Field Of Cultural Heritage Preservation Research Articles

Nanocelluloses and Their Applications in Conservation and Restoration of Historical Documents.

Nanocelluloses have gained significant attention in recent years due to their singular properties (good biocompatibility, high optical transparency and mechanical strength, large specific surface area, and good film-forming ability) and wide-ranging applications (paper, food packaging, textiles, electronics, and biomedical). This article is a comprehensive review of the applications of nanocelluloses (cellulose nanocrystals, cellulose nanofibrils, and bacterial nanocellulose) in the conservation and restoration of historical paper documents, including their preparation methods and main properties. The novelty lies in the information collected about nanocelluloses as renewable, environmentally friendly, and sustainable materials in the field of cultural heritage preservation as an alternative to conventional methods. Several studies have demonstrated that nanocelluloses, with or without other particles, may impart to the paper documents excellent optical and mechanical properties, very good stability against temperature and humidity aging, higher antibacterial and antifungal activity, high protection from UV light, and may be applied without requiring additional adhesive.

Deep Learning Enhanced Multisensor Data Fusion for Building Assessment Using Multispectral Voxels and Self-Organizing Maps

Efforts in the domain of building studies involve the use of a diverse array of geomatic sensors, some providing invaluable information in the form of three-dimensional point clouds and associated registered properties. However, managing the vast amounts of data generated by these sensors presents significant challenges. To ensure the effective use of multisensor data in the context of cultural heritage preservation, it is imperative that multisensor data fusion methods be designed in such a way as to facilitate informed decision-making by curators and stakeholders. We propose a novel approach to multisensor data fusion using multispectral voxels, which enable the application of deep learning algorithms as the self-organizing maps to identify and exploit the relationships between the different sensor data. Our results indicate that this approach provides a comprehensive view of the building structure and its potential pathologies, and holds great promise for revolutionizing the study of historical buildings and their potential applications in the field of cultural heritage preservation.

A Web-Based Platform for 3D Visualization of Multimodal Imaging Data in Cultural Heritage Asset Documentation

Complex demands in the field of cultural heritage preservation often require a multidisciplinary approach and substantial volumes of multimodal data integration and management. The conventional approach to tackling these issues revolves around using different H-BIM (historical building information model) solutions. This paper presents a prototype for a web platform that moves closer to the idea of a digital twin for physical cultural assets. Based on a light development framework, it is designed for online open access and features a versatile custom 3D viewer for intuitive interaction with the presented data. The concept requires a workflow similar to the video-game industry’s 3D asset optimization to generate highly detailed 3D models and to facilitate the display of multilayered imaging data. The technological stack features a minimal MVC architecture framework and front-end stylesheets. It is designed to be independent of specific databases, enhancing portability for potential future open-source releases. Moreover, the platform employs WebGL libraries to create a dynamic 3D environment interaction. The capabilities of the web platform were tested in a case study regarding the documentation of an important 17th-century church in Romania. Further developments and current limitations of the platform are also discussed.

ПРИНЦИПЫ ИНВЕСТИЦИОННОЙ ПРИВЛЕКАТЕЛЬНОСТИ ТЕРРИТОРИЙ ИНДУСТРИАЛЬНОГО НАСЛЕДИЯ САХАРНЫХ ЗАВОДОВ СЕРЕДИНЫ XIX – НАЧАЛА XX В.В.

Industrial heritage objects reflect the history of the nation, the peculiarities of its thinking, and also have great potential in the context of the sustainable development of small towns and villages in which they are located. Sugar factories of the Central Black Earth region are historically city-forming enterprises. However, at the moment, industrial territories that do not perform a city-forming function, on the one hand, and an acquired socio-cultural function as a significant cultural heritage, on the other hand, have degraded and are partially in a ruined state. The study considers the factors affecting the investment attractiveness of industrial heritage objects of sugar factories: restrictions on the creation of a new function, location in small towns and rural settlements, low transport accessibility, the problem of property rights, the unsatisfactory state of the territory and objects of industrial heritage, imperfection of the legislative base in the field of cultural heritage preservation, lack of tourist and recreational attractiveness. The features in the legal documentation that negatively affect the investment attractiveness of the object of cultural heritage are revealed. The principles of investment attractiveness based on the resolution of urban conflicts are proposed, which are recommended when adapting the industrial heritage of sugar factories of XIX – early XX centuries It is assumed that the application of the developed principles for the territories of the industrial heritage of sugar factories will increase their level of attractiveness for the investor (public/private).

Integrated Imaging and Spectroscopic Analysis of Painted Fresco Surfaces Using Terahertz Time-Domain Technique

Terahertz time-domain (THz-TD) imaging plays an increasingly significant role in the study of solid-state materials by enabling the simultaneous extraction of spectroscopic composition and surface topography in the far-infrared region (3–300 cm−1). However, when applied to works of art in reflection configuration, significant challenges arise, including weak signal intensity, multiple signal losses, and surface distortion. This study proposes a practical solution to overcome these limitations and conducts an integrated imaging and spectroscopic analysis on painted fresco surfaces, allowing for the retrieval of surface thicknesses, material distribution, and pigment spectroscopic signals. The study addresses the issue of surface geometrical distortion, which hampers the accurate determination of the THz phase signal. By tackling this challenge, this work successfully determines the absorption coefficient for each point on the surface and retrieves spectroscopic signatures. Additionally, the temporal deconvolution technique is employed to separate different layers of the sample and differentiate between outer and inner surface topography. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the advantages and limitations of THz-TD imaging in determining surface thicknesses, material distribution, and pigment spectroscopic signals. The results obtained highlight the potential of THz-TD imaging in investigating painted works of art, offering new possibilities for routine analysis in the field of cultural heritage preservation.

СТАНОВЛЕННЯ МЕХАНІЗМІВ ОХОРОНИ, ЗБЕРЕЖЕННЯ ТА ВИКОРИСТАННЯ АРХІТЕКТУРНОЇ СПАДЩИНИ В ІТАЛІЇ

The article analyzes the process of forming a complex system of architectural heritage protection in Italy and the evolution of the legal system in the field of cultural heritage preservation. The analysis clarifies the condition of heritage preservation in Italy, allows to trace some trends in its development and follow their successful experience. The issue of the protection and usage of architectural monuments and the analysis of international experience in the field of cultural heritage preservation have not been studied enough in Ukrainian scientific works. The purpose of the article is to reveal the regularities and peculiarities of the history of the formation and development of the cultural heritage protection and usage mechanisms in Italy. Italian cultural policy in the field of cultural and natural heritage protection started forming earlier than in other European countries because of the amount of significant cultural values. Italy has the richest experience in working with architectural heritage. The current state of the studied area in Italy shows the successful approaches and the high-quality management policy, which made it possible to expand the country's tourist potential to the highest level in Europe without threatening the existence of monuments. Italian legislation allowed to expand and streamline cooperation between the government and regions in heritage preservation field. In addition, regions got some autonomy in the field of improving and increasing the value (valorization) of heritage. Public-private partnership in this field and the organization of public-private funds are also an effective attempt of state and private cooperation. The analysis of successful European experience can become a basis for improving the legislative framework of Ukraine in the field of cultural heritage protection and form mechanisms for effective management of architectural monuments, both at the national and regional levels.

Three-Dimensional Printing and 3D Scanning: Emerging Technologies Exhibiting High Potential in the Field of Cultural Heritage

Three-dimensional scanning and 3D printing have become increasingly important tools in the field of cultural heritage. Three-dimensional scanning is used to create detailed digital models of cultural heritage sites, artifacts, and monuments, which can be used for research, restoration, and virtual display. Three-dimensional printing, on the other hand, allows for the creation of physical copies of cultural heritage objects, which can be used for education, exhibition, and preservation. The use of these technologies has many advantages, including the ability to document and preserve cultural heritage sites, artifacts, and monuments in a non-invasive manner, as well as the ability to create digital and physical replicas that can be used for education and exhibition purposes. However, there are also challenges, such as the need for specialized equipment and expertise, as well as concerns about the preservation of the original objects. Despite these challenges, 3D scanning and 3D printing have proven to be valuable tools in the field of cultural heritage preservation and their use is expected to continue to grow in the future.

The Effect of Synthetic Polymer Foams on Cellulosic Material Degradation.

Polymeric materials are widely used at present as auxiliary materials in the preservation of tangible cultural heritage in museums, galleries, or libraries. The desired properties of such materials include chemical inertness and long lifetime, which are verified by accelerated aging tests. This work has tested three color types of PE foam Plastazote® LD45 (white, grey, and black), which is recommended for use in the field of cultural heritage preservation. The volatile organic compounds released from the foams after artificial aging and their influence on lignocellulosic materials were investigated. The cellulosic materials were artificially aged in close contact with the foams. All foams released organic acids ranging from acetic acid to hexanoic acid. White foam released organic acids to an extent higher by an order of magnitude compared to the grey and black types. A great influence of white foam on the properties of cellulosic materials was observed. There were large differences in the rate of degradation between the types of foams tested, indicating the need to develop a test method in order to determine the suitability for use in the preservation of culture heritage objects.

ОРЛОВСКОЕ ОБЛАСТНОЕ ОТДЕЛЕНИЕ ОБЩЕСТВА ОХРАНЫ ПАМЯТНИКОВ В ПЕРИОД РАЗВЁРТЫВАНИЯ ПОЛИТИКИ «ПЕРЕСТРОЙКИ» В 1985–1988 ГГ.

The purpose of the article is to study the activities of the Orel regional branch of the All-Russian society for the preservation of historical and cultural monuments (VOOPIK) in the context of socio-political, ideological, economic and cultural transformations characteristic of the period of "perestroika". On the basis of the analysis of the changes that took place in the system of state-public relations after the proclamation of M.S. Gorbachev in 1985, the course of radical reform of the Soviet system the results of the transformations are structured. Since the beginning of the 1970s, the Soviet Union has been actively reforming monument protection bodies. Development of the system of state-public relations in the field of cultural heritage preservation, including the role of public associations in the protection of monuments. VOOPIK fits firmly into this sys-tem. This circumstance, on the one hand, gives the Society quite broad powers on issues of heritage protection. On the other hand, it causes its dependence on the state (as well as the dependence of regional branches on the Central Council of the Society). This is most clearly seen in matters of material and financial support. In the first half of the 1980s, VOOPIK faced serious financial difficulties after the cancellation of contributions from collective members in 1983. Having lost a significant part of income, from 1983-1984. Almost all branches of the Society were forced to abandon some projects and a number of new initiatives. The Orel regional branch of the VOOPIK was no exception. As a result, the authors conclude that by the beginning of the period of "perestroika", it came weakened financially. In addition, personnel changes had a negative impact on the activities of the department and the mood in the team.

Evolution of the concept of "cultural heritage": theoretical and methodological aspect

The article provides a historical overview of the emergence, improvement and development of the concept of "cultural heritage", and reveals the problem of its explanation. The evolution of the term and phenomenon in history and in the regulatory and legal sphere is traced. The approaches of foreign and Ukrainian authors are illustrated. The relationship between this definition and the concepts of "cultural values" and "digital cultural heritage" is determined. The dynamics in the field of cultural heritage preservation have been studied. The opinion that the modern concept of "cultural heritage" is represented by material and immaterial values, and dynamically develops in accordance with global trends, constantly absorbing new aspects is substantiated. It was noted that together with the development of "digital culture" on the technological platform, the concept of "cultural heritage" is also transformed, the vectors of transmission, means and methods of preservation, interpretation and classification of cultural heritage objects are changing.

К вопросу о перспективных формах развития археологического туризма

The purpose of the paper is to identify high-potential organizational forms and developmental prospects of archaeological tourism in the Russian Federation. Despite the obvious importance of archaeological tourism for cultural and educational touristic activities, it is still underdeveloped in Russia. The reason might be a vague doctrinal understanding of archaeological tourism features. Educational and protective essence of archeological tourism in the field of cultural heritage preservation seems to be underestimated. Furthermore, low involvement of the State in the development and promotion of archaeological heritage can be observed. Several forms of archaeological tourism development can be currently distinguished in the global tourist market, including Education and Research based Archaeological Tourism mainly non-profit oriented and Culture and Recreation based Archaeological Tourism commercial in its nature. The authors of the paper consider complex archaeological cultural sites in the form of Archaeological Parks to be one of the most effective forms of archaeological tourism development. Open Archaeological Funds are another high-potential organizational form aiming at preserving and promoting Russian cultural heritage. Government regulation and conceptualization of the archaeological tourism development are also required in order to specify means of archaeological tourism stimulation demand and mechanisms for facilitating interaction between subjects and removing existing obstacles.

Italian cultural policy: conclusions for Russia

The article analyses current public management and funding practices of cultural organisations in Italy by using comparative and statistical analysis. The structure of the sector’s governing bodies and approaches to budgeting for culture at national level have been explored. Trends in decreasing funding from provincial, regional and local budgets have been identified. The status, legislative and institutional conditions for the emergence of Italy’s unique multichannel cultural financing system have been described. An analysis of the Italian museum system’s reform has been presented. The activities of private opera foundations have been discussed in detail. The main similarities between Russian and Italian cultural policies have been described. These are the drive to expand the boundaries and activities associated with the cultural sector, the significant burden on local and regional authorities in the field of cultural heritage preservation, the “quantitative approach” and the application of financial performance indicators to assess cultural organisations performance.The article’s scientific novelty lies in the complex approach to the study of Italian cultural policy using the criteria proposed by D. Montias and A. I. Glagolev, and in the study of the activities of Italian opera foundations and museums, which had not previously been sufficiently covered in the Russian and foreign literature. The prospect of the topic, the practical significance and relevance of the research are due to the need to implement regulations in Russia which set a course for the creation of a multi-channel system of funding and a broad understanding of the cultural sector, and ensuring inter-agency and inter-regional cooperation between the authorities in the implementation of cultural policy.The article analyses a wide range of financial support mechanisms for culture, most of which are named in the “Strategy of State Cultural Policy of Russia as Targets by 2030”, while Italy has accumulated considerable experience in this area for several decades.

IoT System for Maintenance Monitoring of Historic Buildings – Smart Monitoring

Maintenance monitoring is an essential task in the field of preservation of historic buildings. The continuously developing IoT-based systems for monitoring already exist in many areas, like the maintenance of complicated mechanical systems or large industrial facilities, but there are only a few examples of the application of such methods in the field of cultural heritage preservation. In this paper, the possible elements and system of an automatized maintenance monitoring network are tested by analyzing the possible options of the survey units and the system to be established in cases of altering circumstances of the investigated site, highlighting the factors which have to be considered in the case of developing a network on-site. Finally, typical application cases were distinguished, and configuration options were suggested for the automated maintenance monitoring systems.

The Signs of the Subject of a Crime under Article 243.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation

Introduction. When studying history, the results of the work of archaeologists play a significant role. At the same time, for science, only those studies that are conducted by scientists on the basis of a state-issued permit (the so called open sheet) are of value. In accordance with the permit, scientists are required to provide reports on the excavations carried out and information about the objects found. This is what distinguishes professional archaeologists from non- professional history enthusiasts. Such enthusiasts dig atr archaeological sites because of their interest, to create private collections and to sell items of historical value in antique markets. By their actions, they commit crimes against cultural heritage. This makes it necessary to study the characteristics of the subject of the crime provided for in art. 243.2 of the Criminal code of the Russian Federation in order for criminal officers to properly deal with crimes in the field of archeology. Theoretical Basis. Methods. The research is based on general scientific and special research methods. The theoretical base consists of the works of domestic and foreign scientists in the field of law, history, archaeology, as well as the experience of competent authorities in the field of cultural heritage preservation. Results. The analysis of the work of the competent authorities and the study of legal literature led to the conclusion about the problems associated with the attribution to the subject of crime of persons searching for archaeological objects without obtaining a state permit. Discussion and Conclusion. Taking into account the accumulated international experience of countering illegal archaeology, studying domestic law enforcement practice, it is concluded that it is necessary to clarify the characteristics of the subject of the crime by making changes to the disposition of part 1 of art. 243.2 of the Criminal code of the Russian Federation.

Sensitivity analysis of frequency-based tie-rod axial load evaluation methods

Tie-rods are often crucial elements for the safety of cultural heritage assets, having been employed both in new constructions and as a retrofitting intervention along the centuries. Several experimental techniques exist to estimate their axial load, with frequency-based ones being the most common. Axial load evaluation depends on several parameters, related to the geometry, mechanical properties and boundary conditions of tie-rods. In engineering practice, uncertainties affect the measurement of such parameters, and may compromise axial load evaluation. The present research focuses on a sensitivity analysis of the eigenfrequency computing model on which many dynamic tie-rod axial load estimation methods are based. Through the application of general Polynomial Chaos Expansion and the calculation of Sobol’ indices, the influence of relevant parameters on eigenfrequencies is investigated. The results, together with a real-life application on tie-rods of the historical buildings in Pisa (Italy), are then used to derive practical recommendations for practitioners and researchers in the field of cultural heritage preservation.

Интерпретация материального культурного наследия в контексте музея

Interpretation of cultural values and cultural heritage is one of the most common types of their development and creative understanding. However, the concept of ‘interpretation’ remains blurred among related processes, usually without getting much mention. In the field of cultural heritage preservation, interpretation is the main method of human development of cultural heritage objects. The process and results of interpretation, as shown by the long history of preservation of cultural heritage, also affect the preservation of cultural heritage. The proposed material is devoted to the consideration of a museum as an example of one of the most consistent built spaces and tools for the interpretation of cultural heritage. The subject of the research is the methods of museum work considered in the context of mechanisms of interpretation of material cultural heritage. Museum as an instrument of interpretation has been known since ancient times. Human interest in ancient artifacts that act as visible symbols of historical and cultural memory of the past, eventually led to the development of collecting, and then, with the publication of collections, to the emergence of museums. Museum and its activities occupy a special place in the methodology of interpretation. The museum space can set its own special rhythm of historical time and create conditions for comfortable perception of the presented artifacts. No other cultural institution has such a task, and if it is necessary to present an artifact, interested persons in one way or another turn to the method tested on museum sites. As a result of the research, the author identified five stages of museum activities, which are generally typical for the mechanism of interpretation of cultural heritage. Therefore, the main goal of museum activities should be recognized as an interpretation of cultural heritage. In accordance with this goal, the museum's tasks are also implemented, including the preservation, publication and promotion of the collection's artifacts. Thus, the role and place of the museum as a specific space created for the purpose of interpreting cultural heritage is proved. These provisions allow us to look at the theory and practice of museum activities in a different way, in the context of interpreting cultural identity.

On the acid-responsive release of benzotriazole from engineered mesoporous silica nanoparticles for corrosion protection of metal surfaces

• UV-induced degradation lowers the corrosion inhibitor ability of benzotriazole. • Mesoporous silica nanocarriers protect benzotriazole from photodegradation. • High anticorrosion efficacy of nanocomposite coatings even after UV exposure. Corrosion inhibitors are largely exploited for the development of highly performing polymeric active coatings. One of the major drawbacks, however, relies in their UV sensitivity, which may compromise their ability to effectively prevent corrosion processes. This issue is particularly relevant in the field of cultural heritage preservation, in which polymeric active coating which are able to ensure a reliable and long-lasting protection against corrosion are highly needed. Besides proving that UV-induced photodegradation impressively lowers the corrosion inhibition ability of benzotriazole (BTA), in the present work we show that this phenomenon can be largely prevented by exploiting inorganic nanocarriers. More specifically, BTA molecules loaded into functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles are preserved from photodegradation and released in the host coating only in the presence of acid-related external stimuli. Accelerated corrosion tests carried out on a commercial acrylic-based coating containing engineered mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with BTA demonstrated that the developed system possesses an excellent anticorrosion ability.

UNESCO and the Challenge of Preserving the Digital Cultural Heritage

In recent years there has been a growing awareness of the need to preserve the digital cultural heritage, a part of which is at significant risk of being lost. In light of the pressing demands to develop informed and targeted strategies, this article analyses UNESCO’s approach towards the preservation of the digital cultural heritage. Being the lead UN agency in the field of cultural heritage preservation, the organization responded to the challenge early on, notably by adopting the Charter on the Preservation of Digital Heritage. The article thus outlines UNESCO’s competencies regarding the digital cultural heritage as well as its concept thereof, before examining the organization’s strategies for the preservation of digital cultural heritage. Furthermore, by providing an outlook on some emerging trends, i.e. increasing privatization and commercialization, future requirements are identified.

Islam, Heritage, and Preservation: An Untidy Tradition

In this article I argue that the study of cultural heritage preservation practices in the context of Muslim societies has been constructed—and obstructed—through specific historical trajectories and challenges. These originate within the field of cultural heritage preservation, through its own history and principles which have complicated the interplay between heritage and religious values and uses. As a result, situated studies of preservation practices in and by Muslim communities are in their infancy. In this article I revisit the points of contact between the emergence of a Eurocentric preservation dogma and its encounter with different articulations and practices related to Islam that are now approached as part of heritage assemblages and debates. I consider specific biases inherent in these discourses and propose, as a result, to approach the study of Islam and heritage in its own terms—rather than as an alternative to Western preservation paradigms.

X‐radiography of cultural heritage materials using handheld XRF spectrometers

This study investigated the feasibility, repeatability, and limitations of using handheld X‐ray fluorescence spectrometers to perform radiography with thorough safety measures. Radiography is a well‐established nondestructive technique commonly used in the field of cultural heritage preservation but not easily accessible to many. Equipped with X‐ray generating tubes, handheld spectrometers could potentially assist performing radiographic tasks off‐site due to their portability and increasing availability. These spectrometers are designed to work at close range within a limited voltage range and wattage, so the exposure settings should be modified for the spectrometers to generate big enough X‐ray beams to irradiate the artifacts and enough radiation to penetrate through them to produce useful radiographs. Using a Bruker Tracer 5i, the effective beam spread angle, which was computed from several test shots, was used to determine the constant relation between the area of irradiation and the X‐ray source to image‐receptor distance. Based on inverse square law and the total wattage limitation of the spectrometer, current and exposure time were recalculated to produce informative radiographs. Because of the limitations of the tested spectrometer, this method is best applicable to an area smaller than 9 cm, with the scanning distance shorter than half a meter. The spectrometer cannot be used to radiograph materials that require higher voltage than it can produce.