Irina Fierascu

Archaeometallurgical Characterization of Numismatic Artifacts

The discovery of metals and alloys greatly contributed to the development of human civilizations; their role in shaping history is recognized by the scientific community even through the denomination of some archaeological periods (Copper Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age). Archaeometallurgy appeared from the application of usually non destructive analytical techniques for the characterization of cultural heritage objects, with emphasis on metal artifacts. This article presents a case study regarding the application of fast and non-destructive methods (energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence and metallurgical microscopy) for the characterization of selected numismatic artifacts, thus obtaining information regarding their composition, authenticity, and state of preservation.

Thermal and mineralogical investigations of iron archaeological materials

In Covasna area from Romania, some heterogeneous metallurgical waste (slag) has been identified by archaeological excavations. This paper presents the analytical investigations of such an iron material, performed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction and thermal analyses. From mineralogical point of view, the samples collected from the artefact are dominated by fayalite and almandine. Also, the slag has an iron-dominated composition, with magnetite, tridymite and quartz, too. Meanwhile, the ratios SiO2/Al2O3 and K2O/MgO are rather low (1.2–2), these being further proof for assigning the sample to a slag one. Because CaO, MgO, and K2O have low concentrations, it may be concluded that another material has been used to melt the mineral than the usually used wood and coal, most probably charcoal. The presence of vanadium is a proof of iron production from magnetite ore or hematite. Glass factor (G factor) of the monolithic samples has low values, corresponding to almandine–fayalite–tridymite–glass composite. The performed thermal analyses materialized into valuable information regarding the composition of the analysed materials.

Overview on Mechanical Recycling by Chain Extension of POSTC-PET Bottles

The post consumer poly(ethylene therephtalate) bottles (POSTC-PET) can be recycled by chemical or / and mechanical processes. The POSTC-PET chemical recycling is widespread in Europe and is based on depolycondensation of secondary polymers and usage of the resulted products for the purposes of the fibre and unwoven material industry. The POST PC mechanical recycling requires a phase transformation (melting) and can be attained without or with polymer up-gradation (Mancini, 1999; Akovali, 1988; Belletti, 1997; Ehrig, 1992; Erema, 2002; Firas, 2005; Sandro & Mari, 1999; Scheirs, 1998; Awaja, 2005).

Phyto-mediated metallic nano-architectures via Melissa officinalis L. : synthesis, characterization and biological properties

The development of methods for obtaining new materials with antimicrobial properties, based on green chemistry principles has been a target of research over the past few years. The present paper describes the phyto-mediated synthesis of metallic nano-architectures (gold and silver) via an ethanolic extract of Melissa officinalis L. (obtained by accelerated solvent extraction). Different analytic methods were applied for the evaluation of the extract composition, as well as for the characterization of the phyto-synthesized materials. The cytogenotoxicity of the synthesized materials was evaluated by Allium cepa assay, while the antimicrobial activity was examined by applying both qualitative and quantitative methods. The results demonstrate the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (average diameter 13 nm) and gold nanoparticles (diameter of ca. 10 nm); the bi-metallic nanoparticles proved to have a core-shell flower-like structure, composed of smaller particles (ca. 8 nm). The Ag nanoparticles were found not active on nuclear DNA damage. The Au nanoparticles appeared nucleoprotective, but were aggressive in generating clastogenic aberrations in A. cepa root meristematic cells. Results of the antimicrobial assays show that silver nanoparticles were active against most of the tested strains, as the lowest MIC value being obtained against B. cereus (approx. 0.0015 mM).

Thermal and spectroscopic investigation of Romanian historical documents from the nineteenth and twentieth century

Abstract In 1958, at the end of the restoration and at re-consecration of St. Elijah Church in Pitesti (Romania), in an improvised archive, were discovered some historical documents (testaments, petitions, notices, etc.) going back to 1841. With the occasion of the re-consecration, another document was signed by the priests involved. All these documents were gathered together and transmitted from one priest to another, as the documents were considered valuable, presenting the habits of past generations and events of local historical importance. The present paper describes the characterization of eight paper documents selected from this collection, performed by thermal analysis, together with optical microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry, energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction as well as by the evaluation of the degree of polymerization and the colour change. The results revealed the type of fillers used (different from one sample to another); also, one of the samples presents a much higher content of lignin and hemicelluloses than the other samples. Thus, the conclusion that could be reached is that although all the documents originated from the same geographical area, the papers on which they are written have very different origin, in terms of composition and fillers used.

Phytochemical Profile and Biological Activities of Satureja hortensis L.: A Review of the Last Decade

Satureja hortensis L. (summer savory) is an annual herbaceous crop, native to Europe and in our days spread and used all over the world. Although its use as spice and medicinal plant is known since ancient times, peer-reviewed studies presenting the scientific data are scarce. The natural products obtained from summer savory (extracts and essential oil) are dominated by polyphenols and flavonoids, responsible for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, pesticidal, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, hepatoprotective and anticancer properties, among others. The current study presents the progress made in the last decade regarding the potential applications of summer savory, being the first review study focused on S. hortensis, in the same time suggesting future research opportunities, as they appear from the properties of other Satureja species. The available data presenting the properties of summer savory represents a scientific support for application in industry, for developing “clean label” food products.

Phytosynthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles enhance in vitro antioxidant and mitostimulatory activity of Aconitum toxicum Reichenb. rhizomes alcoholic extracts

Extracts obtained from different plant species proved to be a valuable tool in various biomedical applications. In the same time, the phytosynthesis of noble metal nanoparticles represents an already well-established route for obtaining nanoparticles with biological activity. The present paper studies the antioxidant activity and the cytogenetic effects of the alcoholic extracts from rhizomes of Aconitum toxicum Rchb., before and after the phytosynthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles, on the meristematic root cells of Allium cepa L., and on the general mitotic index and the progression rate through the mitotic phases, respectively, as well as on the genetic material organized in chromosomes. The extracts were characterized in terms of total polyphenolics content (1.49% and, respectively, 2.29%) and aconitine content (by HPLC - 4.891 mg/L and, respectively, 18.211 mg/L), while the phytosynthesis of metallic nanoparticles was monitored by UV-Vis spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence and electron microscopy. Both the extracts and the obtained nanoparticles were evaluated for antioxidant potential (the antioxidant activity ranging between 78% and 84.32%) and cytogenetic effects. The obtained results prove the phytosynthesis of AgNPs and AuNPs with dimensions ranging from 9 nm to 15 nm for AuNPs, respectively from 53 nm to 67 nm for AgNPs. The extracts obtained from rhizomes of A. toxicum Rchb. induced mitotic stress, as well as a series of nuclear and mitotic aberrations. The biosynthesis of AgNPs and AuNPs intensified the antioxidant and mitostimulatory activity of the extracts.

The Influence of Six Pesticides on Physiological Indices of Pelophylax Ridibundus (Pallas, 1771)

The objective of the study is to screen for morphological, biochemical and histological changes induced by six widely used pesticides (Reldan 40EC, Actara 25WG, Tilt 250EC, Champion 50WG, Fusilade Forte, Dual Gold 960EC) in the amphibian species Pelophylax ridibundus (Pallas, 1771). Highly degenerative changes were observed in animals cultured at 22–24°C, compared to those cultured at 4–6°C. The hepatosomatic index increased upon exposure to almost all of the pesticides, the erythrocyte number decreased upon exposure to all pesticides except Reldan 40EC, while leucopenia was observed only for Reldan 40EC and Actara 25WG. Hyperglycemia was observed upon administration of pesticides (except Champion 50WG and Fusilade Forte, for which hypoglycemia is registered), while a decrease in cholesterol levels was induced by nearly all pesticides. Triglycerides varied only slightly. The results suggest that chronic pesticides exposure can lead to alteration of various indices, as well as to hepatic lesions in amphibians.

Romanian Aromatic and Medicinal Plants: From Tradition to Science

From ancient times, plants have been used by humans for food, fodder, fibre and medicinal purposes. Several plants were empirically considered as treatments for a large array of illness and medical conditions. Each community had specific natural remedies, based on the geographical area, environmental conditions and other factors. Thus, the use of plants can be considered as part of the intangible cultural heritage of each community. In the geographical area of today’s Romania, the ancient inhabitants, Dacians, had very good knowledge regarding the use of plants for medicinal purposes, as presented by several historical sources. The present work describes protocols for the extraction and purification of natural extracts, analytical characterisation, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of their potential applications as well as some practical examples of their application on selected Romanian native medicinal and aromatic plants. The presented results offer scientific support to their traditional use, suggesting in the same time some modern applications, for example in the nanotechnology field.

Influence of Fântâniṭa Lake (Chalk Lake) Water on the Degradation of Basarabi–Murfatlar Churches

Discovered in 1957, the Ensemble Basarabi–Murfatlar is one of the most impressive archaeological sites from Europe. The monument is situated on a hill chalk cliff, and is built from amorphous calcium carbonate, very sensitive to moisture, frost, salts, as the most important and common causes of monuments degradation. The calcite dissolution is affected by the presence of foreign ions, Mg2+ (from MgSO4 ⋅ 7H2O and MgSO4 ⋅ 6H2O) and Na+ (from Na2SO4 ⋅ 10H2O and Na2SO4), being the major cations in seawater and groundwater. Also, the anions SO 4 2 and Cl− are favouring the calcite conversion to gypsum and is responsible for stone wall dissolution. Some petrographic and physico-chemical (X-ray fluorescence energy dispersive (EDXRF), thermal analysis, ICP-AES of wall samples are presented in this paper. The influence of Fântâniṭa Lake water (Chalk Lake) composition situated very close to the church is discussed, pointing out the salts migration from the lake to the church wall.