Socio-cultural Determinants of the Use and Transfer of Scientific Information by Agricultural Scientists in South Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

The objective of the study presented here was to determine the socio-cultural factors that enhanced the use and transfer of scientific information among agricultural scientists in south eastern Nigeria. The implications of some of these factors for agricultural development are highlighted.

Structured questionnaires were distributed to a stratified random sample of 300 scientists. Two hundred and ten (210) questionnaires were mailed while 90 were self-administered. Two hundred and forty-five (81·6%) usable responses were received and analysed. Data were also generated from interviews with selected members of the stratified random sample. Analyses focused on social and cultural factors of (1) motivation, (2) computer appreciation, (3) choice of media for research communication, (4) recipients of research communications, and (5) scientists' activities considered for assessment and reward. Frequency counts were the presentation techniques used to elucidate results.

Results showed that scientists were motivated more in the use and transfer of scientific information by social factors of self-development (53·3%) and job security (12·9%) than by social factors of scientific problem solution (19·6%) and intellectual contribution (12·6%).

Cultural factors of development in information technology (36·8%), adequate and relevant information resources (12·6%) and previous information attitudes (24·5%) also influenced scientists. Although five types of recipient groups of research communications were identified, the study noted that there was a disproportionately inadequate diffusion of research communications to two important groups of “national planners” and “external aid bodies”, who plan and finance agricultural development. Only 5% of scientists sent research communications to national planners and only 3·7% of scientists sent research communications to external aid bodies.

Strategies for assessing other quantifiable elements of productivity by scientists outside journal publications and for diffusing adequate scientific information to national planners and external aid bodies are deemed necessary.     

A passive tube-type sampler for the determination of formaldehyde vapours in museum enclosures

Abstract

A tube-type passive sampling method has been developed and assessed for the quantification of formaldehyde (methanal) vapours in indoor air. The sampler was designed for use in museums where test sites often include small enclosures with low air movement. The procedure involves collection of formaldehyde vapours in a Palmes diffusion tube containing a paper support impregnated with an acidified solution of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (2,4-DNPH). After sampling, quantification of the trapped F-DNPH is achieved by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis with UV detection at 350nm. To validate the procedure, permeation devices were used to generate formaldehyde-containing atmospheres, 81–2975ppb, in a 20dm³ chamber so that experimentally derived sampling rates could be calculated and compared with the theoretical value. Three 2,4-DNPH solutions were investigated to obtain an efficient and stable trapping solution. Best results were achieved with a 27mg.ml^?1 solution of 2,4-DNPH which contained 4·5%v/v orthophosphoric acid. At 55% RH, and with low airflow in the chamber, the experimentally derived sampling rate of 1·34 ± 0·17ml.min^?1 was in good agreement with the theoretically derived sampling rate of 1·36ml.min^?1 The passive sampling method was repeatable and reproducible with RSD (relative standard deviation) values below 7%for long-term exposures at low air velocities.     

Changes in the surface characteristics of artificially aged mastic varnishes after cleaning using alkaline reagents

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of a selection of alkaline reagents, including solutions, pastes and soap gels, used to remove an artificially aged mastic film applied over a primed canvas. Surface changes were examined using visible light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Ammonia, whether in solution or gelled with hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), required a pH of 10 or higher to remove varnish at an appreciable rate, whereas ammonia in wax paste worked at pH 9. Soap gels based on deoxycholic acid (DCA) were effective at pH 9·5. The rate of removal increases significantly with the addition of benzyl alcohol, while anthracene-9-carboxylic acid (A9C) and 9-fluorenone-4-carboxylic acid (9FOC) soap gels of pH 7·9 worked quickly without the addition of alcohol. Where reagents with a pH of more than 9 were used, some erosion of the priming was observed under SEM. Examination of the topography of residual varnish after treatment and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) measurements provided evidence in support of models for the mode of action of reagents and soap gels on aged varnish. Ammonia, whether in solution, gel or paste, removes varnish by fracturing on a multi-molecular scale; soap gels not -specifically tailored to remove the varnish act similarly. A9C and 9FOC gels remove the varnish by thinning from the upper surface without fracturing.     

Notes

Abstract

Remnant dye on an excavated textile has been identified using a Fourier transform infrared microscope on a scale far below that which is possible by extractive techniques. The sample requires minimal preparation, a single fibre being sufficient to obtain a useful signal. A spectral data library of fibre, dyes and mordants has been built into the computer analysis program and four separate algorithms within the search facility are used to make the identification. The method is quick and may avoid some of the problems caused by masking of the infrared signal due to sample contamination during burial.     

NOTE ON THE PREPARATION AND MOUNTING OF SAMPLES OF CHALK/GLUE GROUND FROM PAINTINGS FOR SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY

Abstract

A complete summary of equations for leakage of enclosures is given, including vapour diffusion through still air in openings, and infiltration of air/vapour/particulate mixture. Stack pressure due to temperature and relative humidity difference drives most infiltration. Experiments confirmed the diffusion and infiltration equations for small and medium-size enclosures. Leakage for a carefully made display case with ordinary materials has been reduced to the microbarometric limit of about 0·03 of an air change per day. Simplified tables and charts of leakage are given for 0·1, 1·0 and 10m enclosures, as a function of crack width, hole width, and wall permeability.     

The Welding of Cracked Bells

Abstract

The construction of a 1·80 × 3·00 m vacuum table is described. Instead of fabricreinforced neoprene rubber type blankets, electric radiant heat panels are used to reach a maximum of 95°C. Heating takes approximately one hour.     

The iron in black weathering crusts on Saxonian sandstones investigated by Mössbauer spectroscopy

Abstract

Black weathering layers on stone often contain iron. This is particularly true for the Turonian sandstones which were used extensively in architecture and sculpture in Saxony. In order to obtain more knowledge about the oxidic iron phases, samples were collected in the city of Dresden. Mineralogical and analytical characterization was provided for the black layers and the supporting stone. Material originating from Cotta and Posta stone was submitted to Mössbauer spectroscopy. After ample comparisons of Mössbauer parameters and evaluation of infrared spectra it was concluded that the predominant neogenic iron phase is not iron(III) oxide hydrite (ferrihydrite) Fe₂O₃·1·8H₂O or jarosite KFe₃(SO₄)₂(OH)₆ or goethite α-FeO(OH) but a defectively ordered precursor of this last compound, characterized by different environments of the iron(III) ions. By the reducing action of organic matter, magnetite Fe₄O₄ is formed and this contains up to 45% of the iron present in a black layer.     

Biomedical researchers and students knowledge about predatory journals

BackgroundThe number of predatory journals is constantly growing and creating a major threat. Researchers in biomedical sciences should be aware of predatory publishers and be able to recognize them.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to assess biomedical researchers' knowledge about predatory journals both before and after showing them an infographic explaining these journals and their publishing model.MethodsThis study was conducted with a sample of biomedical researchers and students. Subjects answered two questionnaires, one before explaining a designed infographic to each participant through a direct face-to-face interview.ResultsA total of 158 participants were included in this study, with a mean age of 22.6 (±1.72) years. They were 122 (77.2%) undergraduates and 36 (22.8%) graduate students. The median number of research projects our subjects participated in was 1 (0–5), and the median number of published projects was 0 (0–3). Awareness of predatory journals or Beall's List improved from 7% and 2.5%, respectively, before the infographic to 97.5% and 94.9% after the infographic.ConclusionOur results indicate the beneficial use of the designed infographic to improve young researchers' awareness of predatory journals. We encourage research institutions and universities to effectively spread awareness of predatory journals.     

A Note on the Products of the Reaction of AMT with Bronze and with Three Corrosion Products of Bronze

Abstract

The compound 5-amino-2-mercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole (AMT) is utilized in the conservation of archaeological and artistic bronze artifacts, for their protection and for the removal of corrosion products. Many authors have discussed the utility and efficacy of this, but few have studied the products resulting from the reaction of AMT with bronze or with the corrosion products of bronze; this leaves the restorer with many doubts concerning the acceptability of this method. This paper discusses the study of products obtained from the reaction of AMT with synthesized corrosion products of bronze (malachite, paratacamite and brochantite) and with the commercial bronze alloy TM 23 (Cu 72%, Pb 15%, Zn 8% and Sn 5%). It was found that the film obtained from the direct reaction of AMT with the bronze alloy can be AMT itself, or the metallic complex Cu(C₂H₂N₃S₂)₂·H₂O if AMT is applied in a solution of an oxidizing acid. These results are expected to be of value to conservation scientists and restorers/ conservators concerned with the use of AMT for the conservation of bronze artifacts.     

The conservation of lead communion tokens by potentiost atic reduction

Abstract

The paper discusses the methodology adopted for and the results derived from a pilot project to conserve the lead and lead alloy communion tokens in the collections of St Andrews University. For the project a new conservation process, ‘potentiostatic reduction’, was developed, involving reduction of the tokens at ?1·2V vs. SCE (saturated calomel electrode) in 0·5M H₂SO₄, The aim of the pilot project was to test the effectiveness of the new process in tackling a largescale conservation problem by observing its effects on a wide range of tokens made of various alloys and suffering from varying degrees of corrosion. The results of the pilot project indicated that potentiostatic reduction is as effective as standard electrolytic reduction. Since the new technique greatly reduces the time required for the conservation of individual artifacts, there are substantial savings in conservation costs.     

The Murray Pease Report

Abstract

Though infrared spectroscopy is the single most powerful technique for the characterization of materials and though it is widely used in the chemical industries, its application to conservation has been severely limited due to the complexity and limited sample size of the materials presented for examination. In the past decade, the development of infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy has made possible the study of small samples and complex mixtures. The technique of infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy is compared to conventional infrared spectroscopy with reference to spectra of paper, egg yolk, albumin, madder, Indian yellow, purpurin, alizarin, indigo, and linseed oil.     

An Inorganic Magnesium-based Consolidant for the Consolidation of Silica Sand (A Substitute for Weathered Sandstone): A Preliminary Exploration

ABSTRACT

Sandstone is a common sedimentary rock that is easily carved due to its weakly cemented fine grains and relatively low strength. Therefore, numerous large-scale grottoes in China are made of sandstone. However, these sandstone cultural heritage structures are often seriously damaged due to temperature and humidity changes, air pollution, biodeterioration, and repeated dissolution and crystallization of soluble salts. In general, it is imperative that a consolidant capable of providing cohesion by infilling pores between the stone grains is synthesized. In recent years, it has been reported that using organic consolidation materials for sandstone protection comes with various negative effects, such as a short lifetime, poor compatibility, and preservation damage. Using inorganic consolidation materials to protect sandstone seems to be one of the research trends for the future. Herein, this paper introduces a permeable, inorganic magnesium-based material (MMH solution) for silica sand consolidation. To assess this consolidant, the paper investigates the influence of varying molar ratios of MgO:MgCl₂·6H₂O:H₂O on properties such as penetration depth, consolidation weight, colour variation, and compressive strength. The results demonstrate that the molar ratios of MgO:MgCl₂·6H₂O:H₂O can significantly affect the consolidation performance. Additionally, it is believed that the MMH solution of MgO:MgCl₂·6H₂O:H₂O?=?5:1:16 can be successfully used for the consolidation of silica sand, as the cubic specimens’ surface micrographs show good compatibility between the consolidation product and sand grains. Experiments (i.e. weight loss rate and mineralogical compositions analysis) are performed to evaluate the cubic specimens’ water resistance properties after being immersed in water. Furthermore, the consolidation material’s failure mechanism as a self-sacrificing material is preliminarily analyzed. Results indicate that MMH solution is a promising conservation material that shows great potential for consolidating severely weathered sandstone.     

Borrowing trouble? The impact of a systematic review service on interlibrary loan borrowing in an academic health sciences library

Background:With the mandate to review all available literature in the study''s inclusion parameters, systematic review projects are likely to require full-text access to a significant number of articles that are not available in a library''s collection, thereby necessitating ordering content via interlibrary loan (ILL). The aim of this study is to understand what effect a systematic review service has on the copyright royalty fees accompanying ILL requests at an academic health sciences library.Case Presentation:The library created a custom report using ILLiad data to look specifically at 2018 ILL borrowing requests that were known to be part of systematic reviews. This subset of borrowing activity was then analyzed to determine its impact on the library''s copyright royalty expenditures for the year. In 2018, copyright eligible borrowing requests that were known to be part of systematic reviews represented only approximately 5% of total filled requests that involved copyright eligible borrowing. However, these systematic review requests directly or indirectly caused approximately 10% of all the Spencer S. Eccles Library copyright royalty expenditures for 2018 requests.Conclusion:Based on the sample data set, the library''s copyright royalty expenditures did increase, but the overall financial impact was modest.     

Mid-wave Infrared Reflectography and Thermography for the Study of Ancient Books: A Review

ABSTRACT

In this paper an overview of recent applications of mid-wave infrared imaging techniques to the study of books is presented. Studies performed by thermography and mid-wave infrared reflectography are reviewed to demonstrate how they can be used to investigate the main features of books. The capability of these techniques is exploited in the analysis of structural elements of the bookbindings and writing supports as well as in the characterization of the writings and illuminations. Thermographic and reflectographic results are compared with results obtained using other imaging techniques operating in different spectral regions, thus pointing out how mid-wave infrared imaging techniques can help in examining many aspects of books. Finally, it is shown that the obtained information can also be used to evaluate the condition of the book and, when required, to properly plan conservation treatments.     

Mineralogical changes arising from the use of aqueous sodium carbonate solutions for the treatment of archaeological copper objects

Abstract

Mineralogical changes which occur during the reaction of copper(II) chloride with carbonate in aqueous solution have been investigated, and compared with those involving copper(I) chloride, nantokite, CuCI, and copper artifacts coated with malachite, CU₂CO₃(OH)₂ The reactions observed and the products obtained are seen to have implications with respect to the use of aqueous sodium carbonate solutions to stabilize archaeological copper objects. The frequent observation of the mineralogically rare species chalconatronite, Na₂Cu(CO₃)₂·3H₂O, on the surface of treated objects is readily explained by known reaction chemistry. Its formation can be minimized by washing the object after treatment.     

Essai de Reconstitution d’un Procédé de Fabrication des Lames d’Épées Damassées

Abstract

During 1977–78, a conservation project was undertaken by the Federal Government of Canada to preserve the weathered hull of the HD-4, an experimental hydrofoil craft built at the laboratorie of Alexander Graham Bell in Baddeck, Nova Scotia. After achieving a world marine speed record of 70·86 m.p.h. (114·01 km.p.h.) in 1919, the craft was beached on the shore of a salt water lake. Forty years’ exposure to severe weathering caused wood rot, metal corrosion and the disintegration of the canvas covering. Due to the deteriorated condition of the craft and the loss of most of the external structures, complete restoration was not desirable or practical. The aim of the project was therefore, to stabilize the wooden hull, while preserving its weathered appearance.     

The potential of portable TV holography for examining frescoes in situ

Abstract

The authors describe the application of TV holography, also known as electronic speckle pattern interferometry (ESPI), to the examination of wall paintings. The equipment usesfibre-optic illumination and a solid-state camera connected to a computer. Images made after the wall painting has been warmed slightly with an infrared lamp are compared with reference images; differences in the speckle pattern can be used to identify cracks and subsurface detachments. The system is robust and portable, allowing it to be used for the in situ investigation of wall paintings, including those exposed externally. It can also be used to monitor the condition of the work of art over time and to evaluate the success of any treatment.     

Investigation of the Er:YAG Laser at 2.94 μm to Remove Lichens Growing on Stone

Abstract

The analysis of the surface ablation of the removal of lichens from stone by use of a free-running pulsed Er:YAG laser (erbium-doped yttrium, aluminium, garnet crystal) at a wavelength of 2.94 μm demonstrated the complete destruction of the lichen cell wall. In this paper these results are confirmed, and experiments are described which seek to determine the physical/chemical mechanism of the ablation process using pyrolysis gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (pyrolysis GC-MS), highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and fluorescence microscopy.     

Detection and Identification of Waxes,Including Punic Wax,by Infra-red Spectrography

Abstract

Algal and cyanobacterial growth occurring on the plaster-covered interior walls of the church of St Stephanus at Pilsum (northern Germany) has been studied. A Mobile Ultra Violet Unit (MUVU) has been successfully applied to the church walls in order to control growth of photosynthetic organisms. The killing effect of the UV-light on the flora has been demonstrated by the following methods: (1) infrared photography, (2) quantitative chlorophyll determinations, (3) transmitted light microscopy, (4) scanning electron microscopy and (5) plate counts. It was demonstrated that the MUVU method is efficient and cheap. The construction and operation of the MUVU is easy. Assessment of the efficiency of the process can be carried out without complicated chemical or biological analyses, by using IR-photography.