Knowledge management in client–supplier relationship: emergent <Emphasis Type="Italic">vs</Emphasis> deliberate approach in small KIBS

It is often argued that small–medium enterprises (SMEs) do not manage knowledge the same way as large firms, but may need appropriate approaches to capture and exploit external knowledge effectively. This paper compares two opposite approaches to knowledge management (KM): one is called ‘deliberate’ or ‘planned’, and the other ‘emergent’. These approaches are analysed with reference to the management of knowledge pertaining to client–supplier relationships, which are particularly important in the case of small companies providing knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS). A case study of a small KIBS company is illustrated, which has developed two different projects, based on different approaches to KM, for managing knowledge referring to clients. The case shows that, for a small company, an emergent approach to KM can be more suitable than a deliberate one for managing such knowledge. The implications of this result for KM research and practice are then examined.     

Study on some sorption properties of treated bentonites for their potential use as a moisture regulating system for the preservation of historical wooden elements

We report the first results of a research study aimed at developing a new strategy for the conservation of wooden structural elements present in historical buildings, based on moisture regulating systems. As has been happening for artefact preservation in museums, the idea is to develop systems based on the ability of some highly hygroscopic materials to moderate variations in relative humidity. These materials could adsorb and release moisture to reduce the extreme values of humidity in the micro-climate, for example between wooden beams and masonry. In order to experimentally verify this possibility using current, low cost and easy handling building materials, 5 bentonite samples were laboratory processed to improve their adsorbing properties by means of treatment with sodium carbonate at 3 concentrations: 2, 3 and 4% by weight. The effectiveness of ion exchange between sodium carbonate and bentonite was controlled by measuring the swelling volume of the bentonites. All the samples (n = 15) were tested for their hygroscopic properties. Adsorption isotherms were measured at 25 °C, using desiccators with silica gel, saturated salt solutions and bi-distilled water. A comparison between isotherms of one of the lower hygroscopic treated sample of bentonite and of a sample of wood and of a sample of brick and some numerical analyses with the Delphin code were made in order to evaluate the potential use of this bentonite as a moisture regulating system for the preservation of historical wooden elements. Results show that it seems to be possible to use bentonites as a moisture buffering material in order to reduce moisture content in wooden beams at least during their adsorption phase. It remains to investigate their desorption phase and their behaviour if they be in a saturation condition. Further studies are currently under way.     

Self-cleaning materials on Architectural Heritage: Compatibility of photo-induced hydrophilicity of TiO2 coatings on stone surfaces

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) can be used to realize transparent self-cleaning coatings on stone surfaces as an active and preventive protection system, limiting cleaning and maintenance actions, reducing their costs in Architectural Heritage. This self-cleaning ability is due to photo-induced hydrophilicity on treated surfaces. The aim of this investigation is to analyze this effect, since it could bring to a greater water absorption, a potential source of damage for stone surfaces. Titania sol, obtained by sol-gel and hydrothermal processes, was deposited on travertine by spray coating, in two different ways. Water absorption by capillarity, static contact angle and a specific surface water absorption analysis were assessed before and after the TiO₂ treatments. The effects of deposited amount of titania on the characteristics of treated surfaces were evaluated. It was shown that there were no evident changes in the substrate reactivity without ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, while it seems that hydrophilicity due to UV light does not lead to higher water absorption, thus encouraging the use of TiO₂ coatings in the field of Architectural Heritage. However, before widely applying this conservative treatment, some further researches are recommended in order to better assess its durability and sustainability.     

The public response to innovative strategies for the control of biodeterioration in archaeological hypogea

Between April and September 2003, 1500 visitors of the Catacomb of St. Callistus participated to a scientific research by filling in a questionnaire to express their opinion about a new illumination system experimentally set up in the Ocean’s Cubiculum. Their answers were statistically evaluated and represented the first public opinions on this archaeological site, including their knowledge of conservation problems and their positive attitude towards the use of new strategies for the preservation of this monument.     

On the damage of frescoes and stuccoes on the lower surface of historical flat suspended light vaults

In many historical and monumental Italian buildings, frescoes or stuccoes of artistic and historical value are present on the lower surface of flat light vaults, made by wooden arches, reeds and plaster. These vaults are often suspended by wooden or metallic ties to the upper bearing structures. When differential settlements of the wooden arches happen (i.e.: due to a bad working of their hangings) cracks appear on these precious surfaces. This paper experimentally and numerically investigates on this issue, pointing out which constructive parameters mainly influence the cracking behaviour of the frescoed or stuccoed lower surface, and thus providing guide lines for designing compatible conservation and retrofitting interventions.