Silvia Ferrara
A5020915273- Ancient Near East History
- Ancient Mediterranean Archaeology and History
- Classical Antiquity Studies
- Maritime and Coastal Archaeology
- Dark Matter and Cosmic Phenomena
- Atomic and Subatomic Physics Research
- Law, logistics, and international trade
- Public Administration and Political Analysis
- German Literature and Culture Studies
- Ancient Egypt and Archaeology
- Neutrino Physics Research
- Pacific and Southeast Asian Studies
- Radiation Detection and Scintillator Technologies
- Ecology, Conservation, and Geographical Studies
- Sociology and Education Studies
- 3D Surveying and Cultural Heritage
- Linguistics and language evolution
- Historical, Religious, and Philosophical Studies
- Libraries and Information Services
- Archaeology and ancient environmental studies
- Astrophysics and Cosmic Phenomena
- Media, Communication, and Education
- Historical, Literary, and Cultural Studies
- Global Maritime and Colonial Histories
- Particle physics theoretical and experimental studies
University of Bologna
2019-2024
British School at Athens
2024
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
2019-2021
McGill University
2021
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
2020
Sapienza University of Rome
2013-2016
Abstract The nEXO neutrinoless double beta (0 νββ ) decay experiment is designed to use a time projection chamber and 5000 kg of isotopically enriched liquid xenon search for the in 136 Xe. Progress detector design, paired with higher fidelity its simulation an advanced data analysis, based on one used final results EXO-200, produce sensitivity prediction that exceeds half-life 10 28 years. Specifically, improvements have been made understanding production scintillation photons charge as...
The projected performance and detector configuration of nEXO are described in this pre-Conceptual Design Report (pCDR). is a tonne-scale neutrinoless double beta ($0νββ$) decay search $^{136}$Xe, based on the ultra-low background liquid xenon technology validated by EXO-200. With $\simeq$ 5000 kg enriched to 90% isotope 136, has half-life sensitivity approximately $10^{28}$ years. This represents an improvement about two orders magnitude with respect current results. Based experience gained...
Abstract Placing the origin of an undeciphered script in time is crucial to understanding invention writing human history. Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island, developed a script, now engraved on fewer than 30 wooden objects, which still undeciphered. Its origins are obscure. Central this issue whether was invented before European travelers reached island eighteenth century AD. Hence direct radiocarbon dating wood plays fundamental role. Until now, only two tablets were directly dated,...
Abstract Marks and figurative representations have been recognized as crucial socio-cognitive components that contributed to the transition from foraging farming of Neolithic in southwest Asia, during a period which communities adopted novel social interactions economic strategies. This article investigates image production trajectories tied creation visual codes. We show since early phases ( c. 9700–6600 cal. bc ) societies Asia engaged with specific symbols created narrative operational...
We have experimentally determined the production rate of $^{39}$Ar and $^{37}$Ar from cosmic ray neutron interactions in argon at sea level. Understanding these rates is important for argon-based dark matter experiments that plan to utilize extracted deep underground because it imperative know what ingrowth will be during production, transport, storage argon. These measurements also allow prediction concentrations atmosphere which can used determine presence other sources isotopes. Through...
This article follows the trail of previous suggestions that so-called clay balls inscribed in Cypro-Minoan script bear personal names and titles, possibly high-ranking individuals responsible for industrial cultic activities at Enkomi, other Cypriot centers, Tiryns on Greek mainland. We examine attestations sign-sequences single signs found these spherical objects, which occur also inscriptions, cross-check them with available find contexts vis-à-vis structure their inscriptions. Beyond...
Abstract
Understanding reflective properties of materials and photodetection efficiency (PDE) photodetectors is important for optimizing energy resolution sensitivity the next generation neutrinoless double beta decay, direct detection dark matter, neutrino oscillation experiments that will use noble liquid gases, such as nEXO, DARWIN, DarkSide-20k, DUNE . Little information currently available about reflectivity PDE in because measurements are difficult to conduct a cryogenic environment at short...
Characterization of the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) reflectance silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) is important for large-scale SiPM-based photodetector systems. We report angular dependence specular in a SiPMs manufactured by Fondazionc Bruno Kessler (FBK) and Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. (HPK) over wavelengths ranging from 120 nm to 280 nm. Refractive index extinction coefficient thin silicon-dioxide film deposited on surface FBK are derived data wafer with same oxide as SiPMs. The diffuse also...
Ancient undeciphered scripts present problems of different nature, not just tied to linguistic identification. The Cypro-Minoan script from second millennium BCE Cyprus, for instance, currently does have a standardized, definitive inventory signs, and, in addition, stands divided into three separate subgroups (CM1, CM2, CM3), which also been alleged record languages. However, this state the art is consensually accepted by experts. In article, we aim apply method that can aid shed light on...
Abstract. 3D modelling of inscribed archaeological finds (such as tablets or small objects) has to consider issues related the correct acquisition and reading ancient inscriptions, whose size degree conservation may vary greatly, in order guarantee needed requirements for visual inspection analysis signs. In this work, photogrammetry laser scanning were tested find optimal sensors settings, useful complete reconstruction such finds, paying specific attention final geometric accuracy...
This article examines the inception of writing on Crete in second millennium bc from a fresh methodological perspective. It aims to develop synoptic understanding origin, purpose, experience, and significance earliest attestations island, investigate context its creation, explore cultural triggers that underlie application Middle Minoan Crete. Three key points are considered: problematic definition early Crete, possible identification subject matter Cretan hieroglyphic inscriptions...
Minoan Linear A is still an undeciphered script mainly used for administrative purposes on Bronze Age Crete. One of its most enigmatic features the precise mathematical values system numerical fractions. The aim this article to address issue through a multi-stranded methodology that comprises palaeographical examination and statistical, computational, typological approaches. Taking from previous analyses, which suggested hypothetical some fractions, we extended our probe into assessing...
nEXO is a proposed experiment to search for the neutrino-less double beta decay (0νββ) of 136Xe in tonne-scale liquid xenon time projection chamber (TPC) . The TPC will be equipped with charge collection tiles form anode. In this work, reconstruction performance anode design studied dedicated simulation package. A multi-variate method and deep neural network are developed distinguish simulated 0νββ signals from backgrounds arising trace levels natural radioactivity detector materials. These...
Silicon photomultipliers are regarded as a very promising technology for next-generation, cutting-edge detectors low-background experiments in particle physics. This work presents systematic reflectivity studies of Photomultipliers (SiPM) and other samples liquid xenon at vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) wavelengths. A dedicated setup the University Münster has been used that allows to acquire angle-resolved reflection measurements various immersed with 0.45° angular resolution. Four investigated...
Rebus and acrophony are crucial in the development of ancient invented scripts from Mesopotamia (cuneiform), China, Mesoamerica (Maya), Egypt, which may have been created through exposure to literate cultures (Anatolian Hieroglyphic Nahuatl). Yet, these two linguistic mechanisms understudied a terminological, contextual comparative perspective. This article aims address issues regarding their definition, application script formation. The scope our study is all attested writing systems that...
Abstract. Rongorongo is an undeciphered script inscribed on wooden objects from Easter Island (Rapa Nui) in the Pacific Ocean. The existing editions of inscriptions, and their widespread locations museums archives all over world today constitute a serious obstacle to any objective paleographical assessment. Thus, with view potential decipherment, creating 3D models available corpus crucial importance, one objectives ERC INSCRIBE project, based at University Bologna Professor S. Ferrara as...
Numeracy and writing constitute different phenomena, whose paths of formation often appear intertwined. Here we reassess the theory that numeracy evolved universally from a concrete to an abstract concept number, shift is correlated with invention writing. First, gather contemporary linguistic data early Mesopotamian epigraphic evidence indicates 'concrete' vs. 'abstract' dichotomy not useful understand emergence numbers. Then, discuss other regions where was probably invented independently,...
Summary This paper considers the roles played by scribes on Cyprus towards end of Late Bronze Age and organization scribal community its activity, drawing a parallel with class at Ugarit‐Ras Shamra in Syria. A close analysis contexts undeciphered Cypro‐Minoan inscriptions found Ugarit, inscription from Cyprus, cuneiform Akkadian tablets Alashiya Ugarit Tell el Amarna Egypt guides identification agents responsible for their creation mobility site to site. It furthermore advances understanding...