Art and Science in the Age of Digital Reproduction: From Mimetic Representation to Interactive Virtual Reality

[EN] This paper places the digital humanities generally and virtual archaeology in particular into the larger context of the evolution of the arts and sciences from antiquity through the Middle Ages and Renaissance to the present, postmodern period.The argument is made that the basis of virtual reality representations of cultural objects is not primarily mimetic but interactive and that in this sense virtual archaeology reflects larger trends in contemporary science and the arts.[ES] Este artículo sitúa a las humanidades digitales en general y a la arqueología virtual en particular dentro del largo contexto de la evolución de las artes y las ciencias desde la antigüedad a través de la Edad Media y del Renacimiento hasta el presente, el período posmoderno.Frischer, B. (2011). Art and Science in the Age of Digital Reproduction: From Mimetic Representation to Interactive Virtual Reality. Virtual Archaeology Review. 2(4):19-32. https://doi.org/10.4995/var.2011.4544OJS193224ANON. 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New Light on the Relationship between the Montecitorio Obelisk and Ara Pacis of Augustus

The article takes as its point of departure recent work (Frischer forthcoming) critiquing the theory of Edmund Buchner about the relationship of the gnomonical instrument known as the Horologium Augusti and the Ara Pacis Augustae. As a result of this critique, the Montecitorio Obelisk could be situated with greater precision on the map of the city. A computer simulation showed that Buchner erred in positing that the shadow of the Montecitorio Obelisk went into the center of the Ara Pacis on Augustus’ birthday. In this article, computer simulations are used to develop a post-Buchnerian interpretation of the relationship of the obelisk and altar. Over 230 hitherto unrecognized solar and shadow alignments are reported.  The first part of the article defines four zones around the monuments where the solar and shadows observations were made. In the second part of the article, specialists interpret the significance of the annual solar and shadow spectacle from various points of view. The conclusion synthesizes the results, arguing that the monuments were intentionally aligned and situated in order to propagate the same message as the one inscribed on two sides of the Montecitorio Obelisk [CIL 6.702 = ILS 91]: that Augustus was a devoted worshipper of the sun god (Sol), who brings Rome victory in war, peace, and prosperity through his earthly representative, the emperor

Editorial

No abstract for the editorial

Autoimmune encephalomyelitis in NOD mice is not initially a progressive multiple sclerosis model.

OBJECTIVE: Despite progress in treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS), effective inhibition of nonrelapsing progressive MS is an urgent, unmet, clinical need. Animal models of MS, such as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), provide valuable tools to examine the mechanisms contributing to disease and may be important for developing rational therapeutic approaches for treatment of progressive MS. It has been suggested that myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) peptide residues 35-55 (MOG35-55 )-induced EAE in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice resembles secondary progressive MS. The objective was to determine whether the published data merits such claims. METHODS: Induction and monitoring of EAE in NOD mice and literature review. RESULTS: It is evident that the NOD mouse model lacks validity as a progressive MS model as the individual course seems to be an asynchronous, relapsing-remitting neurodegenerative disease, characterized by increasingly poor recovery from relapse. The seemingly progressive course seen in group means of clinical score is an artifact of data handling and interpretation. INTERPRETATION: Although MOG35-55 -induced EAE in NOD mice may provide some clues about approaches to block neurodegeneration associated with the inflammatory penumbra as lesions form, it should not be used to justify trials in people with nonactive, progressive MS. This adds further support to the view that drug studies in animals should universally adopt transparent raw data deposition as part of the publication process, such that claims can adequately be interrogated. This transparency is important if animal-based science is to remain a credible part of translational research in MS.Stichting MS ResearchWellcome TrustMedical Research CouncilNational Multiple Sclerosis Society. Grant Number: RG4132A5/

New Digital Tools for Restoring Polychromy to 3D Digital Models of Sculpture

This project proposes to create a new, powerful set of color tools--to be distributed over the Internet at no cost--that will support the work of increasing numbers of humanists who wish to restore polychromy to works of sculpture whose original pigments has been lost or compromised with the passage of time. It will use as a testbed an important work of Roman sculpture (the "Augustus of Prima Porta") whose polychromy has already been plausibly reconstructed by a noted expert serving as a consultant to the project. We will create two digital models of this important work of Roman art (one model with and one without color) which will be freely made available on our website

From CVR to CVRO: The Past, Present, and Future of Cultural Virtual Reality

The authors first sketch the development of cultural virtual reality (CVR) within the overall context of the development of computing since the 1940s. After establishing the nature and ubiquity of virtual reality systems, especially in the 1990s, and predicting their further spread in the coming decade, they argue that the time is ripe for the creation of a new professional association devoted to the computer modeling of cultural heritage sites. The proposed association will be called CVRO (or, "Cultural Virtual Reality Organization”) – a play on the Latin word curo ("I care for”; cfr. English "curate”). It will be open to professors, students, and professionals actively engaged in the theory and practice of cultural virtual reality – the content developers of CVR. The goals of CVRO will include: defining and defending the interests of its members; holding an annual meeting for the exchange of information; hosting a Web site; and developing aesthetic, scientific, and technical standards for cultural virtual reality models. Readers wishing to join CVRO are asked to contact one of the co-authors

Mission and recent Projects of the UCLA Cultural Virtual Reality Laboratory

International audienceThe UCLA Cultural Virtual Reality Laboratory (CVRLab; www.cvrlab.org) was founded in 1997 with the mission of creating scientifically authenticated 3D computer models of cultural heritage sites around the world. This paper will present an overview of the lab’s projects, methodology, and the applications of the lab’s products to research and instruction.Le Cultural Virtual Reality Laboratory de la UCLA (CVRLab ; www.cvrlab.org) a été fondé en 1997 avec pour mission de créer des modèles en 3D sur ordinateur de sites mondiaux du patrimoine culturel et ce, dans un esprit d’authenticité scientifique. Cette communication présentera une vue d’ensemble des projets du laboratoire, sa méthodologie, ainsi que l’utilisation de ses produits dans la recherche et l’enseignement

New Directions for Cultural Virtual Reality: a Global Strategy for Archiving Serving and Exhibiting 3D Computer Model of Cultural Heritage Sites

International audienceIn the past decade, the application of 3D computer technology to cultural heritage has been widely accepted by archaeologists, architectural historians, and cultural authorities. This paper argues that the field of virtual heritage now faces two challenges: campanilismo, or the privileging of local heritage over global heritage; and the lack of preservation. A solution is proposed for both problems: creation of a world virtual heritage center and network with the missions of collecting, maintaining, and distributing computer models of cultural heritage sites; and of or ganizing exhibitions of virtual heritage on global themes