4,086 research outputs found
Phoenicians preferred red pigments: micro-Raman investigation on some cosmetics found in Sicily archaeological sites
No full textThis research was undertaken in the aim of identifying and getting deeper knoowledge into materials and pigments used in cosmestics concerning the contest of the phoenician settlements in Sicilian territory. In fact, about the typologies of cosmetics in use among the Phoenicians, little is known. On this subject, generally references come from bibliographic latin sources: in antiquity, women preferred to paint white their face, red lips and cheeks, yellowish eyes and black to sorround their look (Pliny the Elder, Naturalis Historia; Ovidius, De medicamine faciei feminae). An interesting aspect of this research is that just one paper is known on Punic cosmetics.[1]
In the Museo Archeologico Regionale “Antonino Salinas” (Palermo, Sicily) an important collection of unguentaries coming from the town of Selinunte is preserved. Some of them, finely crafted, come from the sanctuary of Demetra Malophoros, some unguentaries come from the acropolis and some more from the necropolis (dating from the 6th to the 5th century b. C). The sacred area, excavated by Cavallari (1818) and Salinas (1903-1905), have provided a great amount of archaeological materials. In the area where once the acropolis rose, the remains show a mixed village, Phoenician and Greek. In this study, the findings from Salinas were considered, as well as some others from the Museum Conte Agostino Pepoli (Trapani), from the Museum Baglio Anselmi (Marsala) and from the museum of Mozia. The number of glass and fictile unguentaries, pyxis and alabastra examined were large: 142 items from Salinas, 210 from Mozia, 14 from Pepoli and 117 from Baglio Anselmi.
This research has completed the one carried out on 210 samples from the Museum of Whitaker Foundation from Mozia, a merely phoenician –punic settlement.[2,3]
The samples were analyzed by spectroscopic techniques.
The IR spectra were acquired with a spectrophotometer VERTEX 70 (Bruker) FT-IR, equipped with a detector deuterium triglycine sulphate (DTGS). The setting parameters were: resolution 4 cm-1, spectral range 4000-600 cm-1, number of scans 32. ATR spectra were recorded using an Elmer Golden-Gate accessory.
The micro-Raman spectrometer used in this case was a Labram Model from the Jobin Yvon-Horiba with a spatial resolution of 1 μm and with quick detection ability as a result of the CCD detector 1024x256 pixels cooled to -70°C by the Peltier effect. The spectral resolution was 1 cm-1. The exciting wavelength was the 632.8 nm red line of a He-Ne laser.
Generally the samples were presented as inorganic powders of different colors: white, black, blue and red. Though the samples came from different museums, they were considered togheter, since they belonged all to the Phoenician culture and coming from Trapani archaeological sites.
The white samples were of two types. The first one was mainly composed of gypsum and anhydrite mixtures (e.g. Inv No 1680, 1663, 1753); the other type (e.g. pyxes Inv N° 1393, 1451) was composed of fully carbonated cerussite, gypsum and litharge. The second kind of cosmetic corresponded to the most famous Greek cosmetic, called psymition, used by women to white the skin. The first type suggested that, for the same use, alternative materials, cheaper and most readily available, could be employed in the past.
The black powders, usually used to outline the eyes, were mostly given by carbon obtained from vegetable combustion (e.g. Inv. N° 1566, 2314, 4313) or, sometimes, from bone combustion (animal charcoal) as for the samples Inv. N° 3140, 1761.
A single blue powder (Inv N° 42259) was consisted by the famous Egyptian blue (CaCuSi4O10).
The love for the red color by Phoenician is evident from the great number of powders of this color, probably used to give color to the cheeks or lips. A wide variety of red minerals was found. In many cases the presence of hematite (e.g. Inv N° 2309, 2689, 4269) was detected.
A large number of pink and red powders containing cinnabar (unguentaries Inv N° 1393, 6480-1, 34396) was observed. No frequent and very interesting is in fact the HgS finding powder into alabastra (e.g. Inv. N° 7317/7, 1255), a holder typically used to contain ointments.
Another red pigment was identified as red lead (e.g. Inv N° 1606).
Finally, a singular discovery was the presence of red lead chromates chrocoite and phoenicochroite, two very rare minerals (e.g. sample Inv. N° 805, 1-98-2, 4386). In fact, they have never been previously attested for cosmetic use, and also rarely attested in paintings before the end of the 18th century when it began to be produced industrially.[4]
The high number of Phoenicians samples taken into examination has allowed to understand the typology of raw materials used by the Phoenicians settled in Sicilian contexts.
In this study affects the materials heterogeneity used for the make-up, even for example in comparison to the Roman culture, for which there has come a greater number of samples (sites such as Pompeii, Herculaneum and Oplontis were analyzed by our research group),[5-7] but which revealed a palette less extensive and less refined. In particular, this study identified the use of many kind of red pigments, also very rareof mineral origin.
References
[1] A. Huqet al., Combined, Appl. Phys. A, 2006, 83, 253–256.
[2] G. Freguglia, C. Baraldi, M.C. Gamberini, P. Toti, P. Baraldi, PRIN07- Colors and balms in antiquity: from the chemical study to the knowledge of technologies in cosmetics, painting and medicine. Aboca, Sansepolcro (Arezzo, Italy), 2-3th December 2010, p. 50-51.
[3] C. Baraldi, G. Freguglia, M.C. Gamberini, P. Baraldi, 5-8th September 2011, RAA2011, Parma, 2011, p. 103-104.
[4] R.J.H. Clark. Chimie, 2002, 5, 7–20.
[5] P. Baraldi, C. Fagnano, C. Baraldi, M.C. Gamberini, Automata, 2006, 1, 49.
[6] M.C.Gamberini, C. Baraldi, F. Palazzoli, E. Ribechini, P. Baraldi, Vib. Spectrosc. 2008, 47/2, 82.
[7] E. Van Elslande, M.C. Gamberini, C. Baraldi and P. Walter, An overview of the Raman studies on cosmetic powders from Pompeii, 14-18th September 2009. RAA2009, Bilbao, 2009
FE, DE and FE/DE models to investigate the non-linear behaviour of masonry walls: a critical comparison
No full textThe study of the non-linear behaviour of masonry panels is of great interest; in literature several approaches may be found, based on the adoption of continuous or discrete models [1][2]. In this work, three different models for the investigation of the non-linear analysis of in-plane loaded masonry walls are presented: a Finite Element (FEM) model (i), a Discrete Element (DEM) model (ii) and a combined Finite-Discrete Element (FEM/DEM) model (iii).
The FE model adopts a macro-modelling approach based on the smeared crack theory, where masonry, as a whole, is considered as a homogeneous material. Yield criterion is based on fracture energy taking into account the masonry softening response different for compression and tensile behaviour [3].
The DE and FE/DE models adopt a micro-modelling approach based on a discrete crack theory, where blocks are modelled as rigid bodies and mortar joints are modelled as zero thickness elasto-plastic Mohr-Coulomb interfaces. A comparison between DE and FE/DE approaches has been already proposed for the in plane non-linear analysis of masonry walls [4].
The FEM/DEM is here adopted with hypothesis of rigid infinitely resistant blocks and cracks may occur only in the mortar joints. However a triangular discretization of the domain with embedded crack elements, that activate whenever the peak strength is reached, is coupled with
DEM. In the FEM/DEM the use of FE allows to reproduce elastic strain into continuum, while the use of DE is suitable to model the frictional cohesive behaviour exhibited by masonry structures. Moreover, crack may occur everywhere, also inside blocks.
A comparison between the three different approaches is provided, in the aim to evaluate their applicability and reliability and the limit of application of each model.
References
[1] Addessi, D. and Sacco, E., “Nonlinear analysis of masonry panels using a kinematic enriched plane state formulation”, International Journal of Solids and Structures, 90, 194-214 (2016)
[2] Lemos, J. V., Discrete element modeling of masonry structures. International Journal of Architectural Heritage, 1(2), 190-213, (2007).
[3] Bello C.B.C., Cecchi A., Meroi E. and Oliveira D.V., Experimental and numerical investigations on the behaviour of masonry walls reinforced with an innovative sisal FRCM system, Submitted to Proceedings of MuRiCo5, Bologna, 28-30 June 2017, (under review).
[4] Baraldi, D., Reccia, E. and Cecchi, A., “In plane loaded masonry walls: DEM & FEM/DEM models. A critical review”, Sumbitted to Meccanica, S.I. New Trends Mech. Mason. (under review)
Extraction and purification from Ceratonia siliqua of compounds acting on central andperipheral benzodiazepine receptors
No full textThe presence of molecules with high affinity for central and peripheral benzodiazepine receptors was determined in the pod and leaves of Ceratonia siliqua carob. The amount of the substances able to selectively bind the central benzodiazepine receptor recovered fromcarob pods and leaves was respectively 12.17 and 18.7 ng diazepam equivalentg. The amount of compounds active on peripheral benzodiazepine receptor in both pods and leaves was higher in comparison with the central one, being 49.83 and 40.00 PK 11195 equivalentg, respectively. In particular the compounds acting on peripheral benzodiazepine receptors were found to be extremely concentrated in the young leaves Ž2572.57 ng PK 11195equivalentg. The presence of substances with central benzodiazepine activity in carob extracts seems of great importance in view of the possibility to use carob extract as potential natural products with anxiolytic-sedative effects. Moreover, the prevalence in leaves ofsubstances acting on peripheral benzodiazepine receptor suggests the possible utilisation of leave extracts as chemopreventive agents
The role of political competition in the link between electoral systems and corruption: an extension
No full textThis work provides an extension to an international context of the analysis made by Alfano, Baraldi and Cantabene (2013) on the role of political competition as a channel through which electoral systems affect corruption. Our result conflicts with that found by empirical literature on that topic that makes plurality rules the most virtuous in terms of corruption. Political scientists must be cautious in designing the degree of proportionality of electoral rules without take into account the variation in political competition that follows
Prresenza di sostanze attive sia sul recettore centrale che periferico delle benzodiazepine in estratti di farina e foglie di carruba (Certonia siliqua)
No full textNell'ambito di numerose indagini dedicat alla determinazione di composti benzodiazepino-simili in diversi prodotti alimentari, parte delle ricerche hanno riguardato la presenza di tali composti nel bacello e nelle foglie di carruba (Ceratonia siliqua), pianta sempreverde ampiamentediffusa in tutta l'area mediterranea. Se i semi trovano una grande utilizzazione nell'indusria alimentare per l'alta concentrazione di gomme, l'utilizzo dell'intero bacello ha invece delle strette limitazioni per il prevalente carattere astringente dovuto alla presenza dei tannini
Reverse causality in the R&D – patents relationship: an interpretation of the innovation persistence
No full textStarting from the failure of the R&D–patents traditional relationship, when time-series
and/or within-industry dimensions are included in the empirical analysis, the present
work tries to contribute to the empirical literature from two directions. First, it performs
a Granger causality test based on the theoretical presumption of a reverse patents→R&D
link as an explanation for the failure of the traditional relationship. Second, assuming
the reverse patents–R&D causality, we test and interpret the lag structure of such a
relationship which shows the effective patent life that firms can expect within the two
Schumpeterian patterns of innovations they belong to. In the light of the effective patent
life,we offer a further explanation of innovation persistence which overturns the findings
of the existing literature on persistence
Claudia Rankine: An Evening with Claudia Rankine
No full textAn initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest, the NEA Big Read broadens our understanding of our world, our communities, and ourselves through the joy of sharing a good book. For NEA Big Read: Hampton Roads, that book is Citizen: An American Lyric.
NEA Big Read: Hampton Roads, the President\u27s Lecture Series, and the President\u27s Task Force on Inclusive Excellence invite you to a powerful evening with Claudia Rankine, the book\u27s author, hosted by Tim Seibles, Poet Laureate for the Commonwealth of Virginia, and opening with readings by local youth poets.
Claudia Rankine has written five collections of poetry, including Citizen: An American Lyric, which was selected for the National Endowment for the Arts\u27 Big Read, and two plays. She also has participated in several video collaborations and edited anthologies including The Racial Imaginary: Writers on Race in the Life of the Mind.
Rankine has received fellowships from the MacArthur and Guggenheim foundations. Citizen won several honors, including the National Book Critics Circle Award for Poetry, the PEN Open Book Award and the NAACP Image Award. Citizen also was the only poetry book to be a New York Times nonfiction bestseller. She is the Frederick Iseman Professor of Poetry at Yale University and chancellor of the Academy of American Poets
Three-leaf brick masonry walls: FE & DE models
No full textMost Europeans historical buildings are made by brick or stone masonry, often constituted by multiple leaves. A widespread multi-leaf typology is the three-leaf brick masonry wall, which presents two external brick leaves and one inner core consisting of different incoherent materials, with large presence of voids. Brick masonry behaviour tends to brittle failure mechanisms. By reference to solid masonry, multiple leaf walls present a more complex mechanical behaviour, with not simple, but combined collapse mechanisms: their interpretation remains a challenge [1-3]. The literature referred to modelling masonry interface behaviour considers mortar joints reduced to interfaces and internal block interfaces [4]. Here attention is focused on modelling interface between masonry layers: contact relationships between the inner core and the external leaves. This work develops interface models to describe the internal load distribution in a multi-leaf masonry wall, in addition to existing models already adopted for one-leaf masonry elements [5]. Compressive load results are evaluated with reference to experimental data recently obtained by the research group [6] by means of tests carried out at Laboratorio di Scienza delle Costruzioni IUAV (Labsco). This investigation aims to develop a suitable approach to predict the performance of historical masonry wall by FE & DE simulations. Here the two numerical modelling strategies on three-leaf brick masonry walls are presented and compared.
References
[1] Binda, L., Pina-Henriques, J., Anzani, A., Fontana, A., Lourenço, P.B., “A contribution for the understanding of load-transfer mechanisms in multi-leaf masonry walls: testing and modelling”, Engineering Structures, 28(8), pp. 1132–1148 (2006).
[2] Ramalho, M.A., Taliercio, A, Anzani, A., Binda, L. Papa, E., “A numerical model for the description of the nonlinear behaviour of multi-leaf masonry walls”, Advances in Engineering Software, 39(4), pp. 249-257 (2008).
[3] Milani, G., “3D upper bound limit analysis of multi-leaf masonry walls”, International Journal of Mechanical Sciences, 50(4), pp. 817-836 (2008).
[4] Lourenço, P.B., Rots, J.G., “A multi-surface interface model for the analysis of masonry structures”, ASCE Journal of Engineering Mechanics, 123(7), pp. 660–668 (1997).
[5] Baraldi, D., Reccia, E., Cecchi, A., “In plane loaded masonry walls: DEM and FEM/DEM models. A critical review”, Meccanica, 53, pp. 1613–1628 (2018).
[6] Boscato, G., Reccia, E., Cecchi, A., “Non-destructive experimentation: Dynamic identification of multi-leaf masonry walls damaged and consolidated”, Composites Part B: Engineering, 133, pp. 145–165 (2018)
Portrait of Claudia Lynn Pittman.
No full textHandwritten inscription: Claudia Lynn Pittman, 20 yrs old, Hattiesburg.https://egrove.olemiss.edu/joephoto_c/1129/thumbnail.jp
Natural endogenous ligands for benzodiazepine receptors in hepatic encephalopathy
No full textBenzodiazepines of natural origin (NBZDs) have been found in human blood and brains as well as in medicinal plants and foods. In plasma and brain tissue there are i.e. diazepam and nordiazepam equal to commercial drugs but there are also other benzodiazepine-like compounds termed “endozepines”, which act as agonists at the benzodiazepine receptors of central type (CBR). A synthetic pathway for the production of NBZDs has not yet been found, but it has been suggested that micro-organisms may synthesize molecules with benzodiazepine-like structures. Hence NBZDs could be of both endogenous and exogenous source and be considered as natural anxyolitic and sedative. Interestingly there are also natural compounds, such as the polypeptide Diazepam Binding Inhibitor (DBI) acting as an “inversive agonist” implicated in fair and panic disorders. It has been suggested that NBZDs may play a role in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Multidirectional studies evaluated NBZDs levels (1) in the blood of normal subjects, of cirrhotic with or without HE and in commercial benzodiazepine consumers; (2) in the blood of cirrhotic treated or not with a non-absorbable antibiotic; (3) in several constituents of our diet. In conclusion, NBZDs increase sometime in cirrhotics with or without HE but they reach concentrations not higher than those found in commercial benzodiazepines consumers. Hence NBZDs must be considered as occasional precipitating factor of HE and benzodiazepine antagonists only symptomatic drugs. The finding that NBZDs may be in part synthesized by intestinal bacterial flora and in part constituent of our diet underlines the importance to feed cirrhotic patients with selected food
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