RESEARCH PROGRESS IN THE SPLICING AND RESTORATION OF ARTIFACT FRAGMENTS BASED ON POINT CLOUD

Due to environmental reasons, most of the artifacts are fragmented, and the surface information of the artifacts is also blurred. The traditional method of repairing artifacts mainly relies on archaeologists to manually repair them, using fragment features to compare each fragment one by one, this method will cause secondary damage to the fragments. Based on computer technology, virtual restoration of artifacts fragments can obtain the latest unearthed data of artifacts quickly, preserve digital information of artifacts, achieve permanent preservation, and provide prior knowledge for subsequent artifacts restoration. Point cloud data is widely used in artifacts virtual restoration technology due to its good depth of information. This paper takes ceramics, bronzes, Terra-cotta Warriors, and other individual artifacts fragments as the main research object, and the point cloud data obtained by 3D laser scanner as the main research data. It comprehensively classifies and summarizes the work of computer artifacts splicing in recent years

A Framework for the Semantics-aware Modelling of Objects

The evolution of 3D visual content calls for innovative methods for modelling shapes based on their intended usage, function and role in a complex scenario. Even if different attempts have been done in this direction, shape modelling still mainly focuses on geometry. However, 3D models have a structure, given by the arrangement of salient parts, and shape and structure are deeply related to semantics and functionality. Changing geometry without semantic clues may invalidate such functionalities or the meaning of objects or their parts. We approach the problem by considering semantics as the formalised knowledge related to a category of objects; the geometry can vary provided that the semantics is preserved. We represent the semantics and the variable geometry of a class of shapes through the parametric template: an annotated 3D model whose geometry can be deformed provided that some semantic constraints remain satisfied. In this work, we design and develop a framework for the semantics-aware modelling of shapes, offering the user a single application environment where the whole workflow of defining the parametric template and applying semantics-aware deformations can take place. In particular, the system provides tools for the selection and annotation of geometry based on a formalised contextual knowledge; shape analysis methods to derive new knowledge implicitly encoded in the geometry, and possibly enrich the given semantics; a set of constraints that the user can apply to salient parts and a deformation operation that takes into account the semantic constraints and provides an optimal solution. The framework is modular so that new tools can be continuously added. While producing some innovative results in specific areas, the goal of this work is the development of a comprehensive framework combining state of the art techniques and new algorithms, thus enabling the user to conceptualise her/his knowledge and model geometric shapes. The original contributions regard the formalisation of the concept of annotation, with attached properties, and of the relations between significant parts of objects; a new technique for guaranteeing the persistence of annotations after significant changes in shape's resolution; the exploitation of shape descriptors for the extraction of quantitative information and the assessment of shape variability within a class; and the extension of the popular cage-based deformation techniques to include constraints on the allowed displacement of vertices. In this thesis, we report the design and development of the framework as well as results in two application scenarios, namely product design and archaeological reconstruction

Strategies for reconstructing and restructuring of museums in post-war places (National Museum of Aleppo as a Model)

This research presents the status of Syrian museums during the conflict from destruction to protection efforts, with proposals for post-war reconstruction, focusing in particular on Aleppo national museum as a model. Since the situation of Syria after the war is yet unknown; therefore, it is uncertain which direction will be followed in rebuilding damaged museums in Syria. Whether there will be enough financial resources to build a new museum or to only use the current buildings and reconstruct them. This thesis aims to create strategies for reconstructing and restructuring of Aleppo national museum - so they are ready in case of any decision- in post-war times. The first chapter begins with the definition, importance of the museum and the history of the archaeological museums in Syria. In chapter 2, I described the status of Syrian museums during the conflict with a focus on museum damage such as shells, clashes damage, armed attack, looting, theft, and terrorism. In addition to presenting, the protection measures taken by the Directorate General of Antiquities & Museums, non-governmental organizations, and international efforts. At the end of this chapter, the damage to the houses of the archaeological missions has been explained. In chapter 3, I presented the National Museum of Aleppo as a model. This chapter begins by explaining the history of the museum and an overview of its contents before the war (sections, halls, gardens, and museum storages). In addition, the museum situation was presented during the conflict, risk types and threats, destruction and damage, protection measures (Documentation, transfer of removable objects, protection of the immovable objects and the difficulties in protection efforts). At the end of this chapter, the results of protection efforts during the conflict have been presented. Chapter 4, I focused on the future of the Aleppo Museum after the war. It begins to explain the importance of having strategies in reconstructing and restructuring. This chapter also is to take advantage of previous experience of the museums, which have a similar situation of neighbouring countries such as, Beirut museum, Iraqi museum of Baghdad, and the national museum of Afghanistan. Moreover, lessons to be learnt from the modern museums in Switzerland (Antikenmuseum Basel, museum Rietberg in Zurich and Bernisches Historisches Museum), and in other countries through its ongoing visit and interviews with its officials. In chapter 5, I presented the restructuring scenario in the same building. At first, I presented the previous errors committed at the national museum of Aleppo before the conflict. As well as, I made suggestions for the restructuring of human resources in the museum by analyzing the status of museum staff before and during the conflict, with an emphasis on the need to prepare a good team for the reconstruction phase such as museum Director, Directors of museum sections, technical sections, department of museum development, security and guarding. In this context, I explained some examples of activities conducted by the University of Bern and UNESCO for Syrian colleagues. In this chapter, proposals were made for a New Permanent Exhibition at the museum, where the chronological order will be preserved. Section of Prehistoric, Near Eastern Antiquities, Classical, Arab-Islamic, and Modern art. The halls have been redistributed from the prehistoric section to modern art. In addition, proposals were made to open new galleries in the museum, such as Aleppo museum during the war, achievements of the prehistoric humans in the Neolithic period in prehistoric section; Hall of Aleppo during the ages, Tell Umm el-Marra hall, and rescue excavations hall in Near Eastern Antiquities section, etc. Most of the museum collections were studied to provide the artefacts in the halls with the necessary explanations. In chapter 6, I presented a preliminary plan of a new Museum of Aleppo inspired by the plan of one of the historical buildings in Aleppo, as the second scenario in the reconstruction and restructuring phase. With a Suggestion of a parallel exhibition in the museum beside the permanent exhibition according to a thematical order. This would be more modern to show historical development and traditions throughout the periods. In chapter 7, I explained the relationship between the museum and the community with a focus on the importance of participation of all in the reconstruction and restructuring of the heritage after the war, where heritage facilities, such as museums, can be utilized to raise the public awareness of the importance and value of this heritage as well as to promote a community's ownership of this cultural heritage. Besides, I presented the museum as an educational centre because heritage education is a necessity and can be accomplished through museums, schools, and community projects. In the postwar period, it will be necessary to activate the educational role of the museum through various activities. For example, a radical change in museum exhibitions, in particular, the explanations, information, and the stories told by those artefacts; organize the relationship between the museum and the school; use of modern technologies; workshops and various activities; temporary exhibitions and museum publications. In chapter 8, the conclusions (Identify strategies), it contains a summary of the six strategies for reconstruction and restructuring of the National Museum of Aleppo as the results of this thesis

Design revolutions: IASDR 2019 Conference Proceedings. Volume 1: Change, Voices, Open

In September 2019 Manchester School of Art at Manchester Metropolitan University was honoured to host the bi-annual conference of the International Association of Societies of Design Research (IASDR) under the unifying theme of DESIGN REVOLUTIONS. This was the first time the conference had been held in the UK. Through key research themes across nine conference tracks – Change, Learning, Living, Making, People, Technology, Thinking, Value and Voices – the conference opened up compelling, meaningful and radical dialogue of the role of design in addressing societal and organisational challenges. This Volume 1 includes papers from Change, Voices and Open tracks of the conference

Mobilizing the Past for a Digital Future : The Potential of Digital Archaeology

Mobilizing the Past is a collection of 20 articles that explore the use and impact of mobile digital technology in archaeological field practice. The detailed case studies present in this volume range from drones in the Andes to iPads at Pompeii, digital workflows in the American Southwest, and examples of how bespoke, DIY, and commercial software provide solutions and craft novel challenges for field archaeologists. The range of projects and contexts ensures that Mobilizing the Past for a Digital Future is far more than a state-of-the-field manual or technical handbook. Instead, the contributors embrace the growing spirit of critique present in digital archaeology. This critical edge, backed by real projects, systems, and experiences, gives the book lasting value as both a glimpse into present practices as well as the anxieties and enthusiasm associated with the most recent generation of mobile digital tools. This book emerged from a workshop funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities held in 2015 at Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston. The workshop brought together over 20 leading practitioners of digital archaeology in the U.S. for a weekend of conversation. The papers in this volume reflect the discussions at this workshop with significant additional content. Starting with an expansive introduction and concluding with a series of reflective papers, this volume illustrates how tablets, connectivity, sophisticated software, and powerful computers have transformed field practices and offer potential for a radically transformed discipline.https://dc.uwm.edu/arthist_mobilizingthepast/1000/thumbnail.jp

Disturbing Pasts: Memories, Controversies and Creativity

This themed issue of the Open Arts Journal, ‘Disturbing pasts: Memories, controversies and creativity’, brings together a range of artists, curators, policy-makers and academics from around the world, who explore creative engagements with controversial and traumatic pasts in art practice, curating and museums. The material is presented in three parts: ‘Difficult Pasts and Public Space’ (writings on historical issues and museums), ‘Visual Investigations’ (artists’ statements and criticism), and ‘Collaborations’ (visual analysis and artist-scholar pairings of writings and original artworks). This collection was developed through a two-year international research project led by Leon Wainwright, which involved three consortia of researchers from universities throughout Europe, and focused on a major public event at the Museum of Ethnology Vienna/Weltmuseum, Wien (November 2011). The project is funded by HERA (Humanities in the European Research Area, the European Science Foundation)

Production and Technological Change: Ironworking in Prehistoric Ireland

The introduction of iron into Ireland during the 8th century BCE had profound influences on the organization of society, from economic and political networks to the means by which power and status were negotiated. However, the organization of iron production is still relatively poorly understood. This dissertation seeks to explore how iron technology was organized during the Early Iron Age (c. 800 – 400 BCE) and Developed Iron Age (c. 400 – 1 BCE) in Ireland, and uses this context to demonstrate that the development of new technologies can be most clearly understood by investigating the archaeological remains of production practices. Multiple levels of production were investigated in this study by compiling and synthesizing mostly unpublished excavation reports into a relational GIS database. An output from this database is an online webGIS interface which presents the multi-scalar data collected for this dissertation on iron production in these periods in Ireland. Through the evidence for iron production, this project also examines the organization of society in the Iron Age and the interconnectedness of iron technologies and the rest of social life. The application of different methods of data collection and pattern identification further illuminate the actions performed during technological activities. These actions were not only embodied by the individuals involved, at once creating meaning while recreating social life, but also were part of larger patterns of production across the Irish social landscape. Untangling the influences of technology and the products of technical practices on society provides us with a better understanding of technology itself, while simultaneously exposing the deeply embedded nature of technology within social life as a whole

Effigies – Ancient Portraiture as Figuration of the Particular

This volume shows how the portraits of the Greeks and Romans gave shape to and reinforced the percep- tions of the particular character of a person. These considerations are based on intensive archaeological research, which in recent decades has successfully addressed questions of typology, identification, and historical classification of ancient portraits. Three aspects are examined in the interweaving of case studies and general reflections: the preconditions for the creation of portraits; the medial conditions of the creation processes; the efficacy of the created form

Ways and Capacity in Archaeological Data Management in Serbia

Over the past year and due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the entire world has witnessed inequalities across borders and societies. They also include access to archaeological resources, both physical and digital. Both archaeological data creators and users spent a lot of time working from their homes, away from artefact collections and research data. However, this was the perfect moment to understand the importance of making data freely and openly available, both nationally and internationally. This is why the authors of this paper chose to make a selection of data bases from various institutions responsible for preservation and protection of cultural heritage, in order to understand their policies regarding accessibility and usage of the data they keep. This will be done by simple visits to various web-sites or data bases. They intend to check on the volume and content, but also importance of the offered archaeological heritage. In addition, the authors will estimate whether the heritage has adequately been classified and described and also check whether data is available in foreign languages. It needs to be seen whether it is possible to access digital objects (documents and the accompanying metadata), whether access is opened for all users or it requires a certain hierarchy access, what is the policy of usage, reusage and distribution etc. It remains to be seen whether there are public API or whether it is possible to collect data through API. In case that there is a public API, one needs to check whether datasets are interoperable or messy, requiring data cleaning. After having visited a certain number of web-sites, the authors expect to collect enough data to make a satisfactory conclusion about accessibility and usage of Serbian archaeological data web bases

Neolithic land-use in the Dutch wetlands: estimating the land-use implications of resource exploitation strategies in the Middle Swifterbant Culture (4600-3900 BCE)

The Dutch wetlands witness the gradual adoption of Neolithic novelties by foraging societies during the Swifterbant period. Recent analyses provide new insights into the subsistence palette of Middle Swifterbant societies. Small-scale livestock herding and cultivation are in evidence at this time, but their importance if unclear. Within the framework of PAGES Land-use at 6000BP project, we aim to translate the information on resource exploitation into information on land-use that can be incorporated into global climate modelling efforts, with attention for the importance of agriculture. A reconstruction of patterns of resource exploitation and their land-use dimensions is complicated by methodological issues in comparing the results of varied recent investigations. Analyses of organic residues in ceramics have attested to the cooking of aquatic foods, ruminant meat, porcine meat, as well as rare cases of dairy. In terms of vegetative matter, some ceramics exclusively yielded evidence of wild plants, while others preserve cereal remains. Elevated δ15N values of human were interpreted as demonstrating an important aquatic component of the diet well into the 4th millennium BC. Yet recent assays on livestock remains suggest grazing on salt marshes partly accounts for the human values. Finally, renewed archaeozoological investigations have shown the early presence of domestic animals to be more limited than previously thought. We discuss the relative importance of exploited resources to produce a best-fit interpretation of changing patterns of land-use during the Middle Swifterbant phase. Our review combines recent archaeological data with wider data on anthropogenic influence on the landscape. Combining the results of plant macroremains, information from pollen cores about vegetation development, the structure of faunal assemblages, and finds of arable fields and dairy residue, we suggest the most parsimonious interpretation is one of a limited land-use footprint of cultivation and livestock keeping in Dutch wetlands between 4600 and 3900 BCE.NWOVidi 276-60-004Human Origin