bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the influence of information and communications technology on food security
Authors: Jere Ntabeni J. , Maharaj Manoj S.
Published: May 2017

Background: This study integrates the diffusion of innovation, technology acceptance model and Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory to assess the role that information and communications technology (ICT) plays in ensuring food security. A survey of smallholder farmers from the iLembe district municipality of the KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa was conducted, and the data were used to test the proposed model.Objectives: The study evaluates the influence of ICTs in improving food security in KwaZulu-Natal Province. A theoretical framework was developed as the lens through which diffusion and adoption of ICTs can be understood. The theorised model was developed using constructs from the diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory, technology acceptance model (TAM) and Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory.Method: Survey data from 517 smallholder farmers from the district municipality of iLembe were collected using a questionnaire. A quantitative approach was followed, and the developed theorised model was analysed using structural equation modelling techniques.Results: This study proposes that ICT influence on food security is associated with culture, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. The study further finds that perceived ease of use of ICTs has the most significant effect with regard to ICT adoption and diffusion amongst smallholder farmers in iLembe district municipality. There are, however, no associations found with perceived attributes of innovation and the nature of social systems. The study consisted of a largely homogeneous social system; therefore, the researcher could not make any comparisons.Conclusion: The proposed framework for evaluating the influence of ICTs on food security put forward in this study highlights a number of issues. Firstly, there is need for further study to be conducted to understand adoption of ICTs specifically for food security. This would help in creating more accurate adoption strategies. Secondly, the study informs ICT innovation developers on the need to prioritise ease of use of ICT-based interventions when developing innovations that focus on smallholder farmers. The study also contributes to policy guidelines and suggests clear guidelines be developed to address cultural aspects such as gender imbalances.
Multi-model study of mercury dispersion in the atmosphere: atmospheric processes and model evaluation
Authors: Travnikov Oleg , Angot Hélène , Artaxo Paulo , Bencardino Mariantonia , Bieser Johannes , D'Amore Francesco , Dastoor Ashu , De Simone Francesco , Diéguez María del Carmen , Dommergue Aurélien , Ebinghaus Ralf , Feng Xin Bin , Gencarelli Christian N. , Hedgecock Ian M. , Magand Olivier , Martin Lynwill , Matthias Volker , Mashyanov Nikolay , Pirrone Nicola , Ramachandran Ramesh , Read Katie Alana , Ryjkov Andrei , Selin Noelle E. , Sena Fabrizio , Song Shaojie , Sprovieri Francesca , Wip Dennis , Wängberg Ingvar , Yang Xin
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Current understanding of mercury (Hg) behavior in the atmosphere contains significant gaps. Some key characteristics of Hg processes, including anthropogenic and geogenic emissions, atmospheric chemistry, and air–surface exchange, are still poorly known. This study provides a complex analysis of processes governing Hg fate in the atmosphere involving both measured data from ground-based sites and simulation results from chemical transport models. A variety of long-term measurements of gaseous elemental Hg (GEM) and reactive Hg (RM) concentration as well as Hg wet deposition flux have been compiled from different global and regional monitoring networks. Four contemporary global-scale transport models for Hg were used, both in their state-of-the-art configurations and for a number of numerical experiments to evaluate particular processes. Results of the model simulations were evaluated against measurements. As follows from the analysis, the interhemispheric GEM gradient is largely formed by the prevailing spatial distribution of anthropogenic emissions in the Northern Hemisphere. The contributions of natural and secondary emissions enhance the south-to-north gradient, but their effect is less significant. Atmospheric chemistry has a limited effect on the spatial distribution and temporal variation of GEM concentration in surface air. In contrast, RM air concentration and wet deposition are largely defined by oxidation chemistry. The Br oxidation mechanism can reproduce successfully the observed seasonal variation of the RM ∕ GEM ratio in the near-surface layer, but it predicts a wet deposition maximum in spring instead of in summer as observed at monitoring sites in North America and Europe. Model runs with OH chemistry correctly simulate both the periods of maximum and minimum values and the amplitude of observed seasonal variation but shift the maximum RM ∕ GEM ratios from spring to summer. O3 chemistry does not predict significant seasonal variation of Hg oxidation. Hence, the performance of the Hg oxidation mechanisms under study differs in the extent to which they can reproduce the various observed parameters. This variation implies possibility of more complex chemistry and multiple Hg oxidation pathways occurring concurrently in various parts of the atmosphere.
The stable isotopic composition of water vapour above Corsica during the HyMeX SOP1 campaign: insight into vertical mixing processes from lower-tropospheric survey flights
Authors: Sodemann Harald , Aemisegger Franziska , Pfahl Stephan , Bitter Mark , Corsmeier Ulrich , Feuerle Thomas , Graf Pascal , Hankers Rolf , Hsiao Gregor , Schulz Helmut , Wieser Andreas , Wernli Heini
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Stable isotopes of water vapour are powerful indicators of meteorological processes on a broad range of scales, reflecting evaporation, condensation, and air mass mixing processes. With the recent advent of fast laser-based spectroscopic methods, it has become possible to measure the stable isotopic composition of atmospheric water vapour in situ at a high temporal resolution. Here we present results from such comprehensive airborne spectroscopic isotope measurements in water vapour over the western Mediterranean at a high spatial and temporal resolution. Measurements have been acquired by a customized Picarro L2130-i cavity-ring down spectrometer deployed onboard the Dornier 128 D-IBUF aircraft together with a meteorological flux measurement package during the HyMeX SOP1 (Hydrological cycle in Mediterranean Experiment special observation period 1) field campaign in Corsica, France, during September and October 2012. Taking into account memory effects of the air inlet pipe, the typical time resolution of the measurements was about 15–30 s, resulting in an average horizontal resolution of about 1–2 km. Cross-calibration of the water vapour measurements from all humidity sensors showed good agreement under most flight conditions but the most turbulent ones. In total 21 successful stable isotope flights with 59 flight hours have been performed. Our data provide quasi-climatological autumn average conditions and vertical profiles of the stable isotope parameters δD, δ18O, and d-excess during the study period. A d-excess minimum in the overall average profile is reached in the region of the boundary-layer top, possibly caused by precipitation evaporation. This minimum is bracketed by higher d-excess values near the surface caused by non-equilibrium fractionation, and a maximum above the boundary layer related to the increasing d-excess in very depleted and dry high-altitude air masses. Repeated flights along the same pattern reveal pronounced day-to-day variability due to changes in the large-scale circulation. During a period marked by a strong inversion at the top of the marine boundary layer, vertical gradients in stable isotopes reached up to 25.4 ‰ 100 m−1 for δD and 24.0 ‰ 100 m−1 for the d-excess.
Development and Application of a Backscatter Lidar Forward Operator for Quantitative Validation of Aerosol Dispersion Models and Future Data Assimilation
Authors: Geisinger Armin , Behrendt Andreas , Wulfmeyer Volker , Strohbach Jens , Förstner Jochen , Potthast Roland
Published: May 2017

Abstract. A new backscatter-lidar forward operator was developed which is based on the distinct calculation of the aerosols' backscatter and extinction properties. The forward operator was adapted to the COSMO-ART ash dispersion simulation of the Eyjafjallajökull eruption in 2010. While the particle number concentration was provided as model output variable, the scattering properties of each individual particle type had to be determined by extensive scattering calculations. Sensitivity studies were performed to estimate the uncertainties related to the assumed particle properties. Therefore, scattering calculations for several types of non-spherical particles required the usage of t-matrix routines. Due to the distinct calculation of the backscatter and extinction properties of the models' volcanic ash size classes, the sensitivity studies could be resolved to each size class individually which is not the case for forward models based on a fixed lidar ratio. Finally, the forward modeled lidar profiles have been compared to ACL measurements both qualitatively and quantitatively while the attenuated backscatter coefficient was chosen as common physical quantity. As the ACL measurements were not calibrated automatically, their calibration had to be performed using CALIPSOs/CALIOP measurements. A slight overestimation of the model predicted volcanic ash number density was observed. By manually reducing the model predicted ash number density, the effect of simple data assimilation methods could be demonstrated. Major issues for future data assimilation of ACL data have been identified. The introduced forward operator offers the flexibility to be adapted to a multitude of model systems and measurement set-ups.
Contrast analysis between the trajectory of the planetary system and the periodicity of solar activity
Authors: Sun Wei , Wang Jian , Chen JinRu , Wang Ying , Yu GuangMing , Xu XianHai
Published: May 2017

Abstract. The relationship between the periodic movement of the planetary system and its influence on solar activity is currently a serious topic in research. The kinematic index of the planet juncture index has been developed to find the track and variation of the Sun around the centroid of the solar system and the periodicity of solar activity. In the present study, the kinematic index of the planetary system's heliocentric longitude, developed based on the orbital elements of planets in the solar system, and it is used to investigate the periodic movement of the planetary system. The kinematic index of the planetary system's heliocentric longitude and that of the planet juncture index are simulated and analyzed. The numerical simulation of the two kinematic indexes shows orderly orbits and disorderly orbits of 49.9 and 129.6 years, respectively. Two orderly orbits or two disorderly orbits show a period change rule of 179.5 years. The contrast analysis between the periodic movement of the planetary system and the periodicity of solar activity shows that the two phenomena exhibit a period change rule of 179.5 years. Moreover, orderly orbits correspond to high periods of solar activity and disorderly orbits correspond to low periods of solar activity. Therefore, the relative movement of the planetary system affects solar activity to some extent. The relationship provides a basis for discussing the movement of the planetary system and solar activity.
Long-term carbon and nitrogen dynamics at SPRUCE revealed through stable isotopes in peat profiles
Authors: Hobbie Erik A. , Chen Janet , Hanson Paul J. , Iversen Colleen M. , McFarlane Karis J. , Thorp Nathan R. , Hofmockel Kirsten S.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Peatlands encode information about past vegetation dynamics, climate, and microbial processes. Here, we used δ15N and δ13C patterns from 16 peat profiles to deduce how the biogeochemistry of the Marcell S1 forested bog in northern Minnesota responded to environmental and vegetation change over the past  ∼  10 000 years. In multiple regression analyses, δ15N and δ13C correlated strongly with depth, plot location, C ∕ N,  %N, and each other. Correlations with  %N,  %C, C ∕ N, and the other isotope accounted for 80 % of variance for δ15N and 38 % of variance for δ13C, reflecting N and C losses. In contrast, correlations with depth and topography (hummock or hollow) reflected peatland successional history and climate. Higher δ15N in plots closer to uplands may reflect upland-derived DON inputs and accompanying shifts in N dynamics in the lagg drainage area surrounding the bog. The Suess effect (declining δ13CO2 since the Industrial Revolution) lowered δ13C in recent surficial samples. High δ15N from −35 to −55 cm probably indicated the depth of ectomycorrhizal activity after tree colonization of the peatland over the last 400 years, as confirmed by the occasional presence of wood down to −35 cm depth. High δ13C at  ∼  4000 years BP (−65 to −105 cm) could reflect a transition at that time to slower rates of peat accumulation, when 13C discrimination during peat decomposition may increase in importance. Low δ13C and high δ15N at −213 and −225 cm ( ∼  8500 years BP) corresponded to a warm period during a sedge-dominated rich fen stage. The above processes appear to be the primary drivers of the observed isotopic patterns, whereas there was no clear evidence for methane dynamics influencing δ13C patterns.
Soil nitrogen transformation responses to seasonal precipitation changes are regulated by changes in functional microbial abundance in a subtropical forest
Authors: Chen Jie , Xiao Guoliang , Kuzyakov Yakov , Jenerette G. Darrel , Ma Ying , Liu Wei , Wang Zhengfeng , Shen Weijun
Published: May 2017

Abstract. The frequency of dry-season droughts and wet-season storms has been predicted to increase in subtropical areas in the coming decades. Since subtropical forest soils are significant sources of N2O and NO3−, it is important to understand the features and determinants of N transformation responses to the predicted precipitation changes. A precipitation manipulation field experiment was conducted in a subtropical forest to reduce dry-season precipitation and increase wet-season precipitation, with annual precipitation unchanged. Net N mineralization, net nitrification, N2O emission, nitrifying (bacterial and archaeal amoA) and denitrifying (nirK, nirS and nosZ) gene abundance, microbial biomass carbon (MBC), extractable organic carbon (EOC), NO3−, NH4+ and soil water content (SWC) were monitored to characterize and explain soil N transformation responses. Dry-season precipitation reduction decreased net nitrification and N mineralization rates by 13–20 %, while wet-season precipitation addition increased both rates by 50 %. More than 20 % of the total variation of net nitrification and N mineralization could be explained by microbial abundance and SWC. Notably, archaeal amoA abundance showed the strongest correlation with net N transformation rates (r  ≥  0.35), suggesting the critical role of archaeal amoA abundance in determining N transformations. Increased net nitrification in the wet season, together with large precipitation events, caused substantial NO3− losses via leaching. However, N2O emission decreased moderately in both dry and wet seasons due to changes in nosZ gene abundance, MBC, net nitrification and SWC (decreased by 10–21 %). We conclude that reducing dry-season precipitation and increasing wet-season precipitation affect soil N transformations through altering functional microbial abundance and MBC, which are further affected by changes in EOC and NH4+ availabilities.
Consistent retrieval of land surface radiation products from EO, including traceable uncertainty estimates
Authors: Kaminski Thomas , Pinty Bernard , Voßbeck Michael , Lopatka Maciej , Gobron Nadine , Robustelli Monica
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Earth observation (EO) land surface products have been demonstrated to provide a constraint on the terrestrial carbon cycle that is complementary to the record of atmospheric carbon dioxide. We present the Joint Research Centre Two-stream Inversion Package (JRC-TIP) for retrieval of variables characterising the state of the vegetation–soil system. The system provides a set of land surface variables that satisfy all requirements for assimilation into the land component of climate and numerical weather prediction models. Being based on a 1-D representation of the radiative transfer within the canopy–soil system, such as those used in the land surface components of advanced global models, the JRC-TIP products are not only physically consistent internally, but they also achieve a high degree of consistency with these global models. Furthermore, the products are provided with full uncertainty information. We describe how these uncertainties are derived in a fully traceable manner without any hidden assumptions from the input observations, which are typically broadband white sky albedo products. Our discussion of the product uncertainty ranges, including the uncertainty reduction, highlights the central role of the leaf area index, which describes the density of the canopy. We explain the generation of products aggregated to coarser spatial resolution than that of the native albedo input and describe various approaches to the validation of JRC-TIP products, including the comparison against in situ observations. We present a JRC-TIP processing system that satisfies all operational requirements and explain how it delivers stable climate data records. Since many aspects of JRC-TIP are generic, the package can serve as an example of a state-of-the-art system for retrieval of EO products, and this contribution can help the user to understand advantages and limitations of such products.
Strong linkages between surface and deep-water dissolved organic matter in the East/Japan Sea
Authors: Kim Tae-Hoon , Kim Guebuem , Shen Yuan , Benner Ronald
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Vertical and horizontal distributions of total dissolved amino acids (TDAAs), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) were measured in the East/Japan Sea (EJS). The euphotic zone of this sea is N-limited, and the N : P ratio is ∼ 13 below 200 m depth. Elevated TDAA concentrations (137 ± 34 nM) and DOC-normalized yields (0.8 ± 0.2 % of DOC) were observed in deep waters ( ≥  1000 m) of the EJS and compared with those in the deep North Pacific Ocean. Significantly high TDAA concentrations and yields were observed in a region of deep-water formation, indicating the convection of margin-derived bioavailable dissolved organic matter (DOM) to deep waters. Declining TDAA concentrations (36 ± 12 %) and yields (33 ± 13 %) were observed between 1000 and 3000 m throughout the EJS, indicating the utilization of bioavailable DOM in deep waters. Concentrations of the D-enantiomers of amino acids (Ala, Glx, Asx, and Ser) were relatively high in deep waters of the EJS, indicating substantial bacterial contributions to DOM from surface and upper mesopelagic waters. Climate warming during the past few decades in the EJS is weakening deep convection during the winter, and one consequence of this reduction in deep convection is a decline in the supply of bioavailable DOM from surface waters.
Historic carbon burial spike in an Amazon floodplain lake linked to riparian deforestation near Santarem, Brazil
Authors: Sanders Luciana M. , Taffs Kathryn , Stokes Debra , Sanders Christian J. , Enrich-Prast Alex , Amora Leonardo Nogueira , Marotta Humberto
Published: May 2017

Abstract. The forests along the Amazon Basin produce significant quantities of organic material, a portion of which is deposited in floodplain lakes. However, potentially important effects of ongoing deforestation in the watershed on these carbon fluxes is still poorly understood. Here, a sediment core was extracted from an Amazon floodplain lake to examine the relationship between carbon burial and land cover/use. Historical records from 1942 and satellite data from 1975 were used to calculate deforestation rates between 1942 and 1975, and 1975 to 2008 in four zones with different distances from the margins of the lake and its tributaries (100, 500, 1000 and 6000-m buffers). Sediment accumulation rates were determined from the 240+239Pu signatures and the excess 210Pb method, reaching near 3.8 and 4.2 mm year−1 in the last 60 and 120 years respectively. The average carbon burial rates ranged between 100 and 350 g C m−2 year−1, with pulses of high carbon burial derived from the forest vegetation, as indicated by δ13C and δ15N signatures, which corresponded to heavy deforestation in the 1940 and 50s. Finally, our results revealed a potentially important spatial dependence of the OC burial in Amazon lacustrine sediments in relation to deforestation rates in the catchment. These deforestation rates were more intense in the riparian vegetation (100-m buffer) during the period 1942–1975 and the larger open water areas (500, 1000 and 6000-m buffer) during 1975–2008. The continued removal of vegetation from the interior of the forest was not related to the peak of OC burial in the lake, but only the riparian deforestation around 1950. Our novel findings suggest the importance of abrupt and temporary events in which some of the biomass released by the deforestation, especially restricted to areas along open water edges, might reach the depositional environments in the floodplain of the Amazon Basin.
Exploring the contributions of vegetation and dune size to early dune
building using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-imaging
Authors: van Puijenbroek Marinka E. B. , Nolet Corjan , de Groot Alma V. , Suomalainen Juha M. , Riksen Michel J. P. M. , Berendse Frank , Limpens Juul
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Dune development along highly dynamic land-sea boundaries is the results of interaction between vegetation and dune size with sedimentation and erosion processes. Disentangling the contribution of vegetation characteristics from that of dune size would improve predictions of dune development under a changing climate, but has proven difficult due to scarcity of spatially continuous monitoring data. This study explored the contributions of vegetation and dune size to dune development for locations differing in shelter from the sea. We monitored a natural dune field of 8 hectares, along the coast of the island Texel, the Netherlands, for one year using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) with camera. After constructing a Digital Surface Model and orthomosaic we derived for each dune 1) vegetation characteristics (species composition, vegetation density, and maximum vegetation height), 2) dune size (dune volume, area, and maximum height), 3) degree of shelter (proximity to other dunes and the sheltering by the foredune). Changes in dune volume over summer and winter were related to vegetation, dune size and degree of shelter. We found that a positive change in dune volume (dune growth) was linearly related to dune volume over summer but not over winter. Big dunes accumulated more sand than small dunes due to their larger surface area. Exposed dunes increased more in volume than sheltered dunes over summer, while the opposite occurred over winter. Vegetation characteristics did not significantly affect dune growth in summer, but did significantly affect dune growth in winter. Over winter, dunes dominated by Ammophila arenaria, a grass species with high vegetation density throughout the year, increased more in volume than dunes dominated by Elytrigia juncea, a grass species with lower vegetation density. The effect of species was irrespective of dune size or distance to the sea. Our results show that dune growth in summer is mainly determined by dune size, whereas in winter dune growth was determined by vegetation. In our study area the growth of exposed dunes was likely restricted by storm erosion, whereas growth of sheltered dunes was restricted by sand supply. Our results can be used to improve models predicting coastal dune development.
A non-linear Granger-causality framework to investigate climate–vegetation dynamics
Authors: Papagiannopoulou Christina , Miralles Diego G. , Decubber Stijn , Demuzere Matthias , Verhoest Niko E. C. , Dorigo Wouter A. , Waegeman Willem
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Satellite Earth observation has led to the creation of global climate data records of many important environmental and climatic variables. These come in the form of multivariate time series with different spatial and temporal resolutions. Data of this kind provide new means to further unravel the influence of climate on vegetation dynamics. However, as advocated in this article, commonly used statistical methods are often too simplistic to represent complex climate–vegetation relationships due to linearity assumptions. Therefore, as an extension of linear Granger-causality analysis, we present a novel non-linear framework consisting of several components, such as data collection from various databases, time series decomposition techniques, feature construction methods, and predictive modelling by means of random forests. Experimental results on global data sets indicate that, with this framework, it is possible to detect non-linear patterns that are much less visible with traditional Granger-causality methods. In addition, we discuss extensive experimental results that highlight the importance of considering non-linear aspects of climate–vegetation dynamics.
Studying the Impact of Radioactive Charging on the Microphysical Evolution and Transport of Radioactive Aerosols with the TOMAS-RC v1 framework
Authors: Vasilakos Petros , Kim Yong-Ηa , Pierce Jeffrey R. , Yiacoumi Sotira , Tsouris Costas , Nenes Athanasios
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Radioactive charging can significantly impact the way radioactive aerosols behave, and as a result their lifetime, but such effects are neglected in predictive model studies of radioactive plumes. The objective of this work is to determine the influence of radioactive charging on the vertical transport of radioactive aerosols in the atmosphere, through its effect on coagulation and deposition, as well as quantifying the impact of this charging on aerosol lifetime. The TwO-Moment Aerosol Sectional (TOMAS) microphysical model was extended to account for radioactive charging effects on coagulation in a computationally efficient way. The expanded model, TOMAS-RC (TOMAS with Radioactive Charging effects), was then used to simulate the microphysical evolution and deposition of radioactive aerosol (containing the isotopes 131I and 137Cs) in a number of idealized atmospheric transport experiments. Results indicate that radioactive charging can facilitate or suppress coagulation of radioactive aerosols, thus influencing the deposition patterns and total amount of radioactive aerosol mass available for long-range transport. Sensitivity simulations to uncertain parameters affirm the potential importance of radioactive charging effects. An important finding is that charging of neutral, coarse mode aerosol from background radiation can reduce coagulation rates and extend its lifetime in the atmosphere by up to a factor of 2.
THE CASE OF CAPOGROSSI IN ROME: COLLECTING DATA WITH DIFFERENT
TECHNOLOGIES ON A CONTEMPORARY MURAL PAINTING
Authors: Mezzadri P. , Russo J.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. This paper focuses on the presentation of a part of the main thematic data documenting the pathologies and the degradation problems of a contemporary mural painting, which was designed and carried out by the italian artist Giuseppe Capogrossi in 1954. This forgotten masterpiece is developed on the ceilings of the main double stairscase at the entrance of the Airone, an ex-cinema-theatre in Rome (Italy). In time, the original project was completely damaged and now the Airone cinema is abandoned since 1999; the decoration, strictly connected to the function of the original project, has been completely covered by synthetic coatings. The documentation of the observed pathologies and the original materials of the lower ceiling takes place during a restoration project in 2015–2016 and was accomplished by utilizing different technologies in order to facilitate the collecting of the main data within several graphic thematic tables. The challenge of this documentation was to create a contact point, and perhaps also a contamination, between the practices of CAD graphic documentation, restoration and GIS technology.
FROM EXCAVATIONS TO WEB: A GIS FOR ARCHAEOLOGY
Authors: D'Urso M. G. , Corsi E. , Nemeti S. , Germani M.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. The study and the protection of Cultural Heritage in recent years have undergone a revolution about the search tools and the reference disciplines. The technological approach to the problem of the collection, organization and publication of archaeological data using GIS software has completely changed the essence of the traditional methods of investigation, paving the way to the development of several application areas, up to the Cultural Resource Management. A relatively recent specific sector of development for archaeological GIS development sector is dedicated to the intra - site analyses aimed to recording, processing and display information obtained during the excavations. The case - study of the archaeological site located in the south - east of San Pietro Vetere plateau in Aquino, in the Southern Lazio, is concerned with the illustration of a procedure describing the complete digital workflow relative to an intra-site analysis of an archaeological dig. The GIS project implementation and its publication on the web, thanks to several softwares, particularly the FOSS (Free Open Source Software) Quantum - GIS, are an opportunity to reflect on the strengths and the critical nature of this particular application of the GIS technology. For future developments in research it is of fundamental importance the identification of a digital protocol for processing of excavations (from the acquisition, cataloguing, up data insertion), also on account of a possible future Open Project on medieval Aquino.
IMPACT OF LAND USE CHANGE TO THE SOIL EROSION ESTIMATION FOR CULTURAL LANDSCAPES: CASE STUDY OF PAPHOS DISTRICT IN CYPRUS
Authors: Cuca B. , Agapiou A.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. In 2006 UNESCO report has identified soil loss as one of the main threats of climate change with possible impact to natural and cultural heritage. The study illustrated in this paper shows the results from geomatic perspective, applying an interdisciplinary approach undertaken in order to identify major natural hazards affecting cultural landscapes and archaeological heritage in rural areas in Cyprus. In particular, Earth Observation (EO) and ground-based methods were identified and applied for mapping, monitoring and estimation of the possible soil loss caused by soil erosion. Special attention was given to the land use/land cover factor (C) and its impact on the overall estimation of the soil-loss. Cover factor represents the effect of soil-disturbing activities, plants, crop sequence and productivity level, soil cover and subsurface bio-mass on soil erosion. Urban areas have a definite role in retarding the recharge process, leading to increased runoff and soil loss in the broader area. On the other hand, natural vegetation plays a predominant role in reducing water erosion. The land use change was estimated based on the difference of the NDVI value between Landsat 5 TM and Sentinel-2 data for the period between 1980s’ until today. Cover factor was then estimated for both periods and significant land use changes were further examined in areas of significant cultural and natural landscape value. The results were then compared in order to study the impact of land use change on the soil erosion and hence on the soil loss rate in the selected areas.
METRIC SURVEY AND BIM TECHNOLOGIES TO RECORD DECAY CONDITIONS
Authors: Lo Turco M. , Mattone M. , Rinaudo F.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. The paper proposes a method able to describe, classify and organize information assets concerned with Architectural Heritage, through the use of integrated survey procedures, mainly based on Terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS). The point clouds are then imported into the Building Information Modeling (BIM) software to start with the modeling phase. With regard to this issue, in the last period Building Information Modeling is emerging as the most reliable method to manage architectural design and building processes. Literature supplies both theoretical approaches and several practical applications. However, very little researches are devoted to BIM applied to historical architecture, even if some initial results indicate the actual HBIM (Historic/Heritage BIM) as a possible instrument for the design of an intervention aimed at the conservation of the Cultural Heritage. The focus of the research is the creation of parametric objects representing the preservation status of materials and building components: 3D modeling of decays in the BIM platform ensures to enrich the related database with graphic, geometric and alphanumeric data that can be effectively used to design and manage future interventions. The added value consists in its capability to associate new parameters that describe both the state of conservation of the materials and the detailed description of interventions needed to restore the building. The analyzed case study belongs to Ferrovie dello Stato (the main Italian Railways company) and it is part of the maintenance area, which was originally constituted by a roundhouse containing 51 sheltered railroad tracks and two big sheds.
CONSERVATION-ORIENTED HBIM. THE BIMEXPLORER WEB TOOL
Authors: Quattrini R. , Pierdicca R. , Morbidoni C. , Malinverni E. S.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. The application of (H)BIM within the domain of Architectural Historical Heritage has huge potential that can be even exploited within the restoration domain. The work presents a novel approach to solve the widespread interoperability issue related to the data enrichment in BIM environment, by developing and testing a web tool based on a specific workflow experienced choosing as the case study a Romanic church in Portonovo, Ancona, Italy. Following the need to make the data, organized in a BIM environment, usable for the different actors involved in the restoration phase, we have created a pipeline that take advantage of BIM existing platforms and semantic-web technologies, enabling the end user to query a repository composed of semantically structured data. The pipeline of work consists in four major steps: i) modelling an ontology with the main information needs for the domain of interest, providing a data structure that can be leveraged to inform the data-enrichment phase and, later, to meaningfully query the data; ii) data enrichment, by creating a set of shared parameters reflecting the properties in our domain ontology; iii) structuring data in a machine-readable format (through a data conversion) to represent the domain (ontology) and analyse data of specific buildings respectively; iv) development of a demonstrative data exploration web application based on the faceted browsing paradigm and allowing to exploit both structured metadata and 3D visualization. The application can be configured by a domain expert to reflect a given domain ontology, and used by an operator to query and explore the data in a more efficient and reliable way. With the proposed solution the analysis of data can be reused together with the 3D model, providing the end-user with a non proprietary tool; in this way, the planned maintenance or the restoration project became more collaborative and interactive, optimizing the whole process of HBIM data collection.
3D MODELLING IN THE REGISTRATION AND RESTORATION OF A MEGALITHIC TOMB
Authors: Rodríguez Miranda Á. , Pérez Vidiella P. , Fernández-Eraso J. , Mujika-Alustiza J. A. , Valle Melón J. M.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. This article aims at showing some potential applications of geomatics to works in which both excavation and restoration are carried out simultaneously, so that the three-dimensional layout of the monument undergoes continuous and important changes throughout the intervention. The article offers an overview of several works in geometric documentation and three-dimensional modelling carried out during the archaeological excavations and the restoration of a megalithic monument – dolmen Alto de la Huesera – from 2010 to 2014. The activities described here encompass a wide range of goals, including marking out the excavation grid, the geometric recording of the burials, the three-dimensional modelling of the slabs and the surrounding mound, the virtual visualization and check of possible reconstructions before undertaking actual rearrangements of the components on site as well as the classification and archive of the information so as to maintain the traceability of the tasks accomplished during this period.
THE 2012 EARTHQUAKE: AN ABACUS OF SURVEYS AND INTERVENTIONS IN MANTUA CHURCHES
Authors: Fregonese L. , Campera A. , Scala B. , Adami A.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. After the earthquake of 2012, the ecclesiastical heritage of Mantua was so damaged to render unusable many buildings. Especially churches show a higher vulnerability in relation to their architectural features. From a recognition after the seismic event, more that 40% of the churches of Mantua were damaged with different intensity. After the first phase of expeditious damage detection, a methodical analysis has allowed to know the real state of conservation of many architectures. The Diocese of Mantua commissioned to the Mantua Campus of Politecnico di Milano the survey and digital documentation of 25 churches differently affected by the seismic event. The goal of the survey was double: a) realize the documentation necessary for the shoring and protection of damaged structures; b) prepare the drawing for the following interventions on the buildings such as restoration, reconstruction and retrofitting. Five years after the earthquake, many interventions of those identified were completed and concluded. Numerically, 129 churches were damaged and, nowadays, 115 have been restored and now they are fully open. The paper aims to illustrate the operational criteria used in the survey activity and repair operations carried out in order to identify guidelines that can direct operators in cases of new consolidation measures. All these directions were based on this premise: for historic structures, it is appropriate to accept a level of awareness with seismic risk higher than for ordinary structure, rather than act in the manner contrary to criteria of preservation of cultural heritage. In these years, we tried to identify the forms of dependence between observed damages, construction types and the conservative state before the earthquake. The goal in fact is to understand the cause of the wide loss of ecclesiastic heritage. The reason can be searched in the unfamiliarity of construction practices, techniques and materials with earthquakes or the inability of existing building to resist the seismic stress because badly maintained. These two possibilities conditioned the repair choices applied on the churches. The interventions regard different techniques which were optimized not only to be applied on buildings damaged by the earthquake but also on those that gradually show the necessity of accommodation measures. It is important, in order not to miss the operational experience gained in these years, to maximize the economic resources deployed by focusing the results achieved and verify if the followed path has been consistent and, if not, adjust the direction followed. In summary, the solutions adopted are for example: ties and anchor elements, repair works on vaults with mesh and plaster, repair works on vaults with addiction of lightweight ribs; repair works on cracked vaults with wood, steel wedges and injections of natural hydraulic lime, filling in the gaps of the masonry structure to reduce vulnerabilities.
FROM DOCUMENTATION IMAGES TO RESTAURATION SUPPORT TOOLS: A PATH
FOLLOWING THE NEPTUNE FOUNTAIN IN BOLOGNA DESIGN PROCESS
Authors: Apollonio F. I. , Ballabeni M. , Bertacchi S. , Fallavollita F. , Foschi R. , Gaiani M.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. The sixteenth-century Fountain of Neptune is one of Bologna’s most renowned landmarks. During the recent restoration activities of the monumental sculpture group, consisting in precious marbles and highly refined bronzes with water jets, a photographic campaign has been carried out exclusively for documentation purposes of the current state of preservation of the complex. Nevertheless, the highquality imagery was used for a different use, namely to create a 3D digital model accurate in shape and color by means of automated photogrammetric techniques and a robust customized pipeline. This 3D model was used as basic tool to support many and different activities of the restoration site. The paper describes the 3D model construction technique used and the most important applications in which it was used as support tool for restoration: (i) reliable documentation of the actual state; (ii) surface cleaning analysis; (iii) new water system and jets; (iv) new lighting design simulation; (v) support for preliminary analysis and projectual studies related to hardly accessible areas; (vi) structural analysis; (vii) base for filling gaps or missing elements through 3D printing; (viii) high-quality visualization and rendering and (ix) support for data modelling and semantic-based diagrams.
GEOMATICS AS A SURVEY TOOL TO DOCUMENT AND ENHANCE THE CULTURAL
AND LANDSCAPED HERITAGE OF THE MONUMENTAL COMPLEXES IN THE
MOUNTAINS OF ABRUZZO
Authors: Palestini C. , Basso A.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. The themes of the conference provide an opportunity to exchange views on topics of study in which multidisciplinary contributions of geomatics and restoration contribute to the cognitive process aimed at the conservation of cultural Heritage. In this regard, the contribution exposes research aimed at understanding the documentation and the enhancement of unique architectural – landscape patrimony kept in the Abruzzo mountains. It is about the numerous spiritual retreats established by Pietro da Morrone, Pope Celestino V, mounted among unpassable rocky walls, where the architecture blends with its natural environment camouflaging with it. The analysis refers, specifically to the aspects of survey conducted during the years with the aid of integrated methodologies, able to allow the acquisition, management and comparison of the data. The analysis refers, specifically, to recent digital acquisitions involving the development of San Bartolomeo in Legio, on the slopes of Majella near Roccamorice detected with the use of comparative Agisoft Photoscan and Pix4d software, with shots taken with drones of different sizes, able to mount professional photographic cameras and associate to each picture the coordinates Gps of the point of shooting. Follows a confrontation between a survey carried out with 3d laser scanner, Faro Ls1105, and described acquisitions, obtained from ground and from drone with Photoscan, in order to compare the two scans and the metric differences obtained with the two methods.
CONSTRUCTING AND REPRESENTING: A NEW PROJECT FOR 3D SURVEYING OF
YAZILIKAYA - HATTUŠA
Authors: Repola L. , Marazzi M. , Tilia S.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Within the cooperation project between the University Suor Orsola Benincasa of Naples and the archaeological mission in Hattuša of the German Archaeological Institute of Istanbul, directed by Andreas Schachner, in agreement with the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the workgroup of the University of Naples, has carried out, in September 2015, a first survey campaign of the whole rocky site of Yazılıkaya. The experimentation has been finalized at constructing a global 3D territorial and monumental model of the site, capable that is, through the application of differing scanning procedures, according to the different components (topography, rocky complex, the cultural spaces therein, complex of sculptural reliefs, inscriptions accompanying the divine representations), of virtually reproducing in detail, for safegaurd, exhibition and study purposes (in particular from an epigraphical and historic-artistic point of view) all the aspects characterizing the artefact and not completely visible to the naked eye today.
THE TEMPIO DELLA CONSOLAZIONE IN TODI: INTEGRATED GEOMATIC
TECHNIQUES FOR A MONUMENT DESCRIPTION INCLUDING STRUCTURAL
DAMAGE EVOLUTION IN TIME
Authors: Radicioni F. , Matracchi P. , Brigante R. , Brozzi A. , Cecconi M. , Stoppini A. , Tosi G.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. The Tempio della Consolazione in Todi (16th cent.) has always been one of the most significant symbols of the Umbrian landscape. Since the first times after its completion (1606) the structure has exhibited evidences of instability, due to foundation subsiding and/or seismic activity. Structural and geotechnical countermeasures have been undertaken on the Tempio and its surroundings from the 17th century until recent times. Until now a truly satisfactory analysis of the overall deformation and attitude of the building has not been performed, since the existing surveys record the overhangs of the pillars, the crack pattern or the subsidence over limited time spans. Describing the attitude of the whole church is in fact a complex operation due to the architectural character of the building, consisting of four apses (three polygonal and one semicircular) covered with half domes, which surround the central area with the large dome. The present research aims to fill the gap of knowledge with a global study based on geomatic techniques for an accurate 3D reconstruction of geometry and attitude, integrated with a historical research on damage and interventions and a geotechnical analysis. The geomatic survey results from the integration of different techniques: GPS-GNSS for global georeferencing, laser scanning and digital photogrammetry for an accurate 3D reconstruction, high precision total station and geometric leveling for a direct survey of deformations and cracks, and for the alignment of the laser scans. The above analysis allowed to assess the dynamics of the cracks occurred in the last 25 years by a comparison with a previous survey. From the photographic colour associated to the point cloud was also possible to map the damp patches showing on the domes intrados, mapping their evolution over the last years.