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Finding Dyson rings around distant pulsars may involve identifying light-curve features that have not been previously identified. Previous studies covered the detection of a ring structure uniformly brightened by the central pulsar, mostly in infrared light. Here, more complex light curves are explored, which arise inherently from the pulsar beam spot's commonly predicted superluminal speed. These speeds may cause multiple images of the pulsar's spot on the Dyson ring to appear simultaneously to a distant observer, and so feature bright creation and annihilation events. Therefore, it is possible that even if Dyson ring structures had been observed previously, they might have remained unnoticed. Similar light-curve features may appear on naturally occurring dust rings around pulsars that reflect detectable pulsar radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Illusionism is an eliminativist position about qualia stating that phenomenal consciousness is nothing more than an introspective illusion. The attention schema theory (AST) relates this philosophical stance to a large body of experimental data and states that phenomenal consciousness arises from an internal model of attention control. In this paper, I intend to show that AST and illusionism have significant implications both in the search for extra-terrestrial intelligence and in the explanation of Fermi paradox. Firstly, on the basis of findings concerning the evolutionary history of phenomenal consciousness on Earth, I argue that extraterrestrial biological life is likely to experience phenomenality. In the second part, I set AST in the context of a post-biological universe, where artificial intelligence (AI) is the dominant form of intelligence. I argue that phenomenal consciousness is probably present in these entities, and that they could even be super-conscious. Finally, I show that because phenomenality grounds value, illusionism has profound revisionary consequences in the field of ethics. This reconsideration of the justifiability of our values paves the way to AI misalignment and may be the source of neocatastrophic scenarios that explain to Fermi paradox. • The attention schema theory asserts that phenomenal consciousness is an introspective illusion. • By extension of this theory, it's likely that intelligent aliens have a subjective experience. • The theory's philosophical background supports neo-catastrophists scenarios involving AI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Signa is the property of Editorial UNED and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Signa is the property of Editorial UNED and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

AbstractIn recent years, museums have begun to think more about the value of creating ‘quiet spaces’. However, there remains little systematic discussion in the literature regarding their definition, characteristics, and purpose. This exploratory study examined perceptions of quiet spaces in museums from the standpoint of both museum educators and visitors. Through semi-structured interviews with 40 participants, it was determined that educators and visitors similarly perceive museum quiet spaces as restorative, inclusive, varied, situated, and spaces to process emotions. Furthermore, the outcomes demonstrated that the meaning of quiet spaces are contextual and mediated by the interplay between the individual’s context and the environmental characteristics of the quiet space itself. These spaces hold the potential to afford enjoyable, memorable, and even transformative experience that supports learning and are, at times, a necessary part of the museum experience for many visitors. The study also speaks to the potential of quiet spaces to be integral to psychological restoration within the museum experience for individuals to exercise their visitor agency and well-being. This study provides valuable insights about the importance and significance of these often neglected or unconsidered museum spaces for visitors and educators alike. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amino acids have been identified in extraterrestrial materials such as meteorites and returned samples from asteroids and comets. Some of these amino acids or their precursors may have formed on icy interstellar dust grains or at a later phase when these grains became incorporated into larger parent bodies. In this work, we simulated parent body aqueous alteration of the residues from irradiated interstellar ice analogs in the presence of relevant minerals (pulverized serpentinite and Allende meteorite). We tracked the change in amino acid abundances as a function of hydrothermal processing time and examined how these differed based on the presence of minerals. We find that the presence of minerals and their mineralogy can have a significant impact on the formation and destruction of amino acids during simulated aqueous alteration experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The novel concept of the review is a focus on the organisms living in the sea ice and what mechanisms they have developed for their existence. The review describes the physical environment of the sea ice and the microorganisms living there as microalgae, bacteria, virus, fungi, meio- and macrofauna where they inhabit the brine channels and exposed to low temperatures as down to −25 °C and high salinities—up to 300. Nutrients, O2, CO2, pH, light, and UV are also identified as stressors regarding the metabolism of the microorganisms. It is argued that sea ice must be recognized as an extreme environment as based on records of very high or very low concentrations or intensities of the stressors that living organisms in the ice are exposed to and able to endure. Each taxonomic group of organisms in the sea ice are dealt with in detail in terms of the explicit stressors the group is exposed to, and specifically what known mechanisms that the organisms have amended to secure existence and life. These mechanisms are known for some group of organisms as autotrophs, bacteria, meio- and macrofauna but less so for virus and fungi. The review concludes that sea ice is an extreme environment where the stressors vary significantly in both space and time, both in consort and solitary, classifying organisms living there as polyextremophiles and extremophiles. The review relates further to extraterrestrial moons covered with sea ice and these habitats and points toward sea ice on Earth for prospective studies until further technological advances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"The Genius of their Age: Ibn Sina, Biruni, and the Lost Enlightenment" by S. Frederick Starr explores the intellectual and scientific achievements of two prominent Arabic thinkers, Ibn Sina and Biruni, during the tenth and eleventh centuries in Central Asia. The book delves into their diverse approaches to various fields such as astronomy, mathematics, medicine, philosophy, and religion, highlighting their significant contributions to medieval science. Starr's study sheds light on the profound differences between the two scholars, showcasing the breadth and depth of Central Asian and Persianate culture. The volume provides valuable insights into the societal impact of astronomy and the rich history of scientific thought in the region. [Extracted from the article]

In this third installment of SETI in 20xx, we very briefly and subjectively review developments in SETI in 2022. Our primary focus is 80 papers and books published or made public in 2022, which we sort into six broad categories: results from actual searches, new search methods and instrumentation, target and frequency selection, the development of technosignatures, theory of ETIs, and social aspects of SETI. • A subjective survey of nearly all of the literature in SETI in 2022. • A categorization of the kinds of papers in the field. • A discussion of major events in the field of SETI in 2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep space exploration embodies the human aspiration to comprehend the universe, with the sampling of extraterrestrial celestial bodies (ECBs) serving as a critical precursor for the development of space-based resources. The process of drilling deep into regolith layers is pivotal in ECBs sampling endeavors. To more directly scrutinize the drilling and sampling procedures, discrete element method (DEM) simulations are extensively employed to assess the stress on drilling apparatus and to model drilling and sampling challenges. However, numerous researchers have only conducted localized simulation analyses for specific interest issues. This paper supplements research in this field by constructing a comprehensive DEM model of the entire drilling sampling procedure. By integrating the Hertz-Mindlin with bonding contact model and leveraging dynamic analysis outcomes, the actual drilling scenario was replicated to the greatest extent feasible while minimizing computational demands. Consequently, this model can be utilized to simulate and evaluate both the drilling tool's impact and the sampling conditions. By juxtaposing simulation results with field test empirical data, the model's accuracy is confirmed. Factors influencing the sampling quantity are observed and analyzed, leading to recommendations for optimizing the drilling system. Finally, some conclusion remarks are made. • Drilling process in extraterrestrial celestial bodies regolith can be simulated by discrete element simulation. • Simulation of the drilling process reveals a number of phenomena that affect the sampling results. • Simplified model to reflect actual drilling conditions. • Simulation results are instructive for parameter optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contemplation is a unique way of seeing that enables us to perceive the truth of the invisible beyond what is visible. Through contemplation, one can become deeply connected with, and possibly even identify with, what they have observed. This study analyzes the spatial arrangement of "A Room of Quiet Contemplation" at the National Museum of Korea and explores its interaction with visitors. Although the room prominently features two Buddhist pensive bodhisattva statues, giving it a Buddhist appearance, it must meet certain necessary conditions due to its location in a national museum. Respect for religious diversity and the neutralization of religious bias are crucial. We examine how the statues are de-contextualized from their original temporal and local contexts, allowing them to function as universal (non-religious) signs in the museum. Furthermore, the room must be accessible to foreign visitors from various cultural and religious backgrounds. Thus, this research investigates the universality and singularity of the tradition of contemplation. Additionally, we explore how the experience of contemplation can be enhanced through various forms of the spatial expansion of "A Room of Quiet Contemplation". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uninterrupted urban development has brought significant changes in urban spaces, and the concept of the collective memory of space users has also been affected. These developments have been associated with social isolation and reduced social interactions. Collective memory is defined as the shared experience of people in social and spatial groups. Therefore, the present research aims to achieve results such as how to form factors affecting the formation of collective memory in the minds of different groups using the space. A semi-structured, in-depth interview technique was employed to identify the nature of the influential factor in collective memory. Interviews were conducted with 90 people who referred to the urban space. To analyze the data, the qualitative content analysis method and Atlas-ti software were used, and critical points were extracted and linked in the form of codes from the primary texts of the interviews. Then, these codes were used to describe the relevant content in the interviews, and maps and graphical outputs were created to analyze the intensity of the impact of each quality according to different groups of visitors to the spaces. Finally, the Arc-GIS software and the Euclidean distance tool were used to analyze the points specified for the expression of each quality based on the explanations of the interviewees until the distribution of the qualities in the studied urban space and the intensity of their impact. The research results underscore the crucial role of the physical elements of urban spaces and their social interactions in forming and transmitting collective memories. These findings demonstrate that social interactions, physical elements, and various events are intertwined, shaping the city's cultural, social, and mental image, which are instrumental in creating collective memories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to examine how parent–child families interact with exhibits while visiting a natural history museum. The study included 71 parent–child families with children aged 3–12 visiting the Zhejiang Museum of Natural History. Interaction with exhibits was recorded employing tracking and timing, and discourse analysis using video and observation recording forms. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were used to examine the data. The results revealed physical engagement in parent–child family interactions with exhibits and between family members, with high-frequency verbal interactions among members. Families have diverse preferences for different exhibits, with interactive question-and-answer displays being the most popular. The higher the relevance of the exhibit to the visitor's life, the stronger the interest displayed by the parent–child family. The behaviour of parent–child families is influenced by three factors: exhibits, visitors and space layout, resulting in different visiting routes and patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Managing the rising number of visitors to protected areas (PAs) without compromising their environmental goals is a critical challenge that requires a complete understanding of how and when visitors use these spaces. Georeferenced data from fitness-tracking apps can provide detailed information about the visitor's spatiotemporal behaviour inside PAs, but its potential is still underexplored. This study uses georeferenced data, from Wikiloc, to analyse the visitors' spatiotemporal behaviour in Alvão Natural Park, Portugal. Our findings show that: 52% of the visitors' use is concentrated around the Fisgas de Ermelo Waterfall; photos' hotspots coincide with the waterfalls and viewpoints facing them; 2% of the routes crossed a zone where recreational use is illegal; Spring (26%) and April (11%) receive the most visitors; 52% of routes are done on the weekends; 66% of visitors are inside the park during noon; start/end places are located near parking spaces; the most frequent times to start a route are between 08:00-13:00 hrs, ending between 13-18:00 hrs. A new method was developed to calculate daily visitor numbers without photo concentration bias. These results offer valuable insights that can aid in PAs' environmental and recreational use management by quickly providing detailed and low-cost visitor monitoring data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of microorganisms within meteorites has been used as evidence for extraterrestrial life, however, the potential for terrestrial contamination makes their interpretation highly controversial. Here, we report the discovery of rods and filaments of organic matter, which are interpreted as filamentous microorganisms, on a space‐returned sample from 162173 Ryugu recovered by the Hayabusa 2 mission. The observed carbonaceous filaments have sizes and morphologies consistent with microorganisms and are spatially associated with indigenous organic matter. The abundance of filaments changed with time and suggests the growth and decline of a prokaryote population with a generation time of 5.2 days. The population statistics indicate an extant microbial community originating through terrestrial contamination. The discovery emphasizes that terrestrial biota can rapidly colonize extraterrestrial specimens even given contamination control precautions. The colonization of a space‐returned sample emphasizes that extraterrestrial organic matter can provide a suitable source of metabolic energy for heterotrophic organisms on Earth and other planets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The journal Theology and Science assembled a group of four academics to comment on Andrew Davison's 2023 monograph Astrobiology and Christian Doctrine (Cambridge University Press, 2023). In this paper, the author responds to some of their observations, and suggests themes for further consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider interstellar power transmission facilitated by gravitational lensing. Our study explores realistic scenarios for signal transmission and relevant detection strategies. We determine that optimal link efficiency is achieved in lensing geometries where the transmitter, lens, and receiver are closely aligned. Our findings confirm the feasibility of interstellar power transmission via gravitational lensing. Additionally, we demonstrate that laser signals, amplified by nearby stellar gravitational lenses, can be detected using established photonics and optical engineering technologies. The search for these transmitted laser signals can be conducted by networks of collaborative astronomical facilities, utilizing both ground-based and space-based instruments, thereby directly contributing to ongoing optical Search for ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence (SETI) efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different researchers have analyzed effective computational methods that maintain the precision of Allen–Cahn (AC) equations and their constant security. This article presents a method known as the reduced-order model technique by utilizing kernel principle component analysis (KPCA), a nonlinear variation of traditional principal component analysis (PCA). KPCA is utilized on the data matrix created using discrete solution vectors of the AC equation. In order to achieve discrete solutions, small variations are applied for dividing up extraterrestrial elements, while Kahan's method is used for temporal calculations. Handling the process of backmapping from small-scale space involves utilizing a non-iterative formula rooted in the concept of the multidimensional scaling (MDS) method. Using KPCA, we show that simplified sorting methods preserve the dissipation of the energy structure. The effectiveness of simplified solutions from linear PCA and KPCA, the retention of invariants, and computational speeds are shown through one-, two-, and three-dimensional AC equations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This research investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the use of transitional spaces in a Korean academic setting, to assess the impact of the pandemic on users' utilization of transitional spaces and evaluate any changes in their usage patterns. The research explores whether transitional spaces can function as social interactive spaces, aligning with Ray Oldenburg's "third-place" theory. The focus is on South Korean academic settings, aiming to create neutral and safe zones for users. Design/methodology/approach: The adopted methodology involves reviewing the literature and employing design charrette as a major data collection tool. The design charrette provided a platform for users to share insights on current transitional spaces during the pandemic and envision these spaces as future social and interactive spaces. Findings: The design charrette participants advocated for modifying the current transitional space design to transform these spaces into shared spaces for both visitors and regular users in the future. Restricting access for external users to the main building area until necessary. The significance of site amenities in determining transitional spaces as "third-places" was emphasized. While the nature of the building, its location and transitional space amenities are crucial aspects to consider, designers may prioritize user opinions and preferences, as the success or failure of the design ultimately centers on user behaviors. Research limitations/implications: The research focused on a specific university, hindered by limited access to other institutions during the pandemic. Restrictions on external users discouraged entry without proper permission, which was challenging to obtain. The conventional design charrette outlined in the research method was impossible due to pandemic-related limitations on gathering participants in one location. Therefore, the researcher modified the design charrette method to align with strict social distancing measures. Social implications: The results of the research are not limited to academic settings, but they can be implied in other environments where social interaction spaces are required and where there is a constant flow of visitors and regular users. The design charrette can be used as a methodology for interior spaces along with large-scale projects of urban planning. Originality/value: The research analyzed transitional spaces during the pandemic, suggesting redesign to serve and act as buffer zones between private and public areas and become a common social gathering place for visitors and regular users within the built environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article takes representative uncultivated riverfront internet-famous sites (uncultivated RIFSs) in Changsha city, China, as an example to explore the internal mechanism of their formation and finds that they are closely related to the "urban subculture" and the "informality of urban public space". In terms of methodology, through questionnaire surveys and in-depth interviews, this study investigates the behavioral characteristics of onsite visitors, the overall perceptions and satisfaction of public spaces, and the perceptions of spatial and humanistic elements of visitors. The main findings are as follows: ① Onsite visitors are mainly male, with local tourists and nearby residents accounting for over 80%. Furthermore, over half of the visitors have limited understanding of the uncultivated RIFSs. ② People's overall attitudes towards the uncultivated RIFSs are positive. And the ability to carry out meaningful activities and find comfort and safety are of the greatest concern to onsite tourists. ③ Among the visiting reasons, leisure stays accounted for the highest proportion, followed by sightseeing, sports stays and social stays. ④ The onsite visitors' main focus of spatial elements and humanistic elements is different according to the different sites. However, visitors' dissatisfaction is mainly reflected in poor site safety and sanitation conditions, inadequate facilities and poor surrounding environments. This paper also compares the online–offline differences in the spatial perceptions of the uncultivated RIFSs between this study and previous research; instead of focusing on the urban physical spaces, online social media users pay more attention to their self-presentation. Meanwhile, the visitors place greater emphasis on the functionality, practicality and experiential activities of the urban physical spaces. Finally, this article proposes optimization strategies for uncultivated RIFSs from planning and governance and public space design aspects to protect and strengthen the composite utilization of space, therefore enhancing diverse vitality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With advances in automated construction and deeper Moon exploration missions, the concept of "building a house on the moon" is becoming increasingly feasible. The launch/landing (LL) infrastructure plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of landers and astronauts and should be prioritized for construction. Initially, this review explores the variety of designs used at existing LL sites, analyzing the logic and unique features of each design. It then outlines three main construction methods for landing pads, from material production to basic construction processes. The review also covers experiments related to LL pads, including material, component, and construction testing. Finally, current challenges and future directions for the development of lunar LL infrastructure are discussed, and 3D-printed biomimetic structures are highlighted as a particularly promising option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the discovery of exoplanets outside our Solar System and the implications for the search for life beyond Earth. It highlights the importance of atmospheric oxygen in the evolution of complex life forms and the potential for Earth-like Habitats in the Galaxy. The authors present a new formula to estimate the maximum occurrence rate of Earth-like Habitats and discuss the rarity of aerobic complex life and extraterrestrial intelligence in the Galaxy. The article emphasizes the uncertainties and challenges in estimating the number of potential Earth-like Habitats and the evolution of complex life forms. [Extracted from the article]

In the recently boosted scenario, the eventual settlement in extreme extra-terrestrial environments, notably the Moon and Mars, stands as critical objective driving the forefront of space exploration endeavours: the possibility of realizing a lunar settlement is currently under study by NASA Artemis Program and others active subjects in the aerospace sector (Schrunk et al., 2008) [1]. As mission duration tends to increase, the wellness of crew members emerges as a stronger concern, affecting the habitat features and driving the design towards solutions that still must face environmental constraints. A wide exploration in the aerospace field has been conducted, starting from the experience accumulated in more than 50 years of experimentation and activity on board of the active and decommissioned space stations. In recent years, several pioneering concepts for human living structures on our satellite have been proposed, with an extensive adoption of transparent inflatable or deployable shells. Even if these proposals can lead the way for optimized solution identification, the technical characterization of these shells has not been extensively explored yet, and it represents a mandatory step in the path for achieving the best possible prototype to be built on the Moon surface. Our research aims to assess the viability of employing transparent or translucent inflatable-type envelopes within the harsh conditions of extra-terrestrial environments. The research background has been extensively investigated in order to identify best practices and promising solutions, which have been proposed here. Where no previous tests were conducted, traditional Earth-related engineering tools where utilized. The result of this work is a multilayer membrane to be deployed through internal air pressurization, with the correct size of each of the composing layers calculated by employing multi-physics simulations employing multi-physics simulations and computational. The outcome of this work represents not a definitive design, but an introductive experience with the aim to launch wider investigations to reach higher TRLs. Finally, we aimed to identify the limits of this research that need to be addressed in order to make an inflatable multilayer membrane feasible to be adopted for long permanent human missions on the Moon. • Deployable technology for extraterrestrial habitat envelope. • Innovative translucent envelope to meet lunar environment requirements. • Computational approach for energetic and structural analysis. • Comparative evaluation with state-of-art opaque membrane technology for space structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Advances in extraterrestrial resource utilization is reviewed from the aspect of in-situ construction. • Three construction-related in-situ resources are comprehensively reviewed. • Five in-situ construction technologies are sorted and elucidated. • Advice is given for deep, comprehensive and systemic utilization of in-situ resources. To establish foundational support for forthcoming deep space exploration and settlement endeavors, the significance of extraterrestrial construction has become paramount. Recent developments underscore a growing acknowledgment of the imperative role played by in situ resource utilization, attributed to its potential for cost efficiency and facilitation of sustainable progress. This paper compiles and categorizes the advancements in this domain, focusing on three distinctive categories of in situ resources: regolith, water–ice, and energy resources. A review of their distribution, acquisition, and utilization procedures is presented. Subsequently, an intricate examination ensues, elucidating the applicability of each resource within the context of extraterrestrial construction, in conjunction with five prevalent technologies and the latest architectural constructs. Drawing insights from the research, the existing limitations are identified, particularly pertaining to the comprehensive, deep processing, and sustainable utilization of resources. Consequently, a proposition is put forth to address these challenges. Prospective investigations are recommended, focusing on the mining of water–ice, the metallurgy and production of regolith and slag, and the integrated construction in the pursuit of extraterrestrial construction and operational endeavors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proposed method involves the utilization of a strip roll-forming technique to fulfill the specific requirements for constructing large-scale structures in orbit and space station trusses during extraterrestrial exploration. This involves progressively rolling out a metal strip with an L+V-shaped locking edge through multiple passes of forming rolls featuring different section shapes. The process of helical locking enables the formation of a slender, spiral-shaped tube, which can be utilized for the in-orbit assembly of exceptionally large structures. The proposed approach introduces a two-step optimization method to enhance the maximum stress, equivalent plastic strain, and wrapping torque of roll-forming L+V cross-sections and wrap-forming helical tubes. The optimized sample points in the second step are established based on the optimal roll distance and roll gap obtained in the first optimal step, resulting in the determination of the optimal folding height and V-shaped angle of the L+V strip cross-section after optimization. The design of the strip wrapping configuration that follows is highly dependent on these four parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A façade constitutes a significant element of the entrances found in the historical residences of Yazd, Iran. These façades are integral to the decorative aspects of the houses, prominently positioned above the entrance doors and serving as one of the initial spaces encountered by visitors. Although there have been numerous valuable studies focusing on the residential architecture of Yazd, the entrances of these houses have not been thoroughly examined. Consequently, this article employs a descriptiveanalytical approach to explore the façades of houses within Yazd's heritage area. The inquiries pertinent to this study are: 1. What materials are utilized in the construction and embellishment of façades? And 2. What decorative patterns are prevalent in façade design? To tackle these inquiries, a detailed study of the heritage area in Yazd was performed, which included the collection of field data to compile the essential information. The findings revealed that bricks serve as the primary material for façade decoration. Plaster is employed both as a binding agent and for ornamental purposes. While tiles are also used, they primarily serve a decorative function, with clay decorations functioning as mortars, reflecting the city's architectural heritage. Other materials, including cement, sand mortars, and boulders, are utilized in a more limited capacity. Geometric patterns dominate the decorative elements, predominantly rendered in brickwork. Additionally, floral motifs are often applied with plaster over brick surfaces. Inscriptions are frequently observed on the façades, primarily crafted from plaster, tiles, and bricks, with stones appearing in some limited instances. Moreover, the design of dulcimer-shaped columns and other embellishments reflects influences from Western artistic traditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The search for extraterrestrial intelligence is a fascinating and important endeavor, but it raises significant ethical and safety concerns. In the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, scientists use knowledge of physics to identify potential communication methods and signals that may be used by extraterrestrial civilizations. One of the most notable scientists to highlight these concerns was the late physicist Stephen Hawking, who cautioned that actively attempting to communicate with extraterrestrial civilizations could harm humanity. While it is true that we cannot predict the intentions of any potential extraterrestrial civilizations, some scientists argue that the potential advantages of seeking contact outweigh the potential risks. Deciding to initiate contact with extraterrestrial civilizations is a complex issue that requires balancing scientific curiosity with concerns for our own safety. The “Intelligence Trap” is a concept in psychology that suggests that highly intelligent people are more susceptible to cognitive biases and flawed thinking than less intelligent people. It can be argued that Hawking’s warnings may be an example of the so-called intelligence trap, as some evidence from the field of physics suggests. Nonetheless, Hawking emphasized that it is crucial for scientists and policymakers to carefully weigh the potential risks and benefits of such efforts and proceed with caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Amazonia Investiga is the property of PRIMMATE and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Life on Earth has experienced numerous upheavals over its approximately 4 billion year history. In previous work, we have discussed how interruptions to stability lead, on average, to increases in habitability over time, a tendency we called entropic Gaia. Here, we continue this exploration, working with the Tangled Nature Model of co-evolution, to understand how the evolutionary history of life is shaped by periods of acute environmental stress. We find that while these periods of stress pose a risk of complete extinction, they also create opportunities for evolutionary exploration which would otherwise be impossible, leading to more populous and stable states among the survivors than in alternative histories without a stress period. We also study how the duration, repetition and number of refugia into which life escapes during the perturbation affects the final outcome. The model results are discussed in relation to both Earth history and the search for alien life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sampling of extraterrestrial bodies is a critical technology in deep space exploration. Analyzing these samples allows researchers to uncover valuable information about the composition, structure, and evolutionary history of these celestial bodies. Compared to alternative sampling methods such as shoveling and grinding, drilling offers the advantage of obtaining larger sample volumes while preserving sample integrity. Furthermore, it enables sampling at various depths and terrains, making it an essential approach for acquiring samples from extraterrestrial environments. However, drill-based sampling devices are versatile, and their working principles and methods vary across different exploration missions and celestial bodies' environments. This paper provides a comprehensive investigation into the progress made in drill-based sampling devices for extraterrestrial bodies. It begins by introducing the environmental and geological characteristics of the target celestial bodies, analyzing how these factors impact the structural design and operational parameters of sampling devices. The research then reviews drill-based sampling devices used in previous extraterrestrial exploration missions and examines the latest advancements in drill-based sampling technology. Based on different drilling depths, this study categorizes drill-based sampling devices into seven groups: small drills, pneumatic surface drills, single-rod drills, multi-rod drills, pneumatic deep probes, cable-based drills, and terrestrial ice penetration drills. It also provides an analysis of the operational characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of these seven types of drill-based sampling devices. The paper further outlines the technical difficulties and challenges encountered during the sampling of extraterrestrial bodies and concludes by presenting prospects for the future development of drill-based sampling technology for extraterrestrial bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humans are biologically wired and psychologically framed to the additive instinct impelling accumulation. This human character mirror-images the life of advanced societies. Each society starts from a low threshold and grows with innovation and development of technology and economy until it reaches success and prosperity. Having reached the point of criticality, this traction stalls due to slowed innovation and technological advancements resulting in stagnation and eventual demise. Rooted on this assumption of intelligent civilization, this paper offers commentary on what is known as Fermi's Paradox: despite the high-probability of advanced intelligent civilizations in the Milky Way Galaxy, and even more so throughout the universe, extraterrestrials have not yet directly interacted with humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of South Architecture / Nanfang Jianzhu is the property of South Architecture Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)