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Prof. Mauro F. La Russa
associate professor University of Calabria

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0 Nanotechnology
0 Earth and Environmental Sciences
0 pollutant emission
0 earth and atmosphere interaction

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Journal article
Published: 28 July 2021 in Applied Sciences
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The present paper discusses the importance of non-destructive and micro-destructive technology in forensic investigations in the field of cultural heritage. Recent technological developments and the wide availability of modern analytical instrumentation are creating new possibilities for performing scientific measurements and acquiring data directly on-site—thereby limiting, where possible, sampling activity—as well as learning about the technologies and materials that were employed in the past to create cultural assets. Information on periods, chemical composition, manufacturing techniques, etc., can be gathered more easily. Overall, the benefits of on-site forensic investigations are multiple, including the potential to increase substantially the speed and efficacy of the criminal justice system. However, such benefits are only realized when data quality is guaranteed and findings can be used as forensic evidence in court. The present paper shows data from the non-destructive and micro-destructive analysis of different artworks and objects provided by the Cosenza Carabinieri Unit for the Protection of Cultural Heritage and Anti-Counterfeiting (Calabria, Italy). In particular, two oil paintings on canvas depicting cherubs (Italian: putti), recovered as fragments of larger religious artworks, and two bronze belt and helmet fragments were investigated. In the first case, the research aimed to define the original pictorial layer, identify any reconstruction pictorial areas or pictorial retouching, assess the state of conservation, reconstruct the previous conservation treatments, and provide indications about the chronology of the artworks. In the second case, analysis was performed both to define the bronze chemical composition and the origin of the soil (earth) found within the objects during their recovery. For these purposes, the analytical approach involved the use of non-destructive and micro-destructive analysis as follows: infrared reflectography (IRR), ultraviolet-induced visible fluorescence (UV), X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF), digital optical microscopy (DOM), scanning electron microscopy equipped with EDX microanalysis (SEM-EDX), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The results made it possible to collect valuable diagnostic information and answer questions posed by the institutions for the resolution of various doubts about forensic science and cases concerning the seizure, recovery, or return of archaeological or historical-artistic objects of cultural interest.

ACS Style

Michela Ricca; Maria Alberghina; Luciana Randazzo; Salvatore Schiavone; Antonio Donato; Maria Albanese; Mauro La Russa. A Combined Non-Destructive and Micro-Destructive Approach to Solving the Forensic Problems in the Field of Cultural Heritage: Two Case Studies. Applied Sciences 2021, 11, 6951 .

AMA Style

Michela Ricca, Maria Alberghina, Luciana Randazzo, Salvatore Schiavone, Antonio Donato, Maria Albanese, Mauro La Russa. A Combined Non-Destructive and Micro-Destructive Approach to Solving the Forensic Problems in the Field of Cultural Heritage: Two Case Studies. Applied Sciences. 2021; 11 (15):6951.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Michela Ricca; Maria Alberghina; Luciana Randazzo; Salvatore Schiavone; Antonio Donato; Maria Albanese; Mauro La Russa. 2021. "A Combined Non-Destructive and Micro-Destructive Approach to Solving the Forensic Problems in the Field of Cultural Heritage: Two Case Studies." Applied Sciences 11, no. 15: 6951.

Journal article
Published: 24 December 2020 in Sustainability
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Nanotechnology-based materials are currently being tested in the protection of cultural heritage: ethyl silicate or silica nanoparticles dispersed in aqueous colloidal suspensions mixed with titanium dioxide are used as a coating for stone materials. These coatings can play a key role against the degradation of stone materials, due to the deposit of organic matter and other contaminants on the substrate, a phenomenon that produces a greater risk for the monuments in urban areas because of the increasing atmospheric pollution. However, during the application phase, it is important to evaluate the amount of titanium dioxide in the coatings on the substrate, as it can produce a coverage effect on the asset. In this work, we present the hyperspectral data obtained through a field spectroradiometer on samples of different stone materials, which have been prepared in laboratory with an increasing weight percentage of titanium dioxide from 0 to 8 wt%. The data showed spectral signatures dependent on the content of titanium dioxide in the wavelength range 350–400 nm. Afterwards, blind tests were performed on other samples in order to evaluate the reliability of these measurements in detecting the unknown weight percentage of titanium dioxide. Moreover, an investigation was also performed on a test application of nanoparticle coatings on a stone statue located in a coastal town in Calabria (southern Italy). The results showed that the surveys can be useful for verifying the phase of application of the coating on cultural heritage structures; however, they could also be used to check the state of the coated stone directly exposed over time to atmospheric, biological and chemical agents.

ACS Style

Antonio Costanzo; Donatella Ebolese; Silvestro Ruffolo; Sergio Falcone; Carmelo la Piana; Mauro La Russa; Massimo Musacchio; Maria Buongiorno. Detection of the TiO2 Concentration in the Protective Coatings for the Cultural Heritage by Means of Hyperspectral Data. Sustainability 2020, 13, 92 .

AMA Style

Antonio Costanzo, Donatella Ebolese, Silvestro Ruffolo, Sergio Falcone, Carmelo la Piana, Mauro La Russa, Massimo Musacchio, Maria Buongiorno. Detection of the TiO2 Concentration in the Protective Coatings for the Cultural Heritage by Means of Hyperspectral Data. Sustainability. 2020; 13 (1):92.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Antonio Costanzo; Donatella Ebolese; Silvestro Ruffolo; Sergio Falcone; Carmelo la Piana; Mauro La Russa; Massimo Musacchio; Maria Buongiorno. 2020. "Detection of the TiO2 Concentration in the Protective Coatings for the Cultural Heritage by Means of Hyperspectral Data." Sustainability 13, no. 1: 92.

Journal article
Published: 30 October 2020 in Materials & Design
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This work is focused on a multidisciplinary study of 13 pottery fragments collected in the submerged archaeological site of Baia (Naples, Italy). Founded by the Romans in the 1st century B.C., this archaeological area represents one of the greatest evidences of Roman architecture and it includes ancient ruins whose structures range from maritime villas and imperial buildings. Several diagnostic tests were carried out in order to characterize the archaeological materials, their structure and properties, as well as the alteration and degradation products. Degradation forms in seawater imply not only a variation in the physico-mechanical and chemical properties of the material but also an aesthetic damage, due to superficial deposits, which can lead to the illegibility of the artefacts. In this context, it is crucial to determine to what extent these decay factors, mainly attributable to biological growth, could affect the durability of pottery and what are the effects of cleaning procedures. The work offers further elements to obtain new insights into the underwater cultural heritage field and in the function of ceramic matter, especially related to several applications in technology and in the adoption of strategies for suitable conservation procedures.

ACS Style

Michela Ricca; Beatriz Cámara; Rafael Fort; Mónica Álvarez de Buergo; Luciana Randazzo; Barbara Davidde Petriaggi; Mauro Francesco La Russa. Definition of analytical cleaning procedures for archaeological pottery from underwater environments: The case study of samples from Baia (Naples, South Italy). Materials & Design 2020, 197, 109278 .

AMA Style

Michela Ricca, Beatriz Cámara, Rafael Fort, Mónica Álvarez de Buergo, Luciana Randazzo, Barbara Davidde Petriaggi, Mauro Francesco La Russa. Definition of analytical cleaning procedures for archaeological pottery from underwater environments: The case study of samples from Baia (Naples, South Italy). Materials & Design. 2020; 197 ():109278.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Michela Ricca; Beatriz Cámara; Rafael Fort; Mónica Álvarez de Buergo; Luciana Randazzo; Barbara Davidde Petriaggi; Mauro Francesco La Russa. 2020. "Definition of analytical cleaning procedures for archaeological pottery from underwater environments: The case study of samples from Baia (Naples, South Italy)." Materials & Design 197, no. : 109278.

Journal article
Published: 26 October 2020 in Applied Sciences
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This study deals with the identification of the degradation products present on some Byzantine glasses coming from an archaeological excavation in Northern Tunisia. The main purpose of the present investigation is the identification of the products and the characterization of surface altered points, namely iridescent and black patinas, which are present on some selected glasses. Non-destructive techniques such as XPS (X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy), SEM-EDS (Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy), ATR-FTIR (Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Infrared Spectroscopy) and LA-ICP-MS (Laser-Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry) are here exploited. SEM-EDS was employed to ascertain the morphological structure and the chemical composition of various points, apparently different, on the glass surfaces. Small area XPS was performed for identifying the elements present on the sample surface, for determining their chemical state and for establishing the atomic composition of the morphologically different regions. LA-ICP-MS was exploited to determine the chemical composition as far as the trace elements are concerned. The presence of iridescent patinas and of encrustations has been highlighted on the glass surfaces in correspondence to the altered areas: iridescent patinas are due to the fact that the glasses are depleted in alkali and alkaline earths. The incrustations resulted due to the presence of calcium carbonates, and/or oxyhydroxides. In one case sulfides were also detected by SEM.

ACS Style

Valeria Comite; Martina Andreoli; Davide Atzei; Donatella Barca; Marzia Fantauzzi; Mauro Francesco La Russa; Antonella Rossi; Vittoria Guglielmi; Paola Fermo. Degradation Products on Byzantine Glasses from Northern Tunisia. Applied Sciences 2020, 10, 7523 .

AMA Style

Valeria Comite, Martina Andreoli, Davide Atzei, Donatella Barca, Marzia Fantauzzi, Mauro Francesco La Russa, Antonella Rossi, Vittoria Guglielmi, Paola Fermo. Degradation Products on Byzantine Glasses from Northern Tunisia. Applied Sciences. 2020; 10 (21):7523.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Valeria Comite; Martina Andreoli; Davide Atzei; Donatella Barca; Marzia Fantauzzi; Mauro Francesco La Russa; Antonella Rossi; Vittoria Guglielmi; Paola Fermo. 2020. "Degradation Products on Byzantine Glasses from Northern Tunisia." Applied Sciences 10, no. 21: 7523.

Journal article
Published: 20 October 2020 in Science of The Total Environment
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In the last decades, many researchers investigated the relation between environmental pollution and the degradation phenomena on the built heritage, because of their rapid increase and growing harmfulness. Consequently, the identification of the main pollution sources has become essential to define mitigation actions against degradation and alteration phenomena of the stone materials. In this way, the present paper is focused on the study of the effect of air pollution on archaeological buildings in Historic Cairo. A multi-methodological approach was used to obtain information about the chemical composition of examined black crusts and to clarify their correlation with the air pollution, specifically the heavy metals and the carbonaceous fraction, their main sources, and their impact on the state of conservation of the studied sites. All specimens were characterized by polarized optical microscopy (POM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Electron Probe Micro Analyser coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EPMA-EDS), laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). The study conducted on heavy metals and carbonaceous fraction showed that the greatest contribution of the accumulation of pollutants is attributable to vehicular traffic and industrial activities, the main polluting sources in Cairo city. Furthermore, the comparison with other studies conducted on the carbonaceous fraction in the black crusts coming from both European and non-European cities, has allowed to discriminate the contribution of the primary and secondary polluting sources. Finally, the correlation of the data obtained on the heavy metals and the carbonaceous fraction allowed to formulate important hypothesis about the processes of sulphation.

ACS Style

Natalia Rovella; Nevin Aly; Valeria Comite; Luciana Randazzo; Paola Fermo; Donatella Barca; Monica Alvarez de Buergo; Mauro Francesco La Russa. The environmental impact of air pollution on the built heritage of historic Cairo (Egypt). Science of The Total Environment 2020, 764, 142905 .

AMA Style

Natalia Rovella, Nevin Aly, Valeria Comite, Luciana Randazzo, Paola Fermo, Donatella Barca, Monica Alvarez de Buergo, Mauro Francesco La Russa. The environmental impact of air pollution on the built heritage of historic Cairo (Egypt). Science of The Total Environment. 2020; 764 ():142905.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Natalia Rovella; Nevin Aly; Valeria Comite; Luciana Randazzo; Paola Fermo; Donatella Barca; Monica Alvarez de Buergo; Mauro Francesco La Russa. 2020. "The environmental impact of air pollution on the built heritage of historic Cairo (Egypt)." Science of The Total Environment 764, no. : 142905.

Journal article
Published: 26 September 2020 in Applied Sciences
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Neutron radiography (NR) was here applied to study the effects of two different commercially available consolidants on the water absorption properties in a particular type of limestone (biocalcarenite), known as Pietra d’Aspra stone, which is one of the most extensively used lithotypes in Sicilian Baroque buildings. Our attention was mainly focused on the evaluation, using a fast and nondestructive visualization of water motion through capillarity, of the effectiveness of such layers as consolidating agents in view of preserving and maintaining both old and modern structures. The biocalcarenite was treated with nanosilica (Nano Estel®) and nanolime (CaLoSil®) by brushing it until full saturation, and then artificially weathered by salt crystallization and temperature/relative humidity jumps. Liquid distribution and height of the water front were monitored as a function of time. Significant differences in the water suction behavior among all the investigated samples were highlighted, which allowed us to gain insight into the coating/substrate interaction mechanisms which regulate the fluid mobility inside the porous network of the limestone.

ACS Style

Luciana Randazzo; Giuseppe Paladini; Valentina Venuti; Vincenza Crupi; Frédéric Ott; Giuseppe Montana; Michela Ricca; Natalia Rovella; Mauro Francesco La Russa; Domenico Majolino. Pore Structure and Water Transfer in Pietra d’Aspra Limestone: A Neutronographic Study. Applied Sciences 2020, 10, 6745 .

AMA Style

Luciana Randazzo, Giuseppe Paladini, Valentina Venuti, Vincenza Crupi, Frédéric Ott, Giuseppe Montana, Michela Ricca, Natalia Rovella, Mauro Francesco La Russa, Domenico Majolino. Pore Structure and Water Transfer in Pietra d’Aspra Limestone: A Neutronographic Study. Applied Sciences. 2020; 10 (19):6745.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Luciana Randazzo; Giuseppe Paladini; Valentina Venuti; Vincenza Crupi; Frédéric Ott; Giuseppe Montana; Michela Ricca; Natalia Rovella; Mauro Francesco La Russa; Domenico Majolino. 2020. "Pore Structure and Water Transfer in Pietra d’Aspra Limestone: A Neutronographic Study." Applied Sciences 10, no. 19: 6745.

Journal article
Published: 24 July 2020 in Applied Sciences
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This multidisciplinary research focuses on diagnostic investigations to characterize the archaeological materials, as well as the alteration and degradation forms detected at the Roman Thermae of Reggio Calabria (Calabria, South Italy) site. The thermal complex, (dating I–II century B.C.), was built around three main rooms such as the caldarium (hot bath), the tepidarium (warm bath) and the frigidarium (cold bath), all connected to a central room through several entrances. The central hall still preserves a suggestive mosaic floor dating between the II and III century A.D., characterized by geometric motifs and black and white tesserae. Fragments of various archaeological stone materials, such as bricks, mortars, sedimentary, volcanic and metamorphic rocks have been studied with different and complementary techniques. Particularly, polarized optical microscopy (POM) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD) were performed to characterize the materials employed to construct the site and evaluate their state of preservation. Finally, laboratory microbiological culture analysis was conducted to identify the main microorganisms composing the biological patinas detected on the sampled materials. Results allowed us to evaluate the most suitable restoration procedures to conduct at the archaeological site, considering the different stone materials present in the studied area and their state of conservation.

ACS Style

Michela Ricca; Clara Enza Urzì; Natalia Rovella; Alessandro Sardella; Alessandra Bonazza; Silvestro Antonio Ruffolo; Filomena De Leo; Luciana Randazzo; Anna Arcudi; Mauro Francesco La Russa. Multidisciplinary Approach to Characterize Archaeological Materials and Status of Conservation of the Roman Thermae of Reggio Calabria Site (Calabria, South Italy). Applied Sciences 2020, 10, 5106 .

AMA Style

Michela Ricca, Clara Enza Urzì, Natalia Rovella, Alessandro Sardella, Alessandra Bonazza, Silvestro Antonio Ruffolo, Filomena De Leo, Luciana Randazzo, Anna Arcudi, Mauro Francesco La Russa. Multidisciplinary Approach to Characterize Archaeological Materials and Status of Conservation of the Roman Thermae of Reggio Calabria Site (Calabria, South Italy). Applied Sciences. 2020; 10 (15):5106.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Michela Ricca; Clara Enza Urzì; Natalia Rovella; Alessandro Sardella; Alessandra Bonazza; Silvestro Antonio Ruffolo; Filomena De Leo; Luciana Randazzo; Anna Arcudi; Mauro Francesco La Russa. 2020. "Multidisciplinary Approach to Characterize Archaeological Materials and Status of Conservation of the Roman Thermae of Reggio Calabria Site (Calabria, South Italy)." Applied Sciences 10, no. 15: 5106.

Original paper
Published: 21 July 2020 in Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences
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The use of stone materials in cultural heritage and architecture represents a practice that has its roots in ancient times. Stone buildings, depending on the construction materials and their location in the urban context, are particularly vulnerable to weathering phenomena. These can be often accelerated by changes in environmental conditions linked mostly to the anthropic activities. In this way, the present work is addressed on the minero-petrographic and geochemical characterisation of samples taken from the built historical heritage in Cairo (Egypt), related to seven monumental areas. These sites have been chosen based on their historical importance, type of material, state of preservation and position in the Cairo context. The construction materials used and their degradation products were studied comparing the results obtained by means of different analytical techniques such as polarised light optical microscopy (POM), ion chromatography (IC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and the carbonaceous fraction, detected by using the thermogravimetry (TG). The results achieved demonstrated that black crusts and salt crystallisation represent the most common and damaging degradation products affecting all the monumental sites. Moreover, the environmental pollution produced by industrial activities and vehicular traffic has been identified as the main cause of these processes, followed by a marginal contribution of natural sources such as the sea spray. The data collected provide useful information to plan efficient conservation strategies in the future.

ACS Style

Natalia Rovella; Nevin Aly; Valeria Comite; Silvestro Antonio Ruffolo; Michela Ricca; Paola Fermo; Monica Alvarez De Buergo; Mauro Francesco La Russa. A methodological approach to define the state of conservation of the stone materials used in the Cairo historical heritage (Egypt). Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences 2020, 12, 1 -14.

AMA Style

Natalia Rovella, Nevin Aly, Valeria Comite, Silvestro Antonio Ruffolo, Michela Ricca, Paola Fermo, Monica Alvarez De Buergo, Mauro Francesco La Russa. A methodological approach to define the state of conservation of the stone materials used in the Cairo historical heritage (Egypt). Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences. 2020; 12 (8):1-14.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Natalia Rovella; Nevin Aly; Valeria Comite; Silvestro Antonio Ruffolo; Michela Ricca; Paola Fermo; Monica Alvarez De Buergo; Mauro Francesco La Russa. 2020. "A methodological approach to define the state of conservation of the stone materials used in the Cairo historical heritage (Egypt)." Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences 12, no. 8: 1-14.

Journal article
Published: 25 June 2020 in Sustainability
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In recent decades, increasing attention is being paid to the multidisciplinary approach that allows the performance of both a preventive conservation and a more invasive restoration action. In this context, the present study aims to acquire information and data from field surveys undertaken in San Domenico Church, Southern Calabria, in order to provide a tool for the recording and the inventory of damage and decay phenomena, and assess their causes and scale. The subsequent calculation of damage indices also provided useful information in order to allow the prioritization of conservation and preservation responses.

ACS Style

Luciana Randazzo; Matteo Collina; Michela Ricca; Loris Barbieri; Fabio Bruno; Anna Arcudi; Mauro La Russa. Damage Indices and Photogrammetry for Decay Assessment of Stone-Built Cultural Heritage: The Case Study of the San Domenico Church Main Entrance Portal (South Calabria, Italy). Sustainability 2020, 12, 5198 .

AMA Style

Luciana Randazzo, Matteo Collina, Michela Ricca, Loris Barbieri, Fabio Bruno, Anna Arcudi, Mauro La Russa. Damage Indices and Photogrammetry for Decay Assessment of Stone-Built Cultural Heritage: The Case Study of the San Domenico Church Main Entrance Portal (South Calabria, Italy). Sustainability. 2020; 12 (12):5198.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Luciana Randazzo; Matteo Collina; Michela Ricca; Loris Barbieri; Fabio Bruno; Anna Arcudi; Mauro La Russa. 2020. "Damage Indices and Photogrammetry for Decay Assessment of Stone-Built Cultural Heritage: The Case Study of the San Domenico Church Main Entrance Portal (South Calabria, Italy)." Sustainability 12, no. 12: 5198.

Journal article
Published: 20 June 2020 in Applied Sciences
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Natural stones have represented one of the main building materials since ancient times. In recent decades, a worsening in degradation phenomena related mostly to environmental pollution was observed, threatening their conservation. The present work is focused on the minero-petrographic and geochemical characterization of black crust (BC) samples taken from the historical center of Naples, after selecting two pilot monumental areas. The latter were chosen based on their historical importance, type of material, state of preservation and position in the urban context (i.e., high vehicular traffic area, limited traffic area, industrial area, etc.). The building materials used and their interaction with environmental pollutions were studied comparing the results obtained by means of different analytical techniques such as polarized light Optical Microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersion system (SEM-EDS), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and laser ablation coupled with inductive plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS).

ACS Style

Valeria Comite; Michela Ricca; Silvestro Antonio Ruffolo; Sossio Fabio Graziano; Natalia Rovella; Concetta Rispoli; Chiara Gallo; Luciana Randazzo; Donatella Barca; Piergiulio Cappelletti; Mauro Francesco La Russa. Multidisciplinary Approach for Evaluating the Geochemical Degradation of Building Stone Related to Pollution Sources in the Historical Center of Naples (Italy). Applied Sciences 2020, 10, 4241 .

AMA Style

Valeria Comite, Michela Ricca, Silvestro Antonio Ruffolo, Sossio Fabio Graziano, Natalia Rovella, Concetta Rispoli, Chiara Gallo, Luciana Randazzo, Donatella Barca, Piergiulio Cappelletti, Mauro Francesco La Russa. Multidisciplinary Approach for Evaluating the Geochemical Degradation of Building Stone Related to Pollution Sources in the Historical Center of Naples (Italy). Applied Sciences. 2020; 10 (12):4241.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Valeria Comite; Michela Ricca; Silvestro Antonio Ruffolo; Sossio Fabio Graziano; Natalia Rovella; Concetta Rispoli; Chiara Gallo; Luciana Randazzo; Donatella Barca; Piergiulio Cappelletti; Mauro Francesco La Russa. 2020. "Multidisciplinary Approach for Evaluating the Geochemical Degradation of Building Stone Related to Pollution Sources in the Historical Center of Naples (Italy)." Applied Sciences 10, no. 12: 4241.

Journal article
Published: 20 June 2020 in Applied Sciences
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An inlay sample with artificial defects was inspected via the pulse-compression thermography (PuCT) technique. The sample belongs to the cultural heritage field, and it was realized by a professional restorer based on his long-time experience, imitating historical art crafting styles. The tesserae composing the inlay were not treated by any protective paints, so that external thermal stimuli may cause physical/mechanical alterations of the cell walls, with consequent colour changes, cracks, and eventually damage to its surface. To avoid any alteration of the sample, the PuCT technique was used for inspecting the inlay sample as it allows the heating power to be very low, while assuring enough thermal contrast for the defects to be detected after the exploitation of the pulse-compression algorithm. Even if a maximum ΔT slightly exceeding 1 °C was detected during the PuCT test of the inlay sample, it is shown that this is enough for detecting several defects. Further, image processing based on the Hilbert transform increases defect detection and characterization. In addition, a novel normalization technique, i.e., a pixel-by-pixel data normalization with respect to the absorbance estimated by considering a characteristic value of the compression peak, is introduced here for the first time. The proposed normalization enhances the defect detection capability with respect to the standard pixel-by-pixel amplitude visualization. This has been demonstrated for two experimental setups, both exploiting the same LED chips system as heating source but different thermal camera sensors, i.e., one in the mid-infrared spectrum, the other in the far infrared one. Thus, the present work is also the first small-scale test of a future portable system that will include low-power LED chip feed in DC by metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) devices, and a handy far-infrared camera.

ACS Style

Stefano Sfarra; Stefano Laureti; Gianfranco Gargiulo; Hamed Malekmohammadi; Mario Andrea Sangiovanni; Mauro La Russa; Pietro Burrascano; Marco Ricci. Low Thermal Conductivity Materials and Very Low Heat Power: A Demanding Challenge in the Detection of Flaws in Multi-Layer Wooden Cultural Heritage Objects Solved by Pulse-Compression Thermography Technique. Applied Sciences 2020, 10, 4233 .

AMA Style

Stefano Sfarra, Stefano Laureti, Gianfranco Gargiulo, Hamed Malekmohammadi, Mario Andrea Sangiovanni, Mauro La Russa, Pietro Burrascano, Marco Ricci. Low Thermal Conductivity Materials and Very Low Heat Power: A Demanding Challenge in the Detection of Flaws in Multi-Layer Wooden Cultural Heritage Objects Solved by Pulse-Compression Thermography Technique. Applied Sciences. 2020; 10 (12):4233.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Stefano Sfarra; Stefano Laureti; Gianfranco Gargiulo; Hamed Malekmohammadi; Mario Andrea Sangiovanni; Mauro La Russa; Pietro Burrascano; Marco Ricci. 2020. "Low Thermal Conductivity Materials and Very Low Heat Power: A Demanding Challenge in the Detection of Flaws in Multi-Layer Wooden Cultural Heritage Objects Solved by Pulse-Compression Thermography Technique." Applied Sciences 10, no. 12: 4233.

Journal article
Published: 18 June 2020 in Sustainability
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Documentation and conservation of underwater cultural heritage (UCH) are crucial to preserving humankind’s history and traditions, safeguarding tangible testimonies of past human life while ensuring its accessibility to future generations. The TECTONIC (Technological Consortium TO develop sustainability of underwater Cultural Heritage) project is promoting an intersectoral collaboration between academic and non-academic professionals (i.e., archaeologists, conservators, geologists, engineers, etc.) working on different topics related to UCHs, to find solutions to the issues still existing in the field. The overall aim is the exchange of skills for the improvement and assessment of innovative materials and techniques to develop solutions and marketable products for the conservation and management of the UCH, sustainably. To achieve its overall aim, TECTONIC is undertaking activities driven by the following objectives: (a) the study, documentation, and mapping of selected UCHs; (b) the creation of decision-support tools for UCH risk assessment in a changing environment; (c) the initiation of conservation studies and protocols for conservation activities; (d) the development of open and low-cost robotic solutions for the inspection of UCH; and (e) the raising of public awareness and knowledge about UCH. All the objectives are devoted to stimulating new sustainable ideas that would bring the growth of cultural tourism and the development of new marketable products by capitalizing on the research results.

ACS Style

Michela Ricca; George Alexandrakis; Alessandra Bonazza; Fabio Bruno; Barbara Davidde Petriaggi; Dolores Elkin; Antonio Lagudi; Stephane Nicolas; Michal Novák; George Papatheodorou; Javier Prieto; Marco Ricci; Antonio Vasilijevic; Mauro Francesco La Russa. A Sustainable Approach for the Management and Valorization of Underwater Cultural Heritage: New Perspectives from the TECTONIC Project. Sustainability 2020, 12, 1 .

AMA Style

Michela Ricca, George Alexandrakis, Alessandra Bonazza, Fabio Bruno, Barbara Davidde Petriaggi, Dolores Elkin, Antonio Lagudi, Stephane Nicolas, Michal Novák, George Papatheodorou, Javier Prieto, Marco Ricci, Antonio Vasilijevic, Mauro Francesco La Russa. A Sustainable Approach for the Management and Valorization of Underwater Cultural Heritage: New Perspectives from the TECTONIC Project. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (12):1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Michela Ricca; George Alexandrakis; Alessandra Bonazza; Fabio Bruno; Barbara Davidde Petriaggi; Dolores Elkin; Antonio Lagudi; Stephane Nicolas; Michal Novák; George Papatheodorou; Javier Prieto; Marco Ricci; Antonio Vasilijevic; Mauro Francesco La Russa. 2020. "A Sustainable Approach for the Management and Valorization of Underwater Cultural Heritage: New Perspectives from the TECTONIC Project." Sustainability 12, no. 12: 1.

Journal article
Published: 03 June 2020 in Microchemical Journal
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This study focuses on the characterization of black crusts collected from the Monza cathedral located in the homonymous city (N Italy), a hot spot from the point of view of the atmospheric pollution. Black crusts and substrate marble specimens were analyzed by a multi-analytical approach including X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform-Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Stereomicroscopy (SM), Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM), High Resolution Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (HRSEM-EDX) and Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP/MS). The characterization of the carbon fraction (organic carbon, OC, and elemental carbon, EC) was performed using a new approach based on the use of Carbon Hydrogen Nitrogen (CHN) analysis and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). The integrated approach allowed the identification of the pollution sources responsible for black crusts forming process. The precise identification of the main substances responsible for the surface degradation phenomena, in particular those leading to the blackening and disintegration of the carbonate substrates, is essential for the definition of conservative intervention and maintenance strategies, as well as for the development of emission reduction policies on a local scale.

ACS Style

Valeria Comite; José Santiago Pozo-Antonio; Carolina Cardell; Luciana Randazzo; Mauro Francesco La Russa; Paola Fermo. A multi-analytical approach for the characterization of black crusts on the facade of an historical cathedral. Microchemical Journal 2020, 158, 105121 .

AMA Style

Valeria Comite, José Santiago Pozo-Antonio, Carolina Cardell, Luciana Randazzo, Mauro Francesco La Russa, Paola Fermo. A multi-analytical approach for the characterization of black crusts on the facade of an historical cathedral. Microchemical Journal. 2020; 158 ():105121.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Valeria Comite; José Santiago Pozo-Antonio; Carolina Cardell; Luciana Randazzo; Mauro Francesco La Russa; Paola Fermo. 2020. "A multi-analytical approach for the characterization of black crusts on the facade of an historical cathedral." Microchemical Journal 158, no. : 105121.

Journal article
Published: 29 May 2020 in Heritage
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Despite the growing attention to Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH) in Europe and worldwide, the efforts in wholly enjoying underwater archaeological assets and sites are still remarkable; hence, the need for innovative research and solutions that are suitable for raising knowledge on the subject. In this way, this paper wants to be a review for highlighting all of the developments, potentials, and results achieved in the last decade to reach a good protection of UCHs related to the study of stone materials, degradation processes, and the new methods for protection/consolidation directly in situ. The present work is focused on the analysis of the main results obtained from several studies conducted to date, providing additional guidelines for operators in the UCH sector (i.e., restorers, archaeologists, conservation scientists, geologists, etc.). Such guidelines will be a very useful key factor in enhancing knowledge, management, protection, and promotion of underwater sites. In particular, the purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of the state of the art on both consolidated techniques for studying materials coming from seawater and innovations in the field of protection and consolidation of UCH against biofouling, the main cause of damage in underwater environments.

ACS Style

Michela Ricca; Mauro Francesco La Russa. Challenges for the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH), from Waterlogged and Weathered Stone Materials to Conservation Strategies: An Overview. Heritage 2020, 3, 402 -411.

AMA Style

Michela Ricca, Mauro Francesco La Russa. Challenges for the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH), from Waterlogged and Weathered Stone Materials to Conservation Strategies: An Overview. Heritage. 2020; 3 (2):402-411.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Michela Ricca; Mauro Francesco La Russa. 2020. "Challenges for the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH), from Waterlogged and Weathered Stone Materials to Conservation Strategies: An Overview." Heritage 3, no. 2: 402-411.

Journal article
Published: 10 July 2019 in Heritage
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The present work is aimed at the investigation of the ceramic bulk and pigmented glazed surfaces of ancient potteries dating back to XIX century A.D. and coming from the charming archeological site located in the Medieval Agsu town (Azerbaijan), a geographic area of special interest due to the ancient commercial routes between China, Asia Minor, and Europe. For the purpose of the study, complementary investigation tools have been exploited: non-destructive or micro-destructive investigation at elemental level by ion beam analysis (IBA) techniques, by using Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS), Proton-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) spectroscopy and ion-microbeam analysis, and chemical characterization at microscopic level, by means of synchrotron radiation (SR) Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy. The acquired information reveals useful for the identification of the provenance, the reconstruction of the firing technology, and finally, the identification of the pigment was used as a colorant of the glaze.

ACS Style

Lorenzo Torrisi; Valentina Venuti; Vincenza Crupi; Letteria Silipigni; Mariapompea Cutroneo; Giuseppe Paladini; Alfio Torrisi; Vladimír Havránek; Anna Macková; Mauro Francesco La Russa; Giovanni Birarda; Lisa Vaccari; Andrea Macchia; Fariz Khalilli; Michela Ricca; Domenico Majolino. RBS, PIXE, Ion-Microbeam and SR-FTIR Analyses of Pottery Fragments from Azerbaijan. Heritage 2019, 2, 1852 -1873.

AMA Style

Lorenzo Torrisi, Valentina Venuti, Vincenza Crupi, Letteria Silipigni, Mariapompea Cutroneo, Giuseppe Paladini, Alfio Torrisi, Vladimír Havránek, Anna Macková, Mauro Francesco La Russa, Giovanni Birarda, Lisa Vaccari, Andrea Macchia, Fariz Khalilli, Michela Ricca, Domenico Majolino. RBS, PIXE, Ion-Microbeam and SR-FTIR Analyses of Pottery Fragments from Azerbaijan. Heritage. 2019; 2 (3):1852-1873.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Lorenzo Torrisi; Valentina Venuti; Vincenza Crupi; Letteria Silipigni; Mariapompea Cutroneo; Giuseppe Paladini; Alfio Torrisi; Vladimír Havránek; Anna Macková; Mauro Francesco La Russa; Giovanni Birarda; Lisa Vaccari; Andrea Macchia; Fariz Khalilli; Michela Ricca; Domenico Majolino. 2019. "RBS, PIXE, Ion-Microbeam and SR-FTIR Analyses of Pottery Fragments from Azerbaijan." Heritage 2, no. 3: 1852-1873.

Journal article
Published: 22 May 2019 in Coatings
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This paper presents the results of a laboratory experimentation carried out on stone materials in the framework of the CRATI project (Knowledge and Restoration through Advanced Integrated Technologies) aimed at testing new products with consolidating properties by means of an integrated methodological approach. After the preliminary characterization of stone materials collected in the pilot site, the second stage of the activities within the project were focused on the formulation and testing of products for the conservation of the same materials against decay, especially salt crystallization, one of the most aggressive and common degrading processes. The San Domenico Church, located in the old town of Cosenza (Calabria, Southern Italy) has been chosen as the pilot site and for the in situ tests. Several specimens with the same features of the stone materials used in San Domenico church were collected from a historical quarry near the city of Cosenza. These specimens were treated and then artificially degraded by salt crystallization tests in order to evaluate their susceptibility to weathering intensity. Three different consolidating products were used; respectively, two commercial and another one formulated in laboratory: (a) a suspension of nanosilica (Nano Estel®); (b) a suspension of nanolime (CaLoSiL®), and (c) a suspension of nano calcium-hydroxide dispersed in isopropyl alcohol and then mixed with diammonium hydrogen phosphate. A systematic approach, including minero-petrographic, geochemical and physico-mechanical techniques, was applied to evaluate (a) the nature and main features of materials; (b) the efficacy of consolidating treatments, and (c) the resistance of treated stone to the salt crystallization processes. The tested products demonstrated a significant efficiency to consolidate and protect stone material samples, enhancing their resistance to salt crystallization. Thus, such a case history may be useful in order to plan appropriate restoration interventions that consider the interactions between the building stone and the protective/consolidating product.

ACS Style

Michela Ricca; Emilia Le Pera; Maurizio Licchelli; Andrea Macchia; Marco Malagodi; Luciana Randazzo; Natalia Rovella; Silvestro A. Ruffolo; Maduka L. Weththimuni; Mauro F. La Russa. The CRATI Project: New Insights on the Consolidation of Salt Weathered Stone and the Case Study of San Domenico Church in Cosenza (South Calabria, Italy). Coatings 2019, 9, 330 .

AMA Style

Michela Ricca, Emilia Le Pera, Maurizio Licchelli, Andrea Macchia, Marco Malagodi, Luciana Randazzo, Natalia Rovella, Silvestro A. Ruffolo, Maduka L. Weththimuni, Mauro F. La Russa. The CRATI Project: New Insights on the Consolidation of Salt Weathered Stone and the Case Study of San Domenico Church in Cosenza (South Calabria, Italy). Coatings. 2019; 9 (5):330.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Michela Ricca; Emilia Le Pera; Maurizio Licchelli; Andrea Macchia; Marco Malagodi; Luciana Randazzo; Natalia Rovella; Silvestro A. Ruffolo; Maduka L. Weththimuni; Mauro F. La Russa. 2019. "The CRATI Project: New Insights on the Consolidation of Salt Weathered Stone and the Case Study of San Domenico Church in Cosenza (South Calabria, Italy)." Coatings 9, no. 5: 330.

Journal article
Published: 07 May 2019 in Heritage
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The Western civilization is deeply rooted in the Ancient Greece culture; political, scientific, technological and philosophic knowledge were born in this epoch. Their diffusion was improved upon by the Greek expansionist policy in colonies of Magna Graecia in Mediterranean Basin, leaving important archaeological traces for the community. In this context, the European project “MAGNA, on the route from Greece to Magna Graecia” seeks to develop a transnational thematic touristic route between Greece and the Ionian coast of Calabria (Southern Italy), an ancient Magna Graecia colony, on the basis of cultural and historical connections between these two Mediterranean areas. The project aims to promote the touristic development of the Greek and Calabrian archaeological sites through dissemination activities. These will concern scientific subjects regarding the conservation of cultural heritage, both in sub-aerial and underwater environments; and study of the sea floor, and pollution of seawater by microplastics. This touristic product consists of cruises on a ship equipped with scientific instruments that offer unique cultural experiences, accompanied by multimedia supports. Experts drive people in the proposed activities, creating more awareness of sustainable and responsible tourism.

ACS Style

Natalia Rovella; Fabio Bruno; Barbara Davidde Petriaggi; Theodoris Makris; Polyvios Raxis; Mauro Francesco La Russa. A Usable and People-Friendly Cultural Heritage: MAGNA Project, on the Route from Greece to Magna Graecia. Heritage 2019, 2, 1350 -1368.

AMA Style

Natalia Rovella, Fabio Bruno, Barbara Davidde Petriaggi, Theodoris Makris, Polyvios Raxis, Mauro Francesco La Russa. A Usable and People-Friendly Cultural Heritage: MAGNA Project, on the Route from Greece to Magna Graecia. Heritage. 2019; 2 (2):1350-1368.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Natalia Rovella; Fabio Bruno; Barbara Davidde Petriaggi; Theodoris Makris; Polyvios Raxis; Mauro Francesco La Russa. 2019. "A Usable and People-Friendly Cultural Heritage: MAGNA Project, on the Route from Greece to Magna Graecia." Heritage 2, no. 2: 1350-1368.

Journal article
Published: 30 April 2019 in Minerals
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This paper aims to carry out an archaeometric characterization of mortar samples taken from an underwater environment. The fishpond of the archaeological site of Castrum Novum (Santa Marinella, Rome, Italy) was chosen as a pilot site for experimentation. The masonry structures reached the maximum thickness at the apex of the fishpond (4.70 m) and consisted of a concrete conglomerate composed of slightly rough stones of medium size bound with non-hydraulic mortar. After sampling, for a complete characterization of selected mortar fragments, different and complementary techniques (stereomicroscopy, polarizing optical microscopy, and X-ray powder diffraction analysis) were carried out in order to: a) define the minero-petrographic features; and b) investigate their state of conservation. The obtained data allowed the determination of the main constituents of mortars from a compositional point of view. The raw materials, in fact, were quite homogeneous, as well as the ratio in which they were mixed, confirming the typical "recipe" used in Roman times to manufacture hydraulic-type mortars by adding pozzolana. At the same time, it was possible to identify the various degradation processes we were interested in, namely, biological colonization (bio-fouling) that develops differently according to environmental conditions. Based on characterization phase results, the research will help to develop adequate techniques for intervention (innovative tools and methods for the protection of underwater cultural heritage) with particular regard to cleaning and consolidating procedures to be carried out directly in situ.

ACS Style

Luciana Randazzo; Michela Ricca; Silvestro Ruffolo; Marco Aquino; Barbara Davidde Petriaggi; Flavio Enei; Mauro F. La Russa. An Integrated Analytical Approach to Define the Compositional and Textural Features of Mortars Used in the Underwater Archaeological Site of Castrum Novum (Santa Marinella, Rome, Italy). Minerals 2019, 9, 268 .

AMA Style

Luciana Randazzo, Michela Ricca, Silvestro Ruffolo, Marco Aquino, Barbara Davidde Petriaggi, Flavio Enei, Mauro F. La Russa. An Integrated Analytical Approach to Define the Compositional and Textural Features of Mortars Used in the Underwater Archaeological Site of Castrum Novum (Santa Marinella, Rome, Italy). Minerals. 2019; 9 (5):268.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Luciana Randazzo; Michela Ricca; Silvestro Ruffolo; Marco Aquino; Barbara Davidde Petriaggi; Flavio Enei; Mauro F. La Russa. 2019. "An Integrated Analytical Approach to Define the Compositional and Textural Features of Mortars Used in the Underwater Archaeological Site of Castrum Novum (Santa Marinella, Rome, Italy)." Minerals 9, no. 5: 268.

Journal article
Published: 16 April 2019 in Geosciences
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This work focused on the study of decorated pottery dated back to the 16th century from the Roman archaeological site of Villa dei Quintili, a monumental complex located in the south-eastern part of Rome (Italy). A minero-petrographic and geochemical study was undertaken to analyse five archaeological samples in order to define textural features and raw materials used for their production, along with the chemical and physical composition of the superficial decorative glazed coatings. For this purpose, different analytical methods were used, such as polarising optical microscope (POM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), micro-Raman spectroscopy, X-Ray fluorescence (XRF), and electron microprobe analysis coupled with energy dispersive spectrometry (EMPA-EDS). The results of such a multidisciplinary approach allowed us to achieve important results crucial to recognise the shards as majolica of the Renaissance period, improving knowledge about manufacturing processes of these renowned painted ceramic artefacts.

ACS Style

Michela Ricca; Giuseppe Paladini; Natalia Rovella; Silvestro Antonio Ruffolo; Luciana Randazzo; Vincenza Crupi; Barbara Fazio; Domenico Majolino; Valentina Venuti; Giuliana Galli; Mauro Francesco La Russa. Archaeometric Characterisation of Decorated Pottery from the Archaeological Site of Villa dei Quintili (Rome, Italy): Preliminary Study. Geosciences 2019, 9, 172 .

AMA Style

Michela Ricca, Giuseppe Paladini, Natalia Rovella, Silvestro Antonio Ruffolo, Luciana Randazzo, Vincenza Crupi, Barbara Fazio, Domenico Majolino, Valentina Venuti, Giuliana Galli, Mauro Francesco La Russa. Archaeometric Characterisation of Decorated Pottery from the Archaeological Site of Villa dei Quintili (Rome, Italy): Preliminary Study. Geosciences. 2019; 9 (4):172.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Michela Ricca; Giuseppe Paladini; Natalia Rovella; Silvestro Antonio Ruffolo; Luciana Randazzo; Vincenza Crupi; Barbara Fazio; Domenico Majolino; Valentina Venuti; Giuliana Galli; Mauro Francesco La Russa. 2019. "Archaeometric Characterisation of Decorated Pottery from the Archaeological Site of Villa dei Quintili (Rome, Italy): Preliminary Study." Geosciences 9, no. 4: 172.

Journal article
Published: 21 December 2018 in The European Physical Journal Plus
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In the archaeological site of Pompeii, epigraphs Tituli Picti applied on stone, such as Campanian ignimbrite in Oscan and Latin language, were surveyed by different authors. Although there are several publications concerning the building materials and artefacts of Pompeii, the scientific literature lacks of studies regarding the knowledge and conservation of such paints. The diagnostic and conservation project is aimed at determining the execution technique, as well as at defining the state of conservation of the Tituli Picti realized on the Campanian ignimbrite. In addition, the study will provide experimental data useful to suggest proper conservation procedures, mainly in terms of protective and consolidating products to be used. Results carried out by means of Optical Microscopy, Electron Probe Microanalysis, portable XRF and portable Raman techniques revealed that the epigraphs were applied on the stone surface, without any setting layer. Hematite-based red ochre was detected as pigment. On the contrary, it is still unclear if any substance was used to bind the pigment on the stone substrate. The subsequent stage of the project will include the reproduction of Tituli Picti in laboratory and the development of suitable conservation procedures to be tested in situ.

ACS Style

Natalia Rovella; Anna Arcudi; Vincenza Crupi; Mauro Francesco La Russa; Domenico Majolino; Massimo Osanna; Rossella Pace; Silvestro Antonio Ruffolo; Michela Ricca; Nicola Ruggieri; Valentina Venuti. Tituli Picti in the archaeological site of Pompeii: diagnostic analysis and conservation strategies. The European Physical Journal Plus 2018, 133, 539 .

AMA Style

Natalia Rovella, Anna Arcudi, Vincenza Crupi, Mauro Francesco La Russa, Domenico Majolino, Massimo Osanna, Rossella Pace, Silvestro Antonio Ruffolo, Michela Ricca, Nicola Ruggieri, Valentina Venuti. Tituli Picti in the archaeological site of Pompeii: diagnostic analysis and conservation strategies. The European Physical Journal Plus. 2018; 133 (12):539.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Natalia Rovella; Anna Arcudi; Vincenza Crupi; Mauro Francesco La Russa; Domenico Majolino; Massimo Osanna; Rossella Pace; Silvestro Antonio Ruffolo; Michela Ricca; Nicola Ruggieri; Valentina Venuti. 2018. "Tituli Picti in the archaeological site of Pompeii: diagnostic analysis and conservation strategies." The European Physical Journal Plus 133, no. 12: 539.