Museum Artifacts Research Articles

Accepting the decay of plastic artifacts in museums: pasts and futures surfacing in a life preserver from sunken MS Estonia

ABSTRACT This is a case study of a deformed life preserver originating from the ferryboat MS Estonia that sank in the Baltic Sea in 1994. In this post qualitatively positioned research article, I argue that transformed plastic is an active agent of both the decision-making and interpretation of a museum object made of plastic. This article contributes in a new way to the discussion of how museums of cultural history could manage deteriorating plastic objects. So far, a scientific materialist approach, guided by research in conservation science, has emphasised the need for special conditions to safeguard rapidly deteriorating plastic artefacts for future generations. However, the agency of deteriorating plastic does not only call for conserving the plastic material ‘forever’, but it also requires letting go of the ideal of minimising the further degradation of plastic.

Analyzing the Effects of Monochromatic Lights on the Fungal Growth to Control the Progression of Microbial Deterioration on Animal Collections Preserved in the Zoological Museum of Naples, Italy

ABSTRACT Exposing artworks and artifacts in museums is fundamental to disseminate culture and knowledge but is also risky since the exposure to environmental conditions can deteriorate exhibited objects. Light is crucial, being able to trigger photochemical effects, and jointly responsible (with temperature and humidity) for biological risk generation. In this context, fungal growth in museum artifacts is a damaging factor that should not be underestimated. Consequently, the study of lighting effects on fungi development is essential. In this work, five different fungal strains (Aspergillus fumigatus, Bjerkandera adusta, Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillium chrysogenum, and Penicillium granulatum) isolated from samplings on animal exhibits hosted in the Zoological Museum of Naples, Italy, are cultivated inside four experimental boxes, equipped with monochromatic LEDs with different peak wavelengths (460 nm, 518 nm, 594 nm, and 638 nm). The growth rate, the protein and carbohydrate contents are analyzed and compared to results obtained in darkness (typical growth conditions for studies about fungi). Results demonstrate that, even if fungi are heterotrophic organisms and do not need light to grow and develop, their growth rate, and their protein and carbohydrate contents are affected by the exposure to monochromatic radiation, but the spectral sensitivity strictly depends on the analyzed species. For this reason, it is not possible to infer general practical guidelines for lighting applications, and it becomes urgent to establish accurate and shared analysis protocols to be applied case by case, to study the effects of the environmental conditions on microorganisms and drive-specific design choices.

BABYFYING MUSEUM TEXTS FOR YOUNGER VISITORS THROUGH AUGMENTED REALITY

Museums have long been recognized as a place to study historical objects. However, at the same time, museums are considered unfamiliar to younger visitors due to the complexity of the descriptions of their artifacts. In order to overcome this problem, this research attempted to simplify the museum texts through an application named babyfication. The process of simplification involves three main components: conceptual simplification, modification for simplicity, and summarization of text. For enhancing the comprehension of the museum texts, augmented reality (AR) technology features are utilized in the process. Through a combination of simplified language, vibrant visuals, and interactive elements, this research tried to prove the beneficial outcomes from AR technology in bridging the gap between traditional museum texts and the developmental needs of young children, particularly dealing with their engagement with cultural artifacts. A qualitative research approach and Spradley’s data analysis technique were employed to figure out how the descriptive texts of museum artifacts are babyfied. Applying the theory of babyfication from Purnomo et al. (2021) as a ludic adaptation concept, it was revealed that textual, visual, and operative elements, that have been babyfied by using AR technology as a medium, tend to be textually simpler, more visually appealing, and make it easier for children to understand the information.

Actively Viewing the Audio-Visual Media: An Eye-Controlled Application for Experience and Learning in Traditional Chinese Painting Exhibitions

Traditional unidirectional communication through audio-visual media, such as video and slide, is a universal method of vividly narrating artifacts in museums. This traditional method is evolving with the integration of new technologies to engage visitors, enhancing their experience and learning. In recent years, eye-controlled interaction has been used to enrich traditional exhibitions, especially of ancient paintings. This article presents an eye-controlled application for actively viewing the audio-visual media of a traditional Chinese painting. Users can trigger animations and audio narrations by focusing their gaze on specific areas of the screen. To evaluate the value of experience and learning in integrating audio-visual media with eye-controlled interaction, we compared Eye-Controlled Application with the two baseline conditions (Video and Slide) through a comparison experiment (N = 40) in terms of user experience, learning outcome, cognitive load, intrinsic motivation, and visual behavior. The findings indicated the positive effects of Eye-Controlled Application on experience and learning, especially understanding. Users had stronger intrinsic motivation using Eye-Controlled Application, which contributed to positive learning outcomes. We found that Eye-Controlled Application changed visual behavior by increasing the proportion of gaze patterns and decreasing the proportion of movement patterns and scan patterns. The alteration in visual behavior primarily stemmed from the eye-controlled interaction, which directed the user’s focus toward specific areas, thereby guiding their attention to the necessary content. Additionally, the qualitative results suggested that each of the three conditions had its advantages and disadvantages. Importantly, the condition with Eye-Controlled Application carried potential risks of distraction, reduced efficiency, and increased burden. This study contributes to the potential of eye-controlled interaction for enhancing visitors’ experience and learning, providing new insights into the development of interactive audio-visual media within museums.

Evaluation of the performance of Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin for the consolidation of vegetable-tanned leather artifacts

The fragility and weakness of historical, archaeological, and heritage leather artifacts in museums, and libraries due to unsuitable environmental conditions are significant challenges. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of Hydroxypropyl Beta Cyclodextrin, a novel material, in consolidating leather artifacts by examining their physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. Vegetable-tanned leather samples were treated with different concentrations of Hydroxypropyl Beta Cyclodextrin and subjected to artificial heat aging. Evaluation methods included digital and scanning electron microscopy, contact angle measurements, mechanical testing, color analysis, pH measurement, and Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Results showed that Hydroxypropyl Beta Cyclodextrin at 1% and 2% concentrations improved chemical stability, surface morphology, color retention, and mechanical properties of the leather samples. The third concentration yielded less favorable outcomes. This study recommends using Hydroxypropyl Beta Cyclodextrin at 1% and 2% concentrations for consolidating historical leathers.

Enhancing museum experience through deep learning and multimedia technology

Amidst the swift progression of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, the museum sector has witnessed a notable inclination towards its adoption. This manuscript endeavours to amplify the interactive milieu of contemporary museum patrons by amalgamating a deep learning algorithm with multimedia technology. The crux of our investigation is the exploration of an adaptive convolutional neural network (CNN) to enrich the interactive engagement of museum visitors. Initially, we leverage the adaptive CNN for the image recognition chore pertaining to museum artifacts and exhibits, thereby facilitating automatic recognition and categorization. Furthermore, to surmount the constraints of conventional pooling algorithms in image feature extraction, we suggest an adaptive pooling algorithm, grounded in the maximum pooling algorithm paradigm. Subsequently, multimedia algorithms are amalgamated into the interactive apparatus, enabling visitors to immerse in exhibits and avail more profound information and experiences. Through juxtaposition with traditional image processing algorithms, the efficacy of our proposed algorithm within a museum ambiance is assessed. Experimental outcomes evince that our algorithm attains superior accuracy and robustness in artifact identification and classification endeavours. In comparison to alternative algorithms, our methodology furnishes more precise and comprehensive displays and interpretations, accurately discerning and categorizing a myriad of exhibit types. This research unveils innovative notions for the digital metamorphosis and advancement of modern museums. Through the incorporation of avant-garde deep learning algorithms and multimedia technologies, the museum visitor experience is elevated, proffering more enthralling and interactive displays. The elucidations of this manuscript hold substantial merit for the continual evolution and innovation within the museum industry.

Use of Friction Pendulum System for Seismic Isolation of Museum Artifacts: Mathematical Modeling and Parametric Study

ABSTRACT
 Earthquakes seriously threaten precious artifacts in museums worldwide. Many historical pieces of inestimable importance that are considered the common heritage of humanity have been damaged by earthquakes. Robust measures must be put in place to protect museum artifacts from the perils associated with seismic risks. Seismic isolation devices like spherically shaped bearings are one of the best options to prevent seismic damage of museum artifacts thanks to achieving a long period under low weights. Therefore, the objective of this research is to assess the effectiveness of friction pendulum-type isolators, one of the spherically shaped bearings, in seismic isolation of museum artifacts and to identify the appropriate design parameters. In this study, a non-isolated single-degree-of-freedom model and a 2-degree-of-freedom model isolated with a single friction pendulum bearing inside a building were established for a museum artifact. A parametric study was conducted using the root mean square and the maximum accelerations and displacements of the isolated mass at different values of friction coefficient and effective radius of curvature, as well as the maximum displacement of the friction pendulum system. Afterward, the non-isolated and isolated mass responses were compared in the time domain based on selected parameters obtained from the parametric study. The behavior of the isolator was analyzed, and its effectiveness was evaluated.

Seismic behavior assessment of fasteners based on a shaking table test of a museum building model with a display case and artifacts

Fasteners are widely used in museums as an attachment method to secure objects. However, due to the lack of research on the seismic behaviour of fasteners under seismic loads, the implementation of fasteners in museums usually lacks scientific guidance, resulting in their ineffectiveness in improving the seismic safety of museum artifacts. In addition, few studies have experimentally investigated the adverse effects of structural dynamic amplification on the seismic safety of museum artifacts. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the seismic behavior of fasteners used in museums and provide valuable insights for protecting museum artifacts. Shaking table tests were conducted on a full-scale model of a museum building, display case, and artifacts to simulate seismic loads and investigate the seismic response of two typical artifacts secured with fasteners. A numerical study was also performed to evaluate different types of fasteners and their effectiveness in enhancing the seismic safety of artifacts. The adverse effects of dynamic amplification on artifact safety were discussed, and recommendations were provided for improving the seismic behavior of fasteners. Furthermore, the impact of multidirectional seismic excitation on the safety of the artifacts and the seismic performance of the fasteners were analyzed. The research findings contribute to the selection of appropriate fasteners for preserving valuable artifacts in museums.

Vantage Points: Essays, Critical Perspectives, Field Notes

Museum artifacts can be imagined as “vibrant matter” (Bennett 2010).1 Indeed, it could be argued that one function of museums and exhibitions may well be to create circumstances that let us experience material objects as inspiring, vital, and “vibrant”—a term that incidentally links all matter to those vibrations of air molecules that we call “sound.” But what is it that makes objects vibrant?

'All this in their ignorance they called civilisation': Analysing the Relationship between Nationalism and the Display of Roman Archaeology in Britain's National Museums

This article evaluates how nationalist narratives affect the display of Roman artefacts in national museums. The unique nature of national museums as 'cultural constitutions' and arbiters of the 'Authorised Heritage Discourse' is discussed. This article builds upon previous work by demonstrating how nationalist influence affects the display of Roman artefacts, specifically through the use of two case studies: the British Museum in London and the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. Museum displays are assessed for indications of nationalist influence through consideration of the use of space and collection composition as well as textual analysis of gallery signage and artefact descriptions. The two museums' divergent approaches to national narrative are then compared.

Moving museums into the Metaverse

In recent years, the fusion of advanced technologies with virtual reality has opened new cultural preservation and engagement avenues. This dissertation explores the innovative application of Neural Radiance Fields (NeRF) technology in transcending the boundaries of physical museums and transporting their treasures into the metaverse. While classical computer vision has seen substantial progress, a developing intersection exists between NeRF and cultural heritage preservation. This study bridges this gap by introducing an approach that amalgamates NeRF techniques with the rich cultural wealth of museums.The conventional museum experience is extended into the metaverse through a novel methodology that leverages NeRF’s capabilities. The core objective is to enable individuals to explore digitized museum artifacts with unparalleled realism. NeRF technology captures intricate visual details and enables immersive interactions by rendering scenes with volumetric precision, transforming how cultural artifacts are experienced and understood.This dissertation delves into the technical intricacies of integrating NeRF technology into the metaverse. The implementation involves the reconstruction of 3D artifact models. The results underscore the potential of NeRF to reshape the cultural heritage landscape by bridging the gap between traditional museums and the boundless possibilities of the metaverse.

Optimising augmented reality projector light output to balance art conservation, colour quality and energy consumption

Light absorbed by sensitive artwork may cause irreversible damage. Optimising the spectral power distribution of light sources to minimise absorbed light can reduce damage while maintaining the colour appearance of the artwork. Previous absorption-minimisation studies used optimisation methods without comparing their performance. Here, three-channel LED-augmented reality projector spectra were optimised for 24 colour samples using a brute-force (BF) and multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA). The BF search and MOGA performed similarly in achieving optimal results, reducing both light absorption and energy consumption by almost half. However, MOGA was 2.5 times faster than BF in finding optimal solutions. The results indicate that an LED RGB projector can be used to illuminate museum artefacts to reduce light absorption and energy consumption, with the caveat of perceptible colour shifts in some of the colour samples. Future research will investigate observers’ subjective evaluations of artwork under optimised lighting.

Research on Conservation and Restoration Methods of Museum Artifacts in the Context of Artificial Intelligence

Abstract In the era of artificial intelligence, the conservation and restoration of museum artifacts encounter both new possibilities and hurdles. The limitations of conventional conservation techniques, in terms of efficiency and accuracy, are becoming increasingly apparent. This study explores the potential of 3D reconstruction technologies, SIFT algorithms, and Poisson’s equation to revolutionize the digital restoration of cultural relics. These advanced approaches allow for precise, efficient restorations and the ability to undertake complex projects without risking harm to the original items. Our approach integrates cutting-edge algorithms to tailor 3D reconstruction strategies for museum artifacts, culminating in creating a comprehensive digital artifact database. Through the innovative use of feature point detection and texture synthesis, we have achieved notable successes, including a 12% improvement in 3D model accuracy and a significant enhancement in the automation of the restoration process. With an SSIM value of 0.9964 for restored images, our method demonstrates superiority over traditional restoration techniques, marking a significant stride towards the efficient digital preservation of cultural heritage.

Analysing Narration of Museum Exhibition Information for Young Visitors

Current museums lack innovation in their exhibition design resulting in a decline of young visitors' interest. There is a need to enhance visitors' experience in museum exhibition design to attract young visitors' interest in traditional Chinese culture. The purpose of this study is to analyze potential advanced narration of museum exhibition information for young visitors. This study conducted a systematic literature review synthesis process to evaluate the trend, identify the gaps, and recommend future approaches in designing alternative exhibition narration. Results will cover museum exhibition design, exhibition information, thematic narrative exhibition, exhibition design process, and high technology display. The results of the study include recommendations for a typical exhibition layout, a typical process of exhibiting artifacts in museums how best to narrate an exhibition, and the critical components in artifact narration. The significance of the study is supporting to increase the interest of young visitors in the museum exhibition by enhancing experience and further well-studied the traditional Chinese culture. Future study recommends to enhance cultural confidence through better inheritance and innovation through interactive exhibition design and gamified museum storytelling.

Machine Learning Algorithms for the Prediction of the Seismic Response of Rigid Rocking Blocks

A variety of structural members and non-structural components, including bridge piers, museum artifacts, furniture, or electrical and mechanical equipment, can uplift and rock under ground motion excitations. Given the inherently non-linear nature of rocking behavior, employing machine learning algorithms to predict rocking response presents a notable challenge. In the present study, the performance of supervised ML algorithms in predicting the maximum seismic response of free-standing rigid blocks subjected to ground motion excitations is evaluated. As such, both regression and classification algorithms were developed and tested, aiming to model the finite rocking response and rocking overturn. From this point of view, it is essential to estimate the maximum rocking rotation and to efficiently classify its magnitude by successfully assigning respective labels. To this end, a dataset containing the response data of 1100 rigid blocks subjected to 15,000 ground motion excitations, was employed. The results showed high accuracy in both the classification (95% accuracy) and regression (coefficient of determination R2=0.89) tasks.

The conservation and utilization of museum relics based on internet of things and fuzzy control

With the development of Internet of Things and fuzzy control theory, there are new opportunities for the conservation and utilization of museum artifacts. The traditional way of heritage restoration lacks the overall harmony of heritage restoration, which leads to the stagnation of heritage restoration level. At the same time, traditional heritage conservation is also limited to manual management, which seriously hinders the development of the overall level of museums. Artifacts are of great commemorative and research value and are objects that have been handed down to mankind for thousands of years and have been subjected to the natural environment for a long time before being excavated. Heritage conservation requires not only restoring artifacts to the greatest extent possible, but also securing the environment in which they are displayed and stored to ensure that they can be preserved for as long as possible. But the following problems exist in the conservation of cultural relics (1) the lack of strict standards for the environment in which cultural relics are stored. (2) the professional competence of the staff is not strong. (3) The lack of a strict management system (4) heritage conservation technology is backward. To solve these problems our team constructed a fuzzy control method based on fuzzy control theory to assist in the restoration of cultural relics. The model constructed by fuzzy control theory solves this problem. The fuzzy control theory constructs a model for restoration of cultural relics, taking into account the overall harmony of the relics and the accuracy of the points, which is of great significance for the restoration of museum relics. At the same time through the Internet of Things technology to build a library heritage protection system, the main content of the system is (1) the use of Internet of Things technology to build a security protection system for cultural relics (2) the use of Internet of Things technology to detect the storage environment of cultural relics (3) the use of Internet of Things technology to optimize the management process of cultural relics (4) the use of Internet of Things technology to achieve real-time monitoring of the flow of information on cultural relics. And based on this, suggestions are made to (1) improve the museum heritage protection and utilization system (2) improve the infrastructure of museum heritage protection and build a good environment for heritage storage (3) improve the quality of heritage managers. The model constructed in the article has been tested in practice and is feasible, with certain practical and theoretical values.

Detection of volatile organic compounds in airtight exhibition spaces by GC–MS using two complementary injection techniques

A novel method was developed and optimized for the determination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) inside an airtight exhibition case used for the storage and display of museum artifacts. The method uses a static headspace module coupled to a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer. In this method, the air is sampled by passive samplers (coconut shell charcoal and synthetic charcoal). In the laboratory, the VOCs are thermally desorbed (120 min, 60 °C) in the HS furnace after the addition of a small volume of dimethylacetamide (DMA). The VOCs present in the gas phase are then automatically analyzed by GC–MS. The information obtained is complemented by the analysis of the DMA liquid phase by direct injection GC–MS in the same chromatograph. The VOCs are identified by studying the mass spectra obtained by both techniques. This approach provides an economically viable, non-invasive and visually non-disruptive solution for VOC detection in enclosed spaces in museum environments. The use of two complementary injection techniques allows for good detection and suitable chromatographic response to a wide range of volatile compounds. This method was applied for the identification of VOCs present in an enclosed airtight exhibition case at the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC), where the formation of efflorescence was observed on the surface of a Modernist jewel displayed inside, as it was suspected that VOCs were the main cause for the degradation. Forty-five different VOCs were detected and identified inside the exhibition case: thirteen of them by HS–GC–MS, fifteen of them by direct injection GC–MS, and seventeen by both techniques. Among the most relevant VOCs identified, acetic acid, acetaldehyde and formaldehyde stand out due to the danger they pose to museum artifacts exposed in enclosed spaces, especially in the long term.

Together Stronger: A creative arts program for children of a parent with young onset dementia

AbstractBackgroundWorking age individuals who develop dementia experience significant challenges to their ability to keep working. This has wide ranging impacts not only on the individual but also for their families, many of which include young children. Presently there is limited knowledge of the impact on children of having a parent with YOD or of resources to support these children.MethodEight children aged between 8‐19 took part in Together Stronger, a community based creative arts programme for children of a parent with young onset dementia. Hosted by the Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) the program ran in a hybrid format over eight bi‐weekly sessions. Activities included willow weaving, storytelling with museum artefacts, and baking together. The impact on the children’s wellbeing and social engagement was assessed using mixed methods.ResultQualitative results suggest an overall improvement in the wellbeing of the children whilst quantitative wellbeing results were inconclusive. The children were overwhelmingly positive about the creative activities and wished the group would continue. They particularly liked that the group did not focus on their parent’s dementia but instead was about creative activities. The children enjoyed the social aspect and appreciated the opportunity to spend time with other people in the same situation.ConclusionThis community‐based project for children of parents with young‐onset dementia shows promising results in terms of feasibility, acceptability and impact. Participants' feedback on the structure and contents of the sessions provides useful recommendations regarding future service provision.

Historical Practice and Authentic Assessment in an Introductory World History Course

World History classrooms are ideal environments to introduce students to authentic assessment using museum websites. Student-created podcasts place students in the position of a curator, who must select a focal artifact, observe and analyze it, and contextualize its use and meaning with both primary and secondary sources. This article tracks the introduction of a scaffolded series of activities that aids students in conducting artifact-based analysis. These activities introduce students to close examination of museum artifacts, inference by comparing artifacts, and contextualization with scholarly secondary sources. As this article shows, the activities resulted in students using museum websites to select useful comparative artifacts, employing more secondary sources in their analysis and more scholarly sources. Using this series of activities will help instructors guide students toward successfully employing the historian’s best practices and assessing students in ways that are authentic to the discipline of History.

Introduction: the material culture of public space in early modern Europe

Abstract This special issue draws on new research conducted by the PUblic REnaissance: Urban Cultures of Public Space between Early Modern Europe and the Present project, funded by the Humanities in the European Research Area (see: www.hiddencities.eu). The project considers how public spaces, from street corners to major city squares, were shaped by the everyday activities of ordinary city dwellers between 1450 and 1700. We have focused on the urban fabric, and the ways in which meanings are attached to specific sites in the city (and objects in museum collections) that are often overlooked – the material culture of public space. Our themes are familiar to urban historians – sociability, the circulation of knowledge, information or gossip, authority and its contestation – although by moving between textual sources, maps, the built fabric and museum artefacts, our interdisciplinary and cross-Europe approach is structured around material objects in the early modern period.