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ISSN:
2067-533X
Online ISSN: 2067-8223
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Current Issue
Volume 4, Issue 1, March 2013
Table
of contents
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Research
Articles:
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D.M. Goltz, B. Piniuta, E. Huebner, M. Attas, E. Cloutis, J. Broomhead
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Spectroscopic Approaches for Studying Faint Text on a Wooden Tally from Invincible (1758)
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[ Abstract ]
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In this study we describe the application of X-ray fluorescence, variable pressure scanning electron microscopy and visible (420-720 nm) hyperspectral imaging to assess the surface properties of a wood tally stick that was recovered from the 3rd rate Invincible. The Invincible was a wooden warship that sunk in 1758. The main objective of this work was to improve the legibility of very faint text that was detected on the surface of one of the three tally sticks used in this project. For imaging, an ultraviolet light source was used to achieve reasonable contrast between the text and the wood and the optimal wavelength was found to be 365nm. Single band images at 550 nm gave the best contrast, particularly if flat fielding was used to compensate for uneven lighting of the wooden surface. Finally, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and SEM were used to assess the wood and possibly identify the material used to write on the tally stick. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images did not reveal the presence of any graphite particles or ink deposits, but the XRF indicated that there were higher levels of Fe where text was detected, which may indicate that an iron containing writing material was used to write on these tally sticks.
Keywords: wood; archaeology; hyperspectral imaging; SEM; XRF
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M.R. Escorteganha, A.G. Santiago, H.A. Magosso, F.A. Richter, T.G. Costa
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Conservation State of Mural Paintings from a Historic House in Florianópolis-SC, Brazil. A Multidisciplinary Approach
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[ Abstract ] |
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The scientific approach to conservation and monitoring of mural paintings executed in a historic house with an eclectic style of the twentieth century, located in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil, is an example of interdisciplinary collaboration between conservators, historians, and scientists in planning and development actions for preventive maintenance as well as interventions of restoration. The mural paintings are recognized worldwide as an architectural element and property, which records the representations of the cultural landscape of an age. In this context, the painting technique found in this house and its state of conservation were investigated by evaluation of pigmented surfaces and then by optical and spectroscopic (IR and EDX) techniques. These results were crucial for the record of the characteristic painting present in this building, showing a period marked by intense urban renewal in Brazilian cities
Keywords: Mural paintings; pigments; infrared spectroscopy; EDX
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N.A. Bader, W.K Al-Gharib
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Restoration and Preservation of Engraved Limestone Blocks Discovered in
Abu Mousa Excavation, Suez - Egypt
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[ Abstract ] |
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A lot of engraved limestone blocks were discovered at Awlad Abu Musa (east of Suez, Egypt) in 1995/2007 by Supreme Council of Antiquities. The stone blocks were seriously affected by archaeological environments during burial environment in agriculture land. They were covered with thick clay layer with soil particles that disfigured them and hid their inscriptions. Prior to the conservation intervention, the materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Chemical analyses of ground water and microbiological study. After the material characterization, the conservation and restoration of the stone blocks were carried out including cleaning, consolidation, reduction of salts, Re-jointing, restoration and completion of lost parts. After that the blocks were exhibited in Suez museum
Keywords: Excavation; Awlad Mousa; treatment; consolidation; desalination; Suez museum.
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Geomechanical Investigations for Architectural Heritage Preservation. The Habib Sakakini Palace in Cairo, Egypt
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[ Abstract ] |
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The understanding of the geotechnical problems and failure mechanisms of stone structures of Sakakini palace (1897 AC) entails a comprehensive study on the mechanical behavior of the stones and other construction materials. In addition to micro analysis, geological and geomorphologic interests, several investigations on stone deterioration and engineering geology were performed. First phase included more advanced techniques, which provided additional information on particular aspects of site deterioration and it included laser analysis (LIBS), electron probe micro analysis, micro XRD and XRF analyses, scanning electron microscope analysis coupled with EDX probing, transmission electron microscopy and grain size distribution analysis, permeability and pore size distribution of stone, mortars, core binders and other construction materials. Second phase included the determination of mechanical properties of building stones, such as compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, and shear strength. To obtain reliable values for these properties, a suitable number of samples should be extracted, prepared for testing, and properly tested. The test results are then analyzed to establish the investigated stone properties. The testing program includes extracting seven cylindrical cores from the basement stone walls of Sakakini’s mansion in down town Cairo. The objectives of the study are to provide a characterization of micro structures and the mechanical properties of the stones of Sakakini’s Mansion; The purpose of the present research is to provide recommendations regarding the strengthening and the safety of architectural heritage under long and short-term loading. For this purpose, a set of experimental tests and of advanced numerical analyses are to be carried out.
Keywords: Architectural heritage; Habib Sakakini palace; geotechnical; mechanical properties; stone deterioration; LIBS.
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The Study of Conservation State of a Wooden Church from Boz Village, Hunedoara County, Romania
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[ Abstract ] |
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The study presents the conservation state of the wooden churches from Hunedoara County, Mures Valley, Boz village. This is an example of the rich patrimony of this area. The problems encountered at Boz church are the effects of different causes, including those with major impact: biological degradation and deterioration, human intervention and humidity effects. After analysing the state of conservation of this monument, we specified the interventions that need to be done at the building’s components, emphasizing especially the emergency measures that cannot wait. In order to save this monument, which is a representative one for the wooden architecture of this area, it is necessary to implement the scientific project and to establish certain specialized committees and teams, whose goal should be is to save the entire monument, not only parts of it– as it has been done so far at this church and at almost at all the studied churches.
Keywords: conservation state; wooden church; interventions; interior paint.
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Characterization of Qarh's Wall Plasters, Al-Ulla, Saudi Arabia. A Case Study
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[ Abstract ] |
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During five years (2008 to 2012) of field work in the restoration and conservation of the Qarh's monuments at Al-Ulla northwest Saudi Arabia, many kinds of wall plasters were studied, investigated and analyzed by the following methods: field observations, (visual examination), Optical Microscope (OM), Polarized Microscope (PM), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), equipped with (EDS), and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD).Those methods of investigation and analysis helped us determine the Qarh's wall plasters. Four kinds of plasters were identified; white gypsum plaster, white gypsum and lime plaster, gypsum plaster over an insulating layer and lime plaster over an insulating layer. Their main components are gypsum, lime, sand and an additional material for improving plasters properties. Those results helped us to make a correct diagnosis, which is the first step in any conservation strategy.
Keywords: Qarh site; wall plaster; investigations; diagnosis. |
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S. Yapoga, Y.B. Ossey, V. Kouame
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Phytoremediation of Zinc, Cadmium, Copper and Chrome from Industrial Wastewater by Eichhornia Crassipes
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[ Abstract ] |
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Eichhornia crassipes was tested for its high capacity to bioconcentrate four heavy metals (Zn, Cd, Cu, and Cr) commonly found in wastewater from industries. Young plants of equal size were cultured in plastic tub containing industrial wastewater. Therefore, control experimental sets contained only mining effluent without any plants. The digested samples were analyzed for four metals (Zn, Cu, Cd and Cr) by a Perkin Elmer 3000DV Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometer (ICP-AES). Eichhornia crassipes removed appreciable amount of heavy metals during a 15 days experiment. Maximum removal of metals was recorded on the 10th day of exposure. Roots of Eichhornia crassipes proved better accumulator of the metals than leaves. Eichhornia crassipes can be used to serve as a phytoremediation plant in the cleaning up of Zn, Cd, Cu and Cr from industrial wastewater.
Keywords: Eichhornia crassipes; phytoremediation; accumulation capacity; industrial wastewater. |
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Assessment of Wild Ungulates in the Karnali Flood Plain of Bardia National Park, Nepal
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[ Abstract ] |
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The population of ungulates depends on the habitat factors and prey-predator interaction. This study aims to explore the habitat preference of ungulates and their relation with associated predators in the Bardia National Park, Nepal. The study was based on the transect survey and indirect observation of ungulates. Spotted deer recorded the highest density and blue bull recorded the lowest. Hog deer preferred mostly flood plains habitat and barking deer preferring mixed hardwood forest and tall grass flood plains. However, barking deer completely avoided the riverine forest and flood plain habitats. Swamp deer preferred Phata (grassland) and blue bull was recorded only in flood plains. The higher concentration of ungulates’ pellet groups were found in areas close to water sources. The study concluded that different habitat features influence the distribution and abundance of ungulates. The higher density of spotted deer and hog deer suggests these species as the major prey base to maintain viable populations of tigers in the park.
Keywords: Bardia National Park; distribution; ungulate; habitat preference. |
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A New Propagation Method for Rapid Multiplication of Chrysanthemum under in Vivo Conditions
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[ Abstract ] |
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A new method of propagation of chrysanthemum through leaf cuttings complimentary to the conventional method of shoot tip propagation was developed under in vivo conditions. The study was conducted during 2008-2011 at the research farm of the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India. Two cultivars of chrysanthemum ‘Autumn Joy’ and ‘Garden Beauty’ were used for the study. Leaf cuttings consisting of leaf blade, petiole and an attached auxiliary bud, taken from different positions of the stem were treated with the combination of plant growth regulators (IBA and Kinetin). With this method, 10-15 new plants were produced from a single stem in contrast to the conventional method of propagation through terminal stem cuttings, which yielded only one plant per stem. The complete process of regenerating plants through this method is new, quick, simple, easy, economical and highly effective and takes the same time as conventional method) under in vivo conditions. This propagation technique is particularly useful when propagating material is scarce as from a small quantity of initial propagating material, a large number of plants can be produced.
Keywords: Chrysanthemum; propagation; leaf cuttings; growth regulators; plant regeneration. |
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R. Bahaguna, V. Prakash, H. Bisht
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Quantitative Enhancement of Active Content and Biomass of Two Aconitum Species Through Suitable Cultivation Technology
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[ Abstract ] |
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High altitude medicinal plants are facing problem due to their unsustainable utilization. So, the cultivation of these plants with appropriate technology may fulfill the demand of pharmaceutical industry and may also promote the conservation at their natural habitat. Highly important two species of Aconitum were studied for the enhancement of net profit by applying protected farming system. Both the experimental species were grown under natural and greenhouse conditions. Very positive results were obtained in plants of both Aconitum species grown under greenhouse as compared to natural conditions. Enhancement in yield was 12 and 9 times high in Aconitum heterophyllum Wall. ex Royle and Aconitum balfourii Stapf. respectively grown under greenhouse as compared to natural condition. Pseudoaconitine and aconitine were also observed high in greenhouse grown (0.51% and 0.42% respectively) than naturally grown plants (0.49% and 0.40% respectively). The quantity of atisine and aconitine was also found high (0.35% & 0.27% respectively) in greenhouse than naturally grown plants (0.19% & 0.16% respectively). It was noticed that plant height, leaf number, and average length of tubers were high in plants grown inside greenhouse in contrast to natural habitat. Almost five and two folds more tubers were found in A. balfourii and A. heterophyllum respectively in plants grown under greenhouse in comparison to natural conditions.
Keywords: Aconitum balfourii; Aconitum heterophyllum; greenhouse; natural condition; active content; pseudoaconitine; aconitine; atisine.
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M. Kabir, M.S. Awan, M. Anwar
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Distribution Range and Population Status of Common Leopard (Panthera Pardus) in and Around Machiara National Park, Azad Jammu and Kashmir
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[ Abstract ] |
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The present study was conducted to estimate the status of common leopard (Panthera pardus) in and around Machiara National Park (MNP) Azad Jammu and Kashmir between May 2007 and July 2008. Fifteen fixed transects were monitored on regular basis. Indirect signs of leopard such as pugmarks and scats were recorded along the transects in addition to people and livestock which were counted as an index of disturbance and mean encounter rate for leopard scats, footprints, livestock and people was calculated. Mean encounter rate for leopard pugmarks was 1.6, for scats 2.11, for livestock 25.03, and for people 22.48. Linear measurements of front and hind pugmarks and strides were classified which indicated that at least six to nine (06-09) individuals are present in the study area (13,532 ha). Questionnaire survey revealed that Leopards were sighted by the locals at 23 locations during the study period including; in the morning (35%), evening (29%), night (21%) and daytime (15%). Maximum sightings were recorded between 4765ft to 9634ft elevation presenting moist temperate zone with Pinus wallichiana as a dominant tree species. As a result of increasing biotic pressures, the leopard has become rare with growing threat of further degradation and fragmentation of its habitat. It may cause the species to depend more on the domestic livestock available in and around the area giving way to the problem of human-leopard conflict. The information generated from the study will be helpful for the conservation and management of this critically endangered species.
Keywords: Common leopard; status; threats, Machiara National Park.
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A. Purohit, P. Soni, A. Kaur, H. Ram
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Eco-Status of Chiropteran Fauna in and Around Barmer, India
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[ Abstract ] |
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The survey was carried out from 2010 to 2012 to assess the eco-status of chiropterans in and around Barmer (24°85’04” to 26°32’20”N Latitudes and 70°05’35’’ to 72°52’14’’E Longitudes) in the Great Indian Desert (Thar Desert), India. The population dynamics, species richness and distribution of bats were examined at all possible sites revealing that eco- transformation in this area positively affecting the chiropteran bio-diversity and richness in this area. Up to 1982 only three microchiropteran species i.e. Rhinopoma microphyllum kinneari, Pipistrellus tenuis, Taphozous perforatus perforatus were recorded in this area and the present study revealed five new species in this area. The newly species added from microchiropterans are Rhinopoma hardwickii, Taphozous melanopogon, Taphozous nudiventris and from megachiroptera i.e. Cynopterix sphinx, Pteropus giganteus giganteus. These findings suggest that eco- transformation in and around Barmer area of Thar desert positively affect the demography and species richness of bats in this area.
Keywords:Eco status; Chiroptera; Eco-transformation; Thar Desert; Barmer.
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Available online on 08.02.2013
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