Search Results (12)

The Valley of Tammaro River lies between the regions of Molise and Campania in central southern Italy. The area has been inhabited since ancient times due to its fertile soil and plentiful water resources. The interest in this region is enhanced by the many urban centers and the isolated and rural building complexes that date back to the Samnite era and are connected by a road system that is still in use today. Saepinum, regarded as the symbol of Roman civilization in the Molise area (Italy), is one of these. Before becoming a Roman municipium and then a medieval and contemporary rural community, it was a Samnite trade forum and service center. A suburban villa belonging to the Gens Neratia, a family originally from the Roman municipality of Saepinum, is connected to it approximately 2 km northeast. Both sites were partially excavated, and much more can be learned from the material still available. To this end, geoelectrical studies using the tensor acquisition mode were used to conduct geophysical surveys in certain sectors. The data were processed using Data-Adaptive Probability-Based Electrical Resistivity Tomography, here adapted for the first time to Apparent Resistivity Tensor Analysis. The trace of the apparent resistivity tensor provides distortion-free maps and demonstrates that the anomalies are closely constrained on the source bodies. Full article

The UNESCO site of Arslantepe is located in Eastern Anatolia in the Malatya Plain (Türkiye) about 10 km from the Euphrates River. Here for about a century archaeological excavations have been carried out, reconstructing a long sequence of human frequentation starting from 5000 years BC up to the Middle Ages. The settlement, one of the most important and largest in the region, has undergone numerous changes over time, resulting in a complex superposition of structures, palaces, temples, and burials concentrated on the hill. With the aim of extending the knowledge of the site, in 2022, geophysical surveys were carried out through the application of electrical resistivity tomography, covering a surface of approximately 4300 m² in an unexplored area at the foot of the hill. In this paper, the Extended data-adaptive Probability-based Electrical Resistivity Tomography Inversion approach (E-PERTI), recently published as a development of the probability tomography imaging approach, has been applied to a large apparent resistivity field dataset, providing the best estimate of the most probable estimate of the resistivity distribution through an intrinsic linear regression model implementing standard least squares routines. The results seem to prove the effectiveness of the E-PERTI approach in noise dejection, enhancing associated resistivity highs that can be ascribable to the trace of a potential fortification. The obtained information represents new, unexpected data that open new frontiers of archaeological research, adding value to the knowledge of the site. Full article

This paper is devoted to the study of the flora of silica-scaled chrysophytes in water bodies of the steppe zone of the Southern Urals (Russia). Twenty-four taxa were identified via scanning and transmission electron microscopy, twenty of which are representatives of the genus Mallomonas Perty, while four are species of the genus Synura Ehrenberg. In the course of the study, a species new to science from the genus Mallomonas, M. baturinae sp. nov., was described. This species belongs to the section Papillosae. The stomatocyst of M. doignonii was described. For the first time in Russia and for the third time since description, M. phasma and M. solea-ferrea var. irregularis were reported in the studied area. Here, their extended description is provided with illustrations of their scales in detail. Some rare taxa for the flora of Russia have been identified: M. doignonii, M. pillula f. exannulata, and M. pillula f. valdiviana. One taxon of the genus Mallomonas has not been identified to a species level and is probably a taxon new to science. Full article

The aim of this paper is to present a 3D Probability-based Earth Density Tomography Inversion (PEDTI) method derived from the principles of the Gravity Probability Tomography (GPT). The new method follows the rationale of a previous Probability-based Electrical Resistivity Inversion (PERTI) method, which has proved to be a fast and versatile user-friendly approach. Along with PERTI, PEDTI requires no external a priori information. In this paper, after recalling the GPT imaging method, the PEDTI theory is developed and concluded with a key inversion formula that allows a wide class of equivalent solutions to be computed. Two synthetic cases are discussed to show the resolution that can be achieved in the determination of density contrasts and to examine the nature of the gravity non-uniqueness problem. Regarding the first issue, it is shown that the estimate of the density by PEDTI can change by about two orders of magnitude and get closer to reality with a more focused solution on a specific source body. Regarding the second problem, it is shown that two levels of equivalence can be classified, i.e., weak and strong equivalence, for a finer selection among the solutions. This is obtained by defining two appropriate statistical indices based on the information power of both the input and output gravity datasets. Full article

This study reports the recycling of discarded denim textiles by the production of all-cellulose composites (ACCs). Discarded denim fabrics were shredded into fibers and then made into nonwoven fabrics by carding and needle punching. The produced nonwoven fabrics were converted to ACCs by one-step and two-step methods using an ionic liquid (IL), 1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium acetate ([BMIM][Ac]). In this study, the effect of different ACC manufacturing methods, denim fabrics with different contents (a 100% cotton denim (CO) and a blend material (cotton, poly-ester and elastane (BCO)) and reusing of IL as a recycled cellulose solvent on the mechanical pro-perties of the formed ACCs were investigated. The ACCs were characterized according to their tensile and impact properties, as well as their void content. Microscopic analysis was carried out to study the morphology of a cross-section of the formed composites. The choice of the one-step method with recycled IL, pure IL or with a blend material (BCO) had no influence on the tensile properties. Instead, the result showed that the two-step method, with and without DMSO, will influence the E-modulus but not the tensile strength. Regarding the impact properties of the samples, the only factor likely to influence the impact energy was the one-step method with CO and BCO. Full article

A geoelectrical survey was carried out outside the walls of the ancient Egnazia (Puglia, Italy) with the aim of enriching the knowledge about its defense system. Nine Electrical Resistivity Tomographies (ERTs) were realized using the dipole-dipole (DD) electrode array, approximately transversal to the walls and equally spaced. The new Extended data-adaptive Probability-based Electrical Resistivity Tomography Inversion Method (E-PERTI) was applied, for the first time, to model the resistivity distribution of a large dataset. Considering some peculiar aspects of the general theory of probability, an optimization of results was reached giving major emphasis to one dataset portion rather than another and inspecting selectively vertical or lateral resistivity variations. In this way, sets of aligned resistivity lows attributable to the trace of an ancient ditch were found. Full article

The main target for the future of materials in dentistry aims to develop dental implants that will have optimal integration with the surrounding tissues, while preventing or avoiding bacterial infections. In this project, poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK), known for its suitable biocompa-tibility and mechanical properties for dental applications, was loaded with 1, 3, and 5 wt.% ZnO nanoparticles to provide antibacterial properties and improve interaction with cells. Sample cha-racterization by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) as well as mechanical properties showed the presence of the nanoparticles and their effect in PEEK matrices, preserving their relevant properties for dental applications. Al-though, the incorporation of ZnO nanoparticles did not improve the mechanical properties and a slight decrease in the thermal stability of the materials was observed. Hemocompatibility and osteoblasts-like cell viability tests showed improved biological performances when ZnO was present, demonstrating high potential for dental implant applications. Full article

About a decade ago, the PERTI algorithm was launched as a tool for a data-adaptive probability-based analysis of electrical resistivity tomography datasets. It proved to be an easy and versatile inversion method providing estimates of the resistivity values within a surveyed volume as weighted averages of the whole apparent resistivity dataset. In this paper, with the aim of improving the interpretative process, the PERTI method is extended by exploiting some peculiar aspects of the general theory of probability. Bernoulli’s conceptual scheme is assumed to comply with any resistivity dataset, which allows a multiplicity of mutually independent subsets to be extracted and analysed singularly. A standard least squares procedure is at last adopted for the statistical determination of the model resistivity at each point of the surveyed volume as the slope of a linear equation that relates the multiplicity of the resistivity estimates from the extracted data subsets. A 2D synthetic test and a field apparent resistivity dataset collected for archaeological purposes are discussed using the new extended PERTI (E-PERTI) approach. The comparison with the results from the original PERTI shows that by the E-PERTI approach a significantly greater robustness against noise can be achieved, besides a general optimisation of the estimates of the most probable resistivity values. Full article

This paper deals with the application of non-destructive geophysical techniques of investigation in the urban environment of the city of Nicosia (Cyprus). The main aim of the research was, in the frame of the Eleftheria Square redesign project, to image subsurface properties in order to reduce the impact of hazards on the old buildings (therefore preserving the cultural heritage of the place), and on the new infrastructure under construction. Since 2008, electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), ground penetrating radar (GPR) and induced electromagnetic method (EMI) were employed during the different phases of the project to provide an understanding of geological stratigraphy, the detection of buried objects (archaeological structures and underground utilities) and the solution of unexpected events (such as water infiltration in the course of works). The geophysical results proved the efficiency of the adopted methods, adding scientific value to the knowledge of the studied area. The new gathered information helped the public administration technicians to plan direct and targeted interventions and to modify the original design of the project according to the discovery of archaeological findings. Full article

Varved lake sediments are well known archives used for paleoenvironmental reconstructions. They provide continuous, high-resolution and calendar-year chronologies of past environmental changes. From lakes Kamenduł and Perty, located in the Suwałki Landscape Park, short cores of laminated sediments were collected and investigated using microfacies analysis and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) scanning. Sediments of Lake Kamenduł form biogenic (calcite) varves with pale lamina containing precipitated calcite and dark lamina composed of mixed organic and clastic material. There is a visible difference between varves in the lower and the topmost part of the core. The varve thickness and clastic material content decrease upcore. Analysed sediments of Lake Perty also show laminated structures which are biogenic varves composed of calcite laminas interbedded with layers of mixed material and dark laminas containing mostly organic material with some clastic particles. Our study shows that further analysis of sediments from these lakes may provide valuable information about past land use changes in their catchments as well as changes in the water column, i.e., mixing regimes and redox conditions. Full article

The results of the latest bathymetric survey of 21 lakes in the Suwałki Landscape Park (SLP) are presented here. Measurements of the underwater lake topography were carried out in the years 2012–2013 using the hydroacoustic method (sonar Lawrence 480M). In the case of four lakes (Błędne, Pogorzałek, Purwin, Wodziłki) this was the first time a bathymetric survey had been performed. Field material was used to prepare bathymetric maps, which were then used for calculating the basic size and shape parameters of the lake basins. The results of the studies are shown against the nearly 90 year history of bathymetric surveying of the SLP lakes. In the light of the current measurements, the total area of the SLP lakes is over 634 hm² and its limnic ratio is 10%. Lake water resources in the park were estimated at 143 037.1 dam³. This value corresponds to a retention index of 2257 mm. In addition, studies have shown that the previous morphometric data are not very accurate. The relative differences in the lake surface areas ranged from –14.1 to 9.1%, and in the case of volume—from –32.2 to 35.3%. The greatest differences in the volume, expressed in absolute values, were found in the largest SLP lakes: Hańcza (1716.1 dam³), Szurpiły (1282.0 dam³), Jaczno (816.4 dam³), Perty (427.1 dam³), Jegłówek (391.2 dam³) and Kojle (286.2 dam³). The smallest disparities were observed with respect to the data obtained by the IRS (Inland Fisheries Institute in Olsztyn). The IMGW (Institute of Meteorology and Water Management) bathymetric measurements were affected by some significant errors, and morphometric parameters determined on their basis are only approximate. Full article

Transport of biogenic matter along the course of the Szeszupa River in the Suwalski Landscape Park (SLP) occurs in accordance with the river continuum concept. Only TP concentration decreases along the river’s course. TP and TOC concentrations classify the Szeszupa River to the moderate ecological state. The ecological state of three lakes (Linówek, Pogorzałek, and Perty) in the Szeszupa River catchment was estimated as very good. The remaining lakes, due to high TP concentrations, belong to the moderate state. The management of the catchment affects the amount of biogenic matter supplied to the Szeszupa River. The highest proportion of forests in the Jaczniówka River catchment clearly results in a decrease in the amount of biogenes in the river. The remaining partial catchments, with a higher proportion of arable land, meadows, and pastures, provide higher amounts of bioelements. The loads of bioelements stored in lakes in the summer period are determined by the size of the lakes (surface area of a lake and volume of water accumulated in the lake basin). This directly suggests a lack of anthropogenic activity in the catchments or the very slight effect of it on the lakes’ ecological and trophic state. Full article