bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Performance across Three Directional Hearing Aids
Authors: Ricketts Todd , Dhar Sumit
Published: April 2022

This study compared the speech recognition performance of 12 hearing-impaired listeners fit with three commercially available behind-the-ear hearing aids in both directional and omnidirectional modes. One digitally programmable analog and two "true digital" hearing aids were selected as test instruments. Testing was completed in both "living room" and anechoic room environments. Speech recognition was examined using modified forms of the Hearing in Noise Test and the Nonsense Syllable Test. The single competing stimuli of these tests were replaced with five uncorrelated competing sources. Results revealed a significant speech recognition in noise advantage for all directional hearing aids in comparison to their omnidirectional counterparts. Maximum performance of the directional hearing aids did not significantly vary across circuit type, suggesting that processing differences did not affect maximum directional hearing aid performance. In addition, the results suggest that performance in one reverberant environment cannot be used to accurately predict performance in an environment with differing reverberation.

Abbreviations: A = Phonak Piconet P2 AZ™ omnidirectional; AD = Phonak Piconet P2 AZ™ directional; BTE = behind the ear; HINT = Hearing in Noise Test; KEMAR = Knowles Electronics Manikin for Acoustic Research; NST = Nonsense Syllable Test; Ρ = Siemens Prisma omnidirectional; PD = Siemens PrismaTM directional; PV = Siemens Prisma omnidirectional with maximum VAD; S = Widex Senso™ omnidirectional; SD = Widex Senso directional; SNR = signal-to-noise ratio; TD = threshold of discomfort; VAD = voice activity detector; WDRC = wide dynamic range compression
Hearing-aid-processed Tone Pips: Electroacoustic and ABR Characteristics
Authors: Brown Eugene , Klein Alan J. , Snydee Kimberly A.
Published: April 2022

The auditory brainstem response (ABR) recorded while wearing a hearing aid may supply supplemental information about the benefit and appropriateness of the hearing aid for certain infants. The purposes of this study were (1) to determine the effects of different output limiting circuits on the acoustics of tone-pip stimuli used for ABR recordings and (2) assess how changes in hearing-aid-processed stimuli affect ABR characteristics. Electroacoustic input/output functions to tone-pip stimuli were constructed for three different output limiting circuits (wide dynamic range compression, output compression, and linear with peak clipping) available in a programmable hearing aid. Wave V latency and amplitude functions were then measured to the same stimuli and hearing aid settings in five normal-hearing adults. Electroacoustic results showed that none of the output limiting circuits, including linear peak clipping, were effectively activated by tone pips compared to the hearing aid performance to continuous tones. Aided wave V latency and amplitude functions were asymptotic to high stimulus levels, suggesting that cochlear output was in saturation.

Abbreviations: ABR = auditory brainstem response, I/O = input/output, MPO = maximum power output, OAE = otoacoustic emission, pe SPL = peak equivalent sound pressure level, SC = super compression, sPC = soft peak clipping, WDRC = wide dynamic range compression
Test-Retest Stability and Short-Term Habituation of the Ν1 and Gamma Band Response
Authors: Jacobson Gary P. , McCaslin Devin L. , Smith Brien , Elisevich Kost , Mishler Pamela
Published: April 2022

The gamma band response (GBR) is an exogenous, cortically generated, event-related potential that occurs between 20– and 170–msec post-stimulus onset. The auditory GBR is superimposed on the transient evoked middle and long latency cortical auditory evoked potentials and demonstrates a peak spectral frequency between 30 and 40 Hz. The present investigations were conducted to evaluate the test-retest stability and short-term habituation of the GBR. Both the GBR and N1 were recorded from six normal-hearing, neurologically intact subjects (Investigation 1, test-retest stability) and two subjects with intractable epilepsy with implanted subdural electrode grid arrays (Investigation 2, short-term habituation characteristics). For Investigation 1, the test-retest interval was 1 month. For Investigation 2,300 samples were acquired per stimulus block (a 10-minute interval) and then subaveraged in blocks of 25 to 50 samples each. Results suggest that (1) like N1
, the GBR shows high repeatability (qualitative) and test-retest stability (quantitative) and (2) the GBR does not demonstrate evidence of short-term habituation.

Abbreviations: aeGBR = auditory evoked gamma band magnetic field; aeGBP = auditory evoked gamma band potential; AEP = auditory evoked potential; ECD = equivalent current dipole; GBR = gamma band response; ISI = interstimulus interval; MEG = magnetoencephalography; MRI = magnetic resonance imaging; N1 = N1 component of the long latency response
Should EU member states help each other? How the national context shapes individual preferences for European solidarity
Authors: Mariotto Camilla , Pellegata Alessandro
Published: April 2022

With the outbreak of the Eurozone crisis, the idea of providing cross-national financial transfers to countries in economic and financial difficulties has exacerbated the political divide between EU member states with strong macroeconomic performances, which were only weakly hit by the crisis, and the countries of the Eurozone periphery that struggled with a harsh economic downturn. This paper aims to explain which factors drive public support for cross-national solidarity within and across countries. We argue that the national context in which citizens live affects their preferences for providing financial help to other European countries, and moderates the role played by subjective egotropic and sociotropic economic concerns, ideological predispositions, and Eurosceptic vote choices in shaping public support for European solidarity. Using the original REScEU 2016 survey, we find that subjective economic motivations provide a limited contribution in explaining support for European solidarity, and almost only in countries weakly hit by the crisis. On the contrary, left–right positions, and especially Eurosceptic vote choices, strongly polarize preferences for EU financial assistance, both within and across countries with voters from Eurosceptic parties more(less) likely to support European solidarity in countries strongly(weakly) hit by the Eurozone crisis.
Dutch perspectives on the conceptual and moral qualification of human embryo-like structures: a qualitative study
Authors: Pereira Daoud Ana M. , Dondorp Wybo J. , Bredenoord Annelien L. , de Wert Guido M. W. R.
Published: April 2022

The number of publications on the governance of research with human embryo-like structures (hELS), i.e., 3D aggregates of human (induced) pluripotent stem cells made to model early human development, is growing rapidly. Public involvement is called for in many of these publications, but studies on public perspectives towards this emerging field remain lacking due to its novelty. To reduce the gap in the literature and contribute to the ongoing scholarly debate, we conducted interviews with Dutch lay citizens, health law and health care professionals, and interviewees reasoning from prominent worldviews in the Netherlands. This article reports on these participants’ views about the conceptual and moral qualification of hELS. With regard to the conceptual qualification of hELS, participants believed it should provide a shorthand for their (dis)similarity to human embryos, but differences remained with regard to the features upon which this (dis)similarity should be based. With regard to the moral qualification of hELS, participants believed this should depend on whether or not hELS possessed the features they considered morally relevant, among which those associated with sentience and a potential for continuous human development. Taken together, these findings align well with the arguments and positions traditionally found in related ethical debates and the recently proposed recommendations for the governance of research with hELS specifically. As such, they may also help allay concerns about lay publics not being able to meaningfully participate in debates about the ethical ramifications of (novel) scientific developments.
A racial bias test with tertiary cancer centre employees: why anti-racist measures are required for First Nations Australians cancer care equity
Authors: D’Costa I. , Hunt I. , Russell L. , Adams K.
Published: April 2022

Objective To examine implicit bias in employees at a cancer centre using an Australian race (Aboriginal–white) Implicit Association Test (IAT), in an attempt to understand a potential factor for inequitable outcomes of First Nations Australians cancer patients. Methods All employees at an Australian cancer centre were invited to take part in a web-based, cross-sectional study using an Australian race IAT. The results were analysed using Welch t-tests, linear regression and ANOVA. Results Overall, 538/2871 participants (19%) completed the IAT between January and June 2020. The mean IAT was 0.147 (s.d. 0.43, P < 0.001, 95% CI 0.11–0.18), and 60% had a preference for white over First Nations Australians. There was no significant mean difference in IAT scores between sub-groups of gender, age or clinical/non-clinical employees. 21% of employees (95% CI 17.65–24.53) had moderate to strong preference for white over First Nations Australians, compared to 7.1% with moderate to strong preference for First Nations over white Australians (95% CI 5.01–9.09). Conclusions Inequitable cancer survival for First Nations patients has been well established and cancer is now the leading cause of mortality. This paper documents the presence of racial bias in employees at one cancer centre. We argue that this cannot be understood outside the history of colonialism and its effects on First Nations Australians, healthcare workers and our society. Further research is required to evaluate measures of racism, its effect on health care, and how to eliminate it.
Neurosyphilis presenting as new onset refractory status epilepticus: one of the multifarious faces of a great imitator
Authors: Ruiz-Gaviria Rafael , Villarin Lilia Gutierrez , Ross Robert , Janani Crystal
Published: April 2022

Background Neurosyphilis can present in a myriad of ways, making the suspicion and diagnosis of this disease a great challenge for the clinician. Methods We present a case of a 54-year-old patient who initially presented with cognitive changes and was eventually found to have new onset refractory status epilepticus. Results Neurosyphilis is still a frequent entity nowadays, with involvement of both HIV positive and negative patients. Conclusion The presentation with new onset status epilepticus is rare and uncommon for neurosyphilis; however, its early identification and treatment could prevent further morbidity and mortality.
Socioeconomic, behavioural and health factors associated with chlamydia testing in sexually active young women: an Australian observational cohort study
Authors: Wilson Louise Forsyth , Dobson Annette Jane , Doust Jenny , Mishra Gita Devi
Published: April 2022

Background Chlamydia trachomatis is the most frequently notified sexually transmitted infection in Australia. Untreated infections in women can cause health problems. Professional guidelines encourage opportunistic testing of young people. To increase understanding of who is being tested, we investigated factors associated with testing in a population of young women. Methods In total, 14 002 sexually active women, aged 18–23 years at baseline (2013), from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health, were included. We used random intercepts, mixed-effects binary logistic regression with robust standard errors to assess associations between socioeconomic, health and behavioural factors and chlamydia testing. Results Associations between chlamydia testing and partner status varied by a woman’s body mass index (BMI). Compared to women with a stable partner/BMI <25 kg/m2, women with a stable partner/BMI ≥25 kg/m2 were less likely to be tested (adjusted odds ratios [AOR] = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.71–0.88). In contrast, although women without a partner were more likely to be tested irrespective of BMI, the odds were higher for those with a BMI <25 kg/m2 (AOR = 2.68, 95% CI: 2.44–2.94) than a BMI ≥25 kg/m2 (AOR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.48–1.84). Women who reported a prior chlamydia infection were also more likely to be tested (AOR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.83–2.20), as were women engaging in any combination of cannabis use and/or heavy episodic drinking compared to doing neither of these activities. Conclusions Women without a partner, women with a prior chlamydia infection and those engaging in risk-taking behaviours are more likely to have chlamydia testing. Additional research is needed to understand whether there are deficits in testing among overweight/obese women.
An antagonistic pleiotropic gene regulates the reproduction and longevity tradeoff
Authors: Wu Dou , Wang Zi , Huang Jingying , Huang Liang , Zhang Songbo , Zhao Ruixue , Li Wei , Chen Di , Ou Guangshuo
Published: April 2022

Significance

Antagonistic pleiotropy (AP) is a prevailing theory of the evolution of aging; however, it lacks direct experimental evidence at an individual gene level. We performed unbiased translatome analyses of
Caenorhabditis elegans
recovering from starvation and identified that the
trl-1
gene hidden in a pseudogene generates proteinaceous products upon refeeding. Compared with wild-type animals,
trl-1
mutants increased brood sizes, shortened the animals’ lifespan, and specifically impaired germline deficiency–induced longevity. The TRL-1 protein undergoes liquid–liquid phase separation, through which TRL-1 granules recruit vitellogenin messenger RNA and inhibit its translation. These results provide evidence that
trl-1
regulates the reproduction–longevity tradeoff by optimizing nutrient production for the next generation, thereby supporting the AP theory of aging at the single-gene level.
Real-world statistics at two timescales and a mechanism for infant learning of object names
Authors: Clerkin Elizabeth M. , Smith Linda B.
Published: April 2022

Significance

Infants learn mappings between heard names and seen things before their first birthday and before they produce spoken language. Two challenges to explaining this early learning are the immaturity of infant memory systems and the infrequency of any individual object name in the heard language input. We quantified the frequency of visual referents, heard names, and the cooccurrences of referents and names in infant everyday experiences. We discovered statistical patterns at two timescales that align with a cortical mechanism of associative memory formation that supports the rapid formation of durable associative memories from very few experienced cooccurrences.
A spintronic memristive circuit on the optimized RBF-MLP neural network
Authors: Ge Yuan , Li Jie , Jiang Wenwu , Wang Lidan , Duan Shukai
Published: April 2022

A radial basis function network (RBF) has excellent generalization ability and approximation accuracy when its parameters are set appropriately. However, when relying only on traditional methods, it is difficult to obtain optimal network parameters and construct a stable model as well. In view of this, a novel radial basis neural network (RBF-MLP) is proposed in this article. By connecting two networks to work cooperatively, the RBF’s parameters can be adjusted adaptively by the structure of the multi-layer perceptron (MLP) to realize the effect of the backpropagation updating error. Furthermore, a genetic algorithm is used to optimize the network’s hidden layer to confirm the optimal neurons (basis function) number automatically. In addition, a memristive circuit model is proposed to realize the neural network’s operation based on the characteristics of spin memristors. It is verified that the network can adaptively construct a network model with outstanding robustness and can stably achieve 98.33% accuracy in the processing of the Modified National Institute of Standards and Technology (MNIST) dataset classification task. The experimental results show that the method has considerable application value.
An improved lumped parameter model predicting attenuation of earmuff with air leakage
Authors: Zhong Xu , Chen Zhe , Zhang Dong
Published: April 2022

Since air leakage is inevitable when earmuffs are worn improperly or together with safety glasses in factory or military, it is required to be considered to accurately predict earmuff attenuation. Besides unwanted air leakage, under controlled air leakage is introduced to earmuff to achieve adjustable attenuations in different signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) and balance between attenuation and speech intelligibility. This work is to develop an improved lumped parameter model (LPM) to predict earmuff attenuation with consideration of air leakage. Air leakage paths are introduced into conventional LPM without air leakage, and air leakage path impedance is analytically described by Maa’s microperforated tube impedance. Earmuff passive attenuation behavior can be analytically described and analyzed with the improved LPM. Finally, the validity of improved LPM is verified experimentally. The results indicate that the improved LPM can predict earmuff attenuation with air leakage, and air leakage deteriorates earmuff attenuation and turns resonance frequency higher.
Designing a P2-type cathode material with Li in both Na and transition metal layers for Na-ion batteries
Authors: Gao Jianxiang , Sun Kai , Guo Hao , Li Zhengyao , Wang Jianlin , Ma Xiaobai , Bai Xuedong , Chen Dongfeng
Published: April 2022

P2-type layered oxides have been considered as promising cathode materials for Na-ion batteries, but the capacity decay resulting from the Na+/vacancy ordering and phase transformation limits their future large-scale applications. Herein, the impact of Li-doping in different layers on the structure and electrochemical performance of P2-type Na0.7Ni0.35Mn0.65O2 is investigated. It can be found that Li ions successfully enter both the Na and transition metal layers. The strategy of Li-doping can improve the cycling stability and rate capability of P2-type layered oxides, which promotes the development of high-performance Na-ion batteries.
Influence of the lattice parameter of the AlN buffer layer on the stress state of GaN film grown on (111) Si
Authors: Zhang Zhen-Zhuo , Yang Jing , Zhao De-Gang , Liang Feng , Chen Ping , Liu Zong-Shun
Published: April 2022

GaN films grown on (111) Si substrate with different lattice parameters of the AlN buffer layer by metal–organic chemical vapor deposition are studied. The stress states obtained by different test methods are compared and it is found that the lattice parameter of the AlN buffer layer may have a significant effect on the stress state in the initial stage of subsequent GaN film growth. A larger compressive stress is beneficial to improved surface morphology and crystal quality of GaN film. The results of further orthogonal experiments show that an important factor affecting the lattice parameter is the growth rate of the AlN buffer layer. This work may be helpful for realizing simple GaN-on-Si structures and thus reducing the costs of growth processes.
Multiple collisions in crystal high-order harmonic generation
Authors: Tang Dong , Bian Xue-Bin
Published: April 2022

We theoretically investigate high-order harmonic generation (HHG) in crystals induced by linearly polarized laser fields. We obtain the HHG spectra by solving the semiconductor Bloch equations and analyze the radiation process by different models. Here we propose a multiple collision model, in which the electrons and holes are produced at different times and places. It is found that the multiple collision trajectories can help us comprehensively and better explain the results of the quantum calculation. Moreover, we find that the harmonic suppression occurs due to the overlap of multiple collision trajectories.
Anisotropic plasmon dispersion and damping in multilayer 8-Pmmn borophene structures
Authors: Liu Kejian , Li Jian , Li Qing-Xu , Zhu Jia-Ji
Published: April 2022

We investigate the collective plasma oscillations theoretically in multilayer 8-Pmmn borophene structures, where the tilted Dirac electrons in spatially separated layers are coupled via the Coulomb interaction. We calculate the energy dispersions and Landau dampings of the multilayer plasmon excitations as a function of the total number of layers, the interlayer separation, and the different orientations. Like multilayer graphene, the plasmon spectrum in multilayer borophene consists of one in-phase optical mode and N – 1 out-of-phase acoustical modes. We show that the plasmon modes possess kinks at the boundary of the interband single-particle continuum and the apparent anisotropic behavior. All the plasmon modes approach the same dispersion at a sufficiently large interlayer spacing in the short-wavelength limit. Especially along specific orientations, the optical mode could touch an energy maximum in the nondamping region, which shows non-monotonous behavior. Our work provides an understanding of the multilayer borophene plasmon and may pave the way for multilayer borophene-based plasmonic devices.
Non-destructive diagnosis of a hypogean mill
Authors: Carrozzo A. R. , De Giorgi L. , Leucci G. , Longhitano L.
Published: April 2022

The oil production in the “Terra d’Otranto” (the current provinces of Lecce, Brindisi, and Taranto) has accounted for about four centuries, the primary economic resource in the area. It happened in “places” known as the presses that have a constructive peculiarity, as they derived entirely within the bedrock calcarenite like “Lecce stone”, “carparo”. They were prevalent on the territory of the three provinces and are present both in urban centres and in the farms. These places, vivid and direct testimony of the rural civilization, are now at the centre of extensive restoration and enhancement work. Given the cultural heritage industry in all respects, the “oil mills” are inserted into the channels of the national roads Olive Oil, and Olive Oil Roads named n° six and n° seven (Adriatic and Ionian Antica Terra d’Otranto). The best solution is conservative reuse, even for the underground presses, as with all industrial archaeological heritage. In this case, new functions mean recovering the fine in its historical identity as a cultural centre to activate it as a place or insert it into a circuit in which the museum is faithfully reconstructed the ancient “art” of unique production processes. Here, we present the work carried out to recover, conserve and enhance the underground oil mill located in the centre of Maglie (LE). Right from the initial design stage, there was a close relationship between designers, researchers-CNR for diagnostics and the responsibility of the City of Maglie. After a detailed knowledge of historical material and construction of the hypogeal phenomenon, both a laser scanner and the non-invasive diagnosis by geophysical surveys were performed.
HBIM to recovery the trulli in Apulia (Southern Italy)
Authors: Delli Santi M.
Published: April 2022

This contribution describes an ongoing research conducted by the ISPC - CNR of Lecce, relating to the implementation of a project with BIM software and related to the recovery of n. 3 trulli located in Apulia in the countryside of Martina Franca (Taranto - Southern Italy). Research aimed at the restoration and related scheduled maintenance of the same.

HBIM (Historical or Heritage Building Information Modeling) is a process applied to existing buildings that increases the potential of the BIM method, extending its use to the creation of models of existing buildings. The technologies of digital photogrammetry and laser scanner detection are used to collect information in the HBIM, which also thanks to the possibility of associating geometric information with images, make it possible to obtain a virtual model faithful to reality. From the processing based on the survey data, we then move on to the creation of libraries with parametric objects that represent all the components of the artifact. The step to get to the true digitization of the model consists in the reconstruction of the BIM model of what was detected. In fact, from a three-dimensional surface that depicts the surveyed work it is necessary to create a parametric 3D model. Through the merger of the data, an HBIM model is thus constructed that contains all the information relating to the history of the building, from which the production of technical drawings, 3D documentation, sections, details and schedules will derive. In conclusion, the geometric models thus obtained, through the surveys, must constitute indexes of contents, with data that can be consulted regarding the history, technical characteristics of the individual components, the state of deterioration of the work, in short, a range of information, all included in the associated database, and therefore usable at multiple levels of interest.
Multianalytical approach to characterize composition and degradation processes of synthetic high-fashion textiles from the Nanni Strada Design Studio archives
Authors: Nacci T , Roversi D , Sabatini F , Degano I , Ferriani B , Strada N , Modugno F
Published: April 2022

Synthetic textiles are constituents of heritage objects and garments often displayed in museum collections or preserved in archives, presenting unprecedented and specific conservation challenges. These issues need to be addressed assessing degradation processes, and developing targeted restoration and preventive conservation practices. The present work aims at characterizing the composition of high fashion garments and design textiles by Nanni Strada conserved in the archives of Nanni Strada Design Studio (Milan). To identify the chemical composition of the fibers used for the manufacturing, and to investigate the degradation processes affecting the objects, the materials were investigated by Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), Evolved Gas Analysis coupled to Mass Spectrometry (EGA-MS), and multi-shot Pyrolysis coupled to Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). The results will contribute to a better knowledge of the chemical properties of the textiles produced in the 1970s, and to plan conservation and exhibition strategies.
Spectroscopic investigation on a XVII-XVIII century terracotta slab from Calabria, Southern Italy
Authors: Caridi F. , Acri G. , Paladini G. , Venuti V. , Crupi V. , Faenza P. , Majolino D.
Published: April 2022

In this paper the elemental composition of a XVII-XVIII century terracotta slab, preserved in the Gerhard Rohlfs Museum of the Calabrian Greek Language of Bova, Reggio Calabria, Southern Italy, was investigated through the X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopic technique. The investigation allowed us to detect elements closely related to the manufacture of the slab. In addition, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) statistical method was applied to experimental data in order to recognize the provenance of the artefact through a comparison with local clay materials collected from historical buildings of Bova.
Simulation and Fast vulnerability analysis of a Chinese masonry pagoda
Authors: Wang P , Milani G , Scuro C , Demarco F , Olivito R S , Li S
Published: April 2022

As an important historical relic of human being, masonry pagoda is the great significance in the eastern and western architectural cultures. Most of the existing masonry pagodas in China which have been seriously damaged urgently need detailed structural safety assessment, repair and reinforcement. The paper choose a Chinese masonry pagoda as a case, conducted a series simulation analysis with Abauqs. Through numerical simulation, the seismic performance of the pagoda can be evaluated, which can not only predict the hidden danger and weak link in its structure, but also provide useful reference for the reinforcement and repair of the pagoda. It also adopts a very convenient 3D CAD method to quickly assess the seismic vulnerability of existing masonry pagoda according the reference.
A novel fast and low-cost masonry monitoring strategy and application on arches
Authors: Stockdale Gabriel , Yuan Yu , Milani Gabriele
Published: April 2022

This work proposes a novel non-destructive, vision-based measurement strategy to identify and quantify mechanical deformations between rigid blocks. First the possible motions between two rigid blocks were identified and measured, under the application of a perpendicular, parallel and symmetrical 4x4 point grid around the masonry joint line. Repeated calculations of lengths, dot products, and right triangles improved the precision of measurements through redundancy. Then, this method was verified via photographic images with defined deformation and 2D holography, showing good adaptability and precision. Finally, this strategy was performed to a video recording of an arch under tilting test until failure. With the dimensions of the points grid being the only known parameter, the mechanical joint, the type of rigid block motion, the failure point and the rotation angle were successfully determined.
Warscape biography: from historical air-photos to Lidar data. The revealing of the Great War’s permanences on the contemporary landscapes.
Authors: Aldrighettoni Joel , Quendolo Alessandra
Published: April 2022

One hundred years ago, the European landscape was radically transformed by a complex and articulated set of fortified works built in anticipation of the Great War and the “signs of destruction” inflicted on the territories by the conflict itself. These vestiges, recognized as “material goods having a value of civilization”, today are characterized by different degrees of permanence that make it very difficult to read and recognize them. In response to the awareness of the “risk of loss” of this tangible heritage, and consequently of our “possibility of memory”, this essay proposes a methodological path useful to face, at different scales, the theme of the recognition of what remains of the tangible impact that the Great War had on the European landscape, in order to understand better how to “take care of it” in the future. Inserting itself in the wake of the line of research already known as “Archaeology of the Great War”, the research carried out recognizes the heritage of vestiges, visible but also “submerged”, as a wide and “deep” information basin to be investigated and known through the diachronic comparison of different documentary sources and current territorial datasets. This method is based on the wide potential offered by GIS software. It aims to reconstruct the biography of the different warscapes by integrating the study of vintage military aerial photographs, properly geo-referenced, with the different uses and land cover, past and present, to precisely map the different degrees of impact the conflict has had on different territorial areas. Finally, in the areas with a higher Impact Factor, through the contribution of some specific visualizations of LIDAR (Sky-view Factor and Multihillshading Visualization), it was possible to reveal the actual permanence of the imprint of war still imprinted on the morphology of the contemporary landscape.
A method to improve the color rendering accuracy in cultural heritage: preliminary results
Authors: Allegra D , Furnari G , Gargano S , Gueli A , Parisi S , Pasquale S , Stanco F , Stella G
Published: April 2022

Color specification is an important challenge in many application domains including Cultural Heritage. The collection of metadata concerning Cultural Heritage involves the valorization, fruition and becomes part of the conservation process. It becomes essential to find methods that simplify and optimize the acquisition of such data as color information. In this regard, in this work we present the preliminary results of a project that involves the acquisition by 3D scanner of samples of different colors placed in a controlled environment and with different illumination conditions. To make more accurate the color rendering, the color coordinates of each sample were measured by a spectrophotometer. All the obtained measurements become part of a dataset with which to train a machine learning model that learns how to perform the transformation from the RGB to the CIELab color space in different lighting condition.
Real-time detection of salts content in waterlogged archaeological wood by evanescent field dielectrometry (EFD): preliminary results
Authors: Longo S. , Fazio E. , Pizzo B. , Riminesi C.
Published: April 2022

Monitoring moisture content and detecting the presence of soluble salts in archaeological waterlogged wood remains is a key issue for their conservation. Evanescent field dielectrometry (EFD), originally applied to frescoes and mural painting investigation is proposed as a novel tool for the real-time detection of soluble salts inside waterlogged wood samples. Preliminary measurements on archaeological samples from Denmark were performed to provide the basis for on-site monitoring of the rinse process required before consolidation treatment.
Ghost Village Revival: research and revitalization process of demolished historical settlement in Upper Lusatia, Poland
Authors: Żmudzińska-Nowak Magdalena , Rdzawska-Augustin Elżbieta , Steidl Tomasz
Published: April 2022

The paper concerns the area of a historic village named Wigancice (formerly Weigsdorf) in Lusatia, on the Polish-Czech-German border. The village has been completely displaced and demolished in the 1990s as a result of mining activity of the nearby Turów Coal Mine. That unprecedented destruction of cultural heritage has led to liquidation of hundreds of historical wooden houses typical for Upper Lusatia region. Currently a community of former village inhabitants, spread out in different places of Poland, supported by social, institutional and academic partners, has triggered the process of revitalizing the area. They deeply believe that the value of their little homeland” is possible to be revived. The project of the concept of revitalization of the rural area includes the area digital survey and 3D modeling, conservation research and examination, as well as formulation of guidelines for the further concept. The project has been developed using digital techniques and tools with the broad support of traditional methods like archive studies, comparative analysis, typology, etc., and also interviews with the local experts and former inhabitants (the oral history).
Proximity Remote Sensing: Preliminary Results At The Batia Church (Tortorici, Sicily)
Authors: D’Amico S. , Colica E. , Galone L. , Persico R. , Venuti V. , Caridi F. , Foti S. , Cantarella C.
Published: April 2022

The paper presents the results of scientific investigations carried out at the Batia Church located in the small village of Tortorici (Messina, Sicily). We performed several geophysical surveys and reconstruct 2D and 3D digital models of the monument using digital photogrammetry. From the 3D model accurate digital elevation models. A detail mapping was carried out using the derived 3D digital model identifying mayor fractures as well as quantifying the extent of original pain and the modern interventions.
A provenance study on the lapis lazuli collection from the Regional Museum of Natural Sciences in Turin
Authors: Guidorzi L , Re A , Angelici D , Lemasson Q , Pacheco C , Pichon L , Moignard B , Gallo L M , Costa E , Cossio R , Lo Giudice A
Published: April 2022

Studies on the provenance of raw material used in the production of lapis lazuli artifacts can be particularly useful also in confirming or discarding the attributions given in past times by museum curators. In this work, a case study on five pieces belonging to the 19th century “Savoy Collection” of the Regional Museum of Natural Sciences in Turin is presented. The analysis allowed to assess the correctness of a previous Chilean attribution and to assign a provenance for the whole set of samples.
Integration of geomatics acquisition and multi-source data for visualization and documentation of the finds in the Pauciuri archaeological site (Malvito, Calabria, Italy).
Authors: Artese S , Crogiez S , Caputo F , Taliano Grasso A , Zinno R
Published: April 2022

The surveys of the excavation area of the Pauciuri archaeological site, carried out with geomatic techniques, are described. 3D models of the site and of some particularly interesting remains have been obtained. For an early medieval burial both TLS and photogrammetric surveys were carried out, which allowed the development of two 3D models. The comparison between the two techniques has been made: the results are discussed.
The survey, the representation and the structural modeling of the S. Angelo roman bridge on the Savuto river (Scigliano, Calabria, Italy) for diagnostics and conservation aims.
Authors: Artese S , De Ruggiero M , Taliano Grasso A , Manna A , Zinno R
Published: April 2022

In the framework of the activities carried out for a research project aimed at the structural monitoring of public and historic buildings in the Savuto valley (Cosenza, Italy), the survey of the S. Angelo Roman bridge along the Via ab Regio ad Capuam was carried out with integrated geomatic techniques. The result of the geometric survey is a realistic 3D model with a dual utility: (a) to allow the identification of elements that can provide indications on the structural health of the artifact (crack pattern, deformations, settlements) and (b) to extract a simplified 3D model to be used for structural calculation with the Finite Element Method (FEM). In the paper, the survey of the S. Angelo bridge is described, carried out with integrated geomatics techniques. The 3D structural model of this artifact is shown and the comparison with previous research results is presented.
Atmospheric corrosion of outdoor bronze artefacts: the case study of ‘Katarsis’, by Magdalena Abakanowicz
Authors: Sebar Leila Es , Iannucci Leonardo , Parvis Marco , Grassini Sabrina , Angelini Emma
Published: April 2022

The conservation of cultural heritage metallic items is deeply connected to the investigation of the corrosion phenomena affecting the metallic surface and to the study of the influence of the surrounding environmental parameters. This paper describes the case study regarding the metallic artwork ‘Katarsis’ of the Gori Art Collection at Fattoria di Celle (Pistoia, Italy), created by the artist Magdalena Abakanowicz. An in-situ multi-analytical approach was employed in order to assess the conservation state of the statues and to ensure their long-lasting preservation. In particular, X-rays fluorescence (XRF), Raman spectroscopy (RS), and X-Rays diffraction (XRD) were used for the identification of the corrosion products, mainly sulphates, and to identify the employed alloy. In this paper, the preliminary results will be presented and discussed.
3D multilevel approach for the seismic risk of historic centers
Authors: Saccucci M , Pelliccio A
Published: April 2022

Italy is a country characterized by urban realities that present an extremely heterogeneous morphology generated by the development of the buildings in different historical periods. Due to their geographical position in the Italian orographic context, they are extremely exposed to seismic risk whose mitigation and reduction is a topic of particular interest. The representation models for displaying the main vulnerability phenomena provide important support for the analysis of structural vulnerability. With this awareness, the aim of this research is the definition of an integrated multilevel tool capable to manage. analyse and represent the multiplicity, heterogeneity and complexity of the data necessary for the evaluation of the seismic vulnerability of masonry buildings constituting the historic centers. Through in-depth knowledge and the use of parametric modelling systems (BIM) it is possible to determine the most likely collapse kinematics, on the basis of information deduced from a knowledge process, and therefore to evaluate the levels of seismic vulnerability of each structural unit both from a qualitative and quantitative point of view. This methodology is tested on a case study - San Rocco Village in Sora (FR) – and results are exposed.
Preliminary geophysical investigation in the archaeological site of Bocca delle Menate (Comacchio, FE)
Authors: Rizzo E. , Dubbini R. , Capozzoli L. , De Martino G. , Fornasari G. , Farinatti L. , Ferrari E. , Clementi J. , Romana Fiano F. , Lombardi M.
Published: April 2022

The Bocca delle Menate archaeological site is located in Comacchio town (FE) and provides important evidence of the Roman presence in the Po Delta (Italy). The excavations realized sixty years ago have confirmed the presence of an extensive Roman villa and some part of it was highlighted. With the aim to identify the villa plan and the old highlighted archaeological remains, an archaeological preliminary survey and a geomagnetic geophysical campaign were carried out in October 2020. Although geophysical methods are now considered the best tools for archaeological detections, our results show that they are also excellent tools for the preservation, protection and monitoring of the excavated archaeological heritage.
Insight on the development of molybdenum oxide-based photocatalyst towards pharmaceutical pollutants abatement
Authors: Izzudin N M , Azami M S , Hassan N S , Aziz F F A , Fauzi A A
Published: April 2022

The presence of pharmaceutical compounds in the environment has given an unparallel impact on the human and environment. Till the present day, several methods have been imposed for the pharmaceutical pollutants’ removal. However, these methods suffer from some drawbacks which limited their application in wastewater treatment. As a new advanced technology, the photocatalysis method has been considered as an efficient method to eliminate the pharmaceutical pollutants in the water matrix. Molybdenum oxide (MoO3) photocatalyst has captivated global interest due to its non-toxicity, good thermal and chemical stability, and remarkable optical properties. However, the limitations of MoO3material have hindered its theoretical performance in eliminating distinct pharmaceutical pollutants. Some modification strategies have been proposed for MoO3photocatalyst which results in the development of several modified MoO3photocatalysts towards a broad range of pharmaceutical pollutants removal.
Amine (Polyethyleneimine)-modified solid adsorbent for CO2 capture
Authors: Rani M. H. A. , Hitam C.N.C. , Taib M.R.
Published: April 2022

The increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas in the atmosphere has led to various severe negative consequences. There are numerous methods for the reduction of CO2 that have been introduced such as chemical and physical absorption, organic liquid scrubbing, amine-based absorption, etc. Adsorption by using solid adsorbents is one of the promising methods that has been widely studied by researchers. The performance of the adsorbents can be enhanced by functionalized with diverse types of promoters. This review is discussing the performance of polyethyleneimine (PEI) as a promoter towards the adsorption of CO2. To achieve high effective PEI-adsorbents, the percentage of PEI amine loading, type of porous support, temperature, and different flow conditions are among the important parameters that need to be considered. The chemical stability of PEI can be improved through modification crosslinking of PEI. Hence in this review, the effect of amine loading, porous support, temperature, slow condition and crosslinking of PEI to its CO2 adsorption performance is observed.
Recent progress on (3-Aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) functionalized-adsorbent for CO2 capture
Authors: Sim Y. T. , Ruhaimi A. H.
Published: April 2022

The increasing emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) to the atmosphere has gained worldwide concern due to its main contribution to climate changes, global warming, and the greenhouse effect. Numbers of technologies have been carried out to remove this hazardous gas from the environment such as absorption, adsorption, membrane separation, cryogenic separation, and the biological process. Due to limitation of the current absorption technique, CO2 adsorption technique using porous solid adsorbents seems to be a potential candidate in capturing CO2. This is due to the advantages such as low regeneration energy requirements, no liquid waste and low cost. Furthermore, amine functionalization such as APTES on solid adsorbents has been progressively study for the usage of enhancing CO2 adsorption. The uses of adsorbents that modified with APTES could enhance the CO2 adsorption performance due to the chemisorption of -NH2 bond from the amine that further improve the CO2 adsorption performance in terms of the CO2 uptake and selectivity. Besides that, functionalization of APTES on adsorbent will also greatly enhance the reactivity towards CO2. In this review, the impact of the diverse amine loadings on different adsorbents and the type of solvent used for APTES-functionalization towards CO2 capture performance was thoroughly elaborated. The suitable reaction conditions and the regenerability of the adsorbents that could significantly affect their CO2 adsorption capacity were also discussed in detail. Other than distributing useful knowledge on the current progress of the APTES-functionalization adsorbents, this review is anticipated to provide benefit for the industrial and academic usage and appeal more attention in this fascinating area of CO2 capture.
Feasibility and viability of procuring biohydrogen from microalgae: An emerging and sustainable energy resource technology
Authors: Al-Dailami Anas , Ahmad Imran , Abdullah Norhayati , Koji Iwamoto , Yuzir Ali
Published: April 2022

As the world’s population is increasing at an unprecedented rate, causing a severe impact on the limited and depleting petroleum reserves by their overexploitation and consumption. It is estimated that due to increasing socioeconomic and infrastructural advancements, we have already consumed about 50% of the petroleum reserves. Furthermore, the excessive usage of fossil fuels is believed to be a potential cause of global warming and a threat to environmental sustainability. This led the researchers to explore and study renewable and carbon-neutral sources of energy, which can be optimized as per the requirement and should be economically viable. Microalgae stand out momentous and materialized as feedstock to get all that we need at a single platform. Microalgae are the primary producers that utilize Carbone dioxide CO2 and light for their growth. They can be grown in freshwater, saline water, and even in wastewaters due to their disparate biochemical metabolism. This urged microalgae to be exploited for obtaining various renewable energy-based fuels, as it has the following significant features: potential for CO2 fixation; high biomass growth rate; its capacity to store carbon in lipids and carbohydrates to produce biofuels (bioethanol, biodiesel, biohydrogen, and biomethane). Recently, Hydrogen have gained interest as one of the most environmental friendly fuel. Hydrogen has numerous merits as compared with others fuel. The range of energy content is 120–142 MJ/Kg and it has high content (142 MJ/kg) as comparing with energy content of gasoline (47 MJ/kg), methane (56 MJ/kg), and natural gas (54 MJ/kg) while, the energy density is 8.5–10.1MJ/L. Furthermore, the yield is 92–485 mL/gVS and cetane number 50-53. This mini review provides an insight about the processes of biophotolysis, and fermentation utilized in the production of biohydrogen utilizing microalgae. It will incorporate the recent developments and innovations in biohydrogen production using microalgae. It will also give an overview of the challenges encountered in the production routes and the future perspectives.