Search results for "Finance"
showing 10 items of 4676 documents
Different methods for soluble salt removal tested on late-Roman cooking ware from a submarine excavation at the island of Pantelleria (Sicily, Italy)
2014
Abstract This paper deals with the comparative evaluation of different procedures of salt extraction designed for archaeological ceramics from submarine burial environments. The experimental work was carried out on a particular type of late-Roman cooking ware finds (Pantellerian ware) found in a shipwreck near the shoreline of the Island of Pantelleria (Sicily). The studied ceramic test-pieces were first recognised in terms of bulk characteristics (mineralogy, petrography and chemistry). SEM-EDS observation allowed verification of the presence of various secondary minerals at the surface and in the pore spaces formed after the prolonged permanence in seawater under oxidising or reducing con…
Consolidation and protection by nanolime: recent advances for the conservation of the graffiti, Carceri dello Steri Palermo and of the 18th century l…
2014
Abstract Nanolime dispersed in 2-propanol was extensively used for the consolidation of wall paintings. The knowledge of the advances of this methodology dealing with all the possible effects associated with the nanolime new material in conservation is fundamental to assess and improve the technique. In this paper, four different dispersions of Ca(OH) 2 nanoparticles were characterised by Small Angle X-rays Scattering technique (SAXS) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) in order to achieve information on size, shape, polydispersity, agglomeration, and crystal structure (by SAED patterns) of the particles. Once characterised, the dispersions were tested in two different case studies, …
Characterization of Iranian Moarraque glazes by light microscopy, SEM-EDX and voltammetry of microparticles
2008
Abstract Glazed ceramics have been traditionally used in Iran for decorating mosques and some civil historical buildings. In particular, Moarraque glazes have been extensively used in the indoor and outdoor decoration of mosques in Iran since the middle 14th century. The pieces have a complex elaboration based on a main glazed piece corresponding to the skeleton structure of the Shah Abbasi flower, which contains a number of holes, where are placed, mosaic-like, smaller glazed pieces forming a compact and single tile. The present work describes the analytical study performed on the glazes of several pieces of Moarraque tiles from the Ali Ebn Abi Taleb Mosque (Esfahan, Iran), which date back…
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…
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…
Erratum to “Exotic insect pests: The impact of the Red Palm Weevil on natural and cultural heritage in Palermo (Italy)” [J. Cult. Herit. 14 (3S) (201…
2014
The correct caption for Figure 4 is: Palm groves with Phoenix canariensis palm trees: (a) Cittadella Universitaria (photo already published n S. Colazza, G. Filardo, A. Motisi, G. Barbera 2009. Il campo sperimentale del “giardinetto delle palme” dell’Ateneo palermitano di viale elle Scienze. In La ricerca scientifica sul punteruolo rosso e gli altri fitofagi delle palme in sicilia. (pp. 21–24). Marsala TP: Regione Siciliana ssessorato Agricoltura e Foreste and (b) Palm promenade in Foro Italico; only one palm is present.