Giulia Caneva

Biology in the conservation of works of art

Reports on the problem of biodeterioration of works of art. This didactic text is intended for conservators without specialization in biology and for biologist lacking experience in conservation. The book comprises six chapters: environmental factors in biodeterioration (general principles of ecology, atmospheric factors, pollution effects); mechanisms and phenomenology of biodeterioration (physical processes, chemical processes, aesthetic damage, phenomenology of biological alterations); biodeterioration of organic materials (wood, paper, textiles, leather, parchment, paintings); biodeterioration of inorganic materials (stone and related materials, glass, metals - fungi, bacteria, lichens, lower and higher plants); methods of prevention (indoor and outdoor environments); control measures (mechanical, physical, biological and chemical methods (biocides, insecticides, pesticides), biochemical methods. The work is completed by a glossary of biological terms and an appendix covering elements of general biology, systematics of biodeteriogens, and analysis techniques.

Food, flavouring and feed plant traditions in the Tyrrhenian sector of Basilicata, Italy

Background:Research was carried out in the years 2002–2003 into food, flavouring and feed folk traditions of plants in the Tyrrhenian part of the Basilicata region (southern Italy). This area was colonized in ancient times by Greeks. Data was collected through field interviews, especially of farmers.Methods:Field data were collected through structured interviews. The informants, numbered 49, belonged to families which had strong links with the traditional activities of the area.Results:61 taxa are cited, belonging to 26 botanical families, amongst which 44 used as food or flavouring and 22 for animal alimentation. Besides 7 taxa are involved in rituals especially connected with agriculture and plant growth.Conclusion:The preservation of some rituals especially concerning agricultural plants is noteworthy in the area, together with a certain degree of continuity in food uses. Knowledge and rediscovery of recipes in human and animal diet could represent an economic potential for the area.

Ecological analysis and biodeterioration processes over time at the Hieroglyphic Stairway in the Copàn (Honduras) archaeological site

Abstract The Copàn Hieroglyphic Stairway, one of the most important monuments of the Mayan culture, was excavated at the end of the 1800s. After a few decades it was extensively attacked by mosses and lichens. Different biocide treatments were applied in the late 1970s, and consolidation and stabilization works were carried out in the 1980s and 90s; a tarp was installed in 1985 over the Stairway for protection from rain. The present investigation shows an almost total death of lichens and a heavy reduction of the biodeterioration phenomena on the stone surfaces of this monument. The most frequent species presently growing are cyanobacteria and a few green algae. Notwithstanding this relatively low level of superficial colonization, cross-section staining and SEM analyses at times revealed a heavy biological growth just below the surface. The main structures found were exo-polymeric substances, fungal hyphae and moss protonema. Through a comparative analysis of the biodeteriorative phenomena of other monuments at the site, and with historical records, the relationships between the main ecological factors (water and light) and the biological colonization at the Copàn archaeological site are described. The ecological analysis and the changes that seem to have occurred in the biodeterioration of the Stairway provide useful information for planning future conservative interventions.

Cultural Erosion of Balinese Indigenous Knowledge of Food and Nutraceutical Plants

Cultural Erosion of Balinese Indigenous Knowledge of Food and Nutraceutical Plants.The island of Bali has several traditional Aga villages that survive under the pressures of an intense tourist industry and agricultural changes. In order to understand possible impacts on traditional ethnobotanical knowledge (TEK) in Bali, we interviewed local people living in 13 traditional villages regarding the number of known plants and their uses. We analyzed socioeconomic factors influencing change of such knowledge at both individual (informant) and community (village) level. We identified a total of 149 food and nutraceutical plants being used in the study area. Neither gender, occupation, income, nor level of formal education had a significant effect on TEK. However, informant’s age and village status were found to play an important role in the retention of TEK at an individual level. At the village level, the use of Internet/smart phones was an important predictor of cultural erosion.Erosi Budaya Pengetahuan Adat Bali Tentang Tanaman Pangan dan Nutraceutical.Pulau Bali memiliki beberapa desa Aga tradisional yang masih bertahan di tengah tekanan pariwisata dan perubahan sistem pertanian yang signifikan. Untuk memahami kemungkinan dampak pada pengetahuan etnobotani tradisional (TEK) di Bali, kami mewawancarai penduduk lokal yang tinggal di tiga belas desa tradisional tentang jumlah dan kegunaan tanaman yang mereka ketahui. Kami menganalisis faktor-faktor sosial ekonomi yang mempengaruhi perubahan pengetahuan etnobotani di tingkat individu (informan) dan masyarakat (desa). Kami mengidentifikasi total 149 tanaman pangan dan nutraceutical yang digunakan di lokasi penelitian. Baik jenis kelamin, pekerjaan, pendapatan, atau tingkat pendidikan formal memiliki dampak yang signifikan terhadap TEK. Namun, usia informan dan status desa memainkan peran penting dalam mempertahankan TEK pada tingkat individu. Dan di tingkat desa, penggunaan internet/ponsel pintar merupakan prediktor penting dari erosi budaya.

Combining Environmental Factors and Agriculturalists’ Observations of Environmental Changes in the Traditional Terrace System of the Amalfi Coast (Southern Italy)

Terraces are traditional engineered ecosystems that affect the hydro-geological equilibrium, slope stability, and local communities. The aims of this paper are (i) identifying environmental factors that affect terrace stability in the Amalfi Coast, (ii) defining agriculturalists’ observations on environmental changes within that system and (iii) exploring potentiality of these observations to better define conservation strategies. All available data on physical and ecological factors recognized to affect the terrace system were collected and analyzed. Interviews were conducted with agriculturalists to obtain long-term observations on environmental factors that interact with this system. Landslides are more frequent where rainfall is high and during winter. Fires have an uneven annual distribution, with higher frequency during summers. Agriculturalists detailed complex interactions among environmental factors, economic elements, and terraces. These observations represent a valuable resource for defining causes and effects of abandonment and for better addressing conservation strategies.

Ethnobotanical study of Loloh: Traditional herbal drinks from Bali (Indonesia).

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Loloh are herbal drinks produced and consumed exclusively in Bali (Indonesia) to prevent and treat different ailments. This is the first study to document plants species used as Loloh, reporting the phytochemical components and pharmacological properties of the most cited plants. Documenting the plants used in herbal drinks in Bali by local communities to treat various ailments (providing some information on phytochemistry and pharmacology of the most interesting plants). MATERIALS AND METHODS Ethnobotanical data were obtained through semi-structured interviews (individual and group discussions) and questionnaires. Plant specimens were collected, identified and made into herbarium vouchers. RESULTS A total of 51 plants species (belonging to 32 families) have been documented for their use in the various preparation of Loloh. Different plants and plant parts are used to prepare Loloh to treat heartburn, fever, diarrhea, hypertension, aphthous stomatitis (canker sores), and other minor health problems. These plants are mainly prepared as decoctions, are juiced or simply added to the preparation. The most cited plants (>30 informants) are Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br., Blumea balsamifera (L.) DC., Cinnamomum burmanni Nees ex Bl., and Piper betle L. These plants are well studied with multiple demonstrated pharmacological activities (e.g., antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic). CONCLUSION The Balinese communities still preserve a rich ethnobotanical knowledge. Several species are well known for their pharmacological properties, but some [such as Pneumatopteris callosa (Blume) Nakai and Dendrocnide stimulans (L. f.) Chew] are understudied and could be promising candidates for further research.

Ecological approach in selecting extensive green roof plants: A data-set of Mediterranean plants

The need of planning more sustainable cities leads to a wider use of extensive green roofs (EGRs) as they provide significant advantages to the urban environment (e.g., energy conservation and increase of biodiversity). In Central and North Europe, as well as in North America and Asia, EGRs are generally included in new building designs, whereas they are still uncommon in Mediterranean countries. The adaptations of many Mediterranean plants to drought stress and their floristic diversity constitute, however, positive elements in finding solutions for them. This research proposes a methodological approach to select wild species for EGRs based on ecological characteristics (using natural ecosystems as templates for green roof design). An extensive bibliographic search on plants proposed for EGRs in Mediterranean countries has led to the creation of a wide database. Other plants were selected considering their synecological, structural, and autoecological characteristics. All the data were integrated in a comprehensive database of 138 taxa potentially suitable for setting EGRs according to their syntaxonomical classification and their ecological behavior (fitting both the Mediterranean and EGR environmental conditions). The selected taxa could enlarge the pool of species for EGRs in Mediterranean cities, increasing urban biodiversity.

Mapping the risk of damage from tree roots for the conservation of archaeological sites: the case of the Domus Aurea, Rome

Abstract Damage caused by tree root growth to archaeological monuments buried underground, over the course of centuries, has been frequently reported in the city of Rome. The Domus Aurea, Neros Imperial residence, now lies under the Horti Traianei (Trajans Park) on the Oppian hill. These gardens, planted at the beginning of the last century, are located only 3–4m above the surviving archaeological structures. In some cases roots have damaged the underlying vaults, sometimes creating serious structural problems. Results of the study show that a variety of species with strong root systems growing for many metres laterally, and to depths of several metres, are present. Identification of the plants responsible for the damage has been achieved through a study of the anatomy of their wood. A real and potential assessment of the risk posed by tree roots to the archaeological structures has been attempted. The data collected will contribute to evaluating the risk to monuments under similar conditions and will also help to avoid errors made in managing the plant cover of archaeological sites

Botanic analysis of Livia’s villa painted flora (Prima Porta, Roma)

Abstract The frescoes of Livia’s villa at Prima Porta, Rome, are the most famous representations of Roman gardens. The painted flora is analyzed from the scientific viewpoint and previous identifications are critically discussed. Here, 24 different species are described, giving information on the taxonomic, and phytogeographic position. Most of them belong to the spontaneous elements present in the Mediterranean forests, maquis and grasses of Southern Italy, such as Arbutus unedo, Laurus nobilis, Nerium oleander, Quercus ilex, Quercus robur gr., Cornus mas, Myrtus communis, Phyllitis scolopendrium, Viola reichenbachiana, Chrysanthemum coronarium, Anthemis cotula, or widely cultivated, such as Cupressus sempervirens, Cydonia oblonga, Pinus pinea, Punica granatum, Papaver somniferum, Rosa centifolia, Phoenix dactylifera. A symbolistic purpose of the pictures is also clearly evident.

Plants used in artisanal fisheries on the Western Mediterranean coasts of Italy

BackgroundArtisanal fisheries in the Mediterranean, especially in Italy, have been poorly investigated. There is a long history of fishing in this region, and it remains an important economic activity in many localities. Our research entails both a comprehensive review of the relevant literature and 58 field interviews with practitioners on plants used in fishing activities along the Western Mediterranean Italian coastal regions. The aims were to record traditional knowledge on plants used in fishery in these regions and to define selection criteria for plant species used in artisanal fisheries, considering ecology and intrinsic properties of plants, and to discuss the pattern of diffusion of shared uses in these areas.MethodsInformation was gathered both from a general review of ethnobotanical literature and from original data. A total of 58 semi-structured interviews were carried out in Liguria, Latium, Campania and Sicily (Italy). Information on plant uses related to fisheries were collected and analyzed through a chi-square residual analysis and the correspondence analysis in relation to habitat, life form and chorology.ResultsA total of 60 plants were discussed as being utilized in the fisheries of the Western Italian Mediterranean coastal regions, with 141 different uses mentioned. Of these 141 different uses, 32 are shared among different localities. A multivariate statistical analysis was performed on the entire dataset, resulting in details about specific selection criteria for the different usage categories (plants have different uses that can be classified into 11 main categories). In some uses, species are selected for their features (e.g., woody), or habitat (e.g., riverine), etc. The majority of uses were found to be obsolete (42%) and interviews show that traditional fishery knowledge is in decline. There are several reasons for this, such as climatic change, costs, reduction of fish stocks, etc.ConclusionsOur research correlates functional characteristics of the plants used in artisanal fishery and habitats, and discusses the distribution of these uses. This research is the first comprehensive outline of plant role in artisanal fisheries and traditional fishery knowledge in the Mediterranean, specifically in Italy.