Observatory validation of Neolithic tells (“Magoules”) in the Thessalian plain,central Greece,using hyperspectral spectroradiometric data

This paper presents the results obtained from field spectroradiometric campaigns over Neolithic tells (“magoules”) located at the Thessalian region in Greece. In each one of the four archaeological sites selected, three sections were carried out using the GER 1500 handheld spectroradiometer. Spectral profiles of the sections and several vegetation indices such as Normalized Difference Vegetation Indices (NDVI) and Simple Ratio (SR) have been examined in this study. This is one of the first times that ground hyperspectral data are evaluated in such context of archaeological research for the spectral characterization of archaeological features. As it was found, ground spectroradiometric measurements can be efficiently used in order to support and validate satellite imagery results for the detection of archaeological sites.     

Simplified Mechanical Model to Estimate the Seismic Vulnerability of Heritage Unreinforced Masonry Buildings

Traditional or historic masonry structures occur in large populations throughout the world, particularly in preserved historical city clusters. Being non-engineered and aging these structures are in urgent need of assessment and seismic repair/rehabilitation. However, traditional masonry presents important challenges to computational modeling, owing to complexity of structural system, material inhomogeneity, and contact interactions that collectively can only be addressed through detailed 3D nonlinear representation. In this article, a simple performance assessment model is developed in order to address the need for preliminary assessment tools for this class of structures. The objective is to be able to rapidly identify buildings that are at higher risk in the event of a significant earthquake, potentially justifying a second round of more detailed evaluation. The proposed model defines the characteristics of a Single Degree of Freedom representation of the building, formulating consistent 3D shape functions to approximate its fundamental mode of vibration considering both in-plane and out-plane wall bending as a result of insufficient diaphragm action. Parametric expressions for the dynamic properties are derived in terms of the important geometric, material, and system characteristics, and are used to express local demand from global estimates. Acceptance criteria are established both in terms of deformation and strength indices to guide retrofit. An application example of the proposed assessment methodology is included to demonstrate the ability of the model to reproduce the essential features of traditional masonry buildings under seismic action.     

Assessment of Numerical and Experimental Errors in Hybrid Simulation of Framed Structural Systems through Collapse

Hybrid simulation can provide significant advantages for large-scale experimental investigations of the seismic response of structures through collapse, particularly when considering cost and safety of conventional shake table tests. Hybrid simulation, however, has its own challenges and special attention must be paid to mitigate potential numerical and experimental errors that can propagate throughout the simulation. Several case studies are presented here to gain insight into the factors influencing the accuracy and stability of hybrid simulation from the linear-elastic response range through collapse. The hybrid simulations were conducted on a four-story two-bay moment frame with various substructuring configurations. Importantly, the structural system examined here was previously tested on a shake table with the same loading sequence, allowing for direct evaluation of the hybrid simulation results. The sources of error examined include: (1) computational stability in numerical substructure; (2) setup and installation of the physical specimen representing the experimental substructure; and (3) the accuracy of the selected substructuring technique that handles the boundary conditions and continuous exchange of data between the subassemblies. Recommendations are made regarding the effective mitigation of the various sources of errors. It is shown that by controlling errors, hybrid simulation can provide reliable results for collapse simulation by comparison to shake table testing.     

Delocalization Patterns in University–Industry Interaction: Evidence from the Sixth R&D Framework Programme

Increasing university–industry interaction (UII) and university contribution to the local economy are compatible—conventional wisdom would say. However, similar to other university activities, interaction with industry may be limited due to a lack of absorptive capacity in local firms. The data of those participating in the European Union's (EU's) Sixth R&D Framework Programme (FP6) were used to obtain values for the number and, notably, the budgets of UII projects at the regional level for the EU27. Two types of interactions were considered: inside and outside the region. Our analysis indicates that universities from regions whose firms have low absorptive capacity participate more often in FP6 projects with firms outside the region. Our results highlight the value of policies that facilitate firm R&D to enhance collaboration with regional universities.     

On De-Pathologizing Resistance

This introductory essay draws attention to two processes, the pathologization and exoticization of resistance. Working independently or in parallel, these two processes silence resistance by depoliticizing it as illogical or idealizing it in out-worldly terms. In both cases, resistance is caricatured as abnormal or exotic and distanced from current political priorities. I argue that analytical de-pathologization and de-exoticization of resistance can (a) provide valuable insights on the silencing of resistance and (b) help us understand the relationship between hegemony and resistance in terms that stretch beyond the moderately pathologizing view of political inaction as apathy or “false consciousness”. In my analysis, I also engage with James Scott's seminal view of resistance, which, despite its de-pathologizing orientation, fails to capture the dialectical relationship of resistance and hegemony. I suggest that attention to the pathologizing and exoticizing workings of power may reveal the complexity and compromising ambivalence of resistance and contribute to the broader field of resistance studies, conceived as renewed interest in insurrectionary movements, rebellion, and protest.     

Identification of colourants in icons of the Cretan School of iconography using Raman spectroscopy and liquid chromatography

The stratigraphies of twenty five (25) samples removed from twenty (20) icons of the Cretan School of iconography are studied using Optical Microscopy and micro-Raman spectroscopy. The objects are dated in 15th–17th c. and belong to the collection of the Benaki Museum, Athens, Greece. Cinnabar, red ochre, minium, yellow ochre, azurite, malachite, lapis lazuli, lead white, carbon black, and indigo are identified in the cross-sections of the icon samples using Raman spectroscopy.     

FTIR imaging and HPLC reveal ancient painting and dyeing techniques of molluskan purple

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and imaging coupled to optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy coupled to energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to diode-array detection are used to investigate two samples removed from a painted decoration of a burial kline and a textile fragment, both found in Koru tumulus (fifth century BCE) in Daskyleion. Tyrian purple and kaolinite were identified in both samples, thus suggesting that the aluminosilicate compound had an important role in the applied painting and dyeing processes. The textile fragment is composed of undyed cotton and silk yarns dyed with the molluskan dye. The relative compositions of the molluskan materials used in the two archaeological objects are similar and comparable with the corresponding composition measured for a purple sample originated from Murex trunculus mollusks according to the HPLC results. This result is supported by principal component analysis (PCA) which, furthermore, takes into account the relative compositions of the extracts of the three Mediterranean mollusks, published in previous reports.     

VARIATIONAL PRINCIPLES AND CONSERVATION CONDITIONS IN VOLTERRA'S ECOLOGY AND IN URBAN RELATIVE DYNAMICS*

ABSTRACT. Relative spatial population dynamics are analyzed in this paper under Volterra-Lotka specifications. At first, the Volterra conservation conditions under absolute growth and their variational principles are reviewed, extended, and interpreted. Then, the relative dynamics are presented which demonstrate the presence of competitive exclusion. The main aim is to derive the variational principles underlying relative population dynamics. It is found that these principles produce an integrand, the stationary value of its integral being the cumulative entropy of the population distribution over a time horizon. Substantive interpretation of these results in accordance with optimization principles in economic theory is presented.