Estimating porous media properties is a vital component of geosciences and the physics of porous media. Until now, imaging techniques have focused on methodologies to match image-derived flows or geomechanical parameters with experimentally identified values. Less emphasis has been placed on the compromise between image processing techniques and the consequences on topological and morphological characteristics and on computed properties such as permeability. The effects of some of the most popular image processing techniques (filtering and segmentation) available in open source on 3D X-ray Microscopy (micro-XRM) images are qualitatively and quantitatively discussed. We observe the impacts of various filters such as erosion-dilation and compare the efficiency of Otsu’s method of thresholding and the machine-learning-based software Ilastik for segmentation.

This study presents a multi-analytical investigation of the wooden components from Khufu’s Second Solar Boat, one of the valuable archaeological discoveries in ancient Egypt. The research integrates advanced imaging and analytical techniques to identify wood species, assess deterioration patterns, and characterize the fungal and bacterial biodeteriogens. The initial visual examination documented the state of preservation at the time of discovery. Subsequently, the identification of the wood species was carried out. The deterioration status was assessed using a variety of tools, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high-resolution synchrotron radiation computed microtomography (SR-μCT) for morphological alterations, X-ray diffraction (XRD) for crystallinity changes and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to assess chemical degradation indexes of wood. Moreover, molecular techniques were used to identify and characterize the presence of biodeterioration agents. Results indicate that ancient craftsmen used cedar wood for the boat construction. The analysed samples exhibited advanced biotic and abiotic degradation, as evidenced by microbiological assessments, XRD measurements of cellulose crystallinity, FTIR indices, SEM micrographs and SR-μCT data. These results provide crucial insights into the long-term degradation processes of archaeological wood in arid environments, enhancing our understanding of ancient Egyptian woodworking practices and informing future conservation strategies for similar artifacts.

In this work, we propose the software library PyPore3D, an open source solution for data processing of large 3D/4D tomographic data sets. PyPore3D is based on the Pore3D core library, developed thanks to the collaboration between Elettra Sincrotrone (Trieste) and the University of Trieste (Italy). The Pore3D core library is built with a distinction between the User Interface and the backend filtering, segmentation, morphological processing, skeletonisation and analysis functions. The current Pore3D version relies on the closed source IDL framework to call the backend functions and enables simple scripting procedures for streamlined data processing. PyPore3D addresses this limitation by proposing a full open source solution which provides Python wrappers to the the Pore3D C library functions. The PyPore3D library allows the users to fully use the Pore3D Core Library as an open source solution under Python and Jupyter Notebooks PyPore3D is both getting rid of all the intrinsic limitations of licensed platforms (e.g., closed source and export restrictions) and adding, when needed, the flexibility of being able to integrate scientific libraries available for Python (SciPy, TensorFlow, etc.).

Identifying primary ceramic forming techniques is often problematic when surface traces are altered or erased by secondary shaping on the potter’s wheel, particularly in vessels combining hand-building and wheel use. This study aims to develop a quantitative, non-destructive method to distinguish wheel-throwing and wheel-coiling techniques by analyzing internal fabric features. Experimental replicas of Middle Minoan handleless conical cups (18th cent. BC), produced using wheel-throwing-off-the-hump and wheel-coiling techniques, were investigated using X-ray micro-computed tomography (µCT). Macropores were segmented from complete 3D µCT datasets and their shape preferred orientation was quantitatively assessed through ellipsoid fitting, orientation distribution functions, and pole figure analysis. The results reveal systematic and reproducible differences between the two forming techniques: wheel-coiled vessels show predominantly horizontal pore elongation, expressed as equatorial girdle textures and vertically clustered short axes, whereas wheel-thrown vessels display inclined pore orientations, forming displaced girdles and ring-like short-axis distributions. These contrasting orientation patterns reflect distinct deformation fields imposed during vessel shaping. The study demonstrates that quantitative 3D analysis of pore orientation in whole vessels provides reliable criteria for identifying ceramic forming techniques and confirms previous qualitative observations. This approach offers a robust framework for technological analysis of ceramics and can be applied to both complete vessels and suitably oriented fragments.