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Page 18 of 977 Results 171 - 180 of 9762

Lorenzo Pistorino, Francesco Caridi, Giuseppe Paladini, Pasquale Faenza, Domenico Majolino, Valentina Venuti
Multi-Technique Characterization of Mural Paintings at the Santa Maria Gratia Plena Church in Bruzzano Vetere (Calabria, Southern Italy)

In this study, a multi-technique analytical approach involving X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy and Micro-Raman Scattering (MRS) was applied to investigate the mural paintings of the Santa Maria Gratia Plena Church, integrated into the medieval fortress of Bruzzano Vetere (Calabria, Italy). The study was aimed at assessing, on one hand, the composition of the pigmenting agents and raw materials used for the realization of the investigated artworks and, on the other hand, at evaluating the degradation processes affecting the painted surfaces and any possible undocumented restoration interventions. The results of such a multidisciplinary approach, which involved the integration of data from different surveys, contribute to a more complete understanding of the state of conservation of the paintings, and offer a scientific basis for future conservation and restoration efforts aimed at preserving and maintaining this historically significant yet currently abandoned site.

Giuseppe Paladini, Francesco Caridi, Domenico Majolino, Gabriele Lando, Paola Cardiano, Valentina Venuti
In-situ investigation of mortar fragments from the theatre of the archaeological area of Tindari (Sicily, Italy) through DRIFT and μ-Raman techniques

We report here a multi-technique study by Diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) and μ-Raman spectroscopy aimed at the molecular characterization of three mortar fragments from the theatre of the archaeological area of Tindari (Sicily, Italy). The assessment of the main mineralogical phases allowed us to recognize ancient raw materials and modern compounds, obtaining useful information, other than relative to the manufacturing process, in view of future restorations to be planned.

Marco Sfacteria, Stefania Tuccinardi, Marta Venuti
An integrated approach to the study of the architectural features of the theatre of Tyndaris

The ancient theatre of Tindari, located in the southeastern sector of the ancient city, is adapted to a particularly narrow and steep hillside morphology, which necessitated hybrid construction solutions. This study aims to clarify the construction techniques, structural adaptations, and subsequent transformations of the koilon, addressing the gap in understanding the functional and structural role of the theatre’s earth-retaining and annular corridor. To achieve this, archaeometric analyses of mortars are combined with geomorphological assessment. The cavea, partially carved into the natural rock, is completed by artificial earth fill supported by massive analemma walls, particularly at the outermost sections. The discontinuity of the bedrock and the transverse structural thrusts have caused deterioration phenomena and localized collapses since antiquity. The study demonstrates that the annular corridor and podium, previously interpreted primarily in functional terms, played a decisive structural role. These findings provide a basis for informed conservation strategies and highlight the original contribution of this research in reevaluating the theatre’s construction logic and structural behavior.

Alessandro De Rosa, Marco Morelli, Marco Masi, Alessio Cimmino, Andrea Carpentieri, Gaia Marzia Silvestre, Antonino Pollio, Paola Cennamo
Practical solutions to the biodeterioration dilemma: activity of Dittrichia viscosa extracts and its specialized metabolites on standard organism Raphidocelis subcapitata

Biodeterioration caused by microorganisms is among the most pressing challenges in the conservation of outdoor stone heritage. In the search for sustainable solutions, the application of plant-extracted bioactive compounds has been gaining increasing attention. This study investigates the biocidal potential of extracts from Dittrichia viscosa, a ruderal Mediterranean plant rich in antibiotic and allelopathic compounds. Crude extracts were obtained using solvents of increasing polarity and characterized via NMR and GC-MS to identify major bioactive constituents. Four sesquiterpenoids—α-costic acid and inuloxins A, B and C—were identified as the most promising in terms of biocidal activity and contextually isolated and tested on pure cultures of the green alga Raphidocelis subcapitata. Inuloxin A and C significantly reduced algal growth in a dose-responsive manner, while α-costic acid and inuloxin B showed no inhibitory effect. These findings confirm the biocidal effectiveness of these specialized metabolites and support their potential future application in the treatment of biological patinas.

Giuseppe Paladini, Francesco Caridi, Domenico Majolino, Lorenzo Pistorino, Paola Cardiano, Alessandra De Caro, Gloria Bonanno, Arcangela Valenti, Enza Anna Passerini, Giuseppe Sampino, Valentina Venuti
Spectroscopic Investigation of a 17th-Century Illuminated Parchment from S. Maria di Montalto Church (Messina, Italy)

In this paper, a combined approach involving X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy, micro-Raman spectroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy in Attenuated Total Reflectance geometry (FTIR-ATR), was employed to characterize, both at elemental and molecular scales, the raw materials and pigmenting agents used for the realization/decoration of a 17th-century illuminated parchment belonging to the S. Maria di Montalto Church (Messina, Italy). In particular, the analysis of both blank and decorated areas allowed for the identification of original materials and later additions, as well as degradation patterns affecting the parchment surface. Notably, the obtained results represent a fundamental step toward the development of targeted, minimally invasive conservation strategies, aimed at ensuring the long-term preservation of this important historical object.

Bianca Irene Carnesale, Giacomo Biondi, Mario Colella, Federica Giacobello, Letizia Bonizzoni
Characterization of two vases from Centuripe

This study presents the analysis of two Centuripe lekanides currently held in two northern Italian museum collections, both lacking a documented archaeological context. The investigation, planned in the frame of the exhibition “Color and Mystery” at the Archaeological Museum of Milan, aimed to verify the authenticity of the artifacts through the integration of non-invasive diagnostic techniques, particularly X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and multispectral imaging. XRF analysis enabled the identification of chemical elements in the decorative pigments, allowing hypotheses on the nature of some materials, such as Egyptian blue, red and yellow ochre, lead white and gypsum, as well as revealing traces of restoration and possible modern retouching. Digital microscope observations provided enhanced visualization of pigment distribution and surface details. The combined use of these techniques allowed for a more in-depth characterization of the painted surfaces, contributing to the historical and artistic understanding of the artifacts and providing useful data for broader reflections on authenticity and Centuripe ceramic production.

Islam Shaheen, Nagmeldeen Hamza, Mohamed Ragab
Analyzing and studying Ancient Polychrome Surfaces Using Advanced Imaging Techniques: Tracing Original Composition to Modern Intervention

This research integrates advanced imaging technologies to enhance the documentation and analysis of polychrome cultural artifacts. By combining Multispectral Imaging (MSI) and Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI), it introduces innovative, non-invasive methods for examining pigments, surface details, and hidden features. The study focuses on objects from the Grand Egyptian Museum, including 21st Dynasty cartonnage and a Late Period polychrome coffin lid. MSI enables pigment mapping and the identification of materials such as Egyptian blue and wax, while RTI captures fine surface features, helping to distinguish original from restored areas. Thirteen techniques were tested to evaluate the combined MSI-RTI workflow, generating data to support conservation decisions and revealing insights into historical artistic practices. MSI offers a fast, cost-effective tool for pigment analysis, while RTI adds depth through detailed surface geometry. This work contributes to heritage science by equipping conservators with a reliable digital framework for analyzing, interpreting, and preserving polychrome museum artifacts.

Antonio Faggiano, Sara Carbone, Chiara Gallo, Oriana Motta, Carmine Napoli, Eduardo Caliano, Antonino Fiorentino, Enza Cobalto, Maria Ricciardi, Antonio Proto
In situ non-invasive analyses of the painting “Cristo in Trono” (Amalfi, SA, Italy)

In the field of cultural heritage, the use of non-invasive techniques is fundamental for assessing the state of conservation of works of art and identifying the correct strategies for their preservation. The present study regards a preliminary investigation of the painting “Cristo in Trono” (Amalfi, SA, Italy). Non-invasive and portable analytical techniques, such as X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), infrared reflectography (IR-R) and ultraviolet fluorescence (UVF) were used. The XRF measurements revealed the use of some precious pigments such as lapis lazuli and cinnabar, whereas IR-R allows to evidence many restoration interventions confirming the possibility of strong degradation of the painting. This multi-analytical approach provides a first screening of the state of conservation of the pictorial layer of this painting to suggest deeper diagnostic investigations, useful for future restorations.

Margherita Giuffrè, Francesco Fazzio
Planning tools for historic centres reconstruction. An overview of Central Italy 2016 earthquake

This contribution aims to discuss about the role of urban planning for the recovery of the urban historical heritage, summarizing a research in progress concerning the reconstruction process after the Central Italy 2016 earthquake. A synthetic comparison between recent Italian earthquakes is presented, analysing weakness and strength of different strategies for historic centres recovery. Several tools and consolidated knowledge are available, but at the same time the attention paid to a tighter integration between safety and conservation of built heritage seems to be not so developed yet. A glance on last reconstruction choices reveals the opportunity to develop more effective strategies for historic centres and built environment according to a clear vision about recovery goals.

Gianmarco Pireneo, Francesco Fabbrocino, Carlo Olivieri, Andrea Miano, Hamidreza Alavi
Digital Twin for Railway Infrastructure and Historic Stations: State of the Art, Technological Architecture, and Development Perspectives

In recent years, Digital Twins (DTs) have emerged as a key element in the digitalization of railway infrastructure. This review article analyzes the main enabling technologies, operational challenges, and applications of DTs in the railway sector. The integration of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) surveys, deep learning algorithms, Building Information Modelling (BIM) models, IoT sensors, and collaborative platforms enables the creation of dynamic digital twins, useful for monitoring, predictive maintenance, and optimization. However, critical issues remain, including the quality of point clouds, the management of heterogeneous data, and the lack of shared standards. The study identifies major research gaps, such as the need for annotated datasets, more robust AI models, and interoperable frameworks. In conclusion, DTs offer significant potential in terms of efficiency, safety, and sustainability, but bridging the gap between current technologies and their full-scale operational implementation is still necessary.

Page 18 of 977 Results 171 - 180 of 9762