Journal of Cultural Heritage最新文献

Aerial lime is one of the oldest binders discovered and used in mortars. In different regions of the world, there is a substantial number of historic masonry constructions comprising binders based on aerial lime. The carbonation process has essential relevance on the behaviour of this material. In this sense, an experimental program done by the research group is adopted to support the numerical simulation of the evolution of carbonation phenomenon. Initially, a strategy modelling presented in literature is adopted. In sequence, an iterative process is done to achieve the set of parameters to fit the experimental data using the results from cylinders tested at three different depths with thermogravimetric analysis at four different ages. With a new set of parameters and functions, the numerical model could reproduce reasonably the data from the thermogravimetric analysis. Then, the modelling strategy with the fitted parameters is used to study the evolution of the carbonation in five series of specimens with different sizes, tested with phenolphthalein indicator. Various values of equivalent reaction degree (R∼20% to R∼60%), in terms of numerical results, were obtained for the phenolphthalein test.

This article focuses on the development and application of intelligent software for image and sound recognition to perform iconographic and audiographic analyses of the work of video art pioneers Steina and Woody Vasulka (the Vasulkas). The AI epistemological tool Vasulka Live Archive is designed to provide unique results that benefit from the synthesis of automatic statistical analysis across the dataset and application of predefined categories that are the results of aesthetic evaluation of the Vasulkas’ videos and inspired by terminology of video art aesthetics (Weibel, Krauss). The advantages of this AI tool reveal themselves particularly when the tool is used for transmedia analysis of the whole dataset (the Vasulkas’ work) as the accuracy and completeness of its results are out of reach of an individual human researcher. We argue that this kind of AI tools can contribute to more exact and data-based findings on media art aesthetics, it can contribute to establishing a new field augmented iconology (Spratt) as well as expanding the sphere of AI tools application towards digital collections of experimental and conceptual art of 20th and 21st centuries.

A paint palette of the 20th-century Chinese modern artist Wu Guanzhong (1919–2010) was studied with an integrated spectroscopic approach, macro-scale non-invasive techniques hyperspectral imaging (HSI) and macro X-ray fluorescence (MA-XRF), complemented with Raman spectroscopy. The palette is revealed to be comprised of synthetic inorganic and organic pigments, typical of the 20th century modern palette that is dominated by azo and phthalocyanine pigments. HSI datasets of the paint palette and those of Wu's oil painting ‘Xidi Village’ (2001) were then processed within one unsupervised Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP) model, in an attempt to identify connections between the artefact and the artwork, so that known pigment results of the palette may provide preliminary pigment assignment for the painting. This study describes the steps taken to establish this automated assisted pigment analysis workflow, which involves processing multiple HSI datasets within one UMAP model, density clustering, non-negative least square (NNLS) fitting to extract endmembers (EM) spectra and to generate distribution maps. The approach to perform micro-sampling pigment analysis on the artist's palette (or artist's materials) is considered less invasive to the integrity than that from artworks, the results of which have demonstrated to serve as a critical resource to support further pigment analysis studies of the artist's paintings via non-invasive analytical techniques.

This study proposes a systematic approach to evaluate the value of industrial heritage under conditions of uncertainty. This approach primarily incorporates cloud theory and Dempster–Shafer theory (D–S theory), allowing managers to predict the direction of heritage renovation. Moreover, through this method, corresponding renovation measures and management methods can be formulated based on value levels and probabilities. The normal cloud distribution in cloud theory is more associated with people's judgment of things, while the subordinate cloud is employed to describe the basic probability distribution of factors at different value levels. The D–S theory has considerable advantages in terms of integrating information from multiple sources. This study uses the Shenyang Aircraft Factory as a case study to demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of both theories. The results demonstrate that the combination of these two models can integrate knowledge and data, and the results of the value assessment model are in good agreement with the actual situation. In addition, this study provides a useful tool for dealing with uncertainty, randomness, and fuzziness in decision-making, making it easier for managers to develop appropriate building renovation plans.

While deterioration due to the generation of “black spots” is reported, consensus on the specific corrosion products comprising black spots and underlying deterioration mechanisms is lacking. This study investigated the deterioration of copper objects by analysing the black spots that appeared on them and proposes environmental conditions to suppress the appearance of black spots. Bronze artefacts excavated from a marine archaeological site, on which black spots were generated, were closely observed, and investigated. First, X-ray fluorescence and micro-X-ray diffraction analyses were performed on a bronze artefact, from which the black spots were removed, to determine the composition of the artefact. Second, to investigate the composition of the black spots, fine structure analysis of the black spots on the fine fragments of the bronze artefacts was conducted using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and electron diffraction (ED) analysis. The results indicate that the black spots were partially composed of metallic copper and a fine particle mixture of Cu₂S and CuSO₄. These results imply that the transformation of copper sulfide to metallic copper may have played an important role in the initiation and propagation of black spots. In this study, ED analysis was performed on the microscopic area of the black spots; no amorphous phases were detected, and all observed phases were identified as crystalline materials. To determine the sources of gas-phase sulfur compounds that cause black spots, H₂S and carbonyl sulfide (COS) emissions from a spherical clay artefact (a cannon ball with gunpowder excavated from an underwater archaeological site) which was exhibited in the same showcase with the bronze artefacts were analysed via gas chromatography. The concentrations of H₂S and COS were 0.462 and 8.636 ppb, respectively; these are significantly higher than those in the lower troposphere. These results indicate that deterioration by black spots occurred because of H₂S and COS, which were emitted from the spherical clay artefact excavated from an underwater archaeological site in the exhibition case. In addition, it was confirmed that the inclusion of deoxygenating and dehumidifying agents (RP-AN) in the plastic bag in which the spherical clay artefact was inserted resulted in a significant decrease in the concentration of H₂S and COS.

Improper burial and storage conditions significantly impact the degradation process of mummies. Factors such as pressure, fluctuations in humidity and temperature, and exposure to light can accelerate this degradation. This study focuses on understanding the degradation mechanism of a mummy from the Late Period, currently stored in the excavation stores at Saqqara, Giza, Egypt. Various techniques including temperature and humidity monitoring, light intensity measurement, internal water content analysis, digital microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (FESEM-EDX), X-ray radiography, internal endoscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and isolation and identification of fungi were employed to investigate the mummy's condition.

The study found that the soil's mechanical stress caused bone fractures in the mummy's body. Increased humidity led to the dissolution of natron salt, which penetrated the body and surface, resulting in decay of soft tissue and bone. Various microscopes revealed cracks, insect holes, and other damage. Internal endoscopy confirmed body removal and decay. X-ray radiography showed the brain had been removed without resin filling the space. FTIR analysis identified the presence of natron salt, bitumen, beeswax, Arabic gum, and plant oil in the mummification process. Additionally, it showed the chemical stability changes in the mummy components. Fungi such as Penicillium implicatum, Aspergillus flavus, and Trichoderma sp. were also identified.

Progress in the field of documentation and safeguarding of heritage buildings has evolved considerably since the implementation and use of information models. However, these models are being refined and particularised in an attempt to cover the full range of elements to be protected.

There is one case that has not yet been sufficiently studied, namely the specific typology of underground built heritage spaces, where the procedures designed for more conventional buildings are not applicable. A lack of consensus has been detected in the standardisation of data processing, which is fundamentally since these spaces do not respond to the classification nor as a building or as an archaeological site.

In addition, the morphology of these spaces, -with irregular surfaces of complex geometry-, makes the three-dimensional representation indispensable to record concise and exact documentation.

This research proposes a specific methodology for processing heritage data from CIDOC-based models for underground built heritage spaces that fills the identified gap. The research also proposes solutions to the ontological problem of linking information and annotated data, establishing a methodology for performing this kind of work directly on three-dimensional models using web applications. This simplification of the procedure facilitates the reading and multidisciplinary access to the information of the agents involved in safeguarding heritage, replacing two-dimensional projections representation with the introduction of three-dimensional tools.

Mural paintings, valuable cultural relics, face persistent damage issues. Ba(OH)₂ can transform into barium BaCO₃ in the atmosphere, improving its protective abilities. Challenges in synthesis and size control hinder its potential as a protective agent. In this study, a cost-effective composite of Ba(OH)₂ and bacterial cellulose (BC-Ba(OH)₂) was developed. The abundant -OH groups on the BC surface anchor and disperse Ba(OH)₂ nanocrystals, promoting in-situ growth of particles approximately 10 nm in size. The successful preparation of BC-Ba(OH)₂ was confirmed by techniques such as XRD, TEM mapping, and infrared spectroscopy. Moreover, the strong physical interaction between Ba(OH)₂ and BC helps prevent the migration and agglomeration of Ba(OH)₂ nanoparticles, thereby ensuring the long-term effectiveness of the reinforcing agent. Additionally, owing to the outstanding toughness and strength of BC, the formed 3D network structure effectively enhances the strength of mural structure. Through a series of performance tests, it was demonstrated that BC-Ba(OH)₂ exhibits superior permeability, consolidation strength and flexural strength in mural restoration compared to commercial Ba(OH)₂. It is noteworthy that experiments and DFT confirm that the increase in the carbonization rate is attributed to the nano effect and carrier effect. Using BC as a support not only reduces the particle size of Ba(OH)₂ but also optimizes the internal charge structure of Ba(OH)₂, enhancing its CO₂ adsorption capability. These results suggest a new direction for the development of emerging mural restoration materials.