Search results for "ECONOMICS"

EDXRF analysis of blue pigments used in Valencian ceramics from the 14th century to modern times

2006

Abstract EDXRF analyses of cobalt-blue pigments were performed on 73 pieces of Valencian ceramics from the beginning of the 14th century up to the 20th century. In 67 of such samples, the pigment decoration was applied together with a tin opacified lead glaze cover on the clay body. In five samples the pigment was applied on the clay body without a glaze cover. The comparison between EDXRF spectra from coloured and non-coloured areas contains information about the pigment composition. Elements like Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn and As are identified as characteristic of blue pigments; different associations of these elements were found and correlated with the chronology of the samples. The results…

mtDNA analysis of the human remains buried in the sarcophagus of Federico II

2005

Abstract The sarcophagus containing the remains of Federico II, located in the Cathedral of Palermo (Sicily, Italy), was opened on 1998 to perform a multidisciplinary survey [1]. Next to the remains of Federico II and in close contact with them were laying two other skeletons belonging, according to historical records, to Pietro II di Aragona and to an anonymous person (“The Third Individual”), probably a woman. The bones appeared severely deteriorated. Chemical analysis performed on bone samples excluded that the bodies underwent some kind of embalming process. The analysis of mtDNA from bone samples taken from the three skeletons was successful in only one of the two labs involved. The HV…

The “recipe” of the stucco sculptures of Giacomo Serpotta

2002

Abstract Mineralogical and chemical data (organic) of some representative samples collected from stucco-works by the famous Sicilian sculptor Giacomo Serpotta (Palermo, 1656–1732) have been combined with the aim of ascertaining their manufacture technology in the light of local historical sources. A complete correspondence between samples belonging to the “Victory” statue (1723) and the S.S. Rosario oratory (1685–1689) as regards stratigraphy, mineralogy of sand aggregate, composition of binder matrix, and nature and concentrations of organic additives is pointed out. Considering that the studied works of art cover more than 35 years of the artist’s activity, it is consequential to think of…

Efficacy, Efficiency … and Stability of Intergenerational Programs?

2011

Aging Societies and Intergenerational Solidarity

2010

Due to an increased life expectancy—more people over 65 years old and never before seen numbers of older adults above 85—all countries around the world are nowadays facing rapid demographic changes...

Custodial Grandparents: The State of the Art and the Many Faces of this Contribution

2009

The number of grandparent-headed households has been growing steadily since the early seventies, and an even larger increase has been experienced by the number of children reared by their grandpare...

Editorial and Introduction

2010

The steady decline in total fertility rates for all European Union (EU) countries since the 1970s combined with a steady increase in longevity has resulted in the maturing of European populations (...

Deep learning to detect built cultural heritage from satellite imagery. - Spatial distribution and size of vernacular houses in Sumba, Indonesia -

2021

Abstract In Sumba Island – Indonesia, the implantation of vernacular houses, inside and outside traditional villages, is considered to be an efficient proxy for the on-going complex cultural transformations resulting from globalization. This study presents an easily reproducible workflow allowing buildings to be automatically detected from satellite imagery, demonstrating how modern computer vision methods based on deep learning can help in this task, which would be far too time-consuming when undertaken by hand. Eight deep learning architectures based on convolutional neural networks were compared in terms of ability to identify and locate precisely traditional houses from satellite images…

Documenting carved stones from 3D models. Part II - Ambient occlusion to reveal carved parts.

2021

10 pages; International audience; Revealing carved parts in rock art is of primary importance and remains a major challenge for archaeological documentation. Computational geometry applied to 3D imaging provides a unique opportunity to document rock art. This study evaluates five algorithms and derivatives used to compute ambient occlusion and sky visibility on 3D models of Mongolian stelae, also known as deer stones. By contrast with the previous companion work, models are processed directly in 3D, without preliminary projection. Volumetric obscurance gives the best results for the identification of carved figures. The effects of model resolution and parameters specific to ambient occlusio…

Exotic insect pests: The impact of the Red Palm Weevil on natural and cultural heritage in Palermo (Italy)

2013

Abstract The impact of invasive exotic pests is increasingly recognised as a global issue. A global strategy to address the exotic pest problem is beginning to evolve, albeit slowly. The International Plant Protection Convention (FAO) has begun the process of harmonizing standards for pest risk analysis to minimise the spread of exotic pests without adversely impacting global trade. However if the impacts of insect invasive species on human health and on agriculture have attracted worldwide attention, researchers and policymakers address directly the connection between invasive species and damage to natural and cultural heritages. The cost of these losses is generally neglected or underesti…