Yes / The concept of an "anarchist archaeological framework" is not new; anarchy and archaeology have been explored in many forms together, including conference sessions (see SAA 2015 conference), special journal issues (Borck and Sanger 2017) and, more recently, as the focus of a manifesto written by a group known as the Black Trowel Collective (2016). This coincides with a broader movement across academia (and in general politics) calling for self-reflection and critical engagement with the problematic foundations that many of our disciplines have been based on, specifically with regards to sexism, racism, and colonisation. This paper continues this discussion by critically engaging with past attempts to utilise anarchist theory in archaeological interpretation, as well as expanding these arguments further by applying them to archaeological practice as well. I argue that engaging with anarchist theory in both interpretation and practice is a form of further detaching ourselves from the problematic foundations of our discipline and moving forward towards a more equitable archaeology that can imagine both a different past and future.

As the national building stock ages and society needs for public facilities evolve, communities undertake revitalization projects to restore or repurpose existing structures to suit current needs. Community-based restoration projects involve a variety of stakeholders: owners, community members, and visitors to the community. Because some restoration projects involve derelict or at-risk structures, communities need a framework for prioritizing construction tasks and undertaking short term rehabilitation procedures in order to save the building in the short term while the community negotiates its appropriate use. Several frameworks exist to help communities prioritize tasks in terms of the building's structure or the long term energy efficiency of the building, but communities need a framework that provides the additional construct of allowing project stakeholders to begin baseline restoration tasks to prolong the immediate life of the facility.This research aims to develop a multi-step, straightforward framework for communities to approach restoration projects, conduct analyses, identify potential future use alternatives, and prioritize tasks for reconstruction. The paper first details the methodology used to develop the framework by presenting a case study of a historic dairy barn facility in Catawba, Virginia. The research uses the case study approach as a baseline for developing the framework, and then applies the framework back to the dairy barn restoration project in order to prioritize construction tasks and develop a path forward for the facility. In addition to the case study framework development, the research offers procedures and estimates specifically for the case study facility restoration. Finally, the paper offers recommendations for application and testing of the framework and offers areas for future examination. / Master of Science

The White Mountain shear zone (WMSZ) is a zone of intense penetrative deformation that lies along the western front of the northern White-Inyo Range in eastern-most California and western-most Nevada. The northern half of the WMSZ is characterized by a NNE to NNW-striking steeply dipping foliation and associated shallowly plunging NNE to NW-trending stretching lineations. S-C fabrics observed in outcrop, microstructural shear sense indicators and kilometer-scale foliation geometry all indicate dextral movement. Localized discrete zones of coeval steeply plunging stretching lineations are present in the northern half of the WMSZ. Microstructural data from these domains indicate a high component of pure shear within a separate coeval kinematic framework and hence a transpressional history. The WMSZ appears to be tectonically related to both the Sierra Crest shear system to the west and the Santa Rita shear system to the south. Correlation between the WMSZ and the Santa Rita shear system indicates that Late Cretaceous dextral transpression may extend up to ~120 km along the western front of the White-Inyo Range. Cross-cutting relationships with Late Cretaceous plutons bracket the age of the WMSZ at between 72-92 Ma. A lack of annealing recrystallization in deformed quartz and the presence of high temperature crystallographic fabrics near the margins of the ca. 72 Ma Boundary Peak pluton indicate significant strain accumulation within the WMSZ subsequent to emplacement of the Boundary Peak pluton. These observations extend the duration of Late Cretaceous dextral transpression in eastern California to at least as recent as 72 Ma. / Master of Science

Improved process technology has resulted in the integration of computing elements into multiple application areas. General purpose micro-controllers are designed to assist in this integration through a flexible design. The application areas, however, are so diverse in nature that the general purpose micro-controllers may not provide a suitable abstraction for all classes of applications. There is a need for specially designed architectures in application areas where the general purpose micro-controllers suffer from inefficiencies. This thesis focuses in the design of a processor architecture that provides a suitable design abstraction for a class of periodic, event-driven embedded applications such as sensor-monitoring systems. The design principles of the processor architecture are focused on the target application requirements, which are identified as event-driven nature with concurrent task execution and deterministic timing behavior. Additionally, to reduce the design complexity of applications on this novel architecture, an automation framework has been implemented. This thesis presents the design of the processor architecture and the automation framework explaining the suitability of the designed architecture for the target applications. The energy use of the novel architecture is compared with that of PIC12F675 micro-controller to demonstrate the energy-efficiency of the designed architecture. / Master of Science

The integration of digital games into diverse aspects of human culture has led to a paradigm shift in their utilization beyond mere entertainment. This doctoral thesis explores the challenges in designing effective gameful systems and presents a novel solution, GamiDOC, to address these challenges. The research begins by identifying elements that interfere with the design of gameful systems and subsequently affect their effectiveness. Scientometric analyses reveal the need for systematic and standardized methodologies in gamification design. Challenges such as users’ interpersonal differences, goal disparities, contextual variations, and feedback modalities are thoroughly examined. In response to these challenges, GamiDOC is introduced as a tool to support designers and developers throughout the design, development, and evaluation phases of gameful systems. The tool is built on a Design for Science Research Method (DSRM) approach, providing a systematic and holistic framework. GamiDOC includes features such as a gamification design framework, a peer-review procedure, code generation, an open-access database, and a guideline for data collection and analysis. The effectiveness of GamiDOC is assessed through empirical studies and real-case applications. User feedback demonstrates the tool’s usefulness in addressing challenges during the design phase, supporting decision-making processes, and enhancing overall development and evaluation. Real-case applications include the design and evaluation of a Virtual Reality (VR) gameful system for teaching UML and a serious game promoting environmental awareness. Despite the promising results, the thesis acknowledges the need for further development and evaluation of GamiDOC’s components. Future work involves refining features, resolving ethical constraints, and conducting more comparisons with alternative methodologies. In conclusion, this dissertation contributes to the understanding of challenges in gamification design and offers a practical solution in the form of GamiDOC. The presented tool, still under development, shows potential in guiding designers and developers towards creating more effective and engaging gameful systems, contributing to the ongoing evolution of gamification in various domains.

As unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) increasingly become integral to surveillance and reconnaissance (S&R) operations, their susceptibility to cyber threats poses significant risks to operational integrity. The current cybersecurity protocols often fail to address UAV operations’ unique vulnerabilities and challenges in S&R contexts, highlighting a gap in specialized cybersecurity strategies. This research adapts the MITRE ATTACK framework to enhance cybersecurity approaches, safeguarding UAVs against evolving cyber threats. This thesis maps existing vulnerabilities against comprehensive tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) through a scenario-based analysis. Hypothetical and practical S&R operation case studies demonstrate the applicability of proposed cybersecurity strategies, validating their effectiveness in mitigating specific threats and the need for more specified cybersecurity protocols. The findings advocate for continuous innovation and vigilance in UAV cybersecurity, contributing to the protection of UAVs in S&R missions and emphasizing the dynamic nature of cybersecurity challenges in UAV operations.

No / Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the development of a competency framework for staff working in a specialist service for people with dementia. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative and purposive methodology was used and included focus groups, questionnaires and interviews. Content analysis together with synthesis of literature was used to generate the competency framework. Findings – A competency framework was developed with eight main clusters. These were: skills for working effectively with people with dementia and their families; advanced assessment skills; enhancing psychological well-being; understanding behaviours; enhancing physical well-being; clinical leadership; understanding ethical and legal issues; and demonstrating skills in personal and professional development. Research limitations/implications – Further research is needed to include service user perspectives. Practical implications – The framework could be implemented in practice by managers, health care professionals and training providers as a tool to identify strengths and limitations in knowledge skills and attitudes and to identify areas for competency development through specific training. Originality/value – The competency framework contributes to the development of a training curriculum for staff working within a specialist service.

Over the past few decades, vast majority of industrial and academic research throughout the world has witnessed the emergence of materials that can serve as ideal candidates for potential utility in desired applications, and these materials are known as Metal Organic Framework (MOFs). This exceptional new family of porous materials is fabricated by linkage of metal ions or clusters and organic linkers via strong bonds. MOFs have been awarded with remarkable interest and widely studied due to their inherent structural methodology (e.g. use of various metals, expanded library of organic building blocks with different geometry and functionality particularly frameworks designed from carboxylate organic linkers) and unquestionably unique structural and chemical features for many practical applications. (i.e. gas storage/separation, catalysis, drug delivery etc). Simply, metal organic frameworks epitomize the beauty of porous chemical structures. From a design perspective, the introduction of the Molecular Building Block (MBB) approach is actively being pursued pathway by researchers toward the construction of MOFs by employing inorganic building blocks and organic linkers and taking advantage of not only their multiple coordination modes and geometries but also the way in which they are reticulated to generate final framework. In this thesis, research studies will be directed toward (i) the investigation of the relationship between experimental parameters and synthesis of well-known fcu –MOF, (ii) rational design and synthesis of new rare earth (RE) based MOFs, (ii) isoreticular materials based on particular MBB ([M3O(RCO2)6]), M= p-and d-block metals, and (iv) zeolite- like metal organic framework assembled from single-metal ion based MBB ([MN2(CO2)4]) via 2-, 3-,and 4-connected organic linkers. Consequently, the porosity, chemical and thermal stability, and gas sorption properties will be evaluated and detailed.

Les polymères de coordination (PC) présentent un intérêt tant fondamental qu'appliqué de par leur structure et composition modulables ouvrant de nouvelles perspectives au niveau des propriétés chimiques (catalyse, conversion matériaux mous-durs…) et physiques (magnétisme, optique…). L'objectif principal de ces études consiste à vérifier le transfert de la structure, méso-structure et composition du PC vers la céramique obtenue par traitement thermique. Dans ce contexte, ce manuscrit décrit des études sur la conversion de polymères de coordination obtenus à partir d'un auto-assemblage entre des métaux 4f, 5f et de la 2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone (DHBQ). Dans un premier temps, des méthodes de synthèses, aqueuse et anhydre en atmosphère contrôlée, ont été mises au point. Ainsi, plusieurs types de PC ont été obtenus (4f, 4f-4f, 4f-5f), les composés mixtes formant des solutions solides. Après caractérisation de ces composés, leur comportement sous traitement thermique a été étudié. Les principaux résultats montrent que les précurseurs à base de DHBQ obtenus par voie aqueuse possèdent une méso-structure micrométrique, formée par l'assemblage de sous-unités monocristallines possédant la même structure cristallographique quelle que soit la morphologie observée. L'étude de l'assemblage de cette méso-structure a permis de contrôler la morphologie du grain élémentaire (cylindre, cube, disque…) avec une très bonne distribution en taille. La mise en œuvre de systèmes anhydres en atmosphère contrôlée a permis d'accéder à une plus large gamme de paramètres micro-structuraux (surface spécifique, porosité…). Pour l'ensemble des composés de type PC, la conversion thermique en céramique n'a pratiquement pas altéré la morphologie des matériaux. Les aspects microstructuraux ont pu être contrôlés via la méthode de synthèse. / Coordination polymers (CP) are of great academic and industrial interest due to flexible structure and composition and offer prospects for original chemical (catalysis, soft-hard materials conversion…) and physical properties (magnetism, optics…). The major interest of these studies is to check the transfer of the structure, meso-structure and composition from the CP to the ceramic via a thermal treatment. In this context, this thesis describes studies on conversion of coordination polymers obtained by self-assembly of 4f and 5f metal ions with 2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone (DHBQ). Aqueous and anhydrous synthetic ways were developed, which yielded different kinds of CPs (4f, 4f-4f, 4f-5f) ; solid solutions were obtained with the mixed compounds. The products were characterized and their behaviour under thermal treatment was studied. The main results show that the DHBQ-based precursors obtained by aqueous way have a micrometric meso-structure, formed by the assembly of micro-crystalline subunits which all posses the same crystallographic structure. The study of the assembly of the meso-structure allowed controlling the morphology of the elementary grain (cylinder, cube, disk ...) with very good size distribution. The implementation of anhydrous systems in a controlled atmosphere allowed yielded a wider range of micro-structural parameters (surface area, porosity ...). For all CP-type compounds, the thermal conversion to ceramic has barely altered the morphology of the materials. The microstructural aspects could be controlled via the method of synthesis.

[pt] Nesta dissertação apresenta-se um modelo para aplicação de contratos em ambientes multi-agentes abertos. A idéia principal em um sistema multiagente é que um comportamento global inteligente possa ser alcançado a partir do comportamento individual dos agentes. Neste contexto, surge a dificuldade em se garantir que agentes estão cooperando corretamente para alcançar os objetivos da organização no qual estão inseridos. O modelo proposto neste trabalho visa expandir os conceitos de contratos em componentes a sistemas multi-agentes abertos. Contratos podem ser entendidos como uma forma de negociação entre componentes, no qual se estabelecem obrigações e benefícios que devem ser respeitados por todos os participantes do contrato na execução de serviços. Porém, quando o assunto é sistemas multi-agentes, há pouca literatura disponível. Isto se deve pela dificuldade de se traduzir contratos para componentes sobre o paradigma orientado a objetos às características dos agentes. Componentes possuem métodos e interfaces bem definidas, enquanto agentes ocultam suas estruturas internas e talvez apresentem comportamentos complexos. Um framework foi desenvolvido baseado no modelo conceitual proposto. O resultado visa demonstrar a viabilidade de se aplicar contratos para componentes a ambientes multi-agentes abertos, com o objetivo de gerenciar e averiguar a cooperação entre agentes, levando em consideração seus papéis na organização e respeitando suas características individuais. / [en] In this work, we propose a model for applying contracts in open multi-agent systems. The main idea in a multi-agent system is that an intelligent global behavior can be reached from the individual behavior of the agents. In this context, it is difficulty to guarantee that the agents are correctly cooperating to reach the organization objectives in which they are inserted. The model considered in this work expands the contract concepts in components to open multi-agent system. Contracts can be understood as a negotiation form between components, which entails obligations and benefits for both parties. However, when the subject is multi-agent systems, there are a few available literatures. This is explained because contracts for components, guided on object paradigm, are hard to be translated to the characteristics of the agents. Components have methods and well defined interfaces, while agents hide their internal structures and perhaps they present complex behaviors. A framework was developed based on the conceptual model we are proposing. The result demonstrates the viability of applying contracts for components to the open multi-agents environments. The main goal is to manage and to inquire the cooperation between agents, considering the agents roles in the organization and respecting the individual agent characteristics.