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This work describes experimental results concerning the chemical composition of the alloy patina and inlays from the medieval copper alloy door of the cathedral of Troia (southern Italy), dating back to 1127 CE. The analyses were conducted in situ with no sampling or sample preparation required, using a portable energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) instrument. The compositional results show that the two door leaves were made using a binary alloy of copper and lead, while the nails, lion protomes, and handles have a different chemical composition. Moreover, the analyses revealed uniform concentrations of chlorine, probably due to cleaning treatments during the restoration. It is important to emphasise that the obtained results are the only ones related to this valuable masterpiece analysed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the analyses carried out on the medieval copper alloy door (1111–1118 AD) of the mausoleum of Boemondo d'Altavilla in Canosa di Puglia (Southern Italy). The studied door is the smallest medieval bronze door extant in Italy and, unlike the other Byzantine doors, was most probably made in Canosa di Puglia and not in Constantinople. Analyses were performed to assess the chemical composition of the alloy patinas using a portable energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) instrument designed at the University of Salento. The experimental results suggested that the two door leaves have the same chemical composition, even if they appear different in both style and size. Furthermore, the alloy used for the door is different from the other previously-analyzed Byzantine bronze doors. The obtained results can be used in the future to compare the chemical composition of other Byzantine doors in order to better understand the manufacture of these precious artifacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characterization of the main pigments present in the papier-mâché relief depicting a ' Madonna and Child' by Jacopo Sansovino, preserved at the National Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest, has been carried out using non-destructive techniques. In particular, an XRF portable instrument and an XRD apparatus were used in order to determine the elements and compounds of the pigments, respectively. The experimental results indicate that zinc and barium are present on the relief, and this demonstrates that the artwork has undergone restoration since zinc has been in use since 1840 AD. Moreover, radiographic and stereoradiographic analyses were performed several times in order to assess the condition of the work and, above all, the state of the boards that support the work, the cavity inside the cardboard, the surface and the presence of nails. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many objects of common use (tools, utensils, metals, knick-knacks, dishes and glasses) and artifacts (for example paintings of all types) are composed of two or more layers. In many cases, it would be useful to determine the correct location, composition and thickness of the various layers. Non-destructive and non-invasive methods are described, based on energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence which are able to 'reconstruct' the complete structure of a multilayered sample. These methods use, in different ways, the ratios of characteristic X-rays emitted by the elements of the layers, and, in particular, two effects can be usefully employed, effects which are based on the differential attenuation of Kα and Kβ or Lα and Lβ X-rays: Different self-attenuation of K or L X-rays emitted by an element characterizing a layer because of the different energy of the two K or L X-rays;, Different attenuation of the two K or L X-rays of an element characterizing a layer by a second superimposed layer., Furthermore, the ratio of the Kα (or Lα) X-rays emitted by an element characterizing the internal layer, to the Kα (or Lα) X-rays emitted by an element characterizing a second superimposed layer, can also be employed in the 'reconstruction' of the layers. In this paper, the theoretical background of all these methods is described, and typical examples are shown. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper summarizes the experimental results concerning the Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) analysis of patinas on two Riace Bronzes, kept in the National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria (Calabria, Southern Italy). The two large Greek sculptures, famous nude bearded warriors both dated in the fifth century BC, are without a doubt, two masterpieces of inestimable historic and artistic value. EDXRF survey had the aim to determinate the chemical composition of the surface of these two bronze statues and to discriminate their different patinas. In particular, the concentration of sulphur, chlorine, tin, manganese, iron, copper, zinc and lead was determined by using a portable apparatus. Multivariate statistical analysis was carried out in order to identify possible correlations and/or differences of elemental composition among the patinas of these two statues. The information obtained made it possible to improve knowledge about the patinas of the Riace Bronzes, and this may help further studies and subsequent methods of restoration and/or of preservation of the two celebrated Greek sculptures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper we report the experimental results of the study of evaluation of an UV laser cleaning treatment on a bronze bell outdoor, dating from the second half of the 600. Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) non-destructive analysis was performed on the bell before, during and after the cleaning treatment in order to assess the laser ablation threshold, to define the efficiency of laser cleaning process, to avoid possible damage of laser on the bell, to determine the concentration of the constituents of both the patina and the alloy. In particular, an EDXRF portable apparatus was used in order to evaluate the variation of concentration of sulfur, chlorine, calcium, copper, lead and tin during the laser cleaning. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Al, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Ti and Zn concentrations have been determined in surface sediment samples collected in the Taranto Gulf (Ionian Sea, Southern Italy) in order to evaluate their levels and spatial distribution in this important area of the Mediterranean Sea. For various metals, the geoaccumulation index has been calculated as a criterion to assess if their concentrations represent contamination levels or can be considered as background levels. The results show that metals concentrations in sediments can be considered near the background levels found in the Mediterranean Sea. Analytical results have been elaborated by using a Geographical Information System (GIS) software to show metals accumulation areas. Using multivariate statistical analysis, we evaluate the possibility to distinguish the sampling stations, in relation to their geographical position. Results have showed metals distribution in the Taranto Gulf is principally influenced by industrial and urban wastes, located mostly in the northern coastal area of the Ionian Sea. Rivers in the Basilicata region and prevailing anticlockwise marine currents are further factors influencing metal accumulation in sediments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

During the restoration work promoted by the FAI foundation (Fondo Ambiente Italiano) of the abbey of Santa Maria di Cerrate (Lecce, Apulia, South Italy), multidisciplinary analyses have been realized to support conservators and art historians for the safeguard and valorization of the most important byzantine evidence (12th–13th century) in Apulia. In this paper, mortar samples have been investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to characterize the observed materials, directing conservators for the integration interventions with compatible realizations. Moreover, the samples were compared with specimens taken from local quarries and the nearest coastline area, and vegetal fibers, embedded into the mortars were analyzed by applying radiocarbon dating by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). It was thus possible to give a contribution to the historical-artistic research related to the building techniques, the ratio aggregates/binder and the employed materials of the mortars and the dating of the mural paintings between the end of the 12th century and the first half of the 13th century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Not destructive investigation on the outdoor copper monument by using EDXRF portable instrument. • Micro-sampling of the patinas on the statue Sant'Oronzo and their analysis. • Evaluation of the chemical composition of copper patina. • Elaboration of the archaeometric analysis to acquire useful information for the restoration of the monument. The Sant'Oronzo statue (Lecce, Southern Italy) consists of an internal wooden structure, completely covered with copper sheets, lying on a concrete base about 1.5 m high, which is placed on the top of a Roman column about 29 m high. Lecce may be classified as urban site since it is mainly influenced by vehicular traffic and it is not affected by intense industrial emissions. In the time schedule of the restoration, first of all, non-destructive analyses were planned. In particular, a portable energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) was used in order to map the composition of the patinas and to evaluate their degradation. Subsequently, a micro-sampling was performed both of the statue and the column. The collected samples were analysed by using Raman spectroscopy and X-Ray Diffraction in order to evaluate chemical composition. This paper summarizes the archaeometric results and the diagnostic information obtained before of the restoration, which are significant for the restorers' subsequent work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the evidence of electron-dense magnetic inclusions with polyhedral shape in the cytoplasm of Harveyi clade Vibrio strain PS1, a bioluminescent bacterium living in symbiosis with marine organisms, led us to investigate the behavior of this bacterium under exposure to static magnetic fields ranging between 20 and 2000 Gauss. When compared to sham-exposed, the light emission of magnetic field-exposed bacteria growing on solid medium at 18°C ±0.1°C was increased up to two-fold as a function of dose and growth phase. Stimulation of bioluminescence by magnetic field was more pronounced during the post-exponential growth and stationary phase, and was lost when bacteria were grown in the presence of the iron chelator deferoxamine, which caused disassembly of the magnetic inclusions suggesting their involvement in magnetic response. As in luminescent Vibrio spp. bioluminescence is regulated by quorum sensing, possible effects of magnetic field exposure on quorum sensing were investigated. Measurement of mRNA levels by reverse transcriptase real time-PCR demonstrated that luxR regulatory gene and luxCDABE operon coding for luciferase and fatty acid reductase complex were significantly up-regulated in magnetic field-exposed bacteria. In contrast, genes coding for a type III secretion system, whose expression was negatively affected by LuxR, were down-regulated. Up-regulation of luxR paralleled with down-regulation of small RNAs that mediate destabilization of luxR mRNA in quorum sensing signaling pathways. The results of experiments with the well-studied Vibrio campbellii strain BB120 (originally classified as Vibrio harveyi) and derivative mutants unable to synthesize autoinducers suggest that the effects of magnetic fields on quorum sensing may be mediated by AI-2, the interspecies quorum sensing signal molecule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photon induced energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) analysis is a valuable technique for the study of works of art, because it is nondestructive, multielemental, simple and relatively inexpensive. For this reason EDXRF is a very popular analytical technique in archaeometry.Portability of EDXRF equipments is extremely useful and almost mandatory in many cases, such as analysis of frescoes, of large paintings, bronzes, brasses and gold alloys, and so on, especially when located in museums.EDXRF analysis generally involves an area of a few mm2, and a thickness between μm and fractions of mm and, therefore, the analysis is superficial and dependent on the surface conditions.The frescoes by Giotto in the “Chapel of the Scrovegni” in Padua were systematically analysed in the period July 2001–March 2002 in more than 300 points, before, during and after restoration, in order to detect the possible presence of superficial sulphur and to test various sulphur cleaning procedures. Further all pigments were systematically analysed in order to determine their composition. Golden haloes were also analysed and different pigment layers were detected under the gold leaf; from the EDXRF analysis the attribution of chemical elements to the proper layer was possible. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Polychrome terracotta relief with papier-mâché inserts from a shrine in Piove di Sacco (Padua, Northern Italy). • Non-invasive and microinvasive investigations performed before and during the restoration work. • Identification of the chemical composition of the pigments, fractures and internal damages, additions and retouchings, which strongly modified the original manufact. • Polychrome traces of blue of lapis lazuli highligh a valuable artwork. • Surprising resemblance with the style of Donatello and his apprentices. Restoration procedures of the polychrome terracotta relief " Madonna and Child " with papier-mâché inserts from a shrine in Piove di Sacco (Padova, orthern Italy) were assisted by analytical investigations, contributing to identify the chemical composition of the pigments, fractures and internal damages, additions and retouchings, which strongly modified the original manufact. In particular, energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence, Raman spectroscopy and FT-IR spectroscopy were employed to determine the chemical composition of pigments on the original layer and on the overpaintings and to understand the artistic techniques. Moreover, X-ray planar radiography and computed tomography were used to understand the structure and its conservative state. Finally, the relief, stylistically dated to the 17th century, turned out to be a Renaissance terracotta artefact. The polychrome blue traces of lapis lazuli highlighted a valuable artwork and the resemblance with the style of Donatello and his apprentices have recently led to further studies, as an initial part of a larger research on polychrome terracotta in Veneto. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work regards the analysis of a copper-based door (dated 1076 AD) located at the entrance to the sanctuary of Monte Sant’Angelo (Southern Italy) by using a non-destructive technique and in situ chemical analysis. The door does not show serious corrosive phenomena and presents several types of decorative elements such as two inlays (of silver and copper colour) and three engravings (of red, black and green colour). A portable energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) spectrometer was used in order to evaluate the chemical composition of the door and of the decorations that adorn the artefact. No sampling or sample preparation was required before the measurements. Preliminary analysis on the materials that make up the door revealed that the panels and the frame of the two sashes are made of the same alloy, while the nails and the handles have a different composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, diagnostic analyses on 12th–13th century byzantine wall paintings in the abbey of Santa Maria di Cerrate (Southern Italy) were carried out preparatory to restoration work promoted by FAI (Fondo Ambiente Italiano). Both the pigments and the areas with a bleaching alteration in the frescoes were analysed using the energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence, the Raman spectroscopy and the scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer. In particular, ED-XRF analyses were performed in situ on wall paintings, while Raman spectroscopy and SEM-EDX were accomplished on frescoes fragments. The results obtained allowed to determine the chemical composition of the pigments, helping to identify the original parts of the frescoes from the retouched ones. The work also provided important information about the historical-artistic context of the abbey. Archaeometric investigations have indeed revealed the pictorial technique used for the wall paintings of the abbey, as well as the presence of some very valuable pigments, such as lapis lazuli blue. Unlabelled Image • Archaeometric investigations of Byzantine wall paintings in view of their restoration • ED-XRF, Raman spectroscopy and SEM-EDX to distinguish original pigments and retouched parts • Characterization of pigments and byzantine techniques • Blue of lapis lazuli extensively used in the wall paintings • Bleaching alterations produced by photocatalytic action of titanium oxide [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]