4,378 research outputs found
3D Virtual CH Interactive Information Systems for a smart web browsing experience for desktop PCs and mobile devices
No full textRecently, the diffusion of knowledge on Cultural Heritage (CH) has become an element of primary importance for its valorization. At the same time, the diffusion of surveys based on UAV Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) technologies and new methods of photogrammetric reconstruction have opened new possibilities for 3D CH representation. Furthermore the recent development of faster and more stable internet connections leads people to increase the use of mobile devices. In the light of all this, the importance of the development of Virtual Reality (VR) environments applied to CH is strategic for the diffusion of knowledge in a smart solution. In particular, the present work shows how, starting from a basic survey and the further photogrammetric reconstruction of a cultural good, is possible to built a 3D CH interactive information system useful for desktop and mobile devices. For this experimentation the Arab-Norman church of the Trinity of Delia (in Castelvetrano-Sicily-Italy) has been adopted as case study. The survey operations have been carried out considering different rapid methods of acquisition (UAV camera, SLR camera and smartphone camera). The web platform to publish the 3D information has been built using HTML5 markup language and WebGL JavaScript libraries (Three.js libraries). This work presents the construction of a 3D navigation system for a web-browsing of a virtual CH environment, with the integration of first person controls and 3D popup links. This contribution adds a further step to enrich the possibilities of open-source technologies applied to the world of CH valorization on web
WEB EXPLORATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE WITH LIMITED ACCESSIBILITY: FIRST EXPERIMENTATION FOR HYPOGEUM ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES
No full textThe accessibility to hypogeum archaeological sites is still one of the main challenges for the dissemination of Cultural Heritage knowledge, especially in the territories rich of ancient ruins like the Mediterranean area, where modern cities often hide underground ruins of historical settlements making the accessibility of these sites very difficult or even impossible. Digital reconstructions and virtual reality applications result in many cases the only chance to explore these archaeological sites. Terrestrial laser scanning and photogrammetry are the main technologies able now to digitise at a very high-level detail the hypogeum environments, whilst web virtual navigation systems are smart solutions for their dissemination and virtual fruition. However, this approach has some critical issues since the online virtual fruition needs further 3D model elaborations and web design processes. The work aims to develop and implement a web exploration system for the web fruition of hypogeum archaeological sites. The research was carried out on two hypogeum sites in Marsala (Italy), part of the ancient Roman city of Lylibaeum . The system was developed using WebGL JavaScript open-source libraries, allowing the construction of a virtual 3D navigation platform accessible on the web. In particular, in this work, the 3D dataset elaboration necessary to solve the limitations relative to the web browsing of complex 3D datasets is investigated and a possible smart solution based on open-source technology is proposed
International Competitiveness in Services in Some European Countries: Basic Facts and a Preliminary Attempt of Interpretation.
No full textIn spite of the increasing economic and social importance of services, the analysis of their international competitiveness is still in its very preliminary stages. The lack of adequate statistical information and theoretical background explains that backwardness. The aim of this paper is to contribute to a better understanding of competitiveness in services activities of European countries. To carry out this task the investigation is divides into two parts: the first consists of the classification of the competitive position of the economies along 1990-2001 according to the competitiveness matrix developed by the UNO and the World Bank. Secondly, a first attempt of interpretation is made by exploring the factors which can explain the different behaviour of the countries, giving an especial importance to elements related to knowledge incorporation. In both cases, three sub-sectors are considered: transport and communication, travel and other business services. Finally, a number of recommendations as well as future research topics are included in the conclusions.A pesar de la creciente importancia económica y social de los servicios, el análisis de su competitividad internacional está todavía en sus fases preliminares, como consecuencia de las dificultades de información estadística existentes, así como por el escaso desarrollo de una teoría convincente. El propósito de este estudio es contribuir a un mejor conocimiento de la competitividad de los países europeos en los servicios. Para llevar a cabo esta tarea la investigación se divide en dos pare complementarias: la primera consiste en una clasificación de la posición competitiva de los países siguiendo la matrices de competitividad desarrolladas por la ONU y el Banco Mundial, la segunda incluye una primer intento de interpretación de aquellas posiciones y su evolución en el tiempo, dando especial importancia a factores relacionados con el conocimiento. En ambas fases el estudio se hace para tres sectores ampliamente representativos: transporte y comunicaciones, viajes y otros servicios a empresas. Por último, en las conclusiones se ofrecen algunas recomendaciones de actuación, así como futuras líneas de trabajo.Services, Competitiveness, Internationalisation, knowledge, Servicios, competitividad, internacionalización, conocimiento.
Globe Based 3D GIS solutions for Virtual Heritage
No full textDuring the last years, many solutions have been proposed for 3D Virtual Heritage representations. Recently, also new technologies for online gaming evolved, based on javascript libraries (WebGL), used to create and publish virtual interactive environments. They are based on recent Web browser's functionalities, surpassing some limitations of VRML technologies. On the side of geospatial information, technology has evolved from desktop GIS to 2D WebGIS and globe applications. The use of globe applications is, today, very diffused due to its immediate and at the same time impressive representation of the earth surface and territories. These technologies have been, also, applied to Virtual Heritage 3D reconstructions, to improve the fruition of Cultural Heritage (CH), with the achievement of interesting results. The topic of this paper is the experimentation on the fusion between globe based and gaming technologies (in our case WebGL) that allow achieving a more user-centric and powerful solution useful for publishing 3D geospatial information of CH on Web. This choice allows obtaining GIS oriented 3D models, typical of globe applications, and, at the same time, a more immersive exploration of CH and its surrounding environment. In particular, it also gives complementary text and multimedia information on the history, architectural features of each cultural good, based on querying of semantic information. The test field of the research is the construction of the 3D GIS virtual globe model of the Manfredonic Castle of Mussomeli (Sicily-Italy), developed for PON-NEPTIS EU Project, to compare open-source technologies and commercial proprietary applications
Main features of a 3d gis for a monumental complex with an historical-cultural relevance
No full textThe last achievements of technologies in geomatics especially in survey and restitution of 3D models (UAV/drones andlaser scanner technologies) generated new procedures and higher standards of quality in representation of archaeological sites. Together with Geomatics, the recent development of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) strongly contribute to document and the Cultural Heritage (CH). The representation and documentation of CH using these new technologies has became necessary in orderto satisfy different needs: -for restorers in order to acquire a deep knowledge of the cultural good and to define possible strategiesof restoration; -for the conservation of information, allowing to preserve the 3D geometry of the monumental complex with the integration of descriptions about architectural elements; -for touristic aims, giving the opportunity of sharing CH information on web, allowing users to visit and explore, in a virtual way,monumental complexes, acquiring information details about architectural elementsorthe history of monumental complex. Looking through these new scenarios, the development of a 3D Geographic Information System (GIS) applied to a cultural good could be,today,an added value of fundamental importance for full description and data managementof monumental complexes. In this work,the main features necessary for the correct construction of a 3D GIS of a monumental complex will be analyzed, with a particular focus on the possibilities for creating a standardized procedure to follow
THE ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF PHENOLIC MOLECULES IN RELATIONSHIP WITH THE pH OF ENVIRONMENT REACTION
No full textTHE ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF PHENOLIC MOLECULES IN RELATIONSHIP WITH THE pH OF ENVIRONMENT REACTION
Some epidemiological evidence suggests beneficial effects on human health from a diet rich in fruit, vegetables and certain types of beverages such as tea and wine (1,2). These compounds do not have nutritive properties but they have a functional role in the human organism. Some studies have investigated the effect of pH on the antioxidant properties of polyphenols (3,4) and have reported that the pH-dependent behaviour is related to hydroxyl deprotonation. However, these studies did not compare the antioxidant activity of various classes of polyphenols and did not take into account the acidic pH. The aim of this study was toevaluate either the antioxidant or pro- oxidant behaviors of various polyphenol compounds by the crocin bleaching assay (5-7) in order to investigate the influence of two different pH levels. Thirteen polyphenols were analysed. They were used at 1 mmol/L in a phosphate buffer (pH7.4) and in synthetic wine (pH3.5). The myricetin, quercetin and kaempferol were prepared at concentrations of 0.5mmol/L in both pH, because with an increasing concentration of these compounds, a decreased sensitivity of the method was observed .The behavior of these molecules were analysed at pH 3.5 to simulate the food source; on the other hand, the same compounds were evaluated in a reaction mixture at pH 7.4 to simulate the in vivo condition. The position and the total number of hydroxyl and methoxy groups influence the magnitude and mechanism of the antioxidant activity. The flavonols and flavan-3-ols reveal differences in antioxidant property only at physiological pH, whereas for phenolic acids, both pH 3.5 and 7.4 determine a diversification in antioxidant potential in relationship to their chemical structure. The cinnamic acids are more active than the respective benzoic acids at both pH levels. Data produced indicate that the antioxidant properties of polyphenol compounds are strongly influenced by pH level. The polyphenolic compounds are more sensitive to pH change than to the number and position of substitution groups.
Reference
1 Lotito, S.B., Frei, B., 2006, Free Radical Biology & Medicine ,41, 1727–46.
2Fernandez-Pachon ́, M.S.,Villaño,D.,Garcıa-Parrilla, M.C.,Troncoso, A.M., 2004. Analıtica Chimica Acta 513, 113–8.
3Tyrakowska, B., Soffers, A. E. M. F., Szymusiak, H., Boeren, S., Boersma, M.G., Lemanska, K., Zielinski, R., Vervoort, J., Rietjens, I.M.C.M., 1999, Free Radical Biology & Medicine 27, 1427– 36
4 Lemanska, K., Szymusiak, H., Tyrakowska, B., Zielinski, R., Soffers, A.E.M.F., Rietjens, I.M.C.M., 2001, Free Radical Biology &Medicine 31, 869–81.
5Tubaro F, Micossi E,Ursini F. Journal American Oil Chemical Society 1996, 73, 173–9
6Ordoudi, S. A., & Tsimidou, M. Z. 2006, Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry, 54, 1663–71.
7Di Majo D,La Guardia M,Giammanco S,La Neve L,Giammanco M. Food Chemistry 2008,111,45-
Construction of a webgis tool based on a gis semiautomated processing for the localization of p2g plants in sicily (Italy)
No full textThe recent diffusion of RES (Renewable Energy Sources), considering the electric energy produced by photovoltaic and wind plants, brought to light the problem of the unpredictable nature of wind and solar energy. P2G (Power to Gas) implementation seems to be the right solution, trans-forming curtailed energy in hydrogen. The choice of the settlement of P2G plants is linked to many factors like the distances between the gas grid and the settlement of RES plants, the transportation networks, the energy production, and population distribution. In light of this, the implementation of a Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) into a Geographic Information System (GIS) processing represents a good strategy to achieve the goal in a specific territorial asset. In this work, this method has been applied to the case of study of Sicily (Italy). The paper shows in detail the geomatic semi-automated processing that allows to find the set of possible solutions and further to choose the best localization for new P2G plants, connected to a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) and integrated with a WebGIS visualization for real-time analysis. This system is useful for the management, the development, and the study of hydrogen technologies, in order to link the electri-cal network and the gas network datasets with economical and infrastructural assets through GIS processing. In the future new factors will join in the process as policies on hydrogen take shape
Restoration of the feudal castle of Ventimiglia family in Castelbuono (PA)
No full textThis paper concerns the restoration of the castle of Ventimiglia family in Castelbuono; the initial part,
come from the medieval period (XIVth century), underwent considerable transformations in the XVth
century by Giovanni Ventimiglia, Count of Geraci. He transformed the old castle, which is primarily
defensive, in their own home and restored the chapel dedicated to S. Anna, then reconfigured in 1683.
Since the XIXth century the castle had a progressive deterioration and in 1920 it was purchased by
the Municipality of Castelbuono. The postwar years were characterized of a further deterioration of the
castle; it was remedied with partial actions since 1978. These interventions have been coordinated by
the State Department for environment and historical buildings and by the architect Rodolfo Santoro.
A significant intervention involved the consolidation of the foundations through the creation of micro
poles and execution of archaeological excavations. Then, using a research agreement with the
University of Palermo, the surveys, structural and geotechnical investigations were completed. In 1994
the opportunity of draw up a plan gave it a designation for exhibitions and conferences.
The works of monumental restoration, aimed mainly at the Palatium, concerned:
- The static restoration through the consolidation of the foundations, the walls, floors and roofs;
- The architectural restoration;
- The reuse of the complex with the outfitting of the interiors
A GIS-based optimization model finalized to the localization of new power-to-gas plants: The case study of Sicily (Italy)
No full textIn 2020 the European Commission approved the GND (Green New Deal), a strategic plan aimed at the decarbonization of the EU by 2050. In this scenario, the diffusion of alternative renewable energy sources (RESs) play a key role, particularly electric energy production from wind and photovoltaic power plants. Regardless, the nonprogrammable nature of these power sources led recent studies to focus the interest on the power-to-gas solution (PtG), consisting of the electrolytic transformation of excesses of unused electric energy into hydrogen. The complexity of this technology requires the development of strategic optimization models aimed at finding the best locations for new PtG plants in specific territorial scenarios. This paper presents the development of a GIS-based optimization model that combines an operational research approach with territorial services based on geographic information system (GIS) data. The study is located in Sicily (Italy), considering the large renewable energy penetration in the larger Mediterranean island. The developed model allows us to find the best location for new PtG installations in the considered area by combining GIS automated processing with cost function resolution. The results of this work could be useful in the years to come in light of the rapid spread of hydrogen energy production in Italy
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