An integrated and automated segmentation approach to deteriorated regions recognition on 3D reality-based models of cultural heritage artifacts

In the field of Cultural Heritage, image analysis represents an indispensable practice for restorers to collect information about the state of preservation of monuments and artifacts and plan restoration interventions. In addition, during the last two decades, the wide spread of remote sensing technologies and the possibility to build 3D reality-based models of artifacts allow the extension of image analysis to 3D environments. In this context, the purpose of this contribution is to show the results of investigations held in order to provide a methodology for the automatic detection of deteriorated areas within architectures and artifacts using colour images as a field of examination. Using both 2D and 3D segmentation approaches, our methodology aims at speeding and efficiently performing the automatic detection of deteriorated zones within Cultural Heritage and therefore segment 3D digital models acquired using different survey technologies. Within our investigations, we selected case studies concerning recurrent deteriorations, such as, for example, detachments, cracks and chromatic alterations; we run them both to manual and to automatic recognition and selection tests, in order to compare the results obtained using these approaches and evaluate the reliability of the automatic one. Results comparison included computational and user time, quantification of the deteriorated area error between manual and automatically detected zones. Additional parameters characterizing the specific type of deteriorations were also computed for each case study. Comparison between the automatic and the manual procedure showed that the automatic detection is faster and reliable in all our selected case studies, with evident improvements in the efficient evaluation of the entity and extension of deteriorated areas on 3D geometry.     

When mathematics and statistics collide in assessment tasks

Because the disciplines of mathematics and statistics are naturally intertwined, designing assessment questions that disentangle mathematical and statistical reasoning can be challenging. We explore the writing statistics assessment tasks that take into consideration potential mathematical reasoning they may inadvertently activate.     

An investigation into the factors affecting knowledge management adoption and practice in the life insurance business

Knowledge management (KM) is crucial for organizations to enhance competitive advantage. While the issues of KM have been widely discussed by numerous researchers, there is a paucity of studies pertaining to KM adoption and practice for the life insurance industry. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the main factors affecting the life insurance business in adopting and applying KM. An exploratory field study utilizing an inductive methodology involving a multiple-case study approach was undertaken by conducting interviews with 10 key knowledge workers from life insurance enterprises in various stages of KM development and use. We utilized content analysis techniques to identify the factors with their associated variables and further developed a research model. This study offers a comprehensive model for future KM research and provides managerial implications for organizations, particularly life insurance enterprises, to better realize the worth of KM and the possible impediments involved in the processes of adopting and implementing KM.     

I Can See Further Now: Preventive Conservation in a Changing Heritage World

ABSTRACT

Cultural heritage has undergone a paradigm shift in recent decades. Museums in particular have changed from being a house of treasures to be admired by visitors, to being a place where objects provide the context for new interpretations. Today, visitors are provided with an opportunity to participate and co-create meaning. At the same time a UK government requirement for accountability has pushed the sector towards business management and professionalisation. This new context has forced conservators to respond by aligning themselves with these trends. In order to stay relevant conservators have to take on an active role in facilitating audience participation and increased access to collections, while at the same time improving their efficiency and accountability. Preservation frameworks have played a significant role in enabling conservators to respond to these changed needs within the sector. Crucially, preservation frameworks have encouraged conservation professionals to collaborate with colleagues from across an entire organisation. Having gained a broader understanding of the context within which they work, preservation frameworks have also allowed conservators to systematically collate and analyse data and present these to their stakeholders in a language understood by them. The review of a number of case studies reveals that preservation frameworks help conservators understand the bigger picture and be influential at the right levels.     

国家达尔文博物馆与俄罗斯自然历史博物馆协会

创建于1907年的国家达尔文博物馆是俄罗斯历史最悠久的自然历史博物馆之一,由亚历山大·科茨等四人共同创办,该馆每年为不同的观众举办50~60个不同主题的展览。在国家达尔文博物馆中设立的俄罗斯自然历史博物馆协会发挥着联系俄罗斯各自然历史博物馆的作用。