bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing seafood traceability: tracking the origin of seabass and seabream from the tuscan coast area by the analysis of the gill bacterial communities
Authors: Meriggi Niccolò , Russo Alessandro , Renzi Sonia , Cerasuolo Benedetta , Nerini Marta , Ugolini Alberto , Marvasi Massimiliano , Cavalieri Duccio
Published: March 2024

Background

The seafood consumption and trade have increased over the years, and along its expected expansion pose major challenges to the seafood industry and government institutions. In particular, the global trade in fish products and the consequent consumption are linked to reliable authentication, necessary to guarantee lawful trade and healthy consumption. Alterations or errors in this process can lead to commercial fraud and/or health threats. Consequently, the development of new investigative tools became crucial in ensuring unwanted scenarios. Here we used NGS techniques through targeted metagenomics approach on the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA genes to characterize the gill bacterial communities in wild-caught seabream (Sparus aurata) and seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) within different fisheries areas of the “Costa degli Etruschi’’ area in the Tuscan coast. Our challenge involved the possibility of discriminating between the microbiota of both fish species collected from three different fishing sites very close to each other (all within 100 km) in important areas from a commercial and tourist point of view.

Results

Our results showed a significant difference in the assembly of gill bacterial communities in terms of diversity (alpha and beta diversity) of both seabass and seabream in accordance with the three fishing areas. These differences were represented by a unique site -related bacterial signature, more evident in seabream compared to the seabass. Accordingly, the core membership of seabream specimens within the three different sites was minimal compared to the seabass which showed a greater number of sequence variants shared among the different fishing sites. Therefore, the LRT analysis highlighted the possibility of obtaining specific fish bacterial signatures associated with each site; it is noteworthy that specific taxa showed a unique association with the fishing site regardless of the fish species. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of target-metagenomic sequencing of gills in discriminating bacterial signatures of specimens collected from fishing areas located at a limited distance to each other.

Conclusions

This study provides new information relating the structure of the gill microbiota of seabass and seabream in a fishing area with a crucial commercial and tourist interest, namely “Costa degli Etruschi”. This study demonstrated that microbiome-based approaches can represent an important tool for validating the seafood origins with a central applicative perspective in the seafood traceability system.
Exploring the interplay of MTHFR and FGG polymorphisms with serum levels of adiponectin and leptin in pediatric lupus nephritis: a pilot study
Authors: De Egea Gloria Garavito , Domínguez-Vargas Alex , Fang Luis , Pereira-Sanandrés Nicole , Rodríguez Jonathan , Aroca-Martinez Gustavo , Espítatela Zilac , Malagón Clara , Iglesias-Gamarra Antonio , Moreno-Woo Ana , López-Lluch Guillermo , Egea Eduardo
Published: March 2024

Background

Adiponectin and leptin are pivotal in the regulation of metabolism. Pediatric lupus nephritis (pLN), a manifestation of childhood systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) affecting the kidneys, is associated with impaired adipokine levels, suggesting a role in pLN pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to explore the potential relationship between specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)—methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) rs1801131 and fibrinogen gamma chain (FGG) rs2066865—and the serum levels of leptin and adiponectin in patients with pLN.

Methods

Ninety-eight pLN patients and one hundred controls were enrolled in the study. Serum leptin and adiponectin levels were measured using ELISA. DNA extraction and real-time PCR genotyping were performed for MTHFR rs1801131 and FGG rs2066865 SNPs.

Results

Compared to healthy controls, pLN patients exhibited significantly greater serum leptin (11.3 vs. 18.2 ng/mL, p < 0.001) and adiponectin (18.2 vs. 2.7 ug/mL, p < 0.001). Adiponectin levels were positively correlated with proteinuria (p < 0.05), while leptin levels positively correlated with proteinuria, SLE disease activity index-2000 (SLEDAI-2K), and cyclophosphamide usage (all p < 0.05). There was no significant association between MTHFR rs1801131 or FGG rs2066865 SNPs and pLN in either codominant or allelic models (all p > 0.05). However, the AG genotype of FGG gene rs2066865 SNP was significantly associated with high leptin levels (> 15 ng/mL) (p = 0.01).

Conclusion

Serum adiponectin and leptin levels are associated with pathological manifestations of pLN. High leptin levels are associated with the AG genotype of FGG rs2066865 SNP in pLN patients, suggesting direct involvement in disease progression and potential utility as a disease biomarker.
The UK National Recovery Survey: nationally representative survey of people overcoming a drug or alcohol problem
Authors: Day Ed , Manitsa Ifigeneia , Farley Amanda , Kelly John F.
Published: March 2024

Background

Alcohol or drug (AOD) problems are a significant health burden in the UK population, and understanding pathways to remission is important.

Aims

To determine the UK population prevalence of overcoming an AOD problem and the prevalence and correlates of ‘assisted’ pathways to problem resolution.

Method

Stage 1: a screening question was administered in a national telephone survey to provide (a) an estimate of the UK prevalence of AOD problem resolution; and (b) a demographic profile of those reporting problem resolution. Stage 2: social surveying organisation YouGov used the demographic data from stage 1 to guide the administration of the UK National Recovery Survey to a representative subsample from its online panel.

Results

In stage 1 (n = 2061), 102 (5%) reported lifetime AOD problem resolution. In the weighted sample (n = 1373) who completed the survey in stage 2, 49.9% reported ‘assisted’ pathway use via formal treatment (35.0%), mutual help (29.7%) and/or recovery support services (22.6%). Use of an assisted pathway was strongly correlated with lifetime AOD diagnosis (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 9.54) and arrest in the past year (AOR = 7.88) and inversely correlated with absence of lifetime psychiatric diagnosis (AOR = 0.17). Those with cocaine (AOR = 2.44) or opioid problems (AOR = 3.21) were more likely to use assisted pathways compared with those with primary alcohol problems.

Conclusion

Nearly three million people have resolved an AOD problem in the UK. Findings challenge the therapeutic pessimism sometimes associated with these problems and suggest a need to learn from community-based self-change that can supplement and enhance existing treatment modalities.
Interaction effect of race-ethnicity and dementia on COVID-19 diagnosis among a national US older adult sample
Authors: Wong Roger , Grullon Jason Rafael
Published: March 2024

Older racial and ethnic minorities and older adults with dementia have an elevated COVID-19 risk, warranting research into the intersection between these two high-risk groups. We examined whether race-ethnicity moderates the association between dementia and COVID-19 diagnosis. Data were retrieved for 3189 respondents from a nationally representative prospective cohort sample of US older adults aged 65+ years. We analysed the effects of the interaction between race-ethnicity and dementia on COVID-19 diagnosis, after adjusting for sociodemographic factors, health and COVID-19 mitigation behaviours. The odds of COVID-19 diagnosis were significantly lower for Black older adults with dementia (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.01–0.78, P = 0.03). In addition, dementia increased the odds of COVID-19 diagnosis among Hispanic older adults (aOR = 1.59, 95% CI = 0.12–21.29, P = 0.72), although this increase was not statistically significant. The interaction between race-ethnicity and dementia should be considered when assessing COVID-19 risk among older adults. Future research is needed to examine pathways through which dementia may interact with race and ethnicity to influence COVID-19 risk.
The Only Way Out
Authors: Brewer Ball Katherine
Published: March 2024

In The Only Way Out, Katherine Brewer Ball explores the American fascination with the escape story. Brewer Ball argues that escape is a key site for exploring American conceptions of freedom and constraint. Stories of escape are never told just once but become mythic in their episodic iterations, revealing the fantasies and desires of society, the storyteller, and the listener. While white escape narratives have typically been laden with Enlightenment fantasies of redemption where freedom is available to any individual willing to seize it, Brewer Ball explores how Black and queer escape offer forms of radical possibility. Drawing on Black studies, queer theory, and performance studies, she examines a range of works, from nineteenth-century American literature to contemporary queer of color art and writing by contemporary American artists including Wilmer Wilson IV, Tourmaline, Tony Kushner, Junot Díaz, Glenn Ligon, Toshi Reagon, and Sharon Hayes. Throughout, escape emerges as a story not of individuality but of collectivity and entanglement.
Preoperative Opioid Use and Postoperative Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Microvascular Decompression for Trigeminal Neuralgia
Authors: Kalluri Anita L. , Ejimogu Emeka , Kilgore Collin , Nair Sumil K. , Ran Kathleen R. , Abdulrahim Mostafa , Xie Michael E. , Halbert-Elliott Kyra , Yedavalli Vivek , Lim Michael , Jackson Christopher M. , Huang Judy , Bettegowda Chetan , Xu Risheng
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

The prescription of opioid analgesics for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is controversial, and their effect on postoperative outcomes for patients with TN undergoing microvascular decompression (MVD) has not been reported. We aimed to describe the relationship between preoperative opioid use and postoperative outcomes in patients with TN undergoing MVD.

METHODS:

We reviewed the records of 920 patients with TN at our institution who underwent an MVD between 2007 and 2020. Patients were sorted into 2 groups based on preoperative opioid usage. Demographic information, comorbidities, characteristics of TN, preoperative medications, pain and numbness outcomes, and recurrence data were recorded and compared between groups. Multivariate ordinal regression, Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, and Cox proportional hazards were used to assess differences in pain outcomes between groups.

RESULTS:

One hundred and forty-five (15.8%) patients in this study used opioids preoperatively. Patients who used opioids preoperatively were younger (P = .04), were more likely to have a smoking history (P < .001), experienced greater pain in modified Barrow Neurological Institute pain score at final follow-up (P = .001), and were more likely to experience pain recurrence (P = .01). In addition, patients who used opioids preoperatively were more likely to also have been prescribed TN medications including muscle relaxants and antidepressants preoperatively (P < .001 and P < .001, respectively). On multivariate regression, opioid use was an independent risk factor for greater postoperative pain at final follow-up (P = .006) after controlling for variables including female sex and age. Opioid use was associated with shorter time to pain recurrence on Kaplan–Meier analysis (P = .005) and was associated with increased risk for recurrence on Cox proportional hazards regression (P = .008).

CONCLUSION:

Preoperative opioid use in the setting of TN is associated with worse pain outcomes and increased risk for pain recurrence after MVD. These results indicate that opioids should be prescribed cautiously for TN and that worse post-MVD outcomes may occur in patients using opioids preoperatively.
Development of Automatic Detection and Visualization System for Stone Pagoda Damage Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Lee Jungmin , Yu Jeong Min
Published: March 2024

Damage diagnosis through monitoring is essential for systematic and efficient conservation and management of cultural heritage. In this study, we developed a deep learning system that automatically detects and visualizes damage to stone pagodas to enable regular monitoring of cultural heritage. Mask R-CNN was used to detect and visualize damage in pixel units in stone pagoda images. A dataset specialized for stone pagodas in Korea was built and applied to train the model. The generalized performance of the trained model was evaluated on the five-story stone pagoda at Jeongnimsa Temple Site. The damage detection recall for each type was in the range of 0.86 to 0.62 based on IoU 0.50, and the damage area segmentation recall was in the range of 0.68 to 0.51. This study suggests a new safety management methodology by applying artificial intelligence to cultural heritage sites and has important applications in cultural heritage preservation.
Digital Restoration of Volatilized⋅Faded Documents
Authors: Lee Sang Hwa , Na Mi Sun
Published: March 2024

Digital restoration of documents refers to the way for restoring images of records whose legibility is poor due to volatilization⋅fading. The study analyzed the application of VSC(Video Spectral Comparator) to 1,206 sheets of special paper by the National Archives of Korea and digital restoration data. The findings show that most of thermal paper especially the legibility was improved under the ultraviolet condition. Records of sensitive paper, or diazo copying paper, became clear under the conditions of infrared fluorescence light. However, there was no effect for some missing letters so it is regarded that the effects are limited when the initial state of a record is poor. there was insignificant effect for wet copying paper despite application of various light sources. On the other hand, When compared with thermal paper, legibility of documents produced by the Japanese Government-General of Korea in the early 1900s mixed with bast fibers such as tissue paper was improved under various conditions such as visible and infrared rays though it was most visible under the ultraviolet condition. As mentioned above, few number of data makes it difficult to decide a light source adequate for material. However, it was possible to identify the tendency of light sources reacting to material.
Diagnosis of Wall Structure of Mural Painting in Josadang Shrine of Buseoksa Temple Using High-Resolution GPR Exploration
Authors: Oh Hyundok , Jeong Hye Young , Kwon Moonhee
Published: March 2024

The National Treasure Mural Painting in Josadang Shrine of Buseoksa Temple is a Goryeo Dynasty mural painted on a wall made of clay. GPR exploration, a non-destructive investigation method , was conducted to determine whether the cause of wall cracks was related to the frame. A method of transmitting electromagnetic waves with a high frequency of 2 GHz through the surface of the mural was applied, and HH and VV data were acquired in the Y-axis direction. The survey was conducted with high resolution by setting the measurement line interval to 1 cm and the data acquisition interval to 1 cm very closely. The exploration method is similar to rebar exploration commonly used at construction sites. However due to the nature of earthen walls and wooden structures, they produce weak reflection signals, so when the data is processed in the same way, noise is amplified in the image. This may lead to errors in interpreting the results. In data processing, images were derived by applying the optimal gridding method. As a result of the investigation, it was determined that the wall framework was composed of Gasisae, Seol-oe, and Nul-oe that can be seen in a Korean Hanok building, and it was confirmed that wall cracks occurred on the location of the Gasisae.
Feather Analysis and Restoration Techniques Trends for Conservation of the Traditional Korean Featherwork
Authors: An Boyeon , Park Seonghee , Kim Sally Gunhee
Published: March 2024

This paper highlights scientific analyses and treatments of cultural heritage made of feathers in Korea. While research on the conservation and treatment of featherwork has been systematically conducted in North and South Americas, it has not attracted much attention in Korea because featherwork has been rare. In many cases, if any, feathers have been used as a decorative material in composite works. In this study, we propose a conservation treatment plan for domestic featherwork based on foreign case studies of similar works. Basic characteristics such as structure, material characteristics, and colour are presented in order to establish a solid foundation of knowledge about feathers and to use this foundation for the basis of treatments. Analyses using ultraviolet rays and amino acid composition of feather will be explored to investigate the condition of feathers. XRF analyses are also an important tool to determine the presence of heavy metal pesticides on feathers. Upon determining the stability of feathers and presence of pesticides, treatments such as surface cleaning, stabilization, restoration, and packaging/storage methods will be presented using examples of specific materials and tools. It is hoped that the groundwork for conservation of featherwork and feathers in composite works in Korea will be launched through this paper.
Species Identification and Tree-ring Dating of Wooden Elements in Seongjeonggak of Changduk-palace, Seoul, Korea
Authors: Lee Kwang Hee , Kim Soo Chul
Published: March 2024

This aimed to species identification and tree-ring dating of wooden elements used in the Seongjeonggak of Changduk-palace, Seoul, Korea. All 50 wooden elements were confirmed to be Pinus subgenus (Hard pines). Increment cores of the wooden elements were collected using a drill for tree-ring dating, and mutual compatibility of dendrochronologies were constructed using statistical and graph comparison methods. As a result of tree ring dating, The chronologies of 30 Pinus subgenus wooden elements were matched to each other and to the standard chronologies. In addition, some wooden elements had bark revealing the following logging dates: early spring 1774 – early spring 1777. The obtained felling date of the 1770s were found to be consistent with those in the construction and repair records of the Ilseongnok (Records of daily reflections) and Seungjeongwon’ diary (The daily records of royal secretariat of Joseon dynasty). However, the obtained outermost dates of the 1881 were not consistent with those in the construction and repair records. Therefore, additional confirmation of repairs that were not included in the records was possible using tree-ring dating.
Analysis of Surface Damage on the Mural Painting in Josadang Shrine of Buseoksa Temple in Yeongju Using Reflectance Transformation Imaging Technology
Authors: Min Ji Hyun , Jeong Hye Young , Kim Seoul Hui , Moon Hye Young , Jeon Yong Jae
Published: March 2024

In this study, we examined the effectiveness of RTI(Reflectance Transformation Imaging) method as a digital imaging technology that can accurately and three-dimensionally record the damaged state of mural heritage. For this purpose, major damage types were classified on the mural painting in Josadang shrine of Buseoksa temple in Yeongju, and an RTI was conducted on areas with highly damaged areas. According to the results by the type of damage to the murals, salt weathering damage (58.9-18.2%), painting layer damage (37.9-13.0%), past reinforcement area (9.8-4.2%), biological damage and other contamination (19.8-2.5%), exposed damage to the finishing layer (19.7∼0.7%), past fixative area (2.5∼0.0%), and cracks (0.5∼0.3%) were found to have a high share of damaged area. From the RTI investigation for each damage type, image data was constructed to visually identify the degree of damage. In particular, in the case of microscope-based RTI, it was confirmed that it can be used as an accurate recording technology because it can identify color layer exfoliation, pigment particle shape, and salt crystal shape that are difficult to see in general microscope images. This is a research method that has not been attempted in existing RTI or mural research, and is expected to be applicable in the future not only to murals but also to the field of cultural heritage with painting layers.
Scientific Analysis and Conservation Treatment of the Ancestral Tablet Excavated from the Site of Gongpyeong, Seoul
Authors: Park Ji Hyeon , Jo Ah Hyeon , Park Su Zin
Published: March 2024

Scientific analysis and conservation treatment were conducted on two ancestral tablets excavated in whole form the site of the 15th and 16th districts (B area) in Gongpyeong, Seoul. As a result of scientific analysis, a rectangular empty space was confirmed inside the ancestral tablet that could not be seen with the naked eye. It was a form of manufacturing and combining a main body and a prop composed of the front side and the back side, and the tree species of all the members of the two ancestral tablets were identified as Castanea spp.. It is supposed that the two ancestral tablets excavated from the Gongpyeong site were manufactured in accordance with the standard and shape similar to the contents of “Garye”, which has records on the production of ancestral tablets. The excavated ancestral tablets were immersed to the final 40% using PEG#2000 by applying the PEG immersion method, and dried using a vacuum freeze dryer. After drying, disparate things such as PEG and soil remaining on the surface were removed, and PEG#4000 15% (in ethyl alcohol) was applied to the surface once to the surface to strengthen the surface. A slight crack was observed in a part of a prop of one of the two ancestral tablets, and it was restored using epoxy-based resin, color-matched, and conservation treatment was completed.
A Study on the Historic State Principles of Stupa of State Preceptor Jigwang from Wonju Beopcheonsa Temple Site: Focusing on the Analysis and Application Announcements of the Charters of ICOMOS
Authors: Lee Tae Jong , Cho Ha Jin , Ahn Yong Soo , Kim Geon Hwa
Published: March 2024

Since its construction in 1085, the Stupa of State Preceptor Jigwang from Wonju Beopcheonsa temple site has been containing numerous times and there must have been various artificial interventions have been repair. Therefore, it is time for a conservation principle focusing on maintaining the Historic state applicable to architectural and cultural heritage that cannot be specified in its Historic state. The original state can be interpreted as historical evidence of each era and as part of the attributes that embody the importance of cultural heritage. In addition, when analyzing and applying the Announcements of the Charters of ICOMOS, which contains various eras, the past and present repair and restoration of the Jigwang Stupa faithfully implemented the charter declaration related to architectural and cultural heritage. Finally, based on the interpretation of the Korean Principles for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage Values (2022), which is consistent with the contents of the Announcements of the Charters of ICOMOS, reflects the characteristics of Korea’s cultural heritage, and contains the importance and significance of the cultural heritage charter, a plan to restore the Beopcheonsa Temple Site of the of the Jigwang Stupa was proposed.
Characterization of Microbial Decay and Microbial Communities in Waterlogged Archaeological Wood Excavated from the Wetland
Authors: Kim Minseok , Lim Ju Won , Cha Mi Young , Kim Jong Sik
Published: March 2024

Anatomical and chemical changes due to microbial decay and microbial communities in three waterlogged archaeological woods, namely Dongnim 1, Dongnim 2, and Dongnim 3, excavated from the wetland of the Dongnim-dong archaeological site in Gwangju, were investigated. Dongnim 1−3 exhibited a maximum moisture content approximately 6 to 8 times higher than that of undecayed recent wood, and there was no correlation with the burial period. Chemical analysis revealed an increase in ash and hot water extractive content in Dongnim 1−3 compared to undecayed recent wood, while the solvent extractive content tended to decrease. Additionally, there was a significant decrease in holocellulose content with a relative increase in lignin concentration in Dongnim 1−3. Microscopic observations showed erosion bacteria decay and soft rot decay in Dongnim 1−3. The microbial community analysis of Dongnim 2 and 3 revealed the dominance of Ascomycota (98% to 99%) in the fungal community and Proteobacteria (34% to 55%) as the predominant bacterial phylum. Nonetheless, significant differences in microbial community structure and diversity were observed between Dongnim 2 and Dongnim 3.
A Correlation Analysis between Color Change and Environmental Factors of Traditional Dancheong Specimens with Outdoor Exposure
Authors: Kim Myoung Nam , Kim Ji Sun , Jeong Hye Young , Kim Sa Duk , Lee Sun Myung
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of various environmental factors on the color change of outdoor exposed dancheong specimens. From 2017 to 2019, nine traditional Dancheong specimens(Sokganju, Jinsa, Hwangto, Jahwang, Wunghwang, Seokrok, Noerok, Seokcheong, and Baekto) were exposed to Sungnyemun Gate(SNG) and the National Institute of Cultural Heritage(NRICH) as conditions for blocking rainfall, respectively. Subsequently, chromaticity measurements were conducted periodically, and monitoring, collection, and IC analysis of meteorological elements, gaseous pollutants, TSP and Dustfall were performed. As a result of the analysis, after processing the measured values, the linear correlation between the color difference of the traditional dancheong specimen and environmental factors was analyzed by Pearson’s correlation analysis. Among the meteorological elements, the linear correlation of strong positive between solar radiation, UV radiation, and evaporation was confirmed in 6-8 of the NRICH specimens and 6 of the SNG specimens. Among the gaseous pollutants, a strong positive linear correlation with SO2 and O3 was confirmed only by the SNG specimens, Among the ion concentrations of TSP, four types of strong positive linear correlations between NO3-, SO42-, K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+ were confirmed only in the specimen of the NRICH. Among the ion concentrations of Dustfall, a strong positive linear correlation with SO42-, NO3- and Ca2+ was found in 5-7 of SNG and 1-5 of the NRICH, and in particular, a strong positive linear correlation with Na+ and Cl- was found in 2 of the SNG specimens. Therefore, it was confirmed that ultraviolet dose among meteorological elements and the concentration of NO3-, SO42-, and Cl- in the dustfall act as accelerating factors in the chromaticity change of the dancheong specimen.
Effect of White Clay- and Oyster Shell Powder-Ground Layering on the Painting Layer Stability of Traditional Dan-Cheong
Authors: Jung SunHee , Lee HwaSoo , Han GyuSeong
Published: March 2024

In the study, a deterioration test was conducted after making a test specimen by reenacting the “Ground layering” technique, one of the traditional Dan-Cheong techniques, with traditional materials such as White caly and oyster shell White. According to the results, the effect of Ground layering on the stability of Gachil layer and Painting layer of Dan-Cheong using traditional materials was analyzed. Surface state, color difference, and adhesion changes of the coating film before and after the deterioration test were quantified according to the evaluation criteria; by dividing the grades, the stability of Gachil layer and Painting layer was evaluated according to the application and Ground layering pigment to be based on apply Ground layering. As a result of the evaluation, fewer changes in surface state were observed in the specimen to which Ground layering was applied, oyster shell white Ground layering was more stable. In the Chromaticity change, there was less color difference change in the specimen to which Ground layering was applied, the oyster shell white was more stable. The change in adhesion was evaluated by dividing Powdery flaking and Plate flaking, and the specimen applied with Ground layering was more stable, and the oyster shell white was more stable. In conclusion, the Ground layering technique using traditional materials such as oyster shell white and white clay is believed to be helpful in improving the surface state, color difference, and adhesion of Gachil layer and Painting layer the in the traditional Dan-Cheong, and is more stable when applied using oyster shell white.
Scientific Investigation and Conservation Treatment of Bullanggi Japo Cannon, Treasure
Authors: You Ha Rim , Lee Jae Sung , Park Young Hwan
Published: March 2024

In this study, a scientific investigation was conducted to diagnose the conservation condition and establish an appropriate conservation treatment plans prior to comprehensive conservation treatment of the Bullanggi Japo, treasure which is considered a valuable resource in the history of firearms development. Morphological surveys, radiographic surveys, 3D scans, and color difference analysis confirmed the form and conservation status of the Bullanggi Japo, and it was judged that a conservation treatment method involving complete removal of the coating materials used in the past and the application of impregnation is required. In particular, it was found that sufficient reaction time should be set for each process to meet the requirements such as the size and weight, internal density, defects, etc. of the Bullanggi Japo, and care should be taken to consider vulnerabilities. In addition, P-XRF, XRD, and FT-IR analyses confirmed the composition and surface contamination, and identified that the Bullanggi Japo is composed of Cu-Sn-Pb and various corrosion products on the surface is attributed to internal alloying elements. Partly due to the presence of pitting corrosion products that erode the interior, it was determined that the conservation treatment is needed to inhibit the activity of these internal corrosive factors and eliminate potential factors to provide stability. Based on the results of the previous scientific investigations, the conservation treatment was carried out in the following order: surface decontamination - stabilization treatment - consolidation - restoration – survey after conservation treatment and finishing. In each process, color difference and glossiness were measured to understand the changes, and through a comprehensive review of the various findings, it was confirmed that they are suitable for use as indicators of conservation treatment.
A Comparative Analysis on the Material Properties of Paintings in Modern Buildings: Focusing on Seoul Weather Station
Authors: Kim Da Seul , Kim Eun A , Kim Gyu Ho
Published: March 2024

In this study, scientific analysis(cross-section and component analysis) was conducted by selecting paint samples painted on the window frames and walls of the Seoul Weather Station. The color of the window frame is reddish brown and green. The reddish brown is mainly red iron oxide(Fe2O3), mixed with titanium white(TiO2), and in some layers, red lead oxide(Pb3O4) or lead(II) chromate(PbCrO4) is identified, and the green pigment is considered organic pigments. The resin used in the window frame is Alkyd Resin. The color of the wall is divided into pale blue green, white, and ivory colors, and the white color of the wall is calcium carbonate(CaCO3) and titanium white(TiO2), and the pale blue green is the phthalocyanine green. It is determined that paint containing acrylic resin was used for the inner wall. The characteristics of paint were compared and considered with the walls of the Seoul Weather Station, the columns of the Grand Greenhouse of Changgyeonggung Palace, and the outer wall of Busan Songjeong Station. White paint, a common color identified in the three buildings, is identified as two types of paint mixed with zinc White(ZnO) and calcium carbonate(CaCO3), and titanium white(TiO2) and calcium carbonate(CaCO3). It seems that the orange paint uses red lead oxide(Pb3O4) or Lead(II) chromate(PbCrO4) and the green paint uses organic pigments. Based on the above research results, paint painted on buildings is believed to have been painted several times after the building was built, and natural science research should be carried out to determine the history.
Study on Influence Factor Analysis and Optimal Methodology for Color Reproduction of Digital Photography of Painted Cultural Heritage
Authors: Kim Young Hwan , Jo Young Hoon
Published: March 2024

The color management system (CMS) for digital photographs of painted cultural heritage requires consideration of the camera as an input device, lighting as a shooting condition, and color charts and spectrophotometers as absolute color standards. Therefore, this study conducted basic experiments to derive the effects of these factors on digital color reproduction and the application methodology. The results showed that the two types of spectrophotometers for CMS and the spectrophotometer used for direct measurement of painted cultural heritage showed almost similar color reproduction, and the digital camera did not have a significant effect on color reproduction regardless of the operating principle, image sensor type, and resolution. Although the color reproduction under the three lighting conditions was execellent overall, the instantaneous and continuous light used in the experiment showed a lower color difference than the LED light. When these optimal conditions were applied to the Dancheong (traditional multicolored paintwork) specimen, the color difference of Δ11.57 before color reproduction decreased dramatically to Δ1.02 after color reproduction. This means that the digital color reproduction process brought the Dancheong specimen has become closer to the true color. Digital photography is an essential recording method in the process of conserving and utilizing cultural heritage. In the absence of manuals or guidelines for digital photography-based color reproduction, basic experimental research has great potential as a methodology for the documentation of painted cultural heritage. In addition, if color reproduction technology is applied to three-dimensional scanning, where the importance of color recording is relatively overlooked, it is believed that the digital recording process can be advanced and actively used for the conservation of painted cultural heritage.
Conservation Status and Scheme of Christian Cultural Heritage in Chungnam Province, Korea
Authors: Lee Chan Hee , Park Bo Young
Published: March 2024

For the stable conservation of cultural heritage, it is truly meaningful when it becomes the objects of national management. Most cultural heritage related to religion has touching stories of historical development, succession and social resonance, and includes tangible evidence of noble sacrifice. Therefore, the Christian heritage of Chungnam Province examined through this study also deserves sufficient respect. However, cultural heritage is valued for its universal validity, authenticity and integrity that go beyond ideas and ideologies. In addition, cultural heritage that symbolizes the nation, era, history and culture requires original assets that can be preserved, transmitted and utilized beyond various interests. As examined in this study, the nine church buildings and six historic sites and monuments in Chungnam Province established before the 1960s are not fully evaluated as cultural heritage despite their historicity. Therefore, authenticity must be created through continuous research, value discovery and conservation scheme. And, the search for yet unknown records and cultural heritage must continue, and the standards and validity evaluation must be verified. If the Christian history that connects modern times in Chungnam Province is reexamined, cultural heritage such as buildings and records are discovered, and a scientific conservation and management system is established, it will serve as an opportunity to promote the development of not only Christianity but also local culture, and the identity of Chungnam’s Christian culture. It is expected that it can be utilized as an important resource in forming.
Manufacturing Techniques of Ancient Forged High-tin Bronze Wares from Archaeological Sites in Bagan, Myanmar
Authors: Lee Jae Sung , Win Yee Yee , Lee Bonnie , Yu Jae Eun
Published: March 2024

Bronze wares made with forged high-tin bronze technology were first produced in the Persian region of the Orient, gradually brought to India and then to China and the Korean Peninsula. By scientifically analyzing bronze artifacts of Myanmar, which is located halfway between Persia and Korea, it is possible to confirm the trade and the propagation route of technology at the time. This study scientifically analyzed bronze artifacts excavated from the Bagan ruins in Myanmar to identify the manufacturing technology. Forged high-tin bronze wares in Bagan Dynasty are with alloy compositions Cu-Sn. Composed of Cu-Sn only were manufactured by alloying Cu with Sn in a ratio of 76 wt% and 24 wt%, which is a relatively high tin content. High-tin bronze wares composed of Cu-Sn were manufactured with the bronze material of an alloy of Cu and a large amount of Sn by hot working (forging) and finished by quenching. The microstructure indicates temperatures at which the quenching was performed and various microstructures that occur in different temperature ranges are observed such as β (M), γ phase, δ phase as well as primary crystals, α phase. The presence of different microstrucures suggests multiple high-tin bronze wares were quenched at a wide range of temperatures. The non-metallic inclusions of the bronze wares contain sulfur, which indicates with high possibility that the copper provided as the raw material was extracted from copper ores containing sulfur.
Metallurigical Analysis of Third to Fifth Century Swords with Ring Pommels Excavated in the Asan-Cheonan Region
Authors: Choi Hyo Ryeong , Jung Woo il , Cho Nam Chul
Published: March 2024

This study conducts a metallurgical analysis of three swords with ring pommels (Hwandu sword) manufactured during the Proto–Three Kingdoms period and the Baekje period and excavated from the Asan and Cheonan. Specifically, we carried out analyses based on a metallurgical microscope, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy. the swords were made of bloomery iron produced through direct smelting and formed by hammering hypoeutectoid steel. It was also confirmed that other heat treatment techniques than shaping were not applied to them. In addition, all of them have a high carbon content and the crystal grains are well refined, so it is believed that the hardness and strength are high. Moreover, the analytic results of nonmetallic inclusions, No.2 swords have glassy slag and the others verified the existence of fayalite and wüstite on the glassy matrix. And a high Ca content overall. The results of comparing the swords with other swords with ring pommels excavated from the corresponding region indicated that heat treatment techniques were not applied to these artifacts despite the existence of such techniques. Thus, we analyze that the study subjects were produced as ceremonial items rather than weapons. Furthermore, the calculation results of ratios, such as CaO/SiO2 and (Al2O3/SiO2)/(CaO/SiO2), indicate that the study subjects were produced based on a similar smelting processing system. Based on the analytic results, this study also suggests a possibility of the addition of slag generation agents or the use of iron ores with a high Ca content.
Agent-based models under uncertainty
Authors: Stepanov Vladimir , Ferson Scott
Published: March 2024

Background Monte Carlo (MC) is often used when trying to assess the consequences of uncertainty in agent-based models (ABMs). However, this approach is not appropriate when the uncertainty is epistemic rather than aleatory, that is, when it represents a lack of knowledge rather than variation. The free-for-all battleship simulation modelled here is inspired by the children’s battleship game, where each battleship is an agent. Methods The models contrast an MC implementation against an interval implementation for epistemic uncertainty. In this case, our epistemic uncertainty is in the form of an imperfect radar. In the interval method, the approach occludes the status of the agents (ships) and precludes an analyst from making decisions about them in real-time. Results In a highly uncertain environment, after many time steps, there can be many ships remaining whose status is unknown. In contrast, any MC simulation invariably tends to conclude with a small number of the remaining ships after many time steps. Thus, the interval approach misses the quantitative conclusion. However, some quantitative results are generated by the interval implementation, e.g. the identities of the surviving ships, which are revealed to be nearly mutual with the MC implementation, though with fewer identities in total compared to MC. Conclusions We have demonstrated that it is possible to implement intervals in an ABM, but the results are broad, which may be useful for generating the overall bounds of the system but do not provide insight on the expected outcomes and trends.
A study of behavioural problems in school going children in Wardha
Authors: Chelak Khushbu , Chakole Dr. Swarupa
Published: March 2024

Introduction Behaviour problems like hyperactivity, lack of focus, temper tantrums, aggression, disobedience, conflicts with peers, nail-biting, thumb-sucking, and insomnia can happen during childhood or during the formative years of human development. The behavioural problem might not yet be categorised as a mental disorder, but it could develop into one. Although it could be challenging to spot these problems in young children. Schools are places where kids spend a lot of time and are active. Therefore, schools are the finest setting for young children’s mental and physical growth. Objective The study objective is to assess the prevalence of the behavioural problems among school-going children. Methods This cross-sectional observational study will be conducted on school going children in government school using a questionnaire, (which include questions based on socio-demographic and child behaviour characteristics). Sample population involved 172 school-going children aged 15-18 years old. Data will be collected by Google Form (using as a data collection tool) and Microsoft Excel (MS Excel 2010) will be used for the analysis. Study implication Study interest will be identifying the factors influencing behavioural change in school-going children and to develop an intervention program to address these issues and development of effective interventions targeting behaviour-related problems in school-going children.
Differentiation of invasive ductal and lobular carcinoma of the breast using MRI radiomic features: a pilot study
Authors: Maiti Sudeepta , Nayak Shailesh , Hebbar Karthikeya D , Pendem Saikiran
Published: March 2024

Background Breast cancer (BC) is one of the main causes of cancer-related mortality among women. For clinical management to help patients survive longer and spend less time on treatment, early and precise cancer identification and differentiation of breast lesions are crucial. To investigate the accuracy of radiomic features (RF) extracted from dynamic contrast-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (DCE MRI) for differentiating invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) from invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC). Methods This is a retrospective study. The IDC of 30 and ILC of 28 patients from Dukes breast cancer MRI data set of The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA), were included. The RF categories such as shape based, Gray level dependence matrix (GLDM), Gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM), First order, Gray level run length matrix (GLRLM), Gray level size zone matrix (GLSZM), NGTDM (Neighbouring gray tone difference matrix) were extracted from the DCE-MRI sequence using a 3D slicer. The maximum relevance and minimum redundancy (mRMR) was applied using Google Colab for identifying the top fifteen relevant radiomic features. The Mann-Whitney U test was performed to identify significant RF for differentiating IDC and ILC. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to ascertain the accuracy of RF in distinguishing between IDC and ILC. Results Ten DCE MRI-based RFs used in our study showed a significant difference (p <0.001) between IDC and ILC. We noticed that DCE RF, such as Gray level run length matrix (GLRLM) gray level variance (sensitivity (SN) 97.21%, specificity (SP) 96.2%, area under curve (AUC) 0.998), Gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) difference average (SN 95.72%, SP 96.34%, AUC 0.983), GLCM interquartile range (SN 95.24%, SP 97.31%, AUC 0.968), had the strongest ability to differentiate IDC and ILC. Conclusions MRI-based RF derived from DCE sequences can be used in clinical settings to differentiate malignant lesions of the breast, such as IDC and ILC, without requiring intrusive procedures.
A preliminary study into the influence of filtration on phytoplankton dynamics in an oligotrophic marine fish farm environment
Authors: Bardakçı Şener Betül , Tıraşın Eyüp Mümtaz
Published: March 2024

Fish farms play a crucial role in meeting the escalating demand for fish in human diets, yet their nutrient releases pose potential environmental risks. This study explores the influence of a fish farm in the eastern Aegean Sea on local phytoplankton dynamics, serving as an indicator of nutrient abundance. Designing a phytoplankton bioassay near the fish farm, natural phytoplankton communities were incubated within dialysis membrane bags, creating a confined environment for accessing farm-released nutrients before dispersing into surrounding seawater. Consequently, higher growth rates within the bags were anticipated compared to the ambient seawater. However, natural interactions within phytoplankton communities involve predator-prey dynamics, influencing the net growth rates of phytoplankton. To investigate different grazing pressures on the incubated phytoplankton, five experimental groups were established. Four of these groups involved filtering seawater through various mesh sizes (40 µm, 56 µm, 100 µm, and 150 µm) and then filling the dialysis membrane bags with the filtered water. The fifth group contained seawater without any filtration. Despite the oligotrophic nature of the ambient seawater, a remarkable increase in phytoplankton growth was observed inside the bags. Variable growth rates were observed among the groups, with unfiltered and 150 µm mesh-filtered bags exhibiting the highest growth rates, suggesting copepod absence may contribute. Although the species composition within the bags differed from that of the ambient seawater, the overall species diversity remained limited. A total of 33 phytoplankton taxa were identified in the seawater samples taken from the study site, comprising 17 diatom and 16 dinoflagellate species. Pronoctiluca spinifera (Lohmann) Schiller 1932 was documented for the first time along the Aegean Sea coast of Türkiye. This study enhances our understanding of how fish farming can impact phytoplankton communities and underscores the necessity for further investigations into the complex interactions between aquaculture and marine ecosystems in oligotrophic environments.