Multidimensional relevance: Prioritized aggregation in a personalized Information Retrieval setting

A new model for aggregating multiple criteria evaluations for relevance assessment is proposed. An Information Retrieval context is considered, where relevance is modeled as a multidimensional property of documents. The usefulness and effectiveness of such a model are demonstrated by means of a case study on personalized Information Retrieval with multi-criteria relevance. The following criteria are considered to estimate document relevance: aboutness, coverage, appropriateness, and reliability.     

Principal component analysis of colour measurements of patinas and coating systems for outdoor bronze monuments

Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied on colour measurements performed on outdoor bronze patinas and protective coating systems on bronze coupons in order to monitor natural weathering and cleaning effects. PCA chemometric technique is shown to be a powerful tool to analyse the large measurement data set which is needed to characterise these kinds of system. The results are compared with previous work where the CIELAB L*a*b space was used, in order to spot the advantages and disadvantages of both techniques and how they can complete each other in order to set up a workflow when dealing with large datasets of colour measurements. As previously stated, quicker colour variations in the early stage of natural weathering of bronze coupons are characterised, which is mainly due to lightness reduction. PCA analysis helps to visualise the different behaviour upon cleaning procedure of different monument patinas and colour difference reduction due to cleaning. It gives the advantage in a first screening phase to possibly highlight the presence of outliers, check the level of noise in the spectra, and select the variables which carry more information. Its integration in a workflow for colour measurement can help in speeding up the process of later analysing data with the well-established CIELAB system.     

Ammonium oxalate treatment: Evaluation by μ-Raman mapping of the penetration depth in different plasters

This study is focused on the evaluation by μRaman mapping of the penetration depth achieved by ammonium oxalate treatment in different plaster specimens, a hot issue in the conservation field. The role of the carbonatic aggregate particles and the influence of the different variables of the treatment on the penetration depth and on the distribution of the newly-formed phase (whewellite) have been ascertained. Based on the results of μRaman mapping, analyses with Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy have been carried out in order to observe the whewellite crystals and the carbonatic aggregate particles involved in the reaction with ammonium oxalate.     

Consolidating properties of Regalrez 1126 and Paraloid B72 applied to wood

This study is aimed at an assessment of the properties of two polymeric products applied to Norway spruce (Picea abies) and White poplar (Populus alba) wood species. It contributes to ongoing research experiments on the consolidating properties of two synthetic resins and their potential synergic action on wood, resulting from their different interaction with the substrate: Paraloid B72 and Regalrez 1126. Experiments were carried out on a series of samples of the two wood varieties. The consolidants were applied alone and one after the other, with one coat of Regalrez and then one of Paraloid. Porosity and variations in pore size distribution were ascertained by mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). Colorimetric and IR spectroscopic measurements were also taken before and after aging by solar radiation and freeze/thaw cycles, to verify the possible slowing of photodegradation of the treated wood and the consolidating resistance. Results confirm that both products penetrate the wood with a different behaviour. After double treatment with Regalrez + Paraloid, a significant advantage was observed in terms of mechanical resistance and pore size distribution, although no advantages as regards resistance to photo-oxidizing processes or colour changes were observed.