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This study aimed to characterize seven metal artifacts found during archaeological excavations in the Siris area of Policoro (Matera, Southern Italy) dated during the five centuries BC. A range of analytical techniques, including optical microscopy (OM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), were applied, and a microbiological investigation was performed. Visually, the metal finds appeared to be deteriorating from severe corrosion. The state of oxidation, evidenced through OM on the surface of a lead stick and an arrowhead, did not allow the recognition of the constituent materials, which were qualitatively obtained by XRF and, in the case of an arrowhead by XPS. On the other hand, the XRD technique was decisive in characterizing a lancet. The XRF application was only possible for a fibula, a flask cap, an iron weapon, and a javelin tip, which allowed the first characterization of these metal finds. The acquired information is crucial to evaluate a suitable green protocol in the study's second phase to recover and preserve these artifacts as better as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This article discusses the factors affecting landscape perception, with particular reference to the agrarian historical landscapes of the plains in the Veneto region of Italy. The main historical agrarian landscapes were identified, and their aesthetic value was compared with that of more modern landscapes. Surveys were conducted on three groups of inhabitants: children, university students and adults and three approaches were used to analyze the landscape preferences. First, the appreciation of each landscape was compared; second the effects of the various elements on landscape preferences were determined by means of photomontages; and finally, the visual impact of these elements, in improving or worsening the aesthetic quality of the landscape, was quantified using a statistical model. This made it possible to determine if, and to what extent, some aesthetic and cultural values are shared among the three generations of individuals included in this study. The results have demonstrated that some elements of the historical landscapes (villas and traditional farm buildings in particular) can increase the appreciation for the agrarian landscape in the three groups of interviewees. However, not all historical agrarian landscapes are appreciated. This suggests a need for landscape education programmes, especially for the young, so that future generations will favour interventions in the preservation of the historical and cultural agrarian landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• General and stress relief preferences seem to be relatively consistent. • Presence of people in green spaces is a very important feature for visitor preferences. • People and presence of manmade elements are positive features for perceived safety. Public urban green spaces are crucial for citizens' wellbeing and are an important part of daily life in cities. To maximize their benefits to quality of life a thorough knowledge of citizens' preferences and preference heterogeneity is crucial in the planning and design of urban green spaces. This study investigated visitors' perception of typical green spaces, with a focus on vegetation structure and the presence of typical historic city walls, as well as preferences within the context of perceived stress and safety. We conducted this study in the historic city of Padua in north-eastern Italy. In 2017, face-to-face interviews of citizens were held and choice sets, based on modified images of different green space scenarios, were used to test users' preferences connected to both stress relief and safety perception. The study highlighted that general, stress relief and safety perception related preferences of the respondents depend on different site characteristics. Respondents preferred a complex but not too wild scenario with sparse trees and aesthetically appealing features such as colourful flowers. Historic walls had a negative effect on general preferences. While general preferences were very similar to stress relief preferences, preferences within the context of safety differed for some attributes. It seems that the vegetation structure and the presence of features linked to human recreational uses are important factors in planning and designing urban green spaces. Management and planning should take into consideration what users demand from green spaces as this will influence their suitable design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]