The colors of the Fontana di Trevi: an analytical approach

During the last restoration of the Fontana di Trevi -Rome (2014–2015), it has been performed a diagnostic investigation to characterize the materials used to build and obtain the colors of the surfaces of some architectural elements of this fountain. According to the restoration teamwork needs, we focussed our efforts on the dome over the central statue of Oceanus, on the bas-relieves on the sides of the dome, and on the cliff where the water flows. Several samples were collected from these elements and therefore, they were subjected to an analytical approach including infrared spectroscopy, optical and scanning electron microscopy. The achieved results indicated the use of red earth pigments on the dome. The same pigment has been revealed on the bas-relieves, although their colors have an additional contribution due to degraded layers. Samples taken from the cliff showed a complex stratigraphy, although a white scialbo has been identified as original layer, testifying the intentions of the authors in term of color rendering. This information was essential for the restores in order to choose the proper intervention procedure for each investigated surface. The research testified the importance of an integrated diagnostic analysis to preserve the original colours of monuments and building.     

Invasive cordgrass (Spartina spp.) in south‐eastern Australia induces island formation,salt marsh development,and carbon storage

Invasive vegetation species can lead to major changes in the geomorphology of coastal systems. Within temperate estuaries in the southern hemisphere, especially Australia and New Zealand, the cordgrass Spartina spp. has become established. These species are highly invasive, and their prolific growth leads to the development of supratidal environments in formerly intertidal and subtidal environments. Here, we quantified the impact of Spartina invasion on the geomorphology and sequestration capacity of carbon in the sediments of Anderson Inlet, Victoria, Australia. Spartina was first introduced to the area in the 1930s to aid in land reclamation and control coastal erosion associated with coastal development. We found that Spartina now dominates the intertidal areas of the Inlet and promotes accretion (18 mm/year) causing the formation of over 108 ha of supratidal islands over the past 100 years. These newly formed islands are calculated to potentially contain over 5.5 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent carbon. Future management of the inlet and other Spartina‐dominated environments within Australian presents a dilemma for resource managers; on the one hand, Spartina is highly invasive and can outcompete native tidal marshes, thereby warranting its eradication, but on the other hand it is likely more resilient to rising sea levels and has the potential for carbon sequestration. Whether or not the potential advantages outweigh the significant habitat change that is anticipated, any management strategies will likely require additional research into costs and benefits of all ecosystem services provided by Spartina including in relation to nutrient cycling, shoreline stabilisation, and biodiversity as well as in response to the longevity of carbon found within the sediments.     

Behind the scenes of public funding for performing arts in Italy: hidden phenomena beyond the rhetoric of legislation

This paper focuses on how Italian performing arts organizations were funded between 2003 and 2005. How does policy regulate the financing system for performing arts? What are the underlying logics that govern financing choices? In this paper the authors move beyond the simple examination of formal policies by analysing the funding data and organizational routines of the ministerial offices responsible for the allocation of grants. The authors implemented a multi‐method research methodology consisting of document analysis, in‐depth interviews, and quantitative analysis of funding data. The main findings can be summarized as follows. First, funds are continuously allocated to the same group of organizations. Second, although rigid, the system is imbued by a ‘rhetoric of the project’. Third, the system does not reward innovation. In conclusion, only by studying how the law is actually implemented can one capture the choices that underlie financing actions, and thus unravel unanticipated outcomes and inconsistencies between rhetoric and conduct.     

Women's history in Italy (nineteenth and twentieth centuries)

This essay surveys the development of women's history in Italy since its origins, examining the principal questions that have driven research and debate from the 1960s to the present, the ways in which women's history in other countries (notably the US) has been influential in Italy, the impact of women's history on other branches of historical research in Italy and its place — or rather lack of place ‐ in Italian universities.     

The Territorial Approach to Cultural Economy: New Opportunities for the Development of Small Towns

In recent years, there has been a notable development of research on the role of culture in regional and local development models and on the relevance of the so-called cultural economy. Despite the existence of several nuances, it is possible to identify two basic research approaches to the issue. The first is focused on analysing the industry of culture, showing the processes of concentration of cultural activities in some places and the links with other sectors of the local economy. The other approach, more oriented towards the territory, emphasizes the role that a system of cultural assets can play in the dynamics of economic and social development of a specific area. In contrast to the first, which concerns larger cities, the territorial approach privileges medium- and small-sized towns and rural areas. In adopting this perspective, we present the case study of Volterra, a small Italian town whose cultural heritage has been considered in recent years as the main local development driver. By means of a direct survey and interviews with opinion leaders, we have attempted to assess the perceptions and reactions of residents and visitors and to identify the connections between the local heritage, cultural activities and strategies of urban development.     

Thermoluminescence Dating of Surface Lithic Artefacts from the Chacabuco Valley,Chilean Patagonia

This work presents several thermoluminescence (TL) dates of six archaeological sites located in the Andean valley of the Chacabuco River, central Patagonia. We discuss the advantages of this method to assess the chronology of human occupations, employing samples of lithic artefacts with evidence of fire exposure from surface contexts in the area. We compare the results with stratigraphic archaeological dating by ¹⁴C. We discuss these results in the context of previously formulated hypotheses on the past behaviour of the human population in this area.     

Boron isotope geochemistry of Na‐bicarbonate,Na‐chloride,and Ca‐chloride waters from the Northern Apennine Foredeep basin: other pieces of the sedimentary basin puzzle

The boron stable isotope ratio δ¹¹B of 12 water samples representative of three chemical facies (fresh Na‐bicarbonate, brackish Na‐chloride, saline, and brine Ca‐chloride) has been analyzed. Interpretation of the δ¹¹B data, along with the chemical compositions, reveals that Na‐carbonate waters from the Northern Apennine are of meteoric origin, with boron contributions from clay desorption and mixing with seawater‐derived fluids of Na‐chloride or Ca‐chloride compositions. The comparison of our new results with the literature data on other sedimentary basins of Mediterranean, and worldwide, confirms the contribution of Na‐bicarbonate waters to the genesis of mud volcano fluids. The Na‐chloride sample of Salvarola (SAL), which may represent the end‐member of the mud volcanoes, and the Ca‐chloride brine water from Salsomaggiore (SM) indicate boron release from clays compatible with the diagenetic process. The empirical equation: relating boron concentration and the stable isotope composition of the fluids observed in this study and the literature is proposed to trace the effect of diagenesis in sedimentary basins. A geothermometer associated to the diagenetic equation is also proposed: The application of this equation to obtain reservoir temperatures from δ¹¹B compositions of waters should be carefully evaluated against the results obtained from other chemical and isotopic geothermometers from other basins around the world.     

Continuity and change in pottery manufacture between the early and middle Neolithic of Romania

This paper provides the first scientific comparison between pottery production in the early Neolithic Star?evo-Cri? and middle Neolithic Vin?a cultures of south-eastern Europe. The author investigates whether Star?evo-Cri? pottery technology was transmitted to the succeeding Vin?a culture, which in other respects was more complex and technologically advanced. The study compares pottery production at two sites, in different regions of Romania, which were occupied in both periods. Samples of 102 pots from the Star?evo-Cri? and Vin?a phases at Par?a, located in Romanian Banat, and Miercurea Sibiului Petri? in Transylvania, were analysed petrographically and geochemically. There are only minor differences found in the pottery technology between the two sites within each phase, but there were significant changes in pottery technology between the Star?evo-Cri? and Vin?a cultures. These changes are more subtle than might have been expected, however, given the rapid developments in other aspects of material culture.