bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Symmetry Breakings in the interactions of Molecular Hydrogen with Solids
Authors: Ilisca Ernest , Houssais Loïc , Ghiglieno Filippo
Published: April 2022

The following conference report considers hydrogen gases with odd and even rotational quantum number as two separate gases, the ortho and para varieties which do not interconvert in absence of a catalyst. The physical catalysis of hydrogen is interpreted in terms of symmetry breakings introduced by the solid to pass round the peculiar selection rules of the molecular hydrogen assigned by the Pauli Principle. The catalytic effect presents the striking effect of reducing drastically the interconversion time, longer than the age of the universe for isolated molecules, to a few seconds or minutes when an hydrogen sample (gaseous or liquid) is brought into contact with an efficient catalyst. In the present report, the variety of new optical and electronic devices, measurements and interpretations that have been reported since the turning of the new century are reviewed. New experiments on non-magnetic catalysts measuring hydrogen conversion on the time scales of one-ten minutes turned upside down the previous theory, established in 1933, of the absolute necessity of a magnetic catalyst to break the Pauli Principle. The o-p catalyzed reaction is discussed for hydrogen molecules adsorbed on electric surfaces, or in confining porous structures or inside nanocages. New concepts and new electromagnetic conversion channels that interpret these experimental renewals are described in terms of how the hydrogen nuclei feel the solid-molecule electron cloud complex. The described channels differentiate one another owing to the catalyst and owing to the electronic path followed in the configuration space by the o-p reaction.
Stimulus Length Uncertainty with Dichotic Digit Recognition
Authors: Strouse Anne , Wilson Richard H.
Published: April 2022

Dichotic digit listening was made more difficult by interleaving one-, two-, three-, and four-pair digits within a test list in which the subjects did not know a priori the number of digit pairs presented on a given trial, thereby introducing listener uncertainty. Twenty right-handed (mean age = 26.8 years) and 20 left-handed adults (mean age = 24.0) with normal hearing and 40 right-handed adults in the 60- to 75-years age range (mean age = 67.2) with mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss were evaluated. Compared to traditional paradigms, the uncertainty of stimulus length (one, two, three, or four pairs) reduced overall recognition performance on stimuli presented to both ears of all groups, but the reduction was more pronounced for the left ear than for the right ear. The recognition performance of the right-handed subjects was more homogeneous than the performance of the left-handed subjects. In comparison to the young subjects, the 60- to 75-year-old group had substantially reduced recognition performance.

Abbreviations: ANOVA = analysis of variance, CD = compact disc, CV = consonant-vowel
Ultrafast excited state dynamics in the monomeric and trimeric photosystem I core complex of Spirulina platensis probed by two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy
Authors: Russo Mattia , Casazza Anna Paola , Cerullo Giulio , Santabarbara Stefano , Maiuri Margherita
Published: April 2022

Photosystem I (PSI), a naturally occurring supercomplex composed of a core part and a light-harvesting antenna, plays an essential role in the photosynthetic electron transfer chain. Evolutionary adaptation dictates a large variability in the type, number, arrangement, and absorption of the Chlorophylls (Chls) responsible for the early steps of light-harvesting and charge separation. For example, the specific location of long-wavelength Chls (referred to as red forms) in the cyanobacterial core has been intensively investigated, but the assignment of the chromophores involved is still controversial. The most red-shifted Chl a form has been observed in the trimer of the PSI core of the cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis, with an absorption centered at ∼740 nm. Here, we apply two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy to study photoexcitation dynamics in isolated trimers and monomers of the PSI core of S. platensis. By means of global analysis, we resolve and compare direct downhill and uphill excitation energy transfer (EET) processes between the bulk Chls and the red forms, observing significant differences between the monomer (lacking the most far red Chl form at 740 nm) and the trimer, with the ultrafast EET component accelerated by five times, from 500 to 100 fs, in the latter. Our findings highlight the complexity of EET dynamics occurring over a broad range of time constants and their sensitivity to energy distribution and arrangement of the cofactors involved. The comparison of monomeric and trimeric forms, differing both in the antenna dimension and in the extent of red forms, enables us to extract significant information regarding PSI functionality.
Effects of disorder on polaritonic and dark states in a cavity using the disordered Tavis–Cummings model
Authors: Gera Tarun , Sebastian K. L.
Published: April 2022

We consider molecules confined to a microcavity of dimensions such that an excitation of the molecule is nearly resonant with a cavity mode. The molecular excitation energies are assumed to be Gaussianly distributed with mean ϵa and variance σ. We find an asymptotically exact solution for large number density N. Conditions for the existence of the polaritonic states and expressions for their energies are obtained. Polaritonic states are found to be quite stable against disorder. Our results are verified by comparison with simulations. When ϵa is equal to energy of the cavity state ϵc, the Rabi splitting is found to increase by 2σ2N|Ṽ|, where Ṽ is the coupling of a molecular excitation to the cavity state. An analytic expression is found for the disorder-induced width of the polaritonic peak. Results for various densities of states and the absorption spectrum are presented. The dark states turn “gray” in the presence of disorder with their contribution to the absorption increasing with σ. Lifetimes of the cavity and molecular states are found to be important, and for sufficiently large Rabi splitting, the width of the polaritonic peaks is dominated by them. We also give analytical results for the case where the molecular levels follow a uniform distribution. We conclude that the study of the width of the polaritonic peaks as a function of the Rabi splitting can give information on the distribution of molecular energy levels. Finally, the effects of (a) orientational disorder and (b) spatial variation on the cavity field are presented.
A flight test based deep learning method for transition heat flux prediction in hypersonic flow
Authors: Ren Haijie , Wang Sheng , Yuan Xianxu , Chen Jianqiang , Zhang Yifeng , Xiang Xinghao
Published: April 2022

Computational fluid dynamics predictions based on machine learning methods have become an important area of turbulence and transition research. However, the otherwise efficient and low-cost transition models based on Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) methods have limited capability for dealing with hypersonic conditions, owing to the strong compressibility and multimodal features that are then present. This paper develops an augmented method for transition heat flux prediction. A deep neural network (DNN) is trained using flight test data from the China Aerodynamics Research and Development Center. The subject of the flight test is an inclined blunt cone on which temperature sensors are mounted. The training data consist of RANS solutions and flight test data, with the input being the mean strain/rotation rate tensor from RANS and the output the heat flux values from the flight test. The trained DNN model based on the RANS results can give heat flux values with similar accuracy to those from the flight test. For the blunt cone, the trained DNN model can accurately forecast the heat distribution caused by the Mack mode and the cross-flow transition under various inflow conditions, and the errors in the prediction results are all within 15%. Furthermore, the generalizability of the trained DNN model is also verified on an elliptic cone under different inflow conditions. This paper provides a new transition prediction approach with low computational cost and high accuracy. The proposed method solves the problem that the transition model fails in some working conditions and avoids re-modifying empirical criteria in the RANS model. It has both advantages of a transition model and flight tests and maintains the excellent potential for application.
Agonists of prostaglandin E
2
receptors as potential first in class treatment for nephronophthisis and related ciliopathies
Authors: Garcia Hugo , Serafin Alice S. , Silbermann Flora , Porée Esther , Viau Amandine , Mahaut Clémentine , Billot Katy , Birgy Éléonore , Garfa-Traore Meriem , Roy Stéphanie , Ceccarelli Salomé , Mehraz Manon , Rodriguez Pamela C. , Deleglise Bérangère , Furio Laetitia , Jabot-Hanin Fabienne , Cagnard Nicolas , Del Nery Elaine , Fila Marc , Sin-Monnot Soraya , Antignac Corinne , Lyonnet Stanislas , Krug Pauline , Salomon Rémi , Annereau Jean-Philippe , Benmerah Alexandre , Delous Marion , Briseño-Roa Luis , Saunier Sophie
Published: April 2022

Significance

Juvenile nephronophthisis (NPH) is a renal ciliopathy due to a dysfunction of primary cilia for which no curative treatment is available. This paper describes the identification of agonists of prostaglandin E
2
receptors as a potential therapeutic approach for the most common
NPHP1
-associated ciliopathies. We demonstrated that prostaglandin E
1
rescues defective ciliogenesis and ciliary composition in
NPHP1
patient urine-derived renal tubular cells and improves ciliary and kidney phenotypes in our NPH zebrafish and

Nphp1
−/−

mouse models. In addition, Taprenepag alleviates the severe retinopathy observed in

Nphp1
−/−

mice. Finally, transcriptomic analyses pointed out several pathways downstream the prostaglandin receptors as cell cycle progression, extracellular matrix, or actin cytoskeleton organization. Altogether, our findings provide an alternative for treatment of NPH.
Understanding the grain refinement mechanisms in aluminium 2319 alloy produced by wire arc additive manufacturing
Authors: Mclean N. , Bermingham M. J. , Colegrove P. , Sales A. , Dargusch M. S.
Published: April 2022

Controlling the grain size and morphology during fusion-based additive manufacturing remains a challenge for many alloys. This work investigates Titanium diboride (TiB2) nucleant particle addition to the high strength Aluminium 2319 alloy produced during wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM). Two Cold Metal Transfer (CMT) processing conditions are explored (low heat input CMT and high heat input CMT) and the effectiveness of the grain refiner is studied. The addition of TiB2 is found to refine the average equiaxed grain size by up to 22% compared to the non-inoculated alloy. The Interdependence Model is applied to understand the grain refinement mechanisms occurring in low heat input AM technologies in alloys containing powerful growth restricting solutes such as Al 2319.
The Einstein equations and multipole moments at null infinity
Authors: Tafel J
Published: April 2022

We consider vacuum metrics admitting conformal compactification which is smooth up to the scri

I

+

. We write metric in the Bondi–Sachs form and expand it into power series in the inverse affine distance 1/r. Like in the case of the luminosity distance, given the news tensor and initial data for a part of metric the Einstein equations define coefficients of the series in a recursive way. This is also true in the stationary case however now the news tensor vanishes and the role of initial data is taken by multipole moments which are equivalent to moments of Thorne. We find an approximate form of metric and show that in the case of vanishing mass the mass dipole may be different from zero. Then the known result about the Kerr like behaviour of a stationary metric is violated. Finally we find an approximate (up to the quadrupole moment) Bondi–Sachs form of the Kerr metric.
Gauge symmetry of the 3BF theory for a generic semistrict Lie three-group
Authors: Radenković Tijana , Vojinović Marko
Published: April 2022

The higher category theory can be employed to generalize the BF action to the so-called 3BF action, by passing from the notion of a gauge group to the notion of a gauge three-group. In this work we determine the full gauge symmetry of the 3BF action. To that end, the complete Hamiltonian analysis of the 3BF action for an arbitrary semistrict Lie three-group is performed, by using the Dirac procedure. The Hamiltonian analysis is the first step towards a canonical quantization of a 3BF theory. This is an important stepping-stone for the quantization of the complete standard model of elementary particles coupled to Einstein–Cartan gravity, formulated as a 3BF action with suitable simplicity constraints. We show that the resulting gauge symmetry group consists of the familiar G-, H-, and L-gauge transformations, as well as additional M- and N-gauge transformations, which have not been discussed in the existing literature.
Suspended semiconductor nanostructures: physics and technology
Authors: Pogosov A G , Shevyrin A A , Pokhabov D A , Zhdanov E Yu , Kumar S
Published: April 2022

The current state of research on quantum and ballistic electron transport in semiconductor nanostructures with a two-dimensional electron gas separated from the substrate and nanoelectromechanical systems is reviewed. These nanostructures fabricated using the surface nanomachining technique have certain unexpected features in comparison to their non-suspended counterparts, such as additional mechanical degrees of freedom, enhanced electron–electron interaction and weak heat sink. Moreover, their mechanical functionality can be used as an additional tool for studying the electron transport, complementary to the ordinary electrical measurements. The article includes a comprehensive review of spin-dependent electron transport and multichannel effects in suspended quantum point contacts, ballistic and adiabatic transport in suspended nanostructures, as well as investigations on nanoelectromechanical systems. We aim to provide an overview of the state-of-the-art in suspended semiconductor nanostructures and their applications in nanoelectronics, spintronics and emerging quantum technologies.
Quantization of nonlocal fields via fractional calculus
Authors: Atman Kazım Gökhan , Şirin Hüseyin
Published: April 2022

In this study, we investigate the effect of nonlocality in quantum mechanics and propose a fractional approach the theory of quantized fields. For this purpose, we embedded the fractional calculus to broaden theory of quantum fields since the integral and derivative operators are nonlocal in fractional calculus.Additionally, quantum entanglement is discussed to gain comprehension of nonlocality in the foundation of quantum mechanics. Besides, fractional Lagrangian formalism was presented due to fact that the Lagrangian density is the starting point to establish a field theory.Furthermore, to make fractional field operators quantum mechanical, equal-time commutator have been defined for the these operators in terms of Caputo fractional derivative. Thus, a scheme of quantization of fractional fields is introduced and general aspects of the method is illustrated with the theory of massive scalar fields. This approach laid out to a successful generalization of the quantum field theory which is coherent with the standard formalism. Consequently, we developed promising concept for a quantum field theory by introducing nonlocality into standard mathematical formalism.
Dynamic transport characteristics of side-coupled double-quantum-impurity systems
Authors: Wang Yi-Jie , Wei Jian-Hua
Published: April 2022

A systematic study is performed on time-dependent dynamic transport characteristics of a side-coupled double-quantum-impurity system based on the hierarchical equations of motion. It is found that the transport current behaves like a single quantum dot when the coupling strength is low during tunneling or Coulomb coupling. For the case of only tunneling transition, the dynamic current oscillates due to the temporal coherence of the electron tunneling device. The oscillation frequency of the transport current is related to the step voltage applied by the lead, while temperature T, electron–electron interaction U and the bandwidth W have little influence. The amplitude of the current oscillation exists in positive correlation with W and negative correlation with U. With the increase in coupling t
12 between impurities, the ground state of the system changes from a Kondo singlet of one impurity to a spin singlet of two impurities. Moreover, lowering the temperature could promote the Kondo effect to intensify the oscillation of the dynamic current. When only the Coulomb transition is coupled, it is found that the two split-off Hubbard peaks move upward and have different interference effects on the Kondo peak at the Fermi surface with the increase in U
12, from the dynamics point of view.
Analysis of atmospheric effects on the continuous variable quantum key distribution
Authors: Liu Tao , Zhao Shuo , Djordjevic Ivan B. , Liu Shuyu , Wang Sijia , Wu Tong , Li Bin , Wang Pingping , Zhang Rongxiang
Published: April 2022

Atmospheric effects have significant influence on the performance of a free-space optical continuous variable quantum key distribution (CVQKD) system. In this paper, we investigate how the transmittance, excess noise and interruption probability caused by atmospheric effects affect the secret-key rate (SKR) of the CVQKD. Three signal wavelengths, two weather conditions, two detection schemes, and two types of attacks are considered in our investigation. An expression aims at calculating the interruption probability is proposed based on the Kolmogorov spectrum model. The results show that a signal using long working wavelength can propagate much further than that of using short wavelength. Moreover, as the wavelength increases, the influence of interruption probability on the SKR becomes more significant, especially within a certain transmission distance. Therefore, interruption probability must be considered for CVQKD by using long-signal wavelengths. Furthermore, different detection schemes used by the receiver will result in different transmission distances when subjected to individual attacks and collective attacks, respectively.
Microstructure and hardening effect of pure tungsten and ZrO2 strengthened tungsten under carbon ion irradiation at 700°C
Authors: Luo Chun-Yang , Cui Bo , Xu Liu-Jie , Zong Le , Xu Chuan , Fu En-Gang , Zhou Xiao-Song , Long Xing-Gui , Peng Shu-Ming , Wei Shi-Zhong , Shen Hua-Hai
Published: April 2022

Microstructure evolution and hardening effect of pure tungsten and W–1.5%ZrO2 alloy under carbon ion irradiation are investigated by using transmission electron microscopy and nano-indentation. Carbon ion irradiation is performed at 700 °C with irradiation damages ranging from 0.25 dpa to 2.0 dpa. The results show that the irradiation defect clusters are mainly in the form of dislocation loop. The size and density of dislocation loops increase with irradiation damages intensifying. The W–1.5%ZrO2 alloy has a smaller dislocation loop size than that of pure tungsten. It is proposed that the phase boundaries have the ability to absorb and annihilate defects and the addition of ZrO2 phase improves the sink strength for irradiation defects. It is confirmed that the W–1.5%ZrO2 alloy shows a smaller change in hardness than the pure tungsten after being irradiated. From the above results, we conclude that the addition of ZrO2 into tungsten can significantly reduce the accumulation of irradiated defects and improve the irradiation resistance behaviors of the tungsten materials.
Measurement of CO, HCN, and NO productions in atmospheric reaction induced by femtosecond laser filament
Authors: Huang Xiao-Dong , Zhang Meng , Deng Lun-Hua , Pang Shan-Biao , Liu Ke , Xu Huai-Liang
Published: April 2022

It is proved that the chemical reaction induced by femtosecond laser filament in the atmosphere produces CO, HCN, and NO, and the production CO and HCN are observed for the first time. The concentrations of the products are measured by mid-infrared tunable laser absorption spectroscopy. In the reduced pressure air, the decomposition of CO2 is enhanced by vibration excitation induced by laser filament, resulting in the enhanced production of CO and HCN. At the same time, the CO and HCN generated from the atmosphere suffer rotation excitation induced by laser filament, enhancing their absorption spectra. It is found that NO, CO, and HCN accumulate to 134 ppm, 80 ppm, and 1.6 ppm in sealed air after sufficient reaction time. The atmospheric chemical reaction induced by laser filament opens the way to changing the air composition while maintaining environmental benefits.
Heat transport properties within living biological tissues with temperature-dependent thermal properties
Authors: Wang Ying-Ze , Lu Xiao-Yu , Liu Dong
Published: April 2022

Understanding of the heat transport within living biological tissues is crucial to effective heat treatments. The heat transport properties of living biological tissues with temperature-dependent properties are explored in this paper. Taking into account of variable physical properties, the governing equation of temperature is first derived in the context of the dual-phase-lags model (DPL). An effective method, according to the Laplace transform and a linearization technique, is then employed to solve this nonlinear governing equation. The temperature distribution of a biological tissue exposed to a pulsed heat flux on its exterior boundary, which frequently happens in various heat treatments, is predicted and analyzed. The results state that a lower temperature can be predicted when temperature dependence is considered in the heating process. The contributions of key thermal parameters are different and dependent on the ratio of phase lag and the amplitude of the exterior pulsed heat flux.
Cross-subject spatial filter transfer method for SSVEP-EEG feature recognition
Authors: Yan Wenqiang , Wu Yongcheng , Du Chenghang , Xu Guanghua
Published: April 2022

Objective. Steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP) is an important control method of the brain–computer interface (BCI) system. The development of an efficient SSVEP feature decoding algorithm is the core issue in SSVEP-BCI. It has been proposed to use user training data to reduce the spontaneous electroencephalogram activity interference on SSVEP response, thereby improving the feature recognition accuracy of the SSVEP signal. Nevertheless, the tedious data collection process increases the mental fatigue of the user and severely affects the applicability of the BCI system. Approach. A cross-subject spatial filter transfer (CSSFT) method that transfer the existing user model with good SSVEP response to the new user test data without collecting any training data from the new user is proposed. Main results. Experimental results demonstrate that the transfer model increases the distinction of the feature discriminant coefficient between the gaze following target and the non-gaze following target and accurately identifies the wrong target in the fundamental algorithm model. The public datasets show that the CSSFT method significantly increases the recognition performance of canonical correlation analysis (CCA) and filter bank CCA. Additionally, when the data used to calculate the transfer model contains one data block only, the CSSFT method retains its effective feature recognition capabilities. Significance. The proposed method requires no tedious data calibration process for new users, provides an effective technical solution for the transfer of the cross-subject model, and has potential application value for promoting the application of the BCI system.
Geophysical survey in the area of aguglia d’agosta (Priolo Gargallo, Sicily)
Authors: De Giorgi L. , Leucci G. , Fragalá G. , Malfitana D.
Published: April 2022

Syracuse and its countryside played a crucial role in the economy of ancient Sicily. Despite its historical and economic importance in the Roman and Medieval periods, our knowledge about the organization of its agricultural production, and economic circuit between the rural settlements and the city are limited. From 2009 the researches of the “Institute of Heritage Sciences – CNR” attempt to remedy this omission by outlining a preliminary picture of the rich historical and archaeological heritage of Priolo Gargallo, which will be analysed using a multidisciplinary approach (archaeological survey, geophysical investigations, aerial photography analysis, etc.).
RestArt method: innovative high-precision mechatronic-based procedure for fragmented stone statues restoration
Authors: Nardelli Pietro , Pavan Martina , Pompa Giulia , Borghini Silvia , Fioriti Vincenzo , Tatì Angelo , Colucci Alessandro , Baldini Massimiliano , Picca Alessandro , Roselli Ivan
Published: April 2022

The RestArt method is an innovative mechatronic-based procedure for high-precision reassembly of stone fragments intended to improve the restoration of ancient statues and architectural elements. The procedure comprises high-accuracy 3D laser scanning of two fragments positioned on the RestArt machine. After software simulated best-fitting of the two homologous fractured faces, the calculated roto-translation matrix is sent to the machine control system that moves one fragment to match the other one. The machine integrates a numeric-controlled moving drilling device for high-precision boring of the fractured surfaces at selected points for optimal rods insertion. This permits a very effective fixing of the fragments and allows multi-point fixing, which is practically impossible with conventional methods. Several stone specimens were experimentally recomposed through the RestArt and the traditional method. Then, they were compared in terms of mechanical resistance by shaking table tests, reproducing extreme strong-motion vibrations. The specimens recomposed through the RestArt method resulted less time-consuming and much more resistant to vibration excitation than the ones by traditional reassembly method. The RestArt method was applied to reassemble some original ancient statues currently exhibited at several Italian museums.
Development of Storage and Assessment methods suited for organic Archaeological artefacts (StAr) - JPI-CH project
Authors: Ribechini Erika , Lucejko Jeannette J. , Mattonai Marco , Modugno Francesca , Chaumat Gilles , Braovac Susan , Steindal Calin C. , Zborowska Magdalena , Dňbrowski Henryk P. , Fejfer Mariusz
Published: April 2022

StAr project - Development of Storage and assessment methods suited for organic archaeological artefacts – started in 2020 within the framework of Joint Programming Initiative on Cultural Heritage and Global Change (JPI-CH) Conservation, Protection and Use. The project arises from the need for chemical-physical stabilization strategies of archaeological finds (mainly wood and leather), for long time (up to several months) in the waterlogged state, i.e., under pre-treatment conditions, without compromising the archaeological and scientific evidences they contain. Several methods of controlling storage conditions will be tested on archaeological wooden and leather objects. The experimentations will entail a systematic chemical analysis and monitoring of the organic materials before, during and after storage in different conditions, both in laboratory and on-field at the Biskupin archaeological excavation site in Poland.
Pigments identification and analysis of the state of conservation of the decorative elements of the castle of Coca (XV-XVI AC, Segovia, Spain) by Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Barroso-Solares Suset , Mediavilla-Martinez I. , Sanz-Velasco Carlos , Prieto Angel Carmelo , Pinto Javier
Published: April 2022

The castle of Coca (Coca, Segovia, Spain) is one of the summits of the Gothic-Mudejar architecture on the Iberian Peninsula. Among other extraordinary features, this castle presents unique Mudejar decorative elements, which have been partially lost due to this abandonment. In addition, the remaining elements are in danger due to ongoing degradation processes. However, there is no available information about the pigments employed in these decorative elements, nor any analytical study about their state of conservation. This study applies the Raman spectroscopy technique to identify, for the first time, the pigments and ongoing degradation processes on these endangered decorative elements of extraordinary cultural and historical relevance. Red hues were achieved using hematite, whereas the black hues come from the use of carbon black of vegetal origin. Additionally, dispersed carbonaceous particles were also generally found in the walls of the castle, probably related to the use of candles or torches to illuminate the rooms of the castle. Finally, monohydrate and dihydrate calcium oxalates (i.e., whewellite and weddellite, respectively) were detected as degradation products, probably related to biological processes.
Virtual reconstruction of a ghost disco: the Woodpecker in Milano Marittima
Authors: Bartolomei Cristiana , Mazzoli Cecilia , Morganti Caterina
Published: April 2022

Conservation and restoration of cultural heritage and protection of abandoned buildings is possible using new technologies in order to create a knowledge base to maintain the original condition of buildings as long as possible. This paper presents the digital geometric survey, combining photogrammetry and photogrammetry with drone for the documentation of a building located in the Riviera Romagnola. The fundamental task to survey historic buildings, in order to document their geometric and morphological features with very high accuracy, becomes an important incentive for the use of innovative hybrid approach. The building case study is the Woodpecker nightclub built in 1966 and abandoned in 1970 due to a fire that devastated the structure.
Ancient landscape reconstruction using archive data from the Pontine Plain (Italy): the Caprolace lagoon case study
Authors: Alessandri L , Baiocchi V , Feiken H , Monti F , Van Leusen M
Published: April 2022

The greatest part of the documents concerning the last reclamation scheme of the Pontine Plain is now stored in a section of the state archive and in the archive of the Consorzio di Bonifica dell’Agro Pontino, both located in Latina (Italy). Detailed plans of the realised buildings, infrastructures as well as thousands of pictures of the environments before the reclamation scheme are available to the public. These data can be used to reconstruct the ancient landscape before the major changes which occurred after the spread of mechanical vehicles for earthmoving in the 1970s. The reconstruction maps can be used to set the proper background for the archaeological research in the area.
Isotope imaging of ultra-traces by LA-fs HR-ICP-MS for U-series dating (U/Th) of archaeological biominerals: how far can we go?
Authors: Galy Asmodée , Martin Loïc , Claverie Fanny , Pons-Branchu Edwige , Tribolo Chantal , Pécheyran Christophe , Mercier Norbert
Published: April 2022

To overcome the problems associated with the traditional U-series dating protocol (large amount of sample required, possible contamination during preparation and consideration of sample contamination in the past), we present a new approach using isotope mapping of radioelements produced by femtosecond laser ablation coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry (LA-fs HR-ICP-MS). This protocol, developed and validated on different carbonate supports, has been applied to a series of archaeological biominerals (shells, teeth, calcitic crusts). A high resolution of a few micrometres has been achieved, as well as a significant improvement of the sensitivity. This allows to obtain U/Th ages with minimal sampling (< 1mg), even though only ultra-traces of uranium (sub-ppb) are present. The isotope mapping approach also allows a real study of the material, highlighting areas potentially contaminated with detrital thorium, but also areas that have experienced leaching. The potential of this method and its limitations are discussed.
Integrated use of multi-temporal multi-sensor and multiscale Remote Sensing data for the understanding of archaeological contexts: the case study of Metaponto, Basilicata.
Authors: Abate N , Roubis D , Vitale V , Sileo M , Sogliani F , Masini N , Lasaponara R
Published: April 2022

This paper is focused on the archaeological area of Metaponto (Mexomov-nov) and its territory, located in southern Italy. The area played an important role for the agricultural economy and the traffic of goods and people, from the south of Italy towards the central regions, starting from the Neolithic period, and reaching the zenith with the Greek polis of Metaponto and its hinterland. The site is herein analyzed through an integrated use of several Earth observation and remote sensing technologies and ancillary data produced over the years by archaeologists and scholars. The aim was to identify new buried elements of archaeological interest, for the reconstruction of the historical-archaeological landscape. Through the combined use of optical and radar satellite images, high-resolution images obtained by Unmanned Aerial System (visible, multispectral, and thermal infrared), geophysical data, and archival data, it was possible to deepen the knowledge of the area, in particular the “Castrum” area, identifying new buried evidence (structures, roads, and elements of the ancient landscape).
Evaluation of air pollutants in thermal-mineral springs: a case study of Agnano (Naples, Italy) and Contursi Terme (Salerno, Italy)
Authors: Pironti C. , Ricciardi M. , Motta O. , Faggiano A. , Miele Y. , Fiorentino A. , Cucciniello R. , Proto A.
Published: April 2022

Thermo-mineral springs are widely spread over the volcanic areas of Naples and Salerno, two cities of southern Italy. Their use has been known by local inhabitants since they were one of the main curative therapies in the past. The variability of microclimate conditions, contaminations, air pollution and influence of visitors could be an important parameter for conservation of historical structure and to evaluate the damage of place, since atmospheric and gaseous pollutants could affect cultural heritage. The aim of this work was the determination of air concentration of H2S, SO2, δ13CO2, chemical and microclimatic characterization of the thermal springs in Contursi Terme (Salerno, Italy) and Agnano (Naples, Italy), in order to assess their concentrations and potential effects on cultural heritage and human health.
Diagnostic investigation of the Cycle of the New Church of Sarria (Floriana, Malta) by Mattia Preti
Authors: Venuti V. , Caridi F. , Colica E. , Crupi V. , D’Amico S. , Guido S. , Majolino D. , Paladini G. , Mantella G.
Published: April 2022

In the present paper, we present the main results of a diagnostic investigation on different paintings by Mattia Preti, belonging to theCycle of the New Church of Sarria, located inside the Church of the Immaculate Conception of Sarria (Floriana) in Malta. The analysis was carried out on the occasion of the restoration process and, due to the short time available, only on some representative areas of each painting. A multi-technique approach was appliedin situ, employing X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) and Raman microscopy. The aim was to achieve information on the execution technique, in a completely non-invasive way, following the requirements of the restorers.
Comparison of the analytical performances of X-ray fluorescence devices
Authors: Chiti M. , Donghia R. , Esposito A. , Ferretti M. , Gorghinian A. , Porcinai S.
Published: April 2022

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is a technique frequently used for the elemental analysis of cultural heritage materials. Depending on components selection (i.e. the primary source, the detector and the focusing optics, if present), the analytical performance of the spectrometer, and its consequent suitability for a given purpose, may vary considerably. In this paper, we compare the analytical performance of four different devices, two commercial and two expressly designed by the authors, and we consider two figures of merit: the limit of detection (LOD) and the standard error of regression (SER). The measurements are performed on a set of 19 copper alloy standards.
Investigation on the deterioration of lead artifacts. A case study on piano keys and their degradation products
Authors: Faggiano A. , Ricciardi M. , Pironti C. , Motta O. , Miele Y. , Prete P. , Proto A.
Published: April 2022

Among musical instruments, Piano is one of the most important and fascinating ones of all years for its completeness from a harmonic point of view and for the importance it has held in the world of classical music of the great composers. In this context, old pianos can be considered as real pieces of art thus their conservation is included in the preservation of cultural heritage. The aim of this work is to study the deterioration of some lead weights of piano keys from an important, luxury and one of the best grand pianos for its characteristics such as construction materials, sound, and craftsmanship. Analytic techniques such as X-ray Diffraction, Fourier Transform-Infrared spectroscopy and Ionic chromatography were employed to characterize the superficial layer of deteriorated lead weights, comparing it with the non-deteriorated ones. Knowing the nature of degradation products is fundamental to evaluate the degradation phenomena occurring over time due to the environmental conditions at which they are exposed and consequently identify the proper conservation strategy of such piece of art and history of music, in order to preserve its original sound and resonance.
Analysis of PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) and other main components in black crusts collected from the Monumental Cemetery of Milan (Italy)
Authors: Ricciardi M. , Faggiano A. , Pironti C. , Motta O. , Carotenuto M. , Comite V. , Fermo P. , Proto A.
Published: April 2022

The present work focuses on the chemical characterization of some chemical components present in black crusts collected from the Monumental Cemetery of Milan located in the homonymous city (Northern Italy). Samples of black crusts, recovered over two sampling campaigns, were analysed by using X-ray Diffraction and Fourier Transform-Infrared spectroscopy. Moreover, Ionic chromatography analyses were performed on water extracts of the black crust samples, while High Performance Liquid Chromatography measurements were carried out on dichloromethane/pentane extracts. This approach was used with the aim to identify the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in these black crusts and the pollution sources responsible for their formation. The knowledge of the pollution sources responsible for the degradation phenomena occurring on cultural heritages, such as black crust formation, is fundamental for the identification of proper preservation strategies, as well as for the development of emission reduction policies on a local scale.
A Proposed Framework For Affordable CAM Replication In Cultural Heritage
Authors: Korres Georgios , Anagnostopoulos Christos-Nikolaos , Eid Mohamad
Published: April 2022

The digital recording of cultural heritage artifacts and their replication with Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) techniques has found many applications in the cultural heritage (CH) domain, and it is considered paramount. Although subtractive manufacturing comes with a tremendous financial cost since most of the hardware and the software used in the fabrication process are expensive and mainly proprietary. Consequently, many scholars benefit only from the cost-effective, easy-to-use, and prevalent additive manufacturing processes which can serve within certain limitations. In this work, we propose a framework to democratize the subtractive manufacturing processes required to replicate digitally recorded cultural heritage artifacts using open-source/license-free software and hardware tools. We further present an application of the framework by simulating the fabrication process of a laser-scanned bass relief using open-source and license-free CAM software as described in the proposed framework.
Terrestrial laser scanning for 3D archaeological documentation. The prehistoric Cave of Sa Miniera de Santu Josi (Sardinia, Italy)
Authors: Marini I , Caradonna C , Melis M G , Nardinocchi C
Published: April 2022

Caves have a great archaeological importance: they were used as a dwelling, as a shelter of animals, as an occasional refuge both for funerary and religious purposes. A cave survey is the first step towards their exploration. This study describes the San Giorgio cave’s survey that is the object of an archaeological research that concerns both the area above it and the underground environments. The cave, located in the north-west of Sardinia, has an extension of about 140 meters and has a maximum depth (surveyed) of -15 meters. Sixty-two TLS scans were carried out producing 1.5 milliard points. The Poisson surface reconstruction algorithm [3] is used to produce the 3D Model. A 3D model in low resolution can be adopted for aims of public archaeology; however archaeologists should take advantage of all the information available in the original point cloud.
New perspectives on an “old” technique: Lipari obsidian and Neolithic communities investigated by Fission Track Dating
Authors: Bonizzoni L , Martinelli M C , Coltelli M , Manni M , Balestrieri M L , Oddone M , Guglielmetti A
Published: April 2022

“Lipari obsidian and Neolithic human communities in the Aeolian islands” is a project aimed at studying the connection between obsidian flows on the island of Lipari and Neolithic populations on the Aeolian archipelago, in Italy. As it is well known, obsidian is of particular interest to trace prehistorical trading patterns; indeed, Lipari obsidian has the widest distribution and has been found in southern France, Dalmazia, Sicily and mainland Italy. The project outputs will give a general vision of both archaeological and volcanological aspects through the stratigraphic and radiometric dating of eruptions which produced obsidian, in relationship with the first phases of the human settlements and row material exploitation. To reach this goal, we are considering both raw materials (geological samples) from different flows and artefacts from Neolithic settlements (archaeological samples) on the Aeolian islands, and performing fission-track dating to get the age of obsidian sources and artefacts. Obtained results are expected to shed some new light on the raw material procurement and on the ability of the Neolithic populations to move from their locations, with particular attention to the consequences of environmental features on the first human settlements on the Aeolian islands.
Thermally Transferred Optically Stimulated Luminescence, TT-OSL: a study on the responsible traps
Authors: Tamburini G , Galli A , Panzeri L , Martini M
Published: April 2022

Aim of this paper is to better investigate the Thermally Transferred Optically Stimulated Luminescence (TT-OSL) signal generated in quartz samples, both mineral quartz and quartz extracted from sediment, when they are heated after an optical bleaching. In recent years, TT-OSL has become an interesting dating technique because it can extend by an order of magnitude the age range over which OSL dating can be applied. We focused in particular on the source traps that generate this signal, studying the changes in TT-OSL due to the preheat temperature that induces the thermal transfer, and analysing the Thermoluminescence (TL) signals caused by OSL and TT-OSL measurements. By varying the preheating temperature, it was possible to identify the presence of a peak at ∼280-300°C, likely related to a trap responsible for the TT-OSL signal. A similar result was obtained by analysing the glow curves after an optical bleaching, which evidenced a peak at ∼270°C, comparable with a peak previously identified. It was also possible to highlight the fact that the OSL and TT-OSL signals are originated by different mechanisms due to the differences between the source traps responsible for them.
Characterization of stone tesserae from “The Indian Triumph of Dionysus” Mosaic (Casignana, Reggio Calabria, Italy)
Authors: Rovella N , Musella M , Barca D
Published: April 2022

The archaeological site of Casignana (Reggio Calabria) represents one of the most important Roman sites of Southern Italy thanks to its extension and refinement of its mosaics such as the “Indian Triumph of Dionysus”. Its stylistic complexity is related also to the wide range of polychrome stone tesserae used. For this reason, a minero-petrographic and geochemical characterization of some tesserae was carried out by Polarized Optical Microscopy (POM), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and Electron probe microanalyzer combined with wavelength dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EPMA-WDS). The results suggested the heterogeneity of the stone tesserae in terms of petrographic features and the probable provenance from both local and not sites.
Minero-petrographic characterization of white marble Roman finds from P.A. Garda Museum (Ivrea, TO)
Authors: Storta E , Borghi A , Mantovani P , Deodato A , Perotti L , Sani A
Published: April 2022

The work provides a minero-petrographic characterization of the main roman finds in white marble of the Garda Civic Museum of Ivrea (Piemonte, Northern Italy). A multi-analytical approach based on optical and scanning electron microscopy, electron microprobe and stable isotope analyses has been performed. The chemical composition of the main mineral component (calcite and/or dolomite), and of subordinate or accessory minerals useful for discriminative purposes were attained. A database for archaeometric purposes of the artefacts was achieved and a comparison with the Italian and Mediterranean marbles reported in the literature was implemented. The marbles resulted generally of Alpine provenance. This suggests that Eporedia (the old name of Ivrea) in Roman times was a site of local importance, with the employment of goods coming from trade routes connected with the surrounding alpine areas.