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“Skull Previously Thought to be Cleopatra’s Sister’s Found to be That of a Young Boy”

### Skull Discovered in Ephesos Ruins: Not Arsinoë IV, but a Young Male with Developmental Issues

A recent investigation has disproven a long-held assumption regarding the identity of a human skull found at the Ephesos ruins in 1929. Previously believed to be that of Arsinoë IV, Cleopatra VII’s younger half-sister, the skull has now been confirmed to be that of a young boy, aged 11 to 14, who likely experienced developmental issues. This disclosure, reported in *Scientific Reports*, emphasizes the intricate nature of archaeological interpretation and leaves the enigma of Arsinoë IV’s remains unresolved.

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### **The Historical Background of Arsinoë IV**

Arsinoë IV featured prominently within the chaotic Ptolemaic dynasty of ancient Egypt. She was possibly the third or fourth daughter of Ptolemy XII and the half-sister of Cleopatra VII. Her existence was characterized by political machinations, insurrections, and misfortunes.

Following Ptolemy XII’s death, Arsinoë’s siblings, Cleopatra and Ptolemy XIII, ascended as co-rulers of Egypt. However, Ptolemy XIII soon expelled Cleopatra, igniting a civil strife. Julius Caesar stepped in, reinstating Cleopatra as co-ruler. Throughout this tumultuous time, Arsinoë proclaimed herself queen and commanded Egyptian troops against the Romans. Though initially triumphant, she ultimately was betrayed by her commanders and surrendered to Caesar.

Arsinoë received asylum in the Temple of Artemis in Ephesos, residing there for several years. Yet, her life was cut short when Cleopatra and Mark Antony ordered her execution on the temple steps—an egregious infringement of the sanctuary’s sanctity. Historians estimate Arsinoë’s age at the time of her death to be between 22 and 27 years.

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### **The Skull’s Discovery**

In 1904, the Octagon, a burial chamber in Ephesos, was discovered, and its sarcophagus was opened in 1929. Archaeologist Joseph Keil unearthed a skeleton that was submerged in water but only extracted the skull, leaving the rest of the remains in situ. He theorized that the skull belonged to a young woman around the age of 20, although he did not provide definitive evidence to substantiate his claim.

Hilke Thur from the Austrian Academy of Sciences later posited that the skull might be that of Arsinoë IV, referring to cranial measurements and historical background. Nonetheless, the absence of inscriptions or burial items in the tomb rendered this identification highly speculative.

The skull was mostly overlooked until its rediscovery in Vienna in 2022, prompting a fresh investigation led by Gerhard Weber of the University of Vienna, who sought to clarify the mystery employing contemporary scientific methods.

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### **Forensic Examination and Results**

Weber’s team performed an in-depth analysis of the skull along with a femur and rib linked to the same individual. Through micro-CT scans, mass spectrometry, and genetic testing, they unveiled several critical findings:

1. **Chronology and Genetic Data**: The skull dates between 36 and 205 BCE, consistent with Arsinoë IV’s death occurring in 41 BCE. Genetic testing validated that the skull and femur were from the same individual. However, the detection of a Y chromosome indicated that the individual was male, thus excluding Arsinoë IV from being the owner of the remains.

2. **Age and Developmental Issues**: Morphological assessments suggested that the boy was between 11 and 14 years of age at the time of death. The skull showed multiple abnormalities, including a prematurely fused cranial suture, an uneven shape, and an underdeveloped upper jaw. These characteristics imply that the boy may have suffered from a genetic developmental disorder, such as Treacher Collins syndrome, or a deficiency in vitamin D.

3. **Remaining Questions**: Tracing the boy’s ancestry suggested ties to Italy or Sardinia, prompting inquiries regarding how he ended up interred in an esteemed structure within Ephesos. The absence of burial items or inscriptions adds to the enigma regarding his identity and importance.

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### **Significance and Future Investigation**

These findings underscore the necessity of reexamining historical artifacts with modern scientific methodologies. Although the skull does not belong to Arsinoë IV, its investigation offers valuable perspectives on the lives of individuals in ancient Ephesos. The boy’s burial in a significant location implies he may have possessed some degree of social or cultural relevance, yet the precise justifications remain ambiguous.

The research also highlights the difficulties associated with archaeological interpretation. Initial assumptions about the skull’s identity were based on scant evidence, illustrating the dangers of reaching conclusions without substantial data. As technology progresses, researchers have new avenues to revisit and refine historical accounts.

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### **The Ongoing Enigma of Arsinoë IV**

The mystery surrounding the final resting place of Arsinoë IV continues to remain unanswered.

New York Enacts $15 Affordable Broadband Legislation Despite Pushback from ISPs

### New York’s Affordable Broadband Law: A Triumph for Digital Inclusion

In a historic ruling, New York’s Affordable Broadband Act (ABA) is scheduled to be enacted on January 15, 2025, after an extensive legal fight with broadband industry advocates. The legislation requires Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to deliver low-cost broadband options to economically disadvantaged households, representing a major advancement in tackling the digital divide. This article examines the consequences of the law, the legal path that led to its passage, and its potential effects on millions of residents in New York.

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### **The Legal Struggle: A Prolonged Process**

Initially enacted in 2021, the Affordable Broadband Act necessitated ISPs to offer reasonably priced Internet plans set at $15 or $20 monthly, inclusive of all taxes and fees. However, the law encountered immediate resistance from broadband industry associations, which contended that the requirement was unconstitutional and would place unreasonable financial pressures on providers.

In 2021, a district court temporarily halted the law, ruling in favor of the ISPs. Nevertheless, the situation shifted in April 2024 when a U.S. appeals court upheld the law, overturning the previous decision. The legal triumph was confirmed in December 2024 when the U.S. Supreme Court opted not to review the broadband industry’s challenge, effectively concluding the legal dispute and clearing the path for the law’s enforcement.

This case carries broader implications for state-level governance of broadband services, particularly as federal oversight has fluctuated. The Biden administration’s attempts to restore net neutrality and classify ISPs as common carriers have encountered legal obstacles, rendering state measures like New York’s ABA and California’s net neutrality statute essential testing grounds for broadband regulation.

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### **Provisions of the Law**

The Affordable Broadband Act mandates that ISPs in New York must provide:

– **$15-per-month plans** offering download speeds of a minimum of 25 Mbps.
– **$20-per-month plans** featuring download speeds of at least 200 Mbps.

All prices are required to encompass recurring taxes, fees, and equipment rental charges. Furthermore, increases in price are limited to 2% annually. The New York Public Service Commission will conduct periodic assessments of the law to ascertain if the minimum speed standards should be adjusted in light of technological advancements.

The law is applicable to all varieties of broadband providers, including wireline, fixed wireless, and satellite services. However, ISPs with fewer than 20,000 subscribers may apply for waivers if adherence would lead to “unreasonable or unsustainable financial impact.” More than 40 small ISPs had previously sought such exemptions before the law was temporarily suspended in 2021. These providers will be allowed a one-month exemption, provided they submit the necessary documentation by January 15, 2025, and must present comprehensive financial data by February 15 to request longer-term exemptions.

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### **Closing the Digital Divide**

The rollout of the ABA is timely. By mid-2024, the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Emergency Broadband Benefit program, which offered monthly discounts to low-income families, came to an end due to insufficient congressional funding. This situation left around 1.7 million households in New York—and 23 million across the country—without federal support for affordable Internet access.

The expiration of the FCC program highlights the necessity of state-level initiatives like the ABA. “Consumer benefit programs aiding low-income households—like the ABA—are increasingly vital to ensure that low-income New Yorkers receive the digital inclusion they deserve,” remarked New York Public Service Commission Chair Rory Christian.

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### **Current Low-Income Broadband Alternatives**

Several ISPs have already instituted discounted plans for low-income families, although these offerings frequently do not meet the ABA’s standards. For instance:

– **Charter Spectrum** provides a $25-per-month plan with speeds of 50 Mbps.
– **Comcast** and **Optimum** have $15-per-month plans available.
– **Verizon** offers a low-income program that reduces the cost of certain home Internet packages to as low as $20 monthly.

The ABA will unify these offerings, guaranteeing that all eligible households receive access to affordable and dependable Internet service.

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### **Compliance and Penalties**

ISPs that do not comply with the ABA may incur civil fines of up to $1,000 for each violation. The New York Public Service Commission will manage the enforcement, ensuring that providers meet the law’s stipulations. This encompasses oversight of price limits, speed criteria, and the inclusion of all charges in the advertised pricing.

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### **A Wider Influence on Broadband Regulation**

New York’s triumph in rolling out the Affordable Broadband Act establishes a model for other states aiming to regulate broadband services amid a lack of strong federal oversight. It also underscores the increasing acknowledgment of Internet access as a fundamental utility, comparable to electricity and water.

While the broadband sector has historically opposed regulatory measures, the success of the ABA illustrates that states can be instrumental in promoting digital equity. As the digital economy continues to expand

“Advancement of GM’s Super Cruise: From No-Hands Driving to Lane Alterations and Towing Features”

### Self-Learning Algorithms in Autonomous Driving: An In-Depth Look at GM’s Super Cruise Technology

The automotive sector is experiencing a transformative revolution, with self-driving and driver-assist technologies taking center stage in innovation. Leading this charge is General Motors (GM), whose **Super Cruise** system exemplifies how sophisticated algorithms and machine learning can revolutionize the driving experience. Central to this system is a **self-learning algorithm**, crafted to adjust to a variety of driving situations and vehicle specifications. This article delves into how GM’s Super Cruise utilizes state-of-the-art technology to provide a safer, more intelligent, and user-friendly driving experience.

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### The Journey of Super Cruise: From Innovation to Essential Technology

When GM launched Super Cruise in 2018, it was celebrated as a revolutionary advancement in partially automated driving. This system enabled drivers to operate hands-free on designated highways, as long as they remained vigilant about their surroundings. Unlike various other driver-assist solutions, Super Cruise employed an **infrared camera** to track the driver’s focus, ensuring engagement even with hands removed from the wheel.

Now, as we look to the present, expectations for such technologies have risen dramatically. While some drivers may overestimate the potential of hands-free systems, others express doubts about their practicality. Nevertheless, Super Cruise has consistently distinguished itself through its reliability and accuracy, particularly in handling a broad spectrum of driving environments.

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### The Unified Lateral Controller: Where Precision and Flexibility Converge

At the center of Super Cruise’s performance is the **Unified Lateral Controller**, an advanced algorithm that oversees the vehicle’s steering. This controller ensures that lane keeping and lane transitions occur smoothly, predictably, and instill confidence in the driver.

Reza Zarringhalam, a software developer at GM, explains that the Unified Lateral Controller functions as a **modular software stack**, capable of adjusting to various vehicle types and driving contexts. If a driver begins a lane change and then opts to return to the original lane during the process, the system gracefully adjusts without any abrupt maneuvers. This flexibility accommodates different scenarios, including adverse weather or when towing a trailer.

When towing, the system automatically recognizes the configuration—be it a bike rack or a multi-axle trailer—and modifies its control algorithms accordingly. This guarantees that both the vehicle and trailer stay aligned within the lane, even if the trailer’s weight or setup varies during the drive. Crucially, these adjustments happen实时 without the driver needing to intervene manually.

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### The Importance of Self-Learning Algorithms

A particularly groundbreaking feature of Super Cruise is its **self-learning algorithm**, which allows the system to dynamically respond to evolving conditions. As described by Ali Shahriari, another GM software developer, the algorithm “directly and indirectly observes the primary parameters vital for control.” This implies that the system continuously learns and readjusts based on variables like road shape, surface traction, and vehicle load.

For instance, when traversing a low-friction surface, such as ice, the steering response will differ from that on dry roads. The self-learning algorithm instantly recognizes these variations and recalibrates the system to preserve optimal control. This guarantees that the driving experience stays smooth and secure, regardless of external factors.

The algorithm functions locally on each vehicle’s onboard electronic control units (ECUs), employing what Shahriari terms “light machine learning.” Unlike resource-heavy AI models reliant on cloud services, this method utilizes **real-time linear and non-linear regressions** along with **adaptive filters**. This renders the system both efficient and resilient, capable of operating on the vehicle’s existing hardware.

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### Speeding Up Deployment Through Machine Learning

In addition to improving the driving experience, the self-learning algorithm has expedited the development and rollout of Super Cruise across GM’s vehicle array. By lessening the need for extensive calibration and manual adjustments, the algorithm has diminished development timelines by up to two-thirds. This advancement has enabled GM to introduce Super Cruise to additional models more rapidly, thus broadening its accessibility to a wider audience.

“Self-learning simplifies processes,” Shahriari emphasizes. “It means the software becomes less calibration-intensive because it’s entirely self-learning and robust.” This efficiency not only serves GM but also guarantees that drivers enjoy a more polished and dependable product.

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### Real-World Demonstrations: From Highways to Convoys

The capabilities of Super Cruise were recently highlighted in a parade of 20 Super Cruise-equipped vehicles traversing the Bay Bridge in California. This event underscored the system’s proficiency in maintaining precise lane positioning and adapting to fluctuating traffic scenarios, even in a complex, real-world setting.

The geofenced functionality of Super Cruise—confined to divided-lane highways—ensures that the system operates within a controlled and predictable environment. This emphasis on safety and dependability has been pivotal to its success,

“Neverwinter Nights from 2002 Gets a 2025 Update from Volunteer Programmers”

### Neverwinter Nights: An Enduring CRPG That Refuses to Disappear

When **BioWare** launched *Neverwinter Nights* (NN) in 2002, few anticipated the lasting impact it would create. Grounded in the **Dungeons & Dragons** (D&D) framework, this iconic computer role-playing game (CRPG) became a cherished title for enthusiasts of fantasy narratives, multiplayer quests, and modding circles. More than twenty years later, *Neverwinter Nights* still flourishes, thanks to its devoted community, enduring worlds, and a continual flow of updates—even as late as 2024.

#### A Game That Defies Time

Initially released as a blend of single-player and multiplayer experiences, *Neverwinter Nights* was a revolutionary title for its era. It showcased a comprehensive campaign, an impressive toolkit for crafting unique adventures, and a multiplayer option that enabled players to engage with “persistent worlds”—effectively small-scale MMOs managed by community members serving as Dungeon Masters (DMs). This mix of attributes rendered NN a standout in the CRPG landscape.

In 2018, **Beamdog**, a team of former BioWare developers, unveiled *Neverwinter Nights: Enhanced Edition*. This revised iteration brought the game up to date for modern platforms, incorporating support for higher resolutions and enhancing compatibility. Nonetheless, the game’s progress didn’t halt there. In 2024, *Neverwinter Nights* was graced with another patch, largely fueled by the efforts of unpaid community programmers. This update added features such as anti-aliasing, anisotropic filtering, and considerable performance enhancements—an impressive achievement for a game originally crafted for single-core processors.

#### The Strength of the Community

The lasting appeal of *Neverwinter Nights* can be linked to its dynamic and committed community. While views on the official single-player storylines differ, its multiplayer “persistent worlds” have been fundamental to its longevity. These worlds, organized by fans, enable players to engage in custom quests, interact with one another, and even take part in DM-driven narratives. This degree of flexibility and creativity has kept the game feeling vibrant and new, even as other online titles from the same period have slipped into oblivion.

The game’s modding capabilities have also significantly contributed to its sustainability. Aspiring authors, game developers, and storytellers have utilized *Neverwinter Nights* as a venue to refine their craft. Fantasy writer **Luke Scull**, for instance, credits the game with kickstarting his writing journey. Scull is currently developing an unofficial sequel to the original campaign, called *The Blades of Netheril*, which is intended to unfold over seven chapters through at least 2027.

#### The Diverging Paths of *Neverwinter Nights 2*

As the initial *Neverwinter Nights* continues to flourish, its follow-up, *Neverwinter Nights 2* (created by Obsidian Entertainment), has not received the same level of ongoing support. Released in 2006 during a tumultuous phase for Atari’s D&D licensing, the sequel encountered a variety of obstacles. Unlike its predecessor, *Neverwinter Nights 2* lacks a cohesive community initiative to maintain its vitality. The game’s online functionalities, previously managed by GameSpy, were discontinued in 2014, leaving numerous players disconnected from its multiplayer aspects.

While a *Complete Edition* of *Neverwinter Nights 2* is accessible on GOG, it has not undergone the same frequency of updates or community-driven enhancements as the original. The rights to the sequel are mired in complications among various entities, including Atari and Wizards of the Coast/Hasbro, rendering a modern re-launch or enhanced edition improbable.

#### Why *Neverwinter Nights* Remains Significant

The ongoing triumph of *Neverwinter Nights* is an indicator of the strength of community-focused gaming. The game’s adaptability, modding instruments, and multiplayer capabilities have allowed it to stay pertinent long after its initial debut. It has evolved into more than merely a game; it serves as a canvas for creativity, storytelling, and collaboration.

For aficionados of CRPGs and D&D, *Neverwinter Nights* continues to provide a rich and fulfilling experience. Whether you’re engaging with its official storylines, exploring a fan-crafted persistent world, or creating your own adventures, the game presents limitless opportunities. And with its community showing no indications of waning, *Neverwinter Nights* is set to remain a cherished classic for many years ahead.

Therefore, if you have yet to encounter the enchantment of *Neverwinter Nights*, now is the perfect time to dive in. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer, the realm of Faerûn awaits—and it’s as lively as ever.