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A collaboration between the Linked Art II project and Participatory Knowledge Practices in Analogue and Digital Image Archives (PIA) has led to a reconfigurable Python-based workflow to transform cultural heritage data, initially photographic collections, into Linked Open Usable Data (LOUD), as a foundation for varied participatory interfaces supporting scholarship and beyond. Motivation PIA, led by the University of Basel and the Bern Academy of the Arts, aims to encourage participation from scholars and the wider public through three collections from the photographic archives of the Swiss Society for Folklore Studies (SSFS): The Atlas of Swiss Folklore, Ernst Brunner, and Kreis Family. PIA aims to create multiple interfaces reflecting diverse perspectives by deploying community-developed LOUD specifications such as the International Image Interoperability Framework (IIIF) and Linked Art, an RDF application profile (JSON-LD) based on CIDOC-CRM to describe object-based cultural heritage. In collaboration with the University of Oxford via the Linked Art II project, PIA has transformed their cultural heritage collection data into Linked Art using templates, which encapsulate the data characteristics and cataloguing practices. A Linked Art API will provide an additional entry point, as a means of conveying semantically enriched events and as a benchmark against other collections leveraging this model. Python-based Workflow To generate Linked Art files for the combined PIA collection a data transformation workflow has been created through which PIA templates were encoded in Python for a given Linked Art API entity endpoint, currently: DigitalObject HumanMadeObject and Set. The workflow, described in a use case example with a photograph from the Ernst Brunner collection, provides a three-step software process for transforming data into Linked Art. Query: The first Python script extracts collection data from the (legacy) PIA JSON API. YAML front matters are used for script variables. The filepath for the relevant .yaml file is specified as a script argument throughout the workflow. For our example, the script queried data for all images looking for DigitalObject entities (one of the variables) and the object's metadata that are stored come specifically from https://json.participatory-archives.ch/api/v1/images/12033} Map: Templates are used to map collection data to an intermediate JSON data format. The intermediate JSON data format means that the later transformation script that creates Linked Art JSON-LD does not necessarily need to be modified if a new data source is introduced. Transform: The intermediate JSON data format is transformed to Linked Art with Python functions that define ‘patterns’ (for example classified_as) for representing different aspects of photographic collection data as Linked Art. Future Work The SSFS will migrate its database into the DaSCH Service Platform (DSP) and amend their data model which will affect PIA, requiring an upgrade of its infrastructure and APIs. The workflow for creating Linked Art representations will have to be reconfigured and repurposed with different data sources. After the migration of the SSFS database, the PIA team will investigate remaining issues in the GitHub repository regarding the correct mapping of Linked Art entities and attribution of IDs. The team will work to ensure that the appropriate Linked Art modelling is achieved through the workflow. Conclusion The reconfigurable Python-based workflow is able to transform cultural heritage data, initially photographic collections, into LOUD, as a foundation for varied participatory interfaces supporting scholarship and beyond. The adaptability and extensibility of the workflow allows for potential future transformations of data from other collections to Linked Art. Acknowledgements This work has been supported by the PIA research project which is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) as part of the Sinergia funding scheme (contract no. CRSII5_193788) and by the Linked Art II project at the University of Oxford (Principal Investigator: Dr. Kevin R. Page, Oxford e-Research Centre) funded by the UK Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC project reference AH/T013117/1)., This poster is related to the extended abstract that is published as part of the DH2023 Book of Abstracts. All versions are identical, only the malfunctioning QR code was replaced., {"references":["Newbury, David (2018): 'LOUD: Linked Open Usable Data and linked.art', in 2018 CIDOC Conference. CIDOC Annual Conference, Heraklion, Greece: International Council of Museums, pp. 1–11. [01.04.2023].","Page, Kevin R. / Delmas-Glass, Emmanuelle / Beaudet, David / Norling, Samantha / Rother, Lynn / Hänsli, Thomas (2020): 'Linked Art: Networking Digital Collections and Scholarship', in DH2020 Book of Abstracts. Digital Humanities 2020, Online, pp. 504–509. [01.04.2023].","Raemy, Julien Antoine / Demleitner, Adrian (2023): 'Implementation of the IIIF Presentation API 3.0 based on Software Support: Use Case of an Incremental IIIF Deployment within a Citizen Science Project', in Digital Heritage. Progress in Cultural Heritage: Documentation, Preservation, and Protection. Cham: Springer International Publishing (Lecture Notes in Computer Science). Unpublished paper presented at the International Conference on Digital Heritage, Limassol, Cyprus, November 7-11, 2022.","Sanderson, Robert (2018): 'Shout it Out: LOUD'. EuropeanaTech Conference 2018, Rotterdam, the Netherlands, 15 May. [01.04.2023].","Sanderson, Robert (2019): 'Keynote: Standards and Communities: Connected People, Consistent Data, Usable Applications', in 2019 ACM/IEEE Joint Conference on Digital Libraries (JCDL). 2019 ACM/IEEE Joint Conference on Digital Libraries (JCDL), Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, USA: IEEE, p. 28. DOI: 10.1109/JCDL.2019.00009."]}

This poster covers highlights of the Saving Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Online (SUCHO) initiative, launched days after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 as an emergency response effort with over 1,500 volunteers co-working virtually across time zones at a scale not previously seen in DH rapid response projects.

In 2023, Digital Humanities Research Institute at Siberian Federal University starts a working prototype of a research digital infrastructure for the aggregation, preservation, dissemination of Siberian historical and cultural heritage for historical, literary, ethnographic, art history and other kinds of research at the intersection of the humanities and computer sciences — Siberiana.online. The aim of the project is to launch a long-term initiative for digitization, analysis, and curation of the different collections of historical, cultural, and natural heritage of the Central Siberia (so-called Angara-Yenisei macro-region). The project is designed for research and education needs of the digital humanists at Siberian Federal University and world over, because Siberian artifacts and collections evoke a steady interest in the current literature.

Establishing and operating research infrastructures designed for long-term use is a challenge. This holds especially true in small to medium scale institutes carrying out short-term projects. In our presentation, we would like to describe our approach to building an infrastructure for collecting and linking local cultural heritage data in Saxony.

OHCH is developing a digital transformation plan based on smart-city concepts. The digital collections management system is presented, a virtual space where digital objects are shared to give universal and collaborative access to Cuban cultural wealth. Innovation and collaboration have been the keys for the development of digital collections.

This study explores cultural exchanges of organ building between Central and South-Eastern Europe using multimodal analyses and interactive visualizations. Findings reveal specific trends of organ characteristics and diverse exchanges across the regions and timespans. Future research aims to further examine the findings through audiovisual digitization, acoustical analyses and virtualization approaches.

The Digital Humanities Institute is currently prototyping methods to offer rapid deployment of DH technology in situations of crisis. The aim of this project is to collect, systematize and digitize the inscriptions on the monuments of Armenian cultural heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh. 3D models will be built when possible.

Our goal is to create guidelines for contemplating inclusion in digital cultural heritage collections, that helps practitioners consciously think about new digital paradigms of cultural memory. Our paper will show our current work on a catalogue of digital collections, four case studies, and a workshop, that examines issues related to inclusivity.

Paper-based works of art and documents of cultural importance kept in museums and libraries can show notorious signs of deterioration, including foxing stains, caused by fungal colonization. Some of the main chromophore agents of fungal origin that deteriorate paper and therefore affect paper cultural heritage both aesthetically and structurally are the group of pigments called melanins. Thus, knowledge of the diversity and features of fungal melanins and of the melanization pathways of fungi growing on paper is key to removing these pigments from paper-based works of cultural importance. This review provides an approach about the current knowledge of melanins synthesized by paper-colonizing fungi, their localization in the fungal structures, and their role in the deterioration of paper. This knowledge might contribute to developing new, effective, and sustainable strategies of restoration and conservation of historical documents and works of art based on paper.

This paper discusses the spectral sensitivity of the discoloration of historical rag paper simultaneously affected by Relative Humidity (RH) and Oxygen concentration [O2] in the ambient environment. Sacrificial samples were degraded using narrowband radiation sources centred at 450 nm, 525 nm, and 625 nm in combinations of RH and [O2] at two levels: 0% [O2] and 70% RH, 21% [O2] and 70% RH, 0% [O2] and 20% RH, and 21% [O2] and 20% RH. Diffuse reflectance was measured before and during the degradation experimental runs. Consistent qualitative results were obtained for the change in reflectance and the change in tristimulus total color change in CIELAB color space. In both cases, the increase of discoloration was modelled logarithmically over time. Among the three factors investigated in this research, wavelength of the radiation (Λ) was found to have the strongest effect. The radiation at 450 nm induced the most and fastest discoloration whereas the radiation at 625 nm induced the least and slowest discoloration. This spectral dependence was likely to be related to the photo energies at different wavelengths, but other factors were found to have played a role. Further analyses revealed that the main effects and the effects of the interactions between [O2] and Λ and between RH and Λ on the discoloration of historical rag paper were statistically significant. It suggests that managing the spectral power distribution of the radiation source can be crucial in the collection management.

In recent decades the conservation of cultural heritage has been attracting increasing research interest from many different scientific disciplines. Lately, the co-integration of chemistry and physics with biological techniques has shaped our understanding of the living microbial communities on sites of cultural heritage

Texto de la comunicación relativa a las actividades realizadas dentro del Proyecto arqueológico ´A Lanzada. Un proxecto de recuperación e divulgación arqueolóxica en Pontevedra´, cuya memoria está accesible en el enlace http://hdl.handle.net/10261/32280, [ES] El CEPAP-UAB en colaboración con el Museu d’Història de Catalunya organizó el VIIIè Seminari d’Arquelogia i ensenyament. Creant xarxes del passat al futur: patrimoni històric i societat civil, durante los días 31 de marzo, 1 y 2 de abril de 2011. Las sesiones reunieron a profesionales procedentes del campo de la investigación histórica y arqueológica, de la administración pública, de la gestión cultural y del asociacionismo ciudadano, para poner en común experiencias y reflexiones en proyectos de participación de la sociedad civil. En este foro Martina González (LaPa, CSIC), Rafael Mª Rodríguez (Deputación de Pontevedra) y Xurxo Ayán (LaPa, CSIC) presentamos la comunicación: Más allá de la Arqueología Pública: arqueología, democracia y comunidad en el yacimiento multivocal de A Lanzada (Sanxenxo, Pontevedra). En este trabajo hacemos un balance crítico de la relación sociedad-Arqueología-público en Galicia en los últimos 40 años, y reivindicamos un enfoque que ya fue aplicado por nosotros en Castrolandín (2000-), Neixón (2003-2008) y La Lanzada (2010)., [EN] Under the Arqueologia i Ensenyament Seminar held between 31th March and 2nd April at the Museu d'Història de Catalunya, we presented our critical reflection about the summer experience of the archaeological team LaPa in the Galician area of A Lanzada., [GA] O CEPAP-UAB en colaboración co Museu d’Història de Catalunya organizou o VIIIè Seminari d’Arquelogia i ensenyament. Creant xarxes del passat al futur: patrimoni històric i societat civil, durante os días 31 de marzo, 1 e 2 de abril de 2011. As sesións reuniron a profesionais procedentes do campo da investigación histórica e arqueolóxica, da administración pública, da xestión cultural e do asociacionismo cidadá, para poñer en común experiencias e reflexións en proxectos de participación da sociedade civil. Neste foro Martina González (LaPa, CSIC), Rafael Mª Rodríguez (Deputación de Pontevedra) e Xurxo Ayán (LaPa, CSIC) presentamos a comunicación: Más allá de la Arqueología Pública: arqueología, democracia y comunidad en el yacimiento multivocal de A Lanzada (Sanxenxo, Pontevedra). Neste traballo facemos un balance crítico da relación sociedade-Arqueoloxía-público en Galicia nos últimos 40 anos, e reivindicamos un enfoque que xa foi aplicado por nós en Castrolandín (2000-), Neixón (2003-2008) e A Lanzada (2010).

The present review article reports the most innovative methods to detect proteins in historical and archeological samples as well as to characterize proteins used as binders in artworks. Difficulties to ascribe proteins to a certain animal species are often due to post-translational modifications originated by chemical or microbial deterioration during aging. Combining different techniques such as peptide mass fingerprinting and tandem mass spectrometry can solve some of these problems and also allow discrimination between taxonomically related species like sheep and goat. The most studied proteins in bones and textile samples are osteocalcin, collagen and keratin, whereas egg yolk and white proteins, casein and collagen are the most relevant for binders used in old paintings. With the suitable approaches (immune-based methods, DOT-blot, etcaEuro broken vertical bar) it is also possible to obtain in situ characterization or analyze the samples directly in the museum laboratories, with the advantage of avoiding artwork damage and expensive external commitments. Recent cutting-edge strategies allowed detection of proteinaceous infection markers that, for instance, were used to establish the cause of death of old Inca mummies and also proved the presence of Yersinia pestis in old documents dating from the period in 17th century in which the plague ravaged Europe.

Hypothesis Due to their highly retentive properties, innovative recently developed, semi-interpenetrated hydrogels made up of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) chains embedded in a poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (p(HEMA)) network should be efficiently used as cleaning material for fragile and degraded paper artworks. In restoration practice, indeed the wet cleaning of these artworks is usually performed by immersion of paper in water, a procedure which may lead to several drawbacks, including paper fibers swelling and dissolution of water-soluble original components. Experiments This class of gels were yet presented in literature, but their interactions with paper materials and ability to be spiked with active enzymes (as cleaning agents), have not been analyzed. To establish the suitability of these hydrogels as paper cleaning materials, first, a rheological and microstructural characterization of the gels was performed. Moreover, diffusion of macromolecules inside gels was studied using fluorescence microscopy, to check if these innovative hydrogels can be used as carriers for hydrolytic enzymes. Indeed, pastes and glues are usually found in old paper artworks, and their removal is a very delicate operation that requires a selective action, which is granted by specific hydrolytic enzymes. At the same time, spectroscopic analyses on paper samples under investigation before and after cleaning treatment has been performed, thus assessing the capabilty of these gels as cleaning materials. Findings With the aim of demonstrating the versatility of these hydrogels, several case studies, i.e., the removal of grime and water-soluble cellulose degradation byproducts, the removal of animal glue and the removal of starch paste from real samples, are presented. Results obtained with these gels have been compared to those obtained by using another gel used for paper artworks cleaning, i.e., Gellan gel.

The identification of paper composition, pH, early signs of paper degradation, and emitting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are mandatory for effective preventive conservation of paper/books. Sampling restrictions in the analysis of cultural heritage materials limit the choice of appropriate analytical methods. Solvent-free analytical techniques with nondestructive sampling are needed. Addressing this challenge, an electronic nose based on six-coated piezoelectric quartz crystals was assembled and used to analyze VOCs emitted from books. Careful selection of sensor coatings and cluster analysis allowed us to achieve a clear distinction between cotton/linen rag and wood pulp paper, and among the letter group, the discrimination between papers manufactured from alkaline and acidic stocks. This six-element sensor array was therefore able to replace destructive tests as the ones ordinarily used for paper pH measurements. The same electronic nose was able to separate aged pale-yellow paper, a visible initial sign of paper degradation, from well-preserved still white papers, even when made from the same raw material. One of the used sensors detected furfural, often seen as a marker of cellulose degradation, at lower levels than the detection limit found in the literature with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, a much more complex bulky and expensive instrument.

The preservation of cultural heritage is one of the major challenges of today’s society. Parchments, a semi-solid matrix of collagen produced from animal skin, are a significant part of the cultural heritage, being used as writing material since ancient times. Due to their animal origin, parchments easily undergo biodeterioration: the most common biological damage is characterized by isolated or coalescent purple spots, that often lead to the detachment of the superficial layer and the consequent loss of written content. Although many parchments with purple spot biodegradative features were studied, no common causative agent had been identified so far. In a previous study a successional model has been proposed, basing on the multidisciplinary analysis of damaged versus undamaged samples from a moderately damaged document. Although no specific sequences were observed, the results pointed to Halobacterium salinarum as the starting actor of the succession. In this study, to further investigate this topic, three dramatically damaged parchments were analysed; belonging to a collection archived as Faldone Patrizi A 19, and dated back XVI-XVII century A.D. With the same multidisciplinary approach, the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS, Illumina platform) revealed DNA sequences belonging to Halobacterium salinarum; the RAMAN spectroscopy identified the pigment within the purple spots as haloarchaeal bacterioruberin and bacteriorhodopsine, and the LTA technique quantified the extremely damaged collagen structures through the entire parchments, due to the biological attack to the parchment frame structures. These results allowed to propose a model of the progressive degradation pattern of the parchment collagen. Overall, these data validate a multi-phase microbial succession model. This demonstration is pivotal to possible new restoration strategies, important for a huge number of ancient documents.

Great amounts of books and different documents are important cultural heritage artifacts, and thus preserving paper based objects is an important mission in the community dealing with cultural heritage. Paper is a versatile material formed from wood pulp or plant fiber and its use goes back to the 2nd century BC. It is a cellulose based material often contaminated by fungi, especially if stored in inadequate conditions, i.e. in moist atmospheres. The use of gamma irradiation for decontamination of cultural heritage is increasing in the past years because of the many advantages of this method compared to the classical treatments for decontamination. Its use on paper based materials is also increasing. It is known that cellulose is degraded by ionizing irradiation, but at which doses and in which conditions is precisely distinguished. In this work we investigated the changes induced by gamma irradiation on paper, and the influence of different irradiation conditions. We investigated different doses commonly used for decontamination of cultural heritage, but also different dose rates and conditions like irradiation of paper in air, pre-autoclaved and pre-vacuumed paper, to determine the influence of such conditions on the irradiation process. The visual changes were investigated by colorimetry, while the changes in the chemical composition were investigated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The obtained results have shown that the dose rate under which irradiation is performed makes an important impact on the preservation of paper when it is irradiated in air, i.e. higher dose rates should be applied to preserve the paper. Vacuuming of the paper did not show a difference compared to paper irradiated in air, but decontaminating (autoclaving) did. Namely, the paper that is microbiologically contaminated shows a visual change at lower doses than the non-contaminated paper. These findings are new in literature since most investigations and thus the recommendations for the use of different doses are determined on non-contaminated paper, while our results have shown that these observations are not the same as in real conditions.

We introduce a novel diagnostic approach for the uncovering of hidden content in layered documents, based on a photoacoustic imaging setup with optimized acoustic detection parameters. By exploiting the laser-induced ultrasound following the intense absorption of pulsed optical radiation by printed ink, this traditional biomedical imaging method is proven capable of revealing text characters buried under several layers of stacked paper sheets at high spatial resolution and excellent contrast levels. Such a remarkable performance benefits from the effective combination of strong light scattering by paper fibrils and the virtually unobstructed propagation of the generated ultrasonic waves through multiple layers, enabling thus the accurate recording of text, even in double-sided prints, with minimum shadowing artifacts. The imaging effectiveness, the implementation simplicity, the robustness and the relatively low cost features offered by the proposed photoacoustic modality, are anticipated to contribute in its wide adoption by the preservation of cultural heritage community, as a powerful diagnostic tool for the in-depth investigation of complex multi-layered objects.

Even though gamma radiation application, also at the minimum dosage required for disinfection, causes depolymerization and degradation of the paper substrate, recently published papers seemed, instead, to suggest that γ-rays application could be envisaged in some conditions for Cultural Heritage original documents and books. In some of the published papers, the possible application of γ-rays was evaluated mainly by using mechanical tests that scarcely reflect the chemical modifications induced in the cellulosic support. In the present article the effect of low dosage γ-irradiation on cellulosic substrates was studied and monitored applying different techniques: colorimetry, spectroscopic measurements, carbonyl content and average viscometric degree of polymerization. Two different papers were investigated, a non-sized, non-filled cotton paper, and a commercial permanent paper. To simulate a real deteriorated document, which could need γ-rays irradiation, some samples were submitted to a hydrolysis treatment. We developed a treatment based on the exposition of paper to hydrochloric acid vapors, avoiding any contact of the samples with water. This method induces a degradation similar to that observed on original documents. The samples were then irradiated with 3 kGy γ-rays at a 5258 Gy/h rate. The aforementioned analyses were performed on the samples just irradiated and after artificial ageing. All tests showed negative effects of gamma irradiation on paper. Non-irradiated paper preserves better its appearance and chemical properties both in the short term and after ageing, while the irradiated samples show appreciable color change and higher oxidation extent. Since the Istituto centrale restauro e conservazione patrimonio archivistico e librario is responsible for the choice of all restoration treatments that could be applied on library and archival materials under the protection of the Italian State ( http://www.icpal.beniculturali.it/allegati/DM-7-10-2008-Istituto.pdf ), it has been evaluated that the modifications induced by γ-rays irradiation are not acceptable as safe conservation treatment ( http://www.icpal.beniculturali.it/allegati/Nota_uso_raggi_gamma.pdf ).

International audience; We report a pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) method capable of analyzing traditional East Asian papers. The method proposed is based on rapid and easy single step Py-GC/MS analysis that can be carried out with a minimum amount of matter, in the few g range. Three reference papers manufactured from kozo (Broussonetia kazinoki Siebold & Zucc.), mitsumata (Edgeworthia chrysantha Lindl.) and gampi (Wikstroemia sikokiana Franch. & Sav.) with the traditional hand paper making processes were examined. The method allows discrimination between terpenic and steroid compounds, which were revealed as chemical markers of origin of the plant fibers. Each paper investigated was found to have characteristic pyrolysis fingerprints that were unique to the traditional handmade paper, demonstrating the potential for differentiation of these biochemical components of fiber plants on East Asian papers towards identification and conservation of cultural heritage. The investigation on Py-GC/MS was extended to liquid extraction followed by GC/MS analysis to characterize the biochemical components of fiber plants. The main contribution of this study is to provide molecular criteria for discriminating plant species used for traditional East Asian hand papermaking. Py-GC/MS complements efficiently microscope identification especially for adverse cases. A case study of archaeological Chinese paper painting artefacts was thereafter successfully investigated to address informative potential and efficiency of the criteria of identification on ancient and degraded East Asian paperworks.

U ovom radu istraživana je uspješnost primjene metode gama zračenja u svrhu dekontaminacije i očuvanja djela kulturne baštine. Zbog široke rasprostranjenosti gljivica, sva su djela izložena opasnosti degradacije, koja može biti izbjegnuta ukoliko se vodi pravovaljana skrb o artefaktima i tako onemogući rast biokontaminanata. Ispitana je i prirodna kontaminacija samog materijala, te se nakon vizualne identifikacije kolonija mikroskopom, pristupilo zračenju uzoraka. Uzorci su bili podijeljeni u dvije skupine. Jedna skupina je prije zračenja bila inkubirana u vlažnim (Rv=70-80%, t=25°C), a druga u suhim uvjetima (t=25°C). Obje skupine uzoraka zračene su dozama zračenja od 2, 7, 20 i 50 kGy u dvije brzine, 0,1 Gy/s i 9,8 Gy/s. Djelotvornost metode pratili smo porastom kolonija 0.,7.,14. i 28. dana, nakon izlaganja uzorka zračenju. Dobiveni rezultati eksperimenata pokazuju da su prirodni kontaminanti neosjetljivi na primijenjeno zračenje, jer je porast kolonija zabilježen kod uzoraka zračenim visokim dozama, koje su nekoliko puta veće od doza koje se koriste za dekontaminaciju umjetnina. Uočen je porast i drugih vrsta gljivica. Točkasta kontaminacija papira, otežava izvođenje konačnog zaključka o učinkovitosti fungicidnog/fungistatskog djelovanja gama zračenja. This paper analyzes the use and effectiveness of gamma radiation, in order to decontaminate and protect cultural heritage. Fungi are widely spread in the environment, ergo they pose the risk to many works of art, and biodegradation is inevitable, unless the proper care is taken of these artefacts. Also, the natural contamination of the material has been analyzed, colonies were identified microscopically, following gamma radiation of the samples. Samples were divided into two groups. One group was exposed to the conditions of elevated humidity (Rw=70-80%, t=25°C), and the other group did not undergo any treatment, those samples remained in dry conditions. Both groups were irradiated with subsequent radiation doses 2,7,20 and 50 kGy, which were administered with two different velocities of 0,1Gy/s and 9,8 Gy/s. The effectiveness of the method was evaluated in correspondence with colony growth after the certain time, i.e. 0th, 7th, 14th and 28th day after irradiation has taken the place. Natural contaminants have shown radio resistance due to given results, because there has been noticed colony growth in samples, which were treated with a high dose of radiation. The dose of the matter is several times higher than dose, which is usually used for decontamination purpose. Growth of other fungal species has been noticed too. Due to dot contamination, it is very difficult to conclude how effective fungicide gamma radiation actually is.

Veliki dio kulturne baštine čine objekti od papirnatih materijala. Kao takvi izrazito su podložni kontaminaciji gljivicama koje svojim djelovanjem ubrzavaju njegovo propadanje. Jedna od najpogodnijih metoda za zaustavljanje destruktivnog djelovanja gljivica je gama zračenje. U ovom je radu ispitivan utjecaj gama zračenja na prirodnu mikobiotu papira te utjecaj na inokuliranog sekundarnog kolonizatora, vrstu Cladosporium sphaerospermum. Uzorci su tretirani pomoću izvora u Laboratoriju za radijacijsku kemiju i dozimetriju (LRKD) Instituta Ruđer Bošković (IRB). Primijenjene su apsorpcijske doze od 2, 7, 20 i 50 kGy u dvije brzine zračenja 0,1 Gy/s i 8,6 Gy/s. Mikrobiološka analiza ozračenih uzoraka provedena je neposredno nakon zračenja te 14., 28., i 56. dan nakon zračenja. Učinak gama zračenje ovisan je o dozi i o brzini doze. Iz dobivenih rezultata vidljivo je da najniža doza od 2 kGy nije učinkovita u redukciji plijesni ni pri nižoj ni pri višoj brzini doze. Dok su veće doze od 7, 20 i 50 kGy pri višoj brzini učinkovito reducirale i prirodnu mikobiotu i inokuliranu vrstu C. sphaerospermum. To potvrđuje i izračunata vrijednost D10 (decimalna redukcijska doza), odnosno doza potrebna da se inaktivira 90% od početnog broja plijesni u uzorku, koja za C. sphaerospermum i brzinu zračenja 0,1 Gy/s iznosi 11,29 kGy, a za brzinu 8,6 kGy iznosi 4,35 kGy. Potrebno je dakle naći odgovarajuću dozu koja će reducirati mikroorganizme na prihvatljivu razinu, a istovremeno imati minimalni negativni učinak na kemijski sastav papira stoga su u tom području potrebna daljnja ispitivanja. Za učinkovitu je primjenu gama zračenje u konzervaciji papirnatih objekata kulturne baštine potreban interdisciplinarni pristup. Major part of cultural heritage is made up of paper-based materials. As such, they are highly susceptible to fungal contamination, which causes paper to decay. One of the most convenient methods of stopping the destructive action of fungi is gamma irradiation. This paper was aimed to assess the influence of gamma irradiation on the naturally occurring mycobiota as well as artificially inoculated secondary colonizer Cladosporium sphaerospermum. Inoculated samples have been treated by the Laboratory for radiation chemistry and dosimetry of Ruđer Bošković Institute source. Doses of 2, 7, 20 and 50 kGy were applied at two dose rates of 0,1 and 8,6 Gy/s. Microbiological analysis of irradiated samples was conducted immediately after radiation and on 14, 28 and 56 days after radiation. Fungicidal effect of gamma radiation was dose and dose rate-dependent. From the obtained results it is apparent that the lowest dose of 2 kGy is not effective in reducing mold at either lower or higher dose rates. While higher doses of 7, 20 and 50 kGy at higher dose rate effectively reduced the naturally occurring mycobiota as well as artificially inoculated secondary colonizer C. sphaerospermum. This is also confirmed by the calculated value D10 (decimal reduction dose), the dose required to inactivate 90% of the initial number of molds in the sample, which is 11.29 kGy for C. sphaerospermum and the rate of radiation 0.1 Gy/s, and for 8.6 kGy is 4.35 kGy. Thus, it is necessary to find an appropriate dose which will reduce the microorganisms to an acceptable level while at the same time will have a minimal negative effect on the chemical composition of the paper, so further testing in this area is required. To conclude, for the efficient use of gamma irradiation in conservation of paper-based cultural heritage objects, an interdisciplinary approach is needed.

The application of algae to the most meaningful fields of our life, such as food, environment and energy, finds a further confirmation in the extension of this application to cultural heritage protection. In this letter, we present the results of a preliminary study testing how a polysaccharide extracted from algal matrix can restore degraded paper giving back it mechanical strength and chemical structure.

vol.16(4) (2017) 035-047, The paper discusses the open, inclusive, dynamic, proactive notion of cultural heritage that is emerging in the international scientific debate. Some significant innovations are examined first: the overcoming of the dualism between tangible and intangible cultural heritage, the increasing role of local communities in the processes of heritage recognition, safeguarding and enhancement and the need for valorisation as a democratic mandate. Aiming at developing this approach, the second step of the research focuses on industrial heritage, investigating its specific features and values. A case study is provided in order to understand some crucial issues concerning industrial heritage management and value creation. Focusing on the City of Paper (Fabriano, Italy), the activities carried out by the Museum of Paper and Watermark and by the Institute of Paper History Gianfranco Fedrigoni (ISTOCARTA) are analysed in-depth, highlighting the role of collaboration among the different actors involved in industrial heritage management in order to promote sustainable local development.

Research in restoration and conservation is directed vs. more sustainable working materials, methods and technologies. Electrophoretic removal, from porous material, of undesired stains due to charged species is theoretically an interesting alternative to chemical cleaning methods, but the lack of specific and comprehensive research work leads to controversial opinions about the efficiency and the needed harmfulness for the treated objects. In this work paper, samples with artificial rust stains were subjected to electrophoretic cleaning treatments in mineral water as electrolyte. Treatments were carried out either in a bath by complete sample immersion between the distanced electrodes or by sample wetting and sandwiching between the electrodes. Evaluation of cleaning efficiency and treatment effects was based on colour change measurements (image analysis of scanned paper samples before and after the treatment and by colorimetric data via spectrophotometric measurements), investigation of morphological changes by SEM observations and folding endurance measurements.

This article reviews a very recent field of noninvasive analysis of turbid media using micro-scale Spatially Offset Raman Spectroscopy - micro-SORS. The technique combines conventional SORS with microscopy concepts and represents a new imaging modality in Raman microscopy. Micro-SORS facilitates analytical capability for investigating non-destructively the chemical composition of subsurface, micrometer-scale-thick diffusely scattering layers at depths more than an order of magnitude larger than those accessible with the depth resolving power of conventional confocal Raman microscopy. Potential application areas include nondestructive subsurface analysis of painted layers in cultural heritage, characterization of stratified polymer systems, analysis of layered biological samples or forensic analysis. The article discusses the basic principles of the technique, its variants and outlines emerging applications in this rapidly evolving field.

The removal of old glue from paper artworks is of paramount importance for the preservation of its integrity during the restoration process. Wet cleaning is one of the traditional methods, although it may cause damages on artworks. In this work, an advantageous alternative method, based on the use of a rigid hydrogel, for a simple and localized removal of starch paste from paper supports is presented. The use of an appropriate hydrogel allows to overcome many of the problems faced by restorers minimizing damages, through a controlled release of water to the artwork, and a simple and not invasive application and removal. At the same time, the specific and targeted enzyme activity leads to a significant reduction in the application time of the cleaning procedure. In this context, experiments were carried out applying Gellan hydrogel carrying α-amylase enzyme on several paper samples soiled with starch paste. To assess the cleaning efficacy of the proposed hydrogel, we have used a multidisciplinary approach, by means of spectroscopic techniques, scanning electron microscopy, chromatographic analysis, and pH investigations.

Radiation decontamination offers fast and effective protection to damaged cultural heritage (CH) objects. Due to wider availability of irradiation sources like 60Co gamma radiation the treatment of CH objects became important in 1970's. At Laboratory for Radiation Chemistry and Dosimetry, (LRCD), Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia where CH objects are being treated for almost 25 years [1]. Linear accelerator of electrons (LINAC) is another common type of irradiator that is somewhat less suitable for heritage treatment because of lower penetration and homogeneity of electron beam. Radiation treatment has numerous advantages like radiation being a very effective and universal biocide with almost unlimited penetration, temperature independent, leaving no residues and not inducing secondary radioactivity. CH objects may be packed during treatment to protect them and to prevent recontamination. Radiation consolidation is also an option. In disastrous situations decontamination of CH objects may be necessary to ensure safety of restores and other personnel that handles it. Contaminant response to irradiation is based on experiences attained in radiation sterilization and sanitization of medical materials, pharmaceuticals, food and the like. In processing of CH objects doses are selected according to contamination - up to 0.5 kGy for disinsection, 4-10 kGy for fungi control while 5-20 kGy ensures microbiological decontamination. The dose may be fine tuned depending on the materials that constitute the object and its state. The decision is usually made by irradiation plant staff, in cooperation with restorer and other specialists. In radiation treatment of heritage objects special consideration should be given to protection from any unwanted side effects. In disastrous circumstances fungi and bacteria are likely contaminants so higher doses may be required. In order to meet the high standards of conservators and restores the effects of such doses should be assessed for a particular cultural heritage object. Because of that the knowledge of the material response to irradiation is of utmost importance. The most recent knowledge on the subject will be presented. For example, plain wooden objects can withstand any desired radiation dose other materials are less radiation resistant, especially paper and some textiles. Pigments, varnishes, glass, decorative stones and other ornaments made of various materials that have diverse radiation sensitivities are often present on the same object. The extent of inflicted damage to the heritage object has also to be taken into account when deciding on the radiation dose to be applied. At LRCD we are recently begun investigation of radiation effects in selected materials that are common constituents of CH objects like textiles since sensitivity of natural fibers to biological deteriorants is a serious problem. Examples of studies [2, 3] performed on model and authentic CH textiles will be presented. The tests were conducted on model samples of the most common textile materials in CH items. To ensure that the radiation effects will be observed a high dose in contact with air was applied. A part of the model samples were heat- or UV -aged before exposure to γ-irradiation. Changes were determined by a number of analytical techniques The results indicated that even a dose more than 20 times higher than otherwise recommended caused only slight changes comparable to or lesser than those caused artificial aging. That is another confirmation that textile CH items can be safely radiation treated for fungi control and probably microbiological decontaminated what is especially important in catastrophic circumstances. [1] B. Katušin-Ražem, D. Ražem, M. Braun, Radiat. Phys. Chem. 78 (2009), 7/8 ; 729-731. [2] K. Kavkler, A. Demšar, Polym. Degrad. Stab. 97 (2012), 5 ; 786-792. [3] I. Pucić, K. Kavkler, B. Mihaljević, to be published