Current State Of Preservation Research Articles

A systematic review of virtual 3D reconstructions of Cultural Heritage in immersive Virtual Reality

AbstractImmersive Virtual Reality (iVR) devices are increasingly affordable and accessible to consumers. The widespread adoption of this technology for professional training is now finding its way into various other fields. One field that is gaining significant popularity is Cultural Heritage (CH), where iVR enables the reconstruction and exploration of lost heritage. However, an up-to-date systematic review of iVR within this field will be of great benefit. Hence, the present review of 94 papers published between 2013 and 2022 that follows PRISMA methodology on virtual reconstruction of CH for iVR. The aim is to identify the key factors behind the development of these applications and their standards. To do so, a statistical analysis on the following topics was performed: (1) nationality, publication date, and article type; (2) heritage type and its current state of preservation; (3) the area of final application and the features of the reconstructions; (4) the characteristics of the iVR experience; and (5) the assessment of the iVR applications. Finally, a roadmap of best practices is outlined for the virtual reconstruction of CH using iVR and some of the most promising future research lines are outlined.

Study on the Bronze Weapons Excavated from Xichuan, China

The collection of twelve bronze artifacts discovered in Xichuan provides invaluable historical insights into the Warring States period (476 BC to 221 BC) of ancient China. To investigate their fabrication techniques and current state of preservation, a comprehensive analysis was conducted using a metallographic microscope, a scanning electron microscope, and an electron spectrometer to examine the microstructure and elemental composition of the artifacts. The findings revealed that the copper content in these bronze artifacts varied between 41.82% and 87.95%, the tin content ranged from 6.79% to 46.88%, and the lead content was less than 28.96%. The microstructure exhibited an α-solid-solution dendritic-crystal-segregation structure, with a substantial amount of (α + δ) eutectic distributed in an island-like pattern. Lead was dispersed unevenly, appearing as small granules and large ellipsoids. The composition of these weapons aligned with their intended use, adhering to the manufacturing standards of traditional Chinese bronzes. However, their state of preservation was suboptimal, necessitating immediate protective measures. This study contributes physical evidence to the research on early Chinese bronze production and offers scientific guidance for the conservation and restoration of these bronze artifacts.

Zespół elektrowni Państwowej Wytwórni Prochu i Materiałów Kruszących w Zagożdżonie-Pionkach

The Power Plant Complex of the State Powder and Crushing Materials Factory in Zagożdżon-Pionki The article describes the former power plant complex at the State Powder and Crushing Materials Factory in Zagożdżon (now Pionki), dating back to the mid-1920s. It begins with an introduction outlining the company’s history, followed by a presentation of the history of the power plant and accompanying facilities, with a focus on the evolution of technical equipment and related architectural layers. Subsequently, an analysis of the architectural form of the complex is conducted, aiming to determine the historical value of the objects. Finally, the article describes the complex’s current state of preservation, its evaluation, and conservation recommendations.

Non-invasive analysis of heritage textiles with MA-XRF mapping—exploring the possibilities. The study of Bishop Jacques de Vitry's mitres and fragile medieval reliquary purses from Namur (Belgium)

This manuscript explores the potential of macro-X-ray fluorescence (MA-XRF) for the non-invasive analysis of heritage textiles. XRF, especially with the portable instruments, is a well-known technique for the non-destructive examination of various cultural heritage objects. It allows analysis of elemental composition based on single-point measurements. However, large, or complex textiles require numerous analysis points to identify the materials used and correctly interpret the spectra. MA-XRF takes this type of research to the next level, as it is possible to visualise the element distribution over an entire mapped area. In this paper, we discuss the application of this technique to the study of complex and multi-layered textile objects from exceptional Belgian heritage collections, including two mitres attributed to Bishop Jacques de Vitry, dating between twelfth and thirteenth century, and two of the seven extremely fine medieval reliquary purses from Namur. These are very fragile, richly decorated textile objects whose current state of preservation is a major impediment to sampling. MA-XRF mapping was applied for the identification of the elements of different materials in a non-invasive manner, including metal threads, ink, dyes, and various materials used in illuminations. In addition to material identification, stratigraphic information was obtained from the visualisation of element distributions, and hidden structural details were discovered. MA-XRF was also tested on some areas with more relief, such as the embroidery and braid made with metal threads, and the undulated multi-layered structure of the parchment mitre. Even though the analyses here could not be carried out in optimal conditions, these locations could also be analysed, albeit at a lower resolution. Finally, the technique proved very effective as a tool for screening, allowing samples to be taken at a more informative and representative location and minimising sampling.

Landscape cultivation project of the «Recreation tract «Korostyshiv Canyon» and prospects for the creation of a geopark


 
 
 The purpose of this article was to highlight the prospects of using the «recreation- al tract «Korostyshivskyi Canyon» for recreational and tourist purposes. Due to most of the world’s leading countries’ policies aim to manage the sustainable development of tourist destinations, preserving the integrity of the environment was the basis of the improvement measures. By maintaining a balance between the use and protection of the landscape. Through such mechanisms as taking into account the orographic features of the area for arranging zones of active and passive activity, as well as studying the quarry’s attractiveness and its possible inclusion as one of the objects in the regional geopark. The creation and operation of which could be developed based on the existing quarries of the city of Korostyshiv (Korostyshivskyi quarry, «recreational tract «Korostyshivskyi canyon», Raikhove lake, «Vysoky Kamen» quarry). In view of the fact that the object described in the article is in the communal property of the city of Korostyshiv, the interests of the local authorities regarding this place and the residents of the city were taken into account when devel- oping the measures. As a result, functional zoning was developed, making it possible to allocate zones for certain types of activities, considering their current state of preservation. The implementation of the proposed project assumes that the territory will act not only as an additional stimulus for the local budget but will also be able to expand the range of services and change public awareness of environmental support. The perspective of the proposed project is that this area will be less burdened by tourists, due to the functioning of the infrastructure, which will ensure comfort for visitors and safety for nature. Also, one of this work’s goals was to form a comprehensive image of the geological object among tourists, by installing information and reference boards and laying eco-trails. The selected quarry is an excellent site for recreation, which, with proper use of resources and presentation of the geological heritage, will make it comfortable to visit and recognizable among other places in the region.
 
 

CONDITION OF PRESERVATION AND METHODS OF MATERIAL EVALUATION OF THE OBJECTS OF ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE IN PRYKAPATTIA

The Ukrainian state is a country with centuries-old history, on her walks of life unique sights of architectural inheritance are kept. Prykarpattya counts 3944 sights of cultural heritage, from what 1443 are the objects of sights of architecture, 90 sights are the objects of national value, other 1353 are local. Two monuments of sacred architecture are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List: the Church of the Holy Spirit in 1598 in Rohatyn and the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1808 in the village of Nyzhnii Verbizh, Kolomyia district. The basis of the development of the state is the preservation of cultural heritage, because it is a kind of engine of socio-cultural development of each nation. Preservation can be carried out by protecting, including material elements in modern urban planning, maintaining and monitoring the state of preservation and functioning of the cultural heritage object. The material part of the architectural heritage includes: urban planning systems, buildings and structures, anthropogenic landscapes, monuments of architecture, urban planning, monumental art, archeology, etc. The intangible part of the architectural heritage includes: professional experience, concepts theoretical views and ideas accumulated by the people and fixed in any form. Issues related to the protection and preservation of architectural heritage are regulated by the Convention for the Protection of European Architectural Heritage, which was ratified in 2006. The issue of assessing the architectural heritage is spelled out in the Law of Ukraine “On the Protection of Cultural Heritage”, which states that each architectural monument is an object of real estate and is subject to monetary valuation, since it carries property value. The article describes the number of architectural objects that we refer to as cultural monuments of national importance and on the example of several of them described their current state of preservation and architecture, as we see most of the architectural monuments need restoration. In the article, we analysed the methodology for assessing the state of preservation of architectural monuments and methods of monetary valuation of architectural objects and determined that none of them takes into account the historical value of the architectural heritage object, so we proposed to identify and take into account the following main criteria for evaluating an architectural monument: construction period, historical memory of the object, location of the object, tourist potential, socio-cultural object, uniqueness of the object, authenticity of the object. It is necessary to take into account the historical aspect in the methods of assessment, first of all, in order for people to realize the importance of preserving and protecting architectural objects. Keywords: architectural monument, state of preservation of architectural heritage, assessment of architectural heritage objects.

Digital Technologies Role in the Preservation of Jewish Cultural Heritage: Case Study Heyman House, Oradea, Romania

The Jewish architectural heritage is and will remain an integral part of the local cultural heritage, but part of it still needs to be discovered, rehabilitated, maintained and valued. For Oradea, a Central–Eastern European city, this challenge is very specific because the Jewish communities before World War II were very strong and prosperous and because of the current desire to assert the city in the tourism market through urban regeneration. The Jewish community of Oradea had an important representative in Éva Heyman, a child of the Holocaust, nicknamed “Anne Frank of Transylvania”, which became famous. At the age of 13 years, Éva Heyman kept a diary during the Jewish ghettos in Oradea. In addition to the diary, her story is about the house where she grew up, built in the Art Nouveau style at the center of Oradea. Even though this house is of inestimable value from an aesthetic and cultural point of view, very little is known among the local population. Moreover, it is not listed as a historical monument, and its current state of preservation is precarious. With the increasing importance of preserving cultural heritage and computer graphics development, the digitization of historical buildings began to be used more and more for evaluation, preservation and promotion. This paper attempts to highlight the story of Éva Hayman and the house where she grew up. The paper further presents the innovative methods by which it is desired to achieve the presented goal for this architectural jewel. The results show that three-dimensional digitization methods are powerful tools for preservation and use for the benefit of the general public, education professionals, administrators and investors, art historians, restorers, etc., who are concerned with the collection preservation, exploration and mediation of the Jewish cultural heritage.

Heritage textiles – an integrated approach for assessment and future conservation

The digital revolution has been present in our lives more and more since the beginning of the third millennium and until now, has affected the way in which cultural heritage is valued, preserved and passed on. In this context, the present study aims to use digital technologies (digital radiography and Reflectance Transformation Imaging) to contribute to assessing the conservation status of a heritage textile fabric; a traditional women’s shirt about 100 years old from Bihor County (ie). The investigations concerned both the fine details that are not visible to the naked eye, regarding the internal structure of the material and external (damaged areas, embroidery with traditional motifs, etc.). The results obtained show high suitability of the methods used for the analysis performed on historical textiles, having major importance in identifying the visual representation of the weave, the fibres and the surface of the fabric, the deterioration and also the current state of preservation and contributing to the identification of optimal restoration-conservation solutions.

Evaluation of the Current State of Preservation of Vaccinio uliginosi-Pinetum Kleist 1929 in Eastern Poland

The study assessed the genetic variability and the possibility of Scots pine regeneration in marshy forest. The genetic parameters were determined using the ISSR technique. The relationships between herbaceous plants, pine regeneration density, and their genetic variability were determined. On average, per 1 m2, three regenerated pine seedlings with a mean height of 27.56 cm were inventoried. Based on genetic analysis, it was found that the proportion of polymorphic loci was 60.46%. The average number of alleles at the locus was 1.345, and the effective number of alleles at the locus was 1.345. The values of the expected heterozygosity and Shannon index were 0.200 and 0.301, respectively. No species competing with pine regeneration were found. A significantly negative correlation of the number of pine regenerations with the area covered with an herbaceous plant layer and tree canopy closure was found. There was a relation to the insufficient amount of light under the stand canopy. In conclusion, the condition of marshy forests was satisfactory and the genetic variability of pine seedlings was moderate. The vegetation was typical for this habitat, but the significant presence of dry habitat species could indicate the beginning of habitat drainage. It seemed that the amount of light under the stand canopy was insufficient. Nevertheless, more light probably reached the inside of the stand in the terminal stage, as a result of upper layer tree separation, which in turn may facilitate the effective regeneration of Scots pine in this habitat.

Component Materials, 3D Digital Restoration, and Documentation of the Imperial Gates from the Wooden Church of Voivodeni, Sălaj County, Romania

The wooden churches from Transylvania, Romania, are a unique and representative cultural heritage asset for rural communities, both in terms of architecture and the style of painting that defines them as monuments of national heritage. These churches are in danger of degradation because rural communities are beginning to abandon them for various motives (e.g., they are too small, are expensive to maintain, or are being replaced by modern churches, built of stone and modern materials). The reason behind their accelerated degradation is that they are covered with shingles that need to be periodically changed and repaired to prevent water from reaching the inner painting layer, a process that is, in many cases, ignored. Imperial gates are the symbol of these churches and separate the nave from the narthex. They are made entirely out of wood and were sculpted and painted manually by skilled craftsmen and still represent the central element of these churches, in terms of art and aesthetics. The digital preservation of these heritage assets is an interdisciplinary undertaking, which begins with the physico-chemical analysis of the pigments in the painting layer, continues with three-dimensional (3D) digitization of the monument and of the objects of interest (such as the imperial gates), and finishes with a digital restoration of these monuments and artefacts. This paper presents a working methodology, successfully applied in digitizing and digitally restoring imperial gates from wooden churches in Transylvania, namely from the wooden church of Voivodeni, Sălaj County, Romania (Transylvania region). X-ray fluorescence and FTIR spectroscopy were used to determine the pigments in the painting layer of these artefacts, and after they were identified, they were synthesized in laboratory conditions. The resulting color was digitized and used for digitally restoring the artefact(s) to its (their) pristine condition. To popularize these cultural heritage assets, the authors make use of virtual reality to mediate the interaction between the general public and heritage objects in their current state of preservation, in a digital environment. Moreover, to showcase how these heritage objects were degraded over time, a digitally restored version of the artefact in pristine condition is presented alongside a version in its current state (as is, digitized, but not yet digitally restored).

Скальные храмы деревни Ангуа (Тыграй, Эфиопия) — памятники трёх исторических эпох

The article is based on the results of a field study carried out with the financial support of the Russian Foundation for Basic Research in the fall of 2020. It has been devoted to the analysis of three rock-hewn churches created in different historical periods (including one modern monument) around the village of Angua, located in the mountainous region of Geralta (Tigray, Ethiopia). The text examines the characteristic features of the monuments, expounds the author’s position on their typological affiliation and dating, and describes their current state of preservation. These churches illustrate the three most important periods in the history of the Tigray region, during which one of the most active phases of the creation of rock-hewn churches has occurred. The article also examines the historical reasons behind these periods of construction activity. This research has been completed with the support of the Russian Foundation of Basic Research, project № 19-012-00299.

Investigation of Microorganisms Deteriorating Ancient Ola Leaf Manuscripts

Abstract Ola leaf manuscripts from Sri Lanka date back to several centuries. While they have been well preserved over the last century, their condition has worsened in recent years when black dots caused by microorganisms started occurring on their surface. In this study, the current state of preservation and the factors causing deterioration are examined using microscopy techniques. Microscopic images clearly show that the manuscripts are contaminated by microorganisms which penetrated deeply into the carrier material, destroying the internal structure. A Penicillium griseofulvum strain was recognized as the most active microorganism in xylan degradation. Sri Lanka’s climate provides favorable conditions for the growth of these fungi. Therefore, it is suggested that temperature and humidity of the archival space should be better controlled in order to ensure the Ola leaf manuscripts’ long-term preservation.

The Current State Of Preservation Of The Epic Tradition Of Epic Poetry Of South Uzbekistan

The Current State Of Preservation Of The Epic Tradition Of Epic Poetry Of South Uzbekistan

THE RESEARCH OF THE ANNALISTIC MYCHESK

The city of Mychesk (Mychsk) is mentioned by the Hypatian Chronicle in the episode of the chase of Halich Prince Volodymyr Volodarovych for Prince Iziaslav Mstyslavych during his raid in 1151 to Kyiv occupied at that time by Prince Yurii Dolhorukyi.
 In the middle of the 19th century E. Rulikovskyi and L. Pokhilevych, having based on local legends, localized Mychesk on the territory of Mykgorod — a suburb of Radomyshl (today the part of city). The remains of the fortifications (ramparts and ditches), located on the peninsula at the influx of the Myka river into the Teteriv, were considered as the rests of Mychesk. For the first time, they were examined and described by V. Antonovych in the late 19th cent. Most of the researchers such as M. Hrushevskyi, A. Kuza, V. Misiats agreed with this version of Mychesk localization.
 In 1973 and 1985 M. Kuchera has made the survey on the territory of that peninsula and dug the prospect holes on the territory of Mykgorod fortifications. As a result, no artifacts and cultural layers dated to Old Rus period were found on the site or adjoining territory. The researcher considered this site to be the remains of a fortified churchyard in the Late Middle Ages.
 In 2009 and 2011 the additional researches of Mykgorod were made by the authors of the paper. The artifacts of Old Rus period have not been discovered. Instead of that fact, in 2011, numerous fragments of pottery dated to the middle — the second half of the 11th century and at the 12th—13th century were found in the central historical part of the modern city. Artifacts were located on the high terrace of the left bank of Myka river, in the garden of school # 3 and on the neighboring backyards. Huge cultural layer was obsereved in the prospect hole, the lower horizons of this layer are well preserved and provide the findings of ceramics dated to the middle — the second half of the 11th century.
 In the autumn of 2019, the authors carried out the rescue exploration on the school territory caused by construction of the school water and sewer system. In the communication trench the cultural layers, its capacity and current state of preservation were traced. The remains of three objects destroyed by modern machines were also recognized, they are dated to the Old Rus period. The ceramics dated to the 10th—18th centuries was collected.
 It should be noticed that in 2011 and in 2019 the fragments of plinth (a Greek brick) were found on the surface and during exploration. For the first view it can be dated to the late 11th — the first third of the 12th cent. These findings ought to show the existence of the stone church in Mychesk at the Middle Ages.
 Thus, the question of localization of the annalistic Mychesk consider to be fundamentally resolved. To form the complete scientific understanding of this Old Rus city we need further special historical and archeological research.

A Spatial Pattern(S) of the Eneolithic Multi-Phase Settlement of Brînzeni IV (North-Western Moldova) from the Perspective of Non-Invasive Geophysical Surveys

Abstract Non-invasive geophysical methods are often very useful and efficient in the investigation of various archaeological sites. Using one of the most popular of them, i.e. magnetometry, we carried out a survey of the area of the multi-phase Eneolithic site of Brînzeni IV (north-western Moldova) in 2019. As a result, the spatial arrangement of the site and its current state of preservation were preliminarily identified.

Pokasacyjne losy i obecny stan zachowania archiwaliów klasztoru Benedyktynów z Sieciechowa

The history of the Benedictine monastery in Sieciechow is an interesting research problem that did not have too many scientific studies. One of the reasons is the poor knowledge of the current preservation state of the monastery archives. Until the dissolution of the abbey in 1819, Sieciechow had the valuable archive, whose collection for centuries documented the rich history of monastery, including the development of the material-spiritual culture of the Sieciechowski convent. Unfortunately, as a result of the dissolution, the monastery archives were separated and dispersed, and then were largely destroyed during World War II. The article discusses the main events related to the post-dissolution fate of Sieciechow archives, presents their current state of preservation and determines the research potential the preserved archives create in the context of further studies on the past of the monastery.

Digital documentation and restoration tools reusing existing imagery: a multipurpose model of the Neptune’s Fountain in Bologna

On the occasion of the recent restoration of the sixteenth century Neptune’s Fountain in Bologna, promoted by the municipality in 2015 to preserve one of the major town’s landmark, high-quality imagery has been acquired for documenting the current state of preservation of the marble and bronze surfaces before and during the restoration phases. Starting from this available detailed photographic campaign and using new tools developed to solve problems linked with some limitations of the captured imagery, authors produced a photogrammetry-based 3D model of the monumental sculpture group, reliable for both geometric features and colour reproduction consistency, in order to be used to support the supplementary activities not foreseen in the original project. The paper presents methods and techniques implemented to produce the 3D model of the fountain, besides its main actual applications as a basic tool to support different restoration activities: (i) reliable documentation of the actual state; (ii) high-quality visualization and rendering; (iii) technical outcomes and graphical representation extraction; (iv) study of original and current water supply system and simulation of the new project for the jets system and watergames; (v) new lighting design simulation; (vi) structural analysis; (vii) support to preliminary analysis and design studies related to hardly accessible areas; (viii) surface cleaning analysis; (ix) base for filling gaps or missing elements through 3D printing; (x) support for data modelling and semantic-based diagrams.

Macroscopic X-ray Powder Diffraction Scanning: Possibilities for Quantitative and Depth-Selective Parchment Analysis.

At or below the surface of painted works of art, valuable information is present that provides insights into an object's past, such as the artist's technique and the creative process that was followed or its conservation history but also on its current state of preservation. Various noninvasive techniques have been developed over the past 2 decades that can probe this information either locally (via point analysis) or on a macroscopic scale (e.g., full-field imaging and raster scanning). Recently macroscopic X-ray powder diffraction (MA-XRPD) mapping using laboratory X-ray sources was developed. This method can visualize highly specific chemical distributions at the macroscale (dm2). In this work we demonstrate the synergy between the quantitative aspects of powder diffraction and the noninvasive scanning capability of MA-XRPD highlighting the potential of the method to reveal new types of information. Quantitative data derived from a 15th/16th century illuminated sheet of parchment revealed three lead white pigments with different hydrocerussite-cerussite compositions in specific pictorial elements, while quantification analysis of impurities in the blue azurite pigment revealed two distinct azurite types: one rich in barite and one in quartz. Furthermore, on the same artifact, the depth-selective possibilities of the method that stem from an exploitation of the shift of the measured diffraction peaks with respect to reference data are highlighted. The influence of different experimental parameters on the depth-selective analysis results is briefly discussed. Promising stratigraphic information could be obtained, even though the analysis is hampered by not completely understood variations in the unit cell dimensions of the crystalline pigment phases.

Granites of Salamanca. A perfect example for the recognition of natural stone as a heritage resource and their use in restoration

In the province of Salamanca (Spain) there are several quarries that used to be the source of natural stone used in the construction of historic buildings and that are today recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. In this study we investigated the granites used in the construction and restoration of the lower ashlars of the walls of different buildings in Salamanca, Alba de Tormes, Ciudad Rodrigo, and Ledesma. The characterization of the different types of granite and their current state of preservation may serve to adopt specific measures for their possible use in the restoration of the architectural heritage of the province if this should become necessary. Despite the variety of materials observed in the lower parts of the buildings (ranging from sandstone to conglomerate to granite), the stone most frequently used was the granite from Los Santos and the Martinamor granite, followed by the vaugneritic granites from Ledesma. In general, the granite materials are in good condition, but the existence of certain pathologies that have given rise to processes of flaking and discoloration of the rock suggests that it will be necessary to make a consistent assessment when deciding about possible actions aimed at replacing materials in these historic buildings. Moreover, the various granites differ from one another, and pieces should not be replaced without perfect identification of the specific type to which they belong. A detailed study of these granites is crucial for the nomination of some of them as candidates for the denomination Global Heritage Stone Resource and the whole set of Salamanca province lithologies as a Global Heritage Stone Province.

A revision of the trionychid turtle Procyclanorbis sardus Portis, 1901 from the late Miocene of Sardinia (Italy)

Procyclanorbis sardus Portis, 1901 is the first fossil trionychid turtle described from Sardinia. This late Miocene taxon was originally considered to have affinities with the African and southern Asian cyclanorbines. We here redescribe in detail the holotype specimen of this species, which has suffered severe degradation since its original publication. A comparison between the original state of the fossil and its current state of preservation is provided. On the basis of its anatomy, affinities of Procyclanorbis sardus with cyclanorbines are discarded and this taxon is demonstrated to be an indeterminate pan-trionychine. The distribution of fossil trionychids in the Mediterranean Islands is also discussed.