Microbial defacement and degradation of artistic or historic artifacts is a worldwide problem affecting all countries regardless of their history, geographical location, or economic conditions. This is the first comprehensive study of the role of microbial colonization on the degradation of different cultural artifacts (from buildings to books, wall paintings, textiles, sculptures and glass) and of the investigations into the compounds utilized to control microbial invasion. The book focuses on three main areas: the identification of the microorganisms which cause structural damage; methods to reduce or prevent microbial colonization and damage; and the use of microorganisms for the protection and bioremediation of cultural artifacts.

Microbial defacement and degradation of artistic or historic artifacts is a worldwide problem affecting all countries regardless of their history, geographical location, or economic conditions. This is the first comprehensive study of the role of microbial colonization on the degradation of different cultural artifacts (from buildings to books, wall paintings, textiles, sculptures and glass) and of the investigations into the compounds utilized to control microbial invasion. The book focuses on three main areas: the identification of the microorganisms which cause structural damage; methods to reduce or prevent microbial colonization and damage; and the use of microorganisms for the protection and bioremediation of cultural artifacts.

Oliviero De Fabritiis conducts the NHK Symphony Orchestra in this performance of Puccini's opera from 1973. Set in Rome at the beginning of the 19th century, the opera finds former consul Cesare Angelotti (Carlo Mericiani) seeking refuge with the painter, Cavaradossi (Flaviano Labò), in the Attavanti chapel. However, danger lurks in the form of Cavaradossi's lover, Tosca (Raina Kabaivanska), whose jealous paranoia leads her to consider betraying the pair.