Effective biocide to prevent microbiological contamination during PEG impregnation of wet archaeological iron-wood artefacts

A new conservation process was developed for archaeological iron-wood artefacts. Metal part protection was achieved by adding a corrosion inhibitor (Hostacor IT^®) in the polyethylene glycol (PEG) soaking solutions. Nevertheless, a significant microbiological growth was observed in the baths and around the objects. From the different soaking solutions, 23 bacterial strains and 12 strains of filamentous fungi were isolated. Adding compatible biocide has been absolutely essential to allow the PEG and Hostacor IT^® to be effective. Among biocides tested, Dowicide^®A that contains sodium o-phenylphenate is the most efficient. As shown by electrochemical measurements (corrosion potential, intensity and polarization resistance), this biocide does not destabilize the formation of protective film created by Hostacor IT^®. There is no competition of adsorption between Hostacor IT^® and Dowicide^®. In the presence of Dowicide^®, Hostacor IT^® acts more quickly and in a significant way.At the concentration of 3000 ppm, Dowicide^® is effective to protect the aqueous solutions of PEG 400+ Hostacor IT^® from the development of the selected microorganisms. Adding the biocide at the beginning of the object impregnation was the most effective way to prevent bacterial and fungal growth. Tests in real conditions showed that after two months of impregnation, solutions reminded clear and no biofilm was observed around artefacts.     

Laser irradiation of medieval pigments at IR,VIS and UV wavelengths

The possibility to use laser radiation to clean historical objects has been established for several years. A complex case and widely met problem are polychromes. They react (chemically as also physically) very sensitively towards laser radiation. In this study, the reaction of pigments was investigated in dependency on the incident wavelength (Nd:YAG, λ = 1064, 532, 355, 266 nm) and energy density. The chemical and also the physical interactions were investigated. In this work, the following analytical methods were utilised: differential thermal analysis (DTA), colour measurements (CIE-L*a*b*), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). It turned out that the colour change of the pigments can have different origins: they can for instance be induced by laser induced oxidation, reduction or phase changing. Most of the pigments show reactions at very low energy densities (H < 100 mJ cm^–2). Overall the fundamental wavelength of the Nd:YAG-laser (λ = 1064 nm) proved to be most suitable, whereas λ = 355 nm shows most influence on the colour change.     

Where are the Missing Masses? The Quasi-Publics and Non-Publics of Technoscience

The paper offers a political-philosophical analysis of the state and publics in the age of technoscience to propose three distinct categories of publics: scientific-citizen publics constituted by civil society, quasi-publics that initiate another kind of engagement through the activation of ??political society,?? and non-publics cast outside these spheres of engagement. This re-categorization is possible when the central role of the state in its citizens?? engagement with technoscience is put upfront and the non-Western empirical contexts are taken seriously by Science, Technology and Policy (STP) studies. The paper argues that in most of the world the state maintains a political contract with technoscience to form a functional coupling as the state-technoscience duo, which shapes public engagement with science through different functional modalities of government. Civil society is the sphere of legitimate engagement and participation in technoscientific issues for the scientific-citizen publics. The quasi-publics choose to be in the shady zone of political society establishing a paralegal relationship with the state-technoscience duo, while the non-publics come into being due to conditions of extra-legality created by the duo. The non-publics are implicated in the political community paradoxically as an excluded category who cannot be included in deliberation because of their status as being expelled from political community in a ??state of exception.?? The paper proposes that the scientific-citizen publics are mobilized in contrast to the quasi-publics and with reference to the non-publics, helping STP studies to identify the ??missing masses?? of technoscience.     

Volubilis (Meknes,Morocco): Archaeometric study of the white and coloured marbles imported in the Roman age

The ruins of the Roman town of Volubilis, located in the Middle Atlas, near Meknes, between Fez and Rabat, constitute the most important Roman archaeological site in Morocco and are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Volubilis became the headquarters of the Mauritania Tingitana limes after the annexation of the kingdom of Mauritania to the Roman Empire in AD 42. Evacuated by the Romans after the second half of the 3rd century, the town became the capital of the kingdom of Idriss I in AD 789.The results of an archaeometric study of the marbles imported into Volubilis during the Roman age are reported herein the sixth framework program of the European Union.Of the few coloured lithotypes that have been found, all are of Greek origin with the exception of the so-called “Portuguese pink”, a pale pink marble exploited by the Romans near Vilaviçosa in the Lusitania which, till now, has not yet been identified outside Iberia. As regards the white marbles employed in the statuary, petrographic study in thin section and the δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O isotopic data emphasize the frequent use of Lunense and Pentelic marbles. The latter also features among the white marbles used for crustae and architectural elements together with the dolomitic variety of Thasian marble, Parian marble from Lakkoi, Proconnesian marble from the island of Marmara, an unknown marble most probably of local origin, and a variety of the so-called “greco scritto” whose provenance still remains unclear. In fact, its petrographic and geochemical features do not match those known for the classical “greco scritto” from Cap de Garde, near Annaba (Algeria).     

Decay regions segmentation from color images of ancient monuments using fast marching method

This work faces the problem of detecting decay zones from color images of stone materials. In Cultural Heritage, the extraction of degradation regions from images of ancient monuments represents an important step forward in studying and analyzing the state of preservation of historical buildings. Generally the decay diagnosis is provided by “naked eye” analysis done by expert scientists “walking around” the artifact and recording the conservation state of each individual element they observe. In addition to this kind of investigation, the application of an image segmentation strategy to color images of stony materials can be used in order to extract regions characterized by a visible chromatic alteration, changes in color, for example, as oxidation or concretion. This paper features a color image segmentation approach founded on the fast marching numerical method. We have applied this technique for its possibility to work locally, that is, only the contour of the region under study is processed. In addition to this method, we present a global approach, that is, the possibility to extract decay regions from the entire image; these regions are spatially disconnected but with similar colorimeter value. The main aim of the present work is to provide a tool that helps the expert to contour the degraded regions. In this sense even if the results of the proposed procedure depend on the expert evaluation, the approach can be a contribution to improve the efficiency of the boundary detection process. The study case concerns the impressive remains of the Roman Theatre in the city of Aosta (Italy). In the image segmentation process the color space L*a*b* is utilized.     

Culture,Communication, and Peacebuilding: A Reflexive Multi-Dimensional Contextual Framework

Abstract

This article argues that intercultural communication scholars should play a central role in advancing the study and practice of peacebuilding. A reflexive, multi-dimensional and contextualized framework for viewing peacebuilding is proposed, with a focus on personal, relational, and structural dimensions. Three topical areas—community engagement, intercultural dialogue, and alliance building—are used to illustrate the framework and point to possibilities for additional research and development. Seven strategies for applying this framework in the complex arena of intractable conflicts are proposed and described.     

Accelerated hydrothermal degradation of fibres of Phormium tenax (New Zealand flax)

Solid-phase microextraction (SPME)–gas chromatography (GC)–mass spectrometry (MS) has been applied to the analysis of acetic acid and furfural that are emitted from the fibres of Phormium tenax (Xanthorrhoeaceae) [New Zealand flax] during degradation. Accelerated hydrothermal ageing of fibres of the Ruawai cultivar of P. tenax for 55 days at 70 °C resulted in the production of acetic acid at a level greater or equal to 1.65 mg g^–1 fibre. This corresponds to only 8.5% of the acetyl groups present in the fibres. These groups are an important source of acetic acid, which is capable of damaging the fibres. The rate of production of acetic acid suggests that a heritage object made from the fibres of P. tenax, that was stored in damp ambient conditions, would undergo significant deterioration after a relatively short period. Other volatile products released during ageing included furfural, a series of short to medium chain aliphatic aldehydes that were derived from the oxidation of long chain unsaturated fatty acids on the fibres and a small group of products that were derived from carotenoids. The levels of furfural were determined to be approximately 0.75% of the potential production but at these levels, furfural could contribute to unpleasant odours from unventilated items. Fibres from six cultivars of P. tenax were found to release acetic acid and furfural all at the same rate. The levels of acetic acid that can be generated from these fibres are sufficiently high that low moisture levels and continuous change of air is required to minimize degradation of cultural objects that are made from these fibres and displayed in museum halls.     

Mission Completed? Changing Visibility of Women’s Colleges in England and Japan and Their Roles in Promoting Gender Equality in Science

The global community, from UNESCO to NGOs, is committed to promoting the status of women in science, engineering and technology, despite long-held prejudices and the lack of role models. Previously, when equality was not firmly established as a key issue on international or national agendas, women’s colleges played a great role in mentoring female scientists. However, now that a concerted effort has been made by governments, the academic community and the private sector to give women equal opportunities, the raison d’être of women’s universities seems to have become lost. This paper argues otherwise, by demonstrating that women’s universities in Japan became beneficiaries of government initiatives since the early 2000s to reverse the low ratio of women in scientific research. The paper underscores the importance of the reputation of women’s universities embedded in their institutional foundations, by explaining how female scientific communities take shape in different national contexts. England, as a primary example of a neoliberal welfare regime, with its strong emphasis on equality and diversity, promoted its gender equality policy under the auspices of the Department of Trade and Industry. By contrast, with a strong emphasis on family values and the male-breadwinner model, the Japanese government carefully treated the goal of supporting female scientists from the perspective of the equal participation of both men and women rather than that of equality. Following this trend, rather contradictorily, women’s universities, with their tradition of fostering a ‘good wife, wise mother’ image, began to be highlighted as potential gender-free institutions that provided role models and mentoring female scientists. By drawing on the cases of England and Japan, this paper demonstrates how the idea of equality can be framed differently, according to wider institutional contexts, and how this idea impacts on gender policies.     

How should cultural diversity be measured? An application using the French publishing industry

Despite the lack of a clear definition of the concept, “cultural diversity” has remained a core issue for more than a decade (WTO, UNESCO, etc.). The aim of this paper is to begin to fill this gap. We argue that cultural diversity is a multi-dimensional concept and that accurate metrics must rely on three criteria: variety, balance and disparity. We also stress that supplied and consumed diversity have to be distinguished. We apply this set of multiple measures of diversity to publishing data for France over the period 1990–2003. Our main result is that the situation of the publishing industry in terms of cultural diversity is highly dependent on the dimension considered. Hence, diversity increases when variety is the sole consideration, whereas taking balance or disparity into account leads to the opposite conclusion. This issue raises a series of questions about the use of diversity measures in a policy debate concerned with furthering cultural diversity.

Biofouling of crypts of historical and architectural interest at La Plata Cemetery (Argentina)

Cemeteries are part of the cultural heritage of urban communities, containing funerary crypts and monuments of historical and architectural interest. Efforts aimed at the conservation of these structures must target not only the abiotic stresses that cause their destruction, such as light and humidity, but also biofouling by biotic agents. The purpose of this study was to assess the development of biofouling of several historically and architecturally valuable crypts at La Plata Cemetery (Argentina). Samples obtained from the biofilms, lichens, and fungal colonies that had developed on the marble surfaces and cement mortar of these crypts were analyzed by conventional microbiological techniques and by scanning electron microscopy. The lichens were identified as Caloplaca austrocitrina, Lecanora albescens, Xanthoparmelia farinosa and Xanthoria candelaria, the fungi as Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., Fusarium sp., Candida sp. and Rhodotorula sp., and the bacteria as Bacillus sp. and Pseudomonas sp. The mechanisms by which these microorganisms cause the aesthetic and biochemical deterioration of the crypts are discussed.     

The Rise and Fall of the Science Advisor to the President of the United States

The president’s science advisor was formerly established in the days following the Soviet launch of Sputnik at the height of the Cold War, creating an impression of scientists at the center of presidential power. However, since that time the role of the science advisor has been far more prosaic, with a role that might be more aptly described as a coordinator of budgets and programs, and thus more closely related to the functions of the Office of Management and Budget than the development of presidential policy. This role dramatically enhances the position of the scientific community to argue for its share of federal expenditures. At the same time, scientific and technological expertise permeates every function of government policy and politics, and the science advisor is only rarely involved in wider White House decision making. The actual role of the science advisor as compared to its heady initial days, in the context of an overall rise of governmental expertise, provides ample reason to reconsider the role of the presidential science advisor, and to set our expectations for that role accordingly.

Bacterial community analysis on the Mediaeval stained glass window “Natività” in the Florence Cathedral

Microbial corrosion of glass causes problems on delicates antique glass samples. Until now, the effect of microbial activity on corrosion phenomena has not been well documented. Only a few studies have been published concerning the microflora growing on glass surfaces.The present study deals with the characterization of cultivable aerobic bacteria isolated from the historical glass window “Natività” in the Florence Cathedral, designed by Paolo Uccello and realized by Angelo Lippi between 1443 and 1444. Microbial strains were sampled from four of the 25 panels of the “Natività” in the occasion of a recent conservation treatment, due to the presence of various kinds of crusts. One hundred microorganisms were isolated, about 50% bacteria and 50% fungi. Bacteria were submitted to morphological characterization and classified in the Gram group. For twenty strains, from different glass panels, the 16S rDNA gene was amplified and sequenced. Sequence analysis showed genus Bacillus, Arthrobacter and Paenibacillus as the most representative. In particular Bacillus and Paenibacillus are crusts associated. Phylogenetic relationship among isolates was determined. Chemical analysis of the glass and crusts completed the study.     

Non-destructive assessment of a buried rainwater cistern at the Carthusian Monastery ‘Vall de Crist’ (Spain, 14th century) derived by microgravimetric 2D modelling

The microgravity method is one of the geophysical tools used in engineering and environmental and archaeological researches, where the detection of subsurface cavities or buried structures is essential. In this study, this technique has been revealed to be an efficient and respectful tool for use in Cultural Heritage restoration studies, such as those carried out in the restoration of historical sites in which the elements to be examined are beneath a shallow coating of material. Therefore, the aim of this microgravimetric survey is to define the exact position and dimensions of a subsurface structure (rainwater cistern) through microgravity response of the medium.For this purpose, the subsurface structure of San Gerónimo Cloister of the Vall de Crist Carthursian Monastery (14th century) has been researched. This monastery was known to be the largest Carthusian Monastery in the region of Valencia (Spain) and one of the most remarkable of the ancient Corona de Aragón. A rectangular grid of microgravity measurement station points was designed to cover the entire surface of the cloister. In addition, a microgravimetric profile was acquired along a hillside close to the Carthusian buildings in order to obtain the density value of the medium.The study was performed using a LaCoste&Romberg D203 gravimeter to detect and to map the shallow subsurface rainwater cistern that probably exits beneath it. This gravimeter has a sensitivity of approximately 1 μgal (μgal = 1.10⁻⁸ ms⁻²) and an accuracy of 3–5 μgal for relative gravity measurements.Two contour maps were calculated (observed gravity and Bouguer gravity values) in order to improve the interpretation results. On these maps we can observe the shape of the body that is causing the perturbation in gravity values. And what is more, it led us to deduce that the central area of the cavity is deeper than the border area. In addition, we can asses that the cavity is 8 m wide and 12 m long, and is symmetrical along its longitudinal axis, but not along its transversal axis.Also, a microgravimetric inversion was performed and the subsurface is split into 7 prisms and the depth and height of each is to be estimated separately. As a result of this inversion we can estimate that the ceiling of the cistern is located about 1 m under the cloister pavement and the cistern floor at a depth of 4 m. The cistern is slightly inclined towards one of its edges by about 20 cm.Finally, the 2D modelling derived by microgravimetric data has allowed us to determinate the shape, dimensions and location of the cistern accurately. In addition we have calculated the cistern capacity (288 m³, that is, 2880 Hl). This capacity was quite enough for the water necessities of 13 monks who lived there permanently, even for making it through the drought periods frequent in this kind of Mediterranean areas.     

Identification of a fungal community on gilded wood carved heritage

During restoration activities, a fungal reddish area was noted on a gilded wood carved ceiling decoration from a sacristy of a church in Aveiro, Portugal. The protocols used to identify the fungal community present in this wooden material included the classical culturing methods and a molecular biology protocol based on the ability of denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) to separate fungal DNA from several species. This last method complemented the results obtained with the traditional culturing method approach and the overall study revealed three fungal species: Serpula lacrymans (Wulfen) P. Karsten, Paecilomyces lilacinus (Thom) Samson and Penicillium chrysogenum Thom. This is, to the author's knowledge, the first documented case of S. lacrymans in Portuguese built cultural heritage. Despite the antifungal solution applied and the dryer environment recommended, the water activity (Aw) levels recorded on location are still dangerously high and may allow fungal regrowth. Periodic inspections were advised.     

A Mössbauer study of some coloured marbles (cipollino mandolato, rosso antico and fior di pesco): implications on the nature of their colour

⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy permits an explanation of the formation of the iron-bearing species present in three types of coloured marbles, known as cipollino mandolato, rosso antico and fior di pesco. Structural Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ located in silicates, together with the remains of weakly ferromagnetic hematite, arise from primary sediments. Fe²⁺ located in carbonates and anti-ferromagnetic hematite are formed by redox processes during marble formation. The relative contents of the iron species in the three types of marbles depend on the composition of the primary sediments and on local conditions during metamorphism. Knowledge of the type and amount of the iron species in marbles may help in the reconstruction of the redox processes, which took place during marble formation. The deviations of the Morin transition of the hematites play the role of genetic indicator because purity, crystallinity and the red hues of hematites in marbles can be related to the environment of formation.     

Efficiency of antibiotics and gamma irradiation in eliminating Streptomyces strains isolated from paintings of ancient Egyptian tombs

Forty-six Streptomyces strains were isolated from paintings and stone surfaces from Tell Basta and Tanis tombs (80 km south-east Cairo, Egypt). Eight of these strains were selected to determine their sensitivity against 13 antibiotics. In general, high levels of resistance could be observed. Gentamycin, spiramycin and doxycycline were the most effective antibiotics against the majority of strains under study. Due to the observed antibiotic resistances, gamma irradiation was studied as a possible alternative to inhibit microbial growth. Isolated bacteria were exposed to different doses of gamma irradiation (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 kGy). The growth of all Streptomyces isolates except S. canarius was completely inhibited at 25 kGy. The applied doses of gamma irradiation did not cause any observable alterations or colour changes to pigments and binding media (arabic gum, animal glue and egg-yolk) used in the paintings.     

Photoluminescence of the inorganic pigments Egyptian blue, Han blue and Han purple

The room-temperature photoluminescence spectra of various samples of Egyptian blue (CaCuSi₄O₁₀) are presented, discussed and compared with those of recently synthesized compounds corresponding to the ancient pigments Han blue (BaCuSi₄O₁₀) and Han purple (BaCuSi₂O₆). All the samples of Egyptian blue show identical spectra, in spite of their very different origin. The spectra of Han blue and Han purple are significantly different. Since the Cu²⁺ ion may be considered the only luminescent centre in the spectral range under investigation, the differences between the spectra of the various pigments are ascribed to a ligand-field change. This can be related to the larger size of the Ba²⁺ ion with respect to Ca²⁺. The use of PL spectra for the identification of these pigments in works of art is proposed.     

Survey of decay of tezone ‘105’: methodology for acquisition of data

Within the multidisciplinary study concerning one of the covered dockyards (called tezone 105) erected in the Arsenal of Venice, carried out by the ‘Target Venezia’ CNR Project, it will be presented here a preliminary work concerning the survey of decay¹. This analysis is strictly connected with the other works carried out by the Operative Units of the ‘Target Venezia’, especially with the stratigraphical survey² and the chemical and microstructural characterisation of mortars³ and bricks⁴. First, the survey of decay has been based on the stratigraphical investigations of the tezone structure, which has allowed the classification of the different building phases over a long period (from the XVI until the first half of the XX century). Second, a computer aided methodology has been applied in order to make the research easier and to allow multiple queries either to know which kind of decay are present in every point of the surfaces and the global extension of each typology of degradation⁵.     

Reconfiguring the centre: The structure of scientific exchanges between colonial India and Europe

Conclusions The centre-periphery relationship historically structured scientific exchanges between metropolis and province, between the fount of empire and its outposts. But the exchange, if regarded merely as a one-way flow of scientific information, ignores both the politics of knowledge and the nature of its appropriation. Arguably, imperial structures do not entirely determine scientific practices and the exchange of knowledge. Several factors neutralise the over-determining influence of politics—and possibly also the normative values of science—on scientific practice.In examining these four examples of Indian scientists in encounters with their peers at the centre, exceptional scientists are seen in a social context where the epistemology of science supposedly describes its practice. Imperialism imposes practices and patronage, which moderate the exchange of scientific knowledge. But, at Level Two, the politics of knowledge and the patterns of patronage within it mediate exchanges between the centre and the periphery.The first step in reconfiguring exchanges between centre and periphery —in this case, between Europe and India during the period 1850 to 1930— is to recognise the relation between the acquisition of resources and the maintenance of legitimacy and identity.⁶⁷ Political life is not confined to the core of political institutions.⁶⁸ Second, in examining science as practised in the colonies, it is necessary to see stages of scientific institutions, whose development structures the exchange.From the encounter of Ramchandra and De Morgan, it is evident that the centre-periphery framework should be separated from the models of transmission embedded within it. The notion of translation helps to suggest that scientists bring personal motives and meanings to each encounter. Ramchandra, for example, sought a novel method of teaching Indians calculus, while De Morgan's interest lay in finding a place for algebra in a liberal education.The hierarchy inherent in the centre-periphery framework compels the conclusion that, at Level Two, the autodidact outside the institutions of science must have his work presented to scientists at the centre by authoritative figures from the centre. This is not mainly a question of imperialism, but rather of patronage. The peripheral scientist could not be granted direct entry into the collegial circle until his efforts at the periphery could be translated into the language and concerns of the central community. Ramanujan's enigmatic formulas were translated into the language of analysis by Hardy, which enabled the creation of a field to which Hardy was committed.Scientists from the periphery who were already part of the circle by virtue of their training, were not necessarily subject to the same degree of attestation as other scientists from the periphery. P.C. Ray, with his DSc from Edinburgh, and his position at Calcutta University, had less difficulty in winning the trust of colleagues at the centre, even when he returned to India. On the contrary, remaining at the periphery, he moved from a context of patronage to a sphere of competition. In addition, Ray's collegiality, even at Level Two, was more comprehensive, and connected him with Level One.Eventually, the professional Indian science graduate found collegiality within the international community of scientists. Saha's self-imposed progressive nationalism constrained his identification with the centre and made him a potential competitor instead. Once having achieved eminence in the world of science, C.V. Raman and Saha shifted their work to journals of physics published in India in order to further the cause of physics research in their own country.⁶⁹ To go beyond the limitations of the centre-periphery model, it is necessary not merely to examine exchanges between scientists functioning in a shared epistemological universe,⁷⁰ but also to recognise the part played by institutions, the experience of colonialism, and the forms of patronage characterising both colonialism and science. Put another way, although there is relative epistemological autonomy within the disciplinary research communities of science, the interplay between knowledge and power structures this exchange.The scientific links between colonial India and Britain at the turn of the century were mediated by structures which prefigured change. Does structure determine all? If it does, we are left with an Orientalist reconstruction of the docile native, and a passive cultural medium into which science percolates. But this neglects the role of scientists in creating new structures within which they worked. A middle position—one more sensitive to the exigencies of colonial scientific life—would be one where the participants are seen not as the dupes of structure nor the potentates of action, but as occupying a ground between the two.⁷¹