacy and safety of the stone visualization method on the stone-free rate (SFR) and postprocedural complications in nephrolithiasis patients.

METHODS We conducted a systematic review of USG and fluoroscopy on ESWL until July 2022, based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We assessed and collected summaries of the screened papers. The main outcomes assessed were the SFR of renal stones and postprocedural complications between imaging modalities.

RESULTS A total of 7 studies were assessed, including 6 comparative assessments of USG versus fluoroscopy and 1 comparative assessment of USG and fluoroscopy versus fluoroscopy only. Although all studies showed that USG had a higher SFR than fluoroscopy, only 1 study showed a significant difference (p = 0.008). Additionally, superior results were obtained using a combination of USG and fluoroscopy compared with fluoroscopy only. Most studies agreed that USG was not inferior in post-ESWL complication results.

CONCLUSIONS Overall, the use of USG is comparable to fluoroscopy because it does not provide a significant difference in the SFR and complications. In most cases, USG is preferred because of the absence of radiation. The combination of fluoroscopy and USG also provides more promising results than a single modality.
Effect of optical spatial coherence on localized spin angular momentum density in tightly focused light [Invited]
Authors: Wang Zixuan , Yan Chencheng , Wang Fei , Chen Yahong , Cai Yangjian
Published: October 2022

Optical coherence is one of the most fundamental characteristics of light and has been viewed as a powerful tool for governing the spatial, spectral, and temporal statistical properties of optical fields during light–matter interactions. In this work, we use the optical coherence theory developed by Emil Wolf as well as the Richards–Wolf’s vectorial diffraction method to numerically study the effect of optical coherence on the localized spin density of a tightly focused partially coherent vector beam. We find that both the transverse spin and longitudinal spin, with the former induced by the out-of-phase longitudinal field generated during strong light focusing and the latter induced by the vortex phase in the incident beam, are closely related to the optical coherence of the incident beam, i.e., with the decrease of the transverse spatial coherence width of the incident beam, the magnitude of the spin density components decreases as well. The numerical findings are interpreted well with the two-dimensional degrees of polarization between any two of the three orthogonal field components of the tightly focused field. We also explore the roles of the topological charge of the vortex phase on enhancing the spin density for the partially coherent tightly focused field. The effect of the incident beam’s initial polarization state is also discussed.
Bi-tunable absorber based on borophene and VO2 in the optical telecommunication band
Authors: Yang Chao , Lin Qi , Du Wen-Juan , Wang Ling-Ling , Liu Gui-Dong
Published: October 2022

We propose a bi-tunable absorber based on a single layer of borophene, silica grating, and vanadium dioxide (

V
O

2

) in the telecommunication band. The numerical simulation results show that the perfect absorption can be achieved at 1353 nm when the electron density of the borophene layer is

n
=

3.5

×

1

0

19

m

−
2

and the

V
O

2

layer is in the metallic phase because the borophene layer is assisted by grating and the Fabry–Perot resonator is formed by the absorber. More importantly, the absorption peak and absorption amplitude can be independently tuned by regulating the electron density of the borophene layer and the insulator-metal transition (IMT) of the

V
O

2

layer. The absorption peak can be tuned in a wide range by altering the electron density while the absorption is maintained above 0.95 in the optical telecommunication band. The absorption amplitude also can be dynamically adjusted from 0.61 to 0.95 by the IMT of the

V
O

2

layer when the electron density of the borophene layer is

n
=

2.5

×

1

0

19

m

−
2

. In addition, for oblique incidence from 0° to 40°, the proposed absorber can maintain high absorption performance of more than 0.95. The absorber achieves dynamic regulation of the absorption peak and amplitude by two independent methods, which provide guidance for the research of intelligent and tunable devices.
Pseudo Wigner-Ville distribution for 3D white light scanning interferometric measurement
Authors: Liang Hangang , Yao Dong , Shen Honghai
Published: October 2022

White light scanning interferometry is a commonly used optical measurement method for three-dimensional (3D) surface profiles. In the case of large phase errors, accurate height values can generally be obtained indirectly from the interferometric signal envelope information derived using various envelope extraction methods. However, the current envelope extraction algorithms have the disadvantages of low robustness, increasing the half-width of the envelope information, and requiring correct parameter settings in advance. In this study, the pseudo Wigner–Ville distribution is modified and applied to white light scanning interferometric 3D measurement to avoid the above-mentioned drawbacks. Simulations and experiments are performed in a single-frequency mode (only the approximate central wave-number is used to guide both the proposed and wavelet transform methods). The simulation results prove that the proposed method has a 31.7% higher reconstruction accuracy than the wavelet transform method under a 25 dB signal to noise ratio condition. Concurrently, the proposed method is insensitive to the change in the central wavelength with a constant central wave-number parameter and has a good extraction effect for a long coherent length. The experiments measure standard step objects (VLSI standard, 1.761 ± 0.01 µm), and the reconstruction height error of the proposed method is 0.0035 µm. Simulations and experiments show that the proposed method can adaptively provide accurate envelope information after half-width reduction under the condition that only the approximate central wave-number a priori knowledge is used. Simultaneously, the proposed method is shown to be robust and effective.
ITO/Si/ITO semi-cone-shell chiral complexes on silicon nanocones with broadband circular dichroism in the mid-infrared wavelength
Authors: Li Cheng , Liu Jing , Li Liang , Cui Qi , Zhang Yu-Jun , Wu Ying , Han Cai-Qin , Yan Chang-Chun
Published: October 2022

This paper proposed ITO/Si/ITO semi-cone-shell chiral complexes on silicon nanocones with broadband CD in the mid-infrared band. The experimental results show that when the deposition angle θ = 45°, the first ITO deposition of ta = 100 nm, the second Si deposition of tb = 200 nm with the azimuth angle unchanged, and the third ITO deposition of tc = 200 nm after rotating the azimuth angle of 60°, the prepared chiral structure has a broadband CD response in the mid-infrared band of 2.5-4 µm. The broadband CD effect is produced by the internal resonance of the three-dimensional open cavity. The cone structure can be regarded as a plurality of planar open resonant rings with different diameters, and these rings resonate at different wavelengths. The experimental results also show that the proposed chiral ITO structure exhibits a better broadband CD response than that of the structure composed of traditional metal Ag. Such a chiral structure provides a new method for the design of CD devices in the mid-infrared band.
Subpicosecond pre-plasma dynamics of a high contrast, ultraintense laser–solid target interaction
Authors: Dulat Ankit , Aparajit C. , Choudhary Anandam , Lad Amit D. , Ved Yash M. , Paradkar B. S. , Ravindra Kumar G.
Published: October 2022

Using the spectral interferometry technique, we measured subpicosecond time-resolved pre-plasma scale lengths and early expansion (<12 ps) of the plasma produced by a high intensity (6 × 1018 W/cm2) pulse with high contrast (109). We measured pre-plasma scale lengths in the range of 3–20 nm, before the arrival of the peak of the femtosecond pulse. This measurement plays a crucial role in understanding the mechanism of laser coupling its energy to hot electrons and is hence important for laser-driven ion acceleration and the fast ignition approach to fusion.
Low-complexity Volterra-inspired neural network equalizer in 100-G band-limited IMDD PON system
Authors: Huang Luyao , Jiang Wenqing , Xu Yongxing , Hu Weisheng , Yi Lilin
Published: October 2022

One of the most promising solutions for 100 Gb/s line-rate passive optical networks (PONs) is intensity modulation and direct detection (IMDD) technology together with a digital signal processing- (DSP-) based equalizer for its advantages of system simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and energy-efficiency. However, due to restricted hardware resources, the effective neural network (NN) equalizer and Volterra nonlinear equalizer (VNLE) have the drawback of high implementation complexity. In this paper, we incorporate an NN with the physical principles of a VNLE to construct a white-box low-complexity Volterra-inspired neural network (VINN) equalizer. This equalizer has better performance than a VNLE at the same complexity and attains similar performance with much lower complexity than a VNLE with optimized structural hyperparameter. The effectiveness of the proposed equalizer is verified in 1310 nm band-limited IMDD PON systems. A 30.5-dB power budget is achieved with the 10-G-class transmitter.
Experiences of living with leprosy: A systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis
Authors: Abdul Rahman Norana , Rajaratnam Vaikunthan , Burchell George L. , Peters Ruth M. H. , Zweekhorst Marjolein B. M.
Published: October 2022

Objective

The objective of the review was to identify, appraise, and synthesise qualitative studies on the lived experience of individuals diagnosed with leprosy, the impact of the disease, and how they coped with the disease burden.

Introduction

Leprosy is a chronic disease with long-term biopsychosocial impact and is a leading cause of preventable disabilities. It traps the individuals with leprosy in a vicious circle of disease, stigma, and poverty. The efforts to reduce stigma and discrimination and improve their quality of life have not kept pace with the success of the multidrug treatment.

Inclusion criteria

This review considered published literature on the lived experience of individuals diagnosed with leprosy. There were no limitations on gender, background, or country. All qualitative or mixed-methods studies were accepted.

Methods

The review followed the JBI meta-aggregation approach for qualitative systematic reviews. A structured literature search was undertaken using multiple electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and CINAHL.

Results

The search identified 723 publications, and there were 446 articles after deduplication. Forty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria. The final 173 findings were synthesised into ten categories and aggregated into four synthesised findings: biophysical impact, social impact, economic impact, and mental and emotional impact. These synthesised findings were consistent across the included studies from a patient’s perspective. The way people coped with leprosy depended on their interpretation of the disease and its treatment. It affected their help-seeking behaviour and their adherence to treatment and self-care. The review has identified a multi-domain effect on the affected individuals, which goes beyond the biological and physical effects, looking at the social issues, specific difficulties, emotions, and economic hardships.

Conclusions

The researchers, health professionals, and policymakers could use the synthesised findings to address the concerns and needs of the leprosy-affected individuals and offer appropriate support to manage their lives.

Systematic review registration number

PROSPERO Registration number: CRD42021243223
High-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy for admitted COPD-patients. A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Veenstra Pieter , Veeger Nic J. G. M. , Koppers Ralph J. H. , Duiverman Marieke L. , van Geffen Wouter H.
Published: October 2022

Background

The use of High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is increasing in admitted COPD-patients and could provide a step in between non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and standard oxygen supply. Recent studies demonstrated that HFNC is capable of facilitating secretion removal and reduce the work of breathing. Therefore, it might be of advantage in the treatment of acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD). No randomized trials have assessed this for admitted COPD-patients on a regular ward and only limited data from non-randomized studies is available.

Objectives

The aim of our study was to identify the reasons to initiate treatment with HFNC in a group of COPD-patients during an exacerbation, further identify those most likely to benefit from HFNC treatment and to find factors associated with treatment success on the pulmonary ward.

Material and methods

This retrospective study included COPD-patients admitted to the pulmonary ward and treated with HFNC from April 2016 until April 2019. Only patients admitted with severe acute exacerbations were included. Patients who had an indication for NIV-treatment where treated with NIV and were included only if they subsequently needed HFNC, e.g. when they did not tolerate NIV. Known asthma patients were excluded.

Results

A total of 173 patients were included. Stasis of sputum was the indication most reported to initiate HFNC-treatment. Treatment was well tolerated in 83% of the patients. Cardiac and vascular co-morbidities were significantly associated with a smaller chance of successful treatment (Respectively OR = 0.435; p = 0.013 and OR = 0.493;p = 0.035). Clinical assessment judged HFNC-treatment to be successful in 61% of the patients. Furthermore, in-hospital treatment with NIV was associated with a higher chance of HFNC failure afterwards (OR = 0.439; p = 0.045).

Conclusion

This large retrospective study showed that HFNC-treatment in patients with an AECOPD was initiated most often for sputum stasis as primary reason. Factors associated with improved outcomes of HFNC-treatment was the absence of vascular and/or cardiac co-morbidities and no need for in-hospital NIV-treatment.
Proposition of irrigation system for wetting the clay surface of tennis courts
Authors: Ferens Carlos Henrique Ramalho , Alencar Carlos Augusto Brasileiro de , Costa Giovanna Lyssa Lacerda , Pacheco Jean Carlos Coelho , Andrade Lucas Maltoni , Filgueiras Roberto , Cunha Fernando França da
Published: October 2022

The key to maintaining a clay court with quality and lastingly is through water applications, carried out periodically and through systems with high distribution uniformity, developed specifically for this purpose. The objective in this study was to evaluate the performance of a sprinkler irrigation system with hose and shower, traditionally used in clay tennis court, and propose another low-cost system that is operational and technically feasible, which is the irrigating bar. For each irrigation system, three evaluations were performed. At the beginning of each test, the pressures and flow rates of the emitters were measured, and the water distribution profile method was used to determine the distribution uniformity of the systems. Distribution efficiency was obtained through the Christiansen’s (UC), distribution (UD), absolute (UA), statistical (US) and Hart’s (UH) uniformity coefficients, HSPA standard efficiency (UHSPA) and, coefficient of variation (CV). Subsequently, the application and irrigation efficiencies were calculated. It was found that the irrigation bar required lower operating pressure, as well as greater stability of pressure and flow in relation to the hose system. Water losses in the hose/shower system (22.0%) were higher than in the irrigation bar (0.6%). Regardless of the evaluated system, UC (68.4% and 86.5%) and UH (66.4% and 87.5%) values were similar and higher than those of the other coefficients (~51.8% and ~81.2%). The collected depths, applied by the hose/shower irrigation system, showed high spatial variability and, consequently, low values of uniformity, being classified as poor or unacceptable. The irrigating bar promoted higher values of uniformity coefficients, being classified as good. Irrigation efficiencies were 53.97 and 85.97% for hose/shower and irrigation bar systems, respectively. The hose/shower system has low performance in the irrigation of clay tennis courts. The irrigation bar system, for providing technical, operational, and economic benefits, and has the potential to be used in the irrigation of clay tennis courts.
Reinventing for inclusion: Report of experience of the ‘APAE IN SENAC’ project in response to the challenges of social isolation
Authors: Teixeira Nicolas Fernandes , Carramate Letícia Renatini , Pedrosa Rute Machado , Stoco Fábio Leandro Bontorim , Coletti Gabriel Furlan
Published: October 2022

This work is a report of the experience of the extension project 'APAE no SENAC: a contribution to an inclusive society', conducted by the SENAC Águas de São Pedro in “emergency remote” (ERE) mode, during a period when face-to-face meetings were not possible. For the development of the activities, the active gamification methodology was chosen as a strategy for stimulating cognitive skills, such as inductive reasoning, memorization, and attention. The activities took place throughout 2021, via meetings on the Zoom platform. It was found that gastronomy has considerable potential to promote social inclusion for people with intellectual difficulties. The importance of interdisciplinarity activities in university extension programs, and the use of active methodologies and gamification as a relevant strategy for constructing knowledge in education, were also observed.
Ancient Murals of the Shakhty Rock Shelter in the Light of Research Methods Development (Based on V. A. Ranov’s Archive Materials and Modern Data)
Authors:   “Tomskaya Pisanitsa” Museum-Reserve, I. Abolonkova , N. Sayfulloev ,   A. Donish Institute of History, Archaeology and Ethnography at the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, L. Zotkina ,   Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography SB RAS
Published: October 2022

The article discusses the rock images of the Shakhty rock shelter. The authors’ archival research in 2021 and 2022 revealed field diaries, photographs and colour photo slides of V. A. Ranov, who was the first to find the site, in the archive of A. Donish Institute of History, Archaeology and Ethnography of National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan. The combination of evidence obtained from these sources, and a modern examination of panels with images, made it possible to shed light on the method of recording the murals of the rock shelter in 1958. The rerecording of these images in 2019 and DStretch colour filtering of the obtained photographs made it possible to refine the contours and details of some images that are important for the attribution and subsequent interpretation of individual images. The authors assume that murals of the Shakhty rock shelter were not all created at the same time, as suggested by V. A. Ranov, dating them from the Mesolithic — early Neolithic. The presence of paint of different shades, varying degree of preservation of the shelter murals, numerous palimpsests and refined details of the images on the rock give the grounds suggest different times of their creation. Based on the results of modern research, the images of the Shakhty rock shelter can be dated from the Mesolithic to the Bronze Age.
Technological Exploration and Ritual Use of Obsidian in Ancient Cultures of the Pacific
Authors:   Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, A. Tabarev , A. Popov ,   Far Eastern Federal University, E. Eremeeva ,   Novosibirsk State University
Published: October 2022

The article examines a range of directions and current stage of obsidian studies within the Pacifi c basin such as (1) geochemistry, identifi cation of volcanic glass sources used in ancient cultures; (2) technology, obsidian exploration methods, their evolution, as well as experiments, and (3) cultural context, the use of obsidian in ritual practice, in the format of prestigious technologies, and in decorative art. While the geochemical studies have reached signifi cant progress within the Pacifi c basin two other directions obviously require further development. Experimental works, conducted in 2020–2021 in Primorye, allow making useful observations both about the peculiarities of the local raw material base and about the behavioral side of the knapping process (such as the process of teaching and learning of knappers’ competencies). In tu rn, the study of cultural meaning of obsidian includes not only the interpretation of the archaeological artifacts of high quality from the burials and caches (ritual, prestige, nonutilitarian), but also addressing to the ownership of the raw material sources, trade/ exchange mechanism, and the status of the highly - skillful knappers in ancient and traditional societies.
Groups of Bone Arrowheads of the Elovka Settlement of the Late Bronze Period (Tomsk Region)
Authors:   Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of SB RAS, S. Tikhonov
Published: October 2022

The article is devoted to the identifi cation of groups of bone arrowheads found during the excavations of the Elovka settlement of the late Bronze Age, located on the left bank of the Siman (channel Ob river), 0.5 km north of the village of Elovka of the Kozhevnikovsky district in the Tomsk region. During the excavations of the settlement in 1982 by V. I. Matyushchenko stone, bone and bronze arrowheads were found, which, judging by the location in the cultural layer, can be attributed to the late phase of the functioning of the site. Th e bone arrowheads, which make up a series of 60 items, are quite like each other. Unfortunately, it is too early to talk about the typology of these items. However, they can be divided by size: short up to 12 cm, and long over 12 cm. Th is suggests two ways of their use. Short arrowheads were used for archery, which suggests active hunting of animals. Long arrowheads could have been used to mount crossbows, indicating the existence of passive hunting. There is information on active and passive hunting as in the archaeological materials of the Ist millennium BC in the sites of the Upper Ob region, and in ethnographic materials relating to the natives of Siberia in the 18th–20th centuries. Th e third group of arrowheads diff ers from the previous ones in the presence of spikes on the blades of the arrowheads, made so that they do not fall out of the wound. Judging by the fact that they were «standardized» in size, section, and proportions, it can be assumed that the ancient archers were intent on making their shooting as accurate as possible. Th is usually becomes necessary in combat conditions. This suggests that at the late stage of the functioning of the Elovka settlement, relations between its inhabitants and neighbors could become aggravated.
Online Support for Comprehensive Archaeological and Geographical Surveys in the South of Western Siberia
Authors:   Tyumen Scientifi c Centre, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, O. Zimina , O. Sizov ,   Institute of Oil and Gas Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, P. Tsymbarovich ,   V.V. Dokuchaev Soil Science Institute
Published: October 2022

One of the current trends in archaeological geoinformatics in Russia is the creation of web mapping portals that integrate spatial and thematic data on the given areas of concentration of archaeological sites. As part of the study of the life support system of the ancient population of the Tura and Pyshma interfl uves (Tyumen region) developed a geoportal on the basis of free and open source soft ware. The server part developed on the basis of GeoServer, provides storage of the information and authorized access to it. Vector data is stored in PostgreSQL database management system using PostGIS add-in. Raster data is stored on the server as GeoTIFF and MrSID fi les. Th e technologies used in the development of the client web-application allow using it in modern web-browsers without installing additional soft ware on the user’s devices. Th e geoportal user interface is an interactive map of spatial data layers as well as map control elements. Th e general control elements include the zoom buttons, the scale setting on the available layer extents, the zoom slider, the scale bar, the geographic coordinates fi eld of the cursor installation, the button enabling the attribute information display mode. Th ematic content of the geoportal includes space images with medium (10 m) and extra high (up to 0.3 m) spatial resolution, AW3D relief model (25 m), topographic maps, UAV images of certain areas (orthophotomaps and DEM), vectorlayers of archaeological sites, hydrography, landscapes restoration, results of archaeological sites borders mapping using GPS-receivers, as well as the results of bathymetry survey. Th e layer of archaeological site (366 objects) contains attributive information including type, period, description, dating. Geoportal is a convenient tool for management and visualization of the accumulated information arrays for specialists without extensive knowledge in cartography and GIS.
Ethnozoology for Archaeology: Results of the Study of the Modern Livestock Breeding System in the Steppe Zone of the Southern Urals
Authors:   Institute of History and Archaeology, A. Rassadnikov
Published: October 2022

The work is devoted to a detailed study of modern livestock breeding in the south of the Chelyabinsk region. The article describes in detail the system of grazing and keeping livestock in the summer and winter periods in the villages of the Southern Urals. The main purpose of the work is to create an information basis for future archaeological and archaeozoological studies of the sites of pastoralists of the Bronze Age and more correct interpretations in the reconstruction of ancient pastoralism. The main research tools were interviewing shepherds and personal observations of grazing and keeping livestock at diff erent times of the year. The main form of grazing and keeping livestock at present is the pasture-stall system, which is quite variable depending on various factors. The warm period of the year is characterized by grazing in the vicinity of villages and stall keeping in the cold season. The study shows the wide possibilities and resistance of small areas of the steppe river valleys to grazing. The results of the study of modern pastoralism can be used in archaeological research in various studies that are associated with a settled model of pastoralism.
Review of Preliminary Results of Archaelogical Research in the Area of Mount Aiyrtas in 2022, Central Kazakhstan
Authors:   Begazy-Tasmola” Research Center of History and Archaeology, A. Beisenov
Published: October 2022

The mountainous area of Aiyrtas is located in the Karkaraly district of the Karaganda region. There, in previous years, the fi rst sites of the early Iron Age were discovered and explored. Among them, eight mounds from three burial grounds were excavated, and settlements of the early Iron Age, Kazakh winterings were also found. In the summer of 2022, under the guidance of the author, a strip 2.6 km long was identifi ed on the upper slope of the mountain, where 8 settlements of the early Iron Age are compactly located. Excavations of the Aiyrtas-3 settlement were carried out. On an area of 432 m2, remains of stone foundations of dwellings and outbuildings were discovered, which, judging by the finds of stone tools and ceramics, belong to two historical eras: the Late Bronze Age and the Saka period. At the same time, questions of the chronology of the upper level of buildings (structures 1–3) will becorrected in the course of obtaining the results of radiocarbon analyses. A few iron objects are associated with the top layer of the site. In the course of research, old Kazakh winterings were discovered, among which, as the author believes, there are earlier ones than those studied in previous years.
Several Results of Bioarchaeological and Ethnoecological Investigations in Tajikistan
Authors:   N.N. Miklukho-Maklay Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology of Russian Academy of Sciences, N. Dubova , T. Filimonova ,   A. Donish Institute of History, Archaeology and Ethnography of National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, R. Sataev ,   N.N. Miklukho-Maklay Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology of Russian Academy of Sciences, L. Sataeva ,   Bashkir State Agrarian University, V. Kufterin ,   N.N. Miklukho-Maklay Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology of Russian Academy of Sciences, A. Yamskov ,   N.N. Miklukho-Maklay Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology of Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: October 2022

The article describes several topics of joint Russian-Tajik research conducted since 2013 in the Khatlon velayat of the Republic of Tajikistan within the framework of the Memorandum of Cooperation between the N. N. Miklukho-Maklay Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology of Russian Academy of Sciences and the A. Donish Institute of History, Archaeology and Ethnography of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan. Th e text includes several interconnected blocks: archaeological excavations, ethnoecological study of the subsistence systems of the modern and medieval populations, and collection and analysis of human remains. Th e article gives brief information about the archaeological excavations of the Shakhidon burial ground of the 7th–8th centuries (Baljuvan jamoat), anthropological characteristics of the population buried in it and information about the economy of the population of the dekh Shaidon, where the site is located, as well as materials on other regions of the Republic.
Chinese Porcelain in Western Mongolia (the Qing Dinasty)
Authors:   Feng Chia University, A. Ozheredova , Yu. Ozheredov ,   M.K. Ammosov North-Eastern Federal University, Chukotka Branch
Published: October 2022

The paper examines Chinese porcelain collected at the Chinese fortress in the Khovd city, Shar Sum monastery and two archaeological sites in the Barun Khurai Depression in southwest Mongolia. Th e sites were built for Chinese military administration and Mongolian Buddhist clergy during the Qing period. Th e study concludes that the decorative motives of the porcelain refl ect the tastes of the mentioned categories of Mongolian population and is predominantly related to Tibetan Buddhism elements of the Chinese folk culture. Th e discovered material also indicates originally “non-Han” components of the Chinese history. Th e results of the study play an important role in understanding stylistic preferences in Chinese porcelain outside China. It also serves as a reference for a better evaluation of Chinese porcelain export trajectories within Central Asia and in the territories up north.
Preliminary Results of the Research Into the Sites of the Xianbei Period in the Kazakh Altai
Authors:   Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Z. Samashev , A. Aitkali ,   A.H. Margulan Institute of Archaeology
Published: October 2022

This article is devoted to the preliminary results of the study of the materials obtained during the excavations on the territory of the Kazakh Altai archaeological complex of the Xianbei period at the Berel burial ground. Aft er the fall of the Hunnic Empire, the nomadic association of Xianbei, known from Chinese written sources, had a huge infl uence on the appearance of the archaeological cultures of Altai. For the fi rst time in Altai, archaeological material concerning this polyethnic community was obtained in the last quarter of the last century. However, for a long time, archaeologists could not identify the Xianbei site from other numerous excavated archaeological sites. For the purpose of detailed cultural and chronological identifi cation, Chinese materials were used, which made it possible to bring the problem of identifying Xianbei sites to a qualitatively new level. On the territory of the Kazakh Altai, the period of intensive study of the Xianbei circle of sites began in 2015, when a series of new funeral and memorial structures was opened. These studies allowed not only expanding the boundaries of this community and, but also putting forward the thesis about the large-scale penetration of the Xianbei in the 3rd–4th centuries AD into the territory under consideration.
The Results of the Study of Gol Mod-2 Site by the Mongolian-Chinese Joint Archaeological Research Team
Authors:   Ulaanbaatar State University, D. Erdenebaatar , Zh. Ligang ,   Henan Provincial Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archaeology, L. Wanli ,   Henan Provincial Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archaeology, L. Bin ,   Luoyang Municipals Institute of Cultural Heritage and Archaeology, E. Mijiddorj ,   Ulaanbaatar State University, B. Galbadrah ,   Ulaanbaatar State University
Published: October 2022

As part of the Mongolian-Chinese joint archaeological project ‘Exploring Ancient Nomadic Culture in the North’, archaeological surveys, excavations and research activities were conducted in the Hanui River valley in the Arkhangai aimag of Mongolia from July 2017 to August 2019. Three field seasons at the Gol Mod-2 necropolis yielded rich results, which were partly published in Mongolian and Chinese scientifi c journals. In December 2019, one of the major discoveries of this collaborative project (the excavation of the Gol Mod 2 burial ground) was honoured as one of the ‘Top Ten Discoveries of 2019’ by American Archaeology Magazine. Thanks to the eff orts of Chinese and Mongolian scientists, the joint project successfully achieved its research goals. New material has been obtained to study the history of the interaction between agricultural and nomadic civilizations.
Tomsk Archaeological School in the Second Half of the 1970s — 1990s
Authors:   Kemerovo State University, V. Ganenok , L. Kitova ,   Kemerovo State University
Published: October 2022

The article analyzes the development of the Tomsk Archaeological School aft er its leader V. I. Matyushchenko moved to Omsk in 1976. Th e authors focus on the role of L. A. Chindina, who headed the school in the second half of the 1970s, highlighting her contribution to the development of the problems of West Siberian archaeology in the Early Iron Age and the Early Middle Ages. Having created an original concept of cultural and historical development in Western Siberia, the researcher promoted it as a specifi c research programme for her disciples. Th e authority of the Tomsk school was consolidated through holding the regular West Siberian archaeological and ethnographic meetings/ conferences in 1978–1990s as well as by establishing the Department of Archaeology and Local History at Tomsk State University (TSU) in 1991. The paper identifies some features of the development of the archaeological school at TSU.
Targeted Human Trafficking - The Wars between Proxy and Surrogated Economy
Authors: Pachankis Yang
Published: October 2022

Upon Brexit & Trade War, the research took a supply-side analysis in macroeconomic paradigm for the purpose and cause of the actions. In the geopolitical competitions on crude oil resources between the allied powers & the Russian hegemony, the latter of which has effective control over P. R. Chinaâ€™s multilateral behaviors, the external research induced that trade war, either by complete information in intelligence or an unintended result, was a supply chain attack in prohibiting the antisatellite weapon supplies in the Northern regions of mainland China in relation to Russia. Although no substantive change to international relations, the Trade Warâ€™s prohibitive effect on the high frequency trading in the monetary domain of CNY was observed, which had been the source of economic bubbles in the import-export control regime with centralized banking. The paper argues that by realism in economy & military strategy, trade war was ineffective in deterring the covert operations of the Peopleâ€™s Liberation Army by their territorial strategies and raises questions in humanitarianism in conflict situations. Moreover, with gross privacy breaches by mass surveillance in domain politics, totalitarianism with coercions, and counterfeit of drone strikes, traditional methods of threat elimination are rendered less pragmatic apart from the adversariesâ€™ cyber security breaches. With the scientific approach, I offer an ecological paradigm with historic analysis of the Chinese militaryâ€™s conducts in terms economics. The territorial methods of the PLA are contextualized into the ecological paradigm in regionalism & public administration. Electronic combats of the Chinese regime with the Great Firewall and Denial-of-Service attacks not only contribute to the diminishing natural freedoms of the population, but also transgress the fundamental right to health along with non-traditional nuclear threats to P.R.C. itself.
Concepts of Timber Industrial Development of the North of Siberia in the Late 1920–1930s
Authors:   Ural Federal University Named after the First President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin, Zykin Ivan
Published: October 2022

The article is aimed at analyzing the concepts of timber industrial development of the north of Siberia in the late 1920–1930s. In the strategy of industrialization in the USSR (late 1920s – early 1940s), the north of Siberia with large reserves of natural resources occupied an important place. During this period, attempts were made to plan the development of forest resources of the territory in conditions of poor forest knowledge. The projects were characterized by the gigantic scale of production, involving the integrated use of wood. Timber industry hubs were planned along the banks of large Siberian rivers, in close connection with railway and energy construction projects. In the years of the third five-year plan, versions of the timber industry development of the north of Siberia were processed in connection with the establishment of a water protection zone in the European part of the USSR. The concepts testified to the largest prospects of timber industry hubs in the middle reaches of the Ob River and the Lower Angara region. At the present stage, the analysis of the concepts of timber industrial development of the north of Siberia is important in the design and construction of timber industry enterprises in the macroregion, determining the directions of export of forest resources