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The cultural heritage field represents a witness to artifacts values in a continuous evolution, it strongly influences our sense of identity and our behavior as people. To protect these archaeological treasures, different conservation and restoration methods are required. Considering the field of priceless artifacts, our research direction led us to preliminary studies of metallic coins from 20th century through non–destructive techniques. Copper–based coins were subjected to the surface characterization through optical microscopy (OM) in transmitted light, elemental composition analysis using Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (WDXRF) and electrochemical corrosion using Tafel extrapolarization technique. The microscopic investigations showed that the patina layer is due to presence of copper content in coins composition confirmed by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy technique. Also, the electrochemical tests disclosed different corrosion rate according to each chemical composition of coins. This study provide a broad overview of ancient coins to preserve their value in the future.

The present paper is focused on the microclimatic investigation and weather-climatic phenomena matrix assessment, which can be generated for heritage objectives at different spatial and temporal resolutions, correlated with physicochemical analysis of the particulate matter (PM2.5-10). In the literature the importance of atmospheric PM monitoring in the proximity of monuments is not yet sufficiently highlighted. In this respect, the microclimatic investigation of the Tropaeum Traiani Monument (Adamclisi, Romania) was performed to assess the suitability of a closed environment, located outdoors, according to the conservation requirements of heritage materials. The monitoring campaigns (four seasons, e.g., from summer of the year 2018 to spring of the year 2019) were carried out by non-invasive measuring equipment. The collected data were used to investigate the hygrothermal and chemical behavior inside and outside of Tropaeum Traiani Monument, built in 109, to assess the risks on the oldest structural material. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed by IBM SPSS Statistics software to assess the similarities between the microclimatic parameters.

The work presents the most known and used (in laboratory practice) ways of removing degraded adhesives from the surface or from the assemblies / consolidations of works performed on organic support, of a cellulosic nature.

Methylene blue is generally used as dyeing agent in textile, printing and pharmaceutical industries, which leads to the obtaining of large amounts of wastewater. The purpose of this study is to remove methylene blue dye from aqueous solutions using fir wood sawdust waste as low cost biosorbent material. In order to evaluate the adsorption process, analyses for determination of micrometric properties, infrared spectroscopy, optical microscopy and colorimetry were performed. To increase the efficiency of the process and the adsorption surface, the fir wood sawdust was grinded and sieved. Some specific parameters were varied in the experimental part in order to study the influence of the adsorbent support dose, concentration, temperature, contact time, volume and stirring rate. The removal efficiency of methylene blue dye was further studied for evaluating the adsorption capacity of the fir wood sawdust.

Macro-heterocyclic compounds, such as porphyrins and phthalocyanines, are being studied extensively for their important physical and chemical properties. Their ability to absorb light throughout the spectrum and self-organization being adequate for the realization of several applications. Investigations of the spectral properties of the supramolecular assembly RhTMPyP/ ZnTSPc- 5,10,15,20 rhodium tetramethyl-pyridyl porphyrin / 2,9,16,23 zinc tetrasulfonated-phthalocyanine are registered by UV-Vis, FT-IR and Raman spectroscopic techniques.

Scientific studies have demonstrated that the vegetable material extracts act as potential precursors for the synthesis of nanomaterial using eco-friendly ways. Because the plant extracts contain various secondary metabolites, they act as reducing and stabilizing agents for the bioreduction reaction for synthesis of novel metallic nanoparticles.Herein, we describe the characteristics of different algae types, from different locations (Belgium and South Correa). Algae have important components, like chlorophyll and other plant pigments, omega-3 fatty acids and essential elements. Also, it has been demonstrated that algae provide a rich source of natural bioactive compounds with antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Another important aspect is the fact that algae represent a good wastewater treatment. In addition to the economic aspect, algae biomass is a source of biodiesel and offers an efficient way for nutrient consumption and provides aerobic bacteria with oxygen through photosynthesis. It is a low-cost technique for the removal of phosphorus, nitrogen and pathogens. We first characterized and compared quantitatively (polyphenols, flavonoids) and qualitatively (carbohydrates, alkaloids) the properties of two algae types extracts (green algae - Enteromorpha spp. and brown ones - Hizikia fusiforme). We then obtained and characterized the gold nanoparticles, formed using HAuCl4 (10-3 M) and algae sample extracts. The algae extracts, the green method for obtaining metallic nanoparticles (AuNP) and the nanoparticles investigated by UV-Vis spectroscopy, optical microscopy and SEM technique are shown in this research.

The aim of this study was to address one of the major challenges of the conservation state of wooden artifacts or artworks namely, the preservation and restoration of wood surfaces. The factors involved in the deterioration of wood are mainly the external factors such as fire, low temperature and microbiological agents, which induce some degradation processes in wood, identified by discoloration, fragility and unsightly appearance. In this study, biodegradable materials based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBHV) and composites based on PHBHV and particles (zinc oxide (ZnO), carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHAp) and its metallic derivatives with silver (AgCHAp) and strontium (SrCHAp) were applied on firwood specimens in order to investigate their consolidation capacity. Colorimetric measurements have confirmed that the chosen treatments did not change the colour of the natural wood. The hardness test revealed that the consolidation system increases the mechanical properties of the samples. The used treatments confer a strong hydrophobic character which prevents exfoliation of the wood samples, as confirmed by the performed water absorption test.

(1) Background: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves the selective killing of tumor cells by the generation of reactive oxygen species using a photosensitizer (PS) activated by irradiation. In melanoma, PDT efficiency is altered by several mechanisms, such as the presence of melanin and melanosomes and pro-survival pathways mediated by transcription factors such as: AP-1 (activator protein), MITF (microphthalmia inducible transcription factor), HIF1α (hypoxia inducible factor), and NF-kB (nuclear factor kappa B). The study aimed to investigate the anti-melanoma effects of PDT mediated by meso-5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-porphyrin (THPP) as a photosensitizer. (2) Methods: Cocultures of melanoma, two human, WM35 and M1–15, and murine B16-F10, with endothelial cells, were used. Cytotoxicity, oxidative damage, angiogenesis markers, and melanogenesis were assessed using colorimetry, flowcytometry, confocal microscopy, spectrophotometry, ELISA, and Western blotting. (3) Results: The maximal killing efficiency of PDT was reached in WM35, followed by M1–15, and then B16-F10, and it occurred through both apoptosis and necrosis. Although constitutive pigmentation diminished the PDT efficiency, de novo melanogenesis exhibited no protection. PDT increased TNFα, and inhibited NFkB, MITF, HIF1α, and AP1, leading to inflammation and angiogenesis markers’ inhibition. (4) Conclusions: THPP-mediated PDT efficiently induced cell death through apoptosis, necrosis, and the inhibition of pro-survival pathways mediated by NFkB, AP1, HIF1α, and MITF in the melanoma coculture models.

Green chemistry is constantly detaching itself as an important alternative to conventional chemical routes since it is environmentally friendly, cost effective, neither does it require the use of toxic chemicals nor does it produce hazardous by-products. For preparing eco-friendly silver and gold nanoparticles, numerous plants have been used and the method involves the following steps: collecting the plant, drying and finely grinding it, mixing the plant with water to obtain the aqueous extract that further reacts with the inorganic salt to form the corresponding metallic nanoparticles. Kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea Gongylodes group) is a versatile vegetable rich in vitamin C with a multitude of nutrients beneficial to human health: can help lower the blood pressure and the cholesterol, fights cancer, is an adjuvant in weight loss, etc. This paper presents the eco-friendly synthesis of two metallic nanoparticles, namely silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) from the aqueous extract of purple Kohlrabi peel and the corresponding metallic salts at different temperatures. The qualitative and quantitative screening of phytochemicals from the aqueous extract was carried out using standard analytical methods and the formation of AgNPs and AuNPs was investigated by recording UV-Vis at different time intervals, FTIR and DLS spectra.

In this paper, multi-walled carbon nanotubes have been prepared at low synthesis temperatures and without high pressure by a simple chemical route. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, Raman ...

The present research describes the components of the ivy (Hedera helix L.) plant extract. It is known that ivy presents a lot of health benefits, like antibacterial, antimicrobial, anticancer properties or skin care, due to their components. So, the aim of our study was to characterize quantitative (polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids) and qualitative (saponins, proteins, steroids) screening for phytochemical compounds and antioxidant activity of the hydroalcoholic extract obtained by ivy leaves. The sample was analyzed by UV-VIS, FTIR, TLC techniques. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH method. The antimicrobial activity was demonstrated on bacteria, yeast and mold species.

Background and aim. Photodynamic therapy, PDT, is a promising option among the local treatments with oncolytic potential. Although the basic principle is simple, its intricate mechanisms allow for a broad range of optimization methods. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of Resveratrol and Curcumin as adjuvants of PDT on experimental tumors. Methods. Sixty-six Wistar male rats were divided into 11 groups: control, Curcumin (CUR), Resveratrol (RES) alone or followed by irradiation (IR) (CUR+IR and RES+IR, respectively), 5,10,15,20-tetra-sulphonato-phenyl-porphyrin (TSPP), TSPP+IR (PDT), and CUR or RES administered prior to or after PDT (CUR+TSPP+IR, RES+TSPP+IR, TSPP+IR+CUR, TSPP+IR+RES). Results. Both CUR and RES significantly decreased lipid peroxidation, while RES also showed an increase in glutathione (GSH) levels, especially when it was administered before PDT (p

This paper aims with the preparation of Sr2+ and Zn2+ double substituted carbonated hydroxyapatite (Sr-Zn-CHAp) by the nanoemulsion method and to evaluate its consolidation capacity on artificial stone samples. The changes in CHAp lattice parameters were observed by a synergy between the shrinkage and dilatation induced by the two metallic ions, with different ionic radii by comparison with calcium. The changed morphology obtained by calcination was evidenced by SEM analysis. Also, the tendency to agglomerate of the double substituted CHAp as micron- and sub-micron-sized particles with spherical and irregular form was observed. The FTIR, XRD and EDS results confirmed that the CHAp was successfully substituted with Sr2+ and Zn2+ by replacing Ca2+ resulting a AB-type CHAp. The efficacity of Sr-Zn-CHAp as inorganic consolidant for the stone was tested by mechanical strength, resistance at freeze–thaw artificial aging test, thermal shock weathering, colorimetric changes of the artificial stone sample, all the results being correlated with the water absorption test, water repellency, and pore structure changes. By treating the stone with 0.5 g/L Sr-Zn-CHAp led to an improvement of the above-mentioned characteristics, without significant chromatic changes.

The aim of this paper is to analyze the construction materials (mortars) of an architectural monument (Deserted Tower (Lilly Tower) from Corvins&rsquo, Castle, Romania). The mortars were characterized following a multidisciplinary approach, combining macroscopic observation with petrographic microscopy, mineralogical analysis (X-ray diffraction) and elemental analysis (X-ray fluorescence), hydric properties, and color of representative samples of the monument. The results revealed the use of gypsum mortars (produced by lumps with higher Fe content), with minor concentrations of crystalline dolomites of the Southern Carpathians, calcite, and quartz. The materials&rsquo, effective porosity and their water absorption capacity were high. A possible solution to consolidate the damaged area with some consolidation products (hydroxyapatite carbonate and its derivatives with Ag and Sr) was investigated, too. The interactions between the mortar&rsquo, s specimens and the effectiveness of the consolidation treatments were evaluated by physico-chemical analyses (molecular structure by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF), dynamic light scattering (DLS)), morphological characterization by microscopic techniques as SEM-EDS, TEM, and physical and mechanical investigations (peeling test and compressive strength). Results were drawn based on historical, in situ observations, and analytical data, and put into evidence the composition, high weathering degree, and the possibility to surface consolidate with Sr-CHAp.

In recent years, the rapid development of electronic equipment led to millions of tons of waste printed circuit boards (WPCB) generated in the entire world rising important concerns regarding its recycling. Besides the metals recovery, intensively studied, the reuse of the nonmetals is especially difficult. In this study, the non-metallic fraction from the waste of printed circuit boards is used as reinforcing filler of a styrene-butadiene block-copolymer. The composites were characterized by mechanical and dynamo-mechanical analysis and thermo-gravimetry. The study aimed the reintroduction into the economic circuit of WPCB as composites suitable for the production of shoe soles injected directly on the footwear faces and as bitumen modifiers for road coverings.

Phytosynthesis can certainly be considered next generation’s technology that enables the development of novel nanoparticles and nanomaterials with various applications in multidisciplinary scientific areas. Squash (Cucurbita maxima) is a fruit rich in beta-carotene, calcium, potassium and has numerous health benefits. This paper describes recent researches in the field of metallic nanoparticles, namely silver and gold, prepared via phytosynthesis from aqueous extracts of Waltham butternut squash. Silver and gold nanoparticles can be prepared using conventional routes that have numerous drawbacks. Phytosynthesis has multiple advantages: is cost effective, environmentally – friendly, doesn’t require high pressure and no hazardous chemicals are used. Aqueous extracts were prepared from different parts of Waltham butternut squash (e.g.: shell, core and seeds) and their phytochemical content was evaluated using standard qualitative and quantitative analyses. The metallic nanoparticles were phytosynthesized from the aqueous extracts and corresponding metallic salts using two different conditions: room temperature, no stirring, overnight and 500 C, under continuous stirring for 30 minutes. The phytosynthesized metallic nanoparticles were characterized by recording UV-Vis spectra at different time intervals in order to determine their stability in time. The characteristic absorptions maxima were recorded at 435 - 450 nm for silver nanoparticles and at 535 - 550 nm for gold nanoparticles. The antioxidant activity was recorded using DPPH (2,2 – diphenyl – 1 – picryl – hydrazyl – hydrate) assay and the calculated values were clearly higher for the phytosynthesized metallic nanoparticles compared to the aqueous extracts.

This research focuses on the synthesis of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) decorated with TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) and incorporated in cellulose acetate-collagen film in order to obtain a new biomaterial with potential biomedical applications and improved antimicrobial activity. The successful decoration of the MWCNTs with TiO2 NPs was confirmed by several structural and morphological analysis, such as Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The obtained nanocomposites were further incorporated into cellulose acetate-collagen films, at different concentrations and absorption kinetics, antimicrobial activity and in vitro biocompatibility of the obtained films was investigated. The antimicrobial tests sustained that the presence of the nanocomposites into the polymeric matrix is an important aspect in increasing and maintaining the antimicrobial activity of the polymeric wound dressings over time. The biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of the obtained films was evaluated using cellular viability/proliferation assay and fluorescent microscopy which revealed the ability of the obtained materials as potential wound dressing biomaterial.

The current work deals with specific investigations on the ceramic fragment samples from the archaeological site of Topolița (Eastern Romania), which is essentially unexplored to date. X-ray diffraction (XRD) has shown that the ceramics contain quartz, berlinite, mica (muscovite), calcite, and opaque minerals, such as hematite. All evidence indicates the use of raw materials with a low limestone content (poor Ca clays) for the manufacture of these ceramics (Ca < 3.6%). The wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF) measurements indicated the presence of Al, Si, Fe, Ca, Zn, P, and K. All these data are well correlated with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), which is used as an additional technique of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Through thermogravimetry and porosimetry, some information have been obtained, with the results being correlated with the chromatic parameters that characterize the samples after burning: Various shades of color (red color with sparkles and partially or totally black interior), differently colored engobes, white pigment encrusted with white color from calcite, gypsum, clays, and quartz, as well as carbon deposits in the pores of the pottery, all specific to the Chalcolithic ceramics from this region. The recorded FTIR spectra of these samples led to the identification of calcite, quartz, gypsum, and aluminum phosphate, present as berlinite in all the pottery specific to this area. In addition, the presence/absence and the amount of specific chemical elements in the white pigments (e.g., calcium, aluminum, phosphorus, silicon, sulfur) could be used as indicative for the identified mineral compounds (XRD and FTIR). Calcite and silica-rich sediments as the primary decoration pigments, have been identified in this case.

In recent years, the rising number of bone diseases which affect millions of people worldwide has led to an increased demand for materials with restoring and augmentation properties that can be used in therapies for bone pathologies. In this work, PMMA- MBG composite scaffolds containing ceria (0, 1, 3 mol%) were obtained by the phase separation method. The obtained composite scaffolds were characterized by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. UV–Vis measurement and EDX analysis confirmed the presence of cerium ions in the composite scaffolds. Evaluation of the in-vitro biocompatibility using MTT assay showed that composite scaffold containing 1 mol% of ceria presented higher viability than control cells (100%) for concentrations ranging between 5 and 50% after 96 h of incubation.

Multifunctional composite coatings composed of metal oxide nanoparticles dispersed in polymer matrices are an advanced solution to solve the problem of stone heritage deterioration. Their innovative design is meant to be stable, durable, transparent, easy to apply and remove, non-toxic, hydrophobic, and permeable. Coating formulations for the protection of buildings and monuments have been intensively researched lately. Such formulations are based on multifunctional composite coatings incorporating metal oxides. The present work aims to combine the hydrophobic properties of sodium polyacrylate (NaPAC16) with the antimicrobial effectiveness, with promising antimicrobial results even in the absence of light, and good compatibility of MgO (a safe to use, low cost and environmentally friendly material) and TiO2 (with antibacterial and antifungal properties), in order to develop coatings for stone materials protection. MgO (pure phase periclase) and TiO2 (pure phase anatase) nanopowders were prepared through sol–gel method, specifically routes. Aqueous dispersions of hydrophobically modified polymer (NaPAC16, polyacrylic acid sodium salt) and MgO/TiO2 nanopowders were deposited through layer-by-layer dip coating technique on glass slides and through immersion on stone fragments closely resembling the mosaic stone from the fourth century AD Roman Mosaic Edifice, from Constanta, Romania. The oxide nanopowders were characterized by: Thermal analysis (TG/DTA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), BET specific surface area and porosity, and UV–Vis spectroscopy for band gap determination. An aqueous dispersion of modified polyacrylate polymer and oxide nanopowders was deposited on different substrates (glass slides, red bricks, gypsum mortars). Film hydrophobicity was verified by contact angle measurements. The colour parameters were evaluated. Photocatalytic and antimicrobial activity of the powders and composite coatings were tested.

The high global production of electric and electronic equipment increases in the same manner the amount of the waste that needs to be recycled. Special attention is given to the plastics recycling from the waste in addition to the metals recovery that brings economic advantages. Considering that the plastic amount contains about 80% polystyrene polymers, the paper presents a recycling study of this fraction as reinforcing agent for a styrene-butadiene block copolymer. In order to reduce the melt viscosity, some of the composites were extended with paraffin-naphthenic �heavy white oil�. The blends were characterized by mechanical testing, thermal and dynamo-mechanical analysis. Based on the resulted properties, it can be concluded that the extended and reinforced composites can be used as material for shoe soles.

This study aims to provide an overview of the main polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) used in medical applications. In this review, it has been demonstrated that the properties of PHAs can be controlled both by varying the concentration of units in the copolymer and the substrate for PHA production. Another way of controlling the mechanical properties of PHAs is varying the 3HV content, such as the case of P(3HB-co-3HV). A higher 3HV content in the structure of this polyester will lead to a lower cristallinity and, therefore, to greater flexibility, strength and elongation at break. PHAs are biocompatible, completely biodegradable, and non-toxic. Considering the state of the art technologies and their ideal properties, PHAs (especially the short-chain-length PHA polymers) can be tailored for specific medical applications, such as surgical suture, scaffolds, grafts and heart valves or drug delivery systems. Nowaday, random copolyesters of 3HB and 4HB (P(3HB-co-4HB)) are used for the development of biodegradable implants loaded with antibiotics for therapeutic treatment of chronic osteomyelitis. It is also believed that these biodegradable materials can be efficient alternatives for reducing the pollution produced by the medical waste consisting of replacing plastic handles, packs, syringes or tubes that are trashed into the homes, clinics and hospitals around the world.

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) generated in large amounts due to the development of IT and telecommunication industry is considered an important concern for environmental protection. The complex polymer composition of WEEE can be determined in order to consider a proper recycling process for polymeric materials. The aim of the study was to identify the constituent polymers by: density, burning test, solubility, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), thermo-gravimetric analysis (ATG). The research led to a majority of polystyrenic polymers, together with polyesters, polycarbonates and polyamides.

This paper presents the solvents effect on the mechanical and thermal properties of films of styrene-butadiene and styrene-isoprene block copolymers with the majority diene phase, obtained by spin casting.

In this study, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were decorated with different types of nanoparticles (NPs) in order to obtain hybrid materials with improved antimicrobial activity. Structural and morphological analysis, such as Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, environmental scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller technique were used in order to investigate the decoration of the nanotubes with NPs. Analysis of the decorated nanotubes showed a narrow size distribution of NPs, 7–13 nm for the nanotubes decorated with zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs, 15–33 nm for the nanotubes decorated with silver (Ag) NPs and 20–35 nm for the nanotubes decorated with hydroxyapatite (HAp) NPs, respectively. The dispersion in water of the obtained nanomaterials was improved for all the decorated MWCNTs, as revealed by the relative absorbance variation in time of the water-dispersed nanomaterials. The obtained nanomaterials showed a good antimicrobial activity, however, the presence of the NPs on the surface of MWCNTs improved the nanocomposites’ activity. The presence of ZnO and Ag nanoparticles enhanced the antimicrobial properties of the material, in clinically relevant microbial strains. Our data proves that such composite nanomaterials are efficient antimicrobial agents, suitable for the therapy of severe infection and biofilms.

In recent years pharmaceutical formulations using polymeric nanocapsules have been widely studied for developing novel drug delivery strategies. Nanocapsules provide a unique core-shell nanostructure, consisting of a liquid/solid core surrounded by a polymeric shell. Natural or modified polysaccharides are prime candidates for use as building blocks of the nanocapsule shells, due to their demonstrated safety, versatility and low cost and to the fact that they are widely used as excipients in classical drug formulations. The aim of this paper is to present the recent advances in drug delivery strategies using polysaccharidic nanocapsules and to discuss future opportunities and challenges in developing modern pharmaceutical formulations using such systems.

Green chemistry is a state-of-the art method widely recognized as a useful tool for promoting and enabling sustainable development at both laboratory and industrial scale characterized by the use of environmentally friendly materials such as bacteria, fungi, and different plant species. Metallic nanoparticles exhibit attractive and unique properties due to their reduced size and morphology, which are the basis of development to a variety of useful applications, especially in nanotechnology, biotechnology, and nanomedicine. In the past decades, sustained work has been done to develop new eco-friendly methods for the preparation of well-characterized metallic nanoparticles. Green synthesis removes the limitation of the conventional chemical routes and allows the production of well-defined size and shape metallic nanoparticles with little to no toxicity to humans and environment. To date, hundreds of plant species from different parts of the world have been used for the green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles (with emphasis on silver and gold nanoparticles due to their known antibacterial and antimicrobial activity), with good to excellent results, and therefore, it represents an affordable route for large-scale production. This chapter focuses on the green synthesis of lanthanides- and actinides-based nanoparticles from vegetal materials (plants and plant parts), different microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, algae), or describes other environmentally friendly routes. The focus is on lanthanide oxide- and actinide oxide-based nanomaterials, such as cerium oxide (CeONPs), lanthanum oxide (LaONPs) and their perovskite-type nanoparticles (e.g., LaAlO3), yttrium oxide nanoparticles (Y2O3NPs), their preparation via green chemistry methods and details all the methods used to investigate and characterize the formation of the metallic nanoparticles, such as ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Also, it details the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antifungal activity of the aforementioned green-synthesized lanthanide- and actinide- based nanoparticles.

Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) is a fruit packed with vitamins and nutrients beneficial to human health with numerous therapeutic uses including antiparasitic, antioxidant, it helps to lower bad cholesterol, as an adjuvant in weight loss, improves cancer prevention, etc. Pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene, and contains significant amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that can considerably prevent cataracts and macular degeneration. Worldwide, five pumpkin species are grown for their edible fruit and seeds. This paper describes the qualitative screening of phytocompounds and the quantitative determination of the main bioactive compounds found in two pumpkin species: Valenciano and Waltham Butternut. The qualitative screening of phytochemicals was based on the visual change in color of aqueous extracts upon adding known reactants. This allowed a preliminary evaluation regarding the presence of different bioactive compounds such as saponins, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, etc. In order to determine the specific amount of different phytocompounds (e.g., total content of polyphenols, total content of flavonoids, etc.) UV-Vis spectra were recorded in triplicate at well-established wavelengths, thus obtaining an average absorbance. For example, a method widely applied for the determination of total polyphenolic content is the Folin–Ciocalteu (FC) reaction, which is basically an antioxidant analyses that relies on electron transfer that measures the reductive ability of a specific antioxidant. Briefly, the FC reaction involved mixing 1 mL diluted aqueous extract with 5 mL FC reagent and adding 4 mL Na2CO3 after 8 min After 60 min incubation at room temperature, we recorded the absorptions at 765 nm, which corresponds to the gallic acid curve calibration standard. Also, the antioxidant activity was recorded by using the DPPH method for both aqueous extracts.

(1) Background: Due to the precarious situation of many monuments or archeological sites, analytical investigations are necessary to obtain information about the used materials, as well as to identify the most appropriate solutions for their conservation/restoration. This paper addresses the characterization of mural painting fragments collected during the excavation in 2018 in Rapoltu Mare (La vie), Deva. (2) Methods: Specific analytical techniques were used, as follows: X-ray diffractometry (XRD), wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF), optical microscopy (OM), zoom microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), spectroscopic techniques (UV–Vis, FTIR, Raman), porosity and thermal analysis, all of which provide information about the structure, chemical composition, morphology and topography of pigments and their deterioration as well. (3) Results: Up to seven different pigments were identified: Egyptian blue, carbon, calcite, gypsum, hematite, goethite and green earth. Egyptian Blue is identified in all the other color areas, except the white area: in the green zone (as degradation product with beeswax) and in the red zone (in mixture with ochre) too. In addition, carbon and beeswax were highlighted as toner and binder for pigments, respectively. In the presence of the organic beeswax binding environment, the Egyptian blue pigment particles darkened or turned yellow significantly, changing the blue to a greenish color. It is also possible to identify wollastonite (CaSiO3) in the blue pigment, which indicates that the temperature used in the manufacturing of Egyptian blue was higher than 950 °C from thermal analysis. The presence of apatite, hematite and gypsum deposits in the Hunedoara region certifies that these pigments could have been of local origin, as demonstrated by the presence of analytically identified elements (Fe, P, S, Ca). (4) Conclusions: The analytical techniques used for such investigations have highlighted the main pigments used in Roman times for various Roman murals.

In this study, it was reported the preliminary results on the chemical and structural composition of decorative elements remains from original Roman mosaic fragments collected from the Roman Mosaic Museum, Constanta (Romania). These investigations were carried out by using non-destructive and micro-invasive techniques such as optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, field emission - scanning electron microscopy - energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, vibrational spectroscopy (i.e., FTIR and Raman). The studied fragments, apart from being beneficial to different restoration opportunities of this Roman mosaic, could be also included in its modification through air pollution. The major and minor phase components of the studied mosaic fragments were determined, the crystal structure of the main phases was analyzed, and their three-dimension spatial arrangement was reconstructed. The similar composition of the major phases of all mosaic fragments can indicate a generic recipe for making mosaic elements, but minor phases were presumably added for coloring of mosaic pieces. Some degradation areas inside the volume of the mosaic fragments were found by means of the X-ray diffraction method. The areas are probably related to the formation of iron hydroxides during chemical interactions of mosaic fragments with the sea and urban polluted atmosphere. The results can also offer important information about the original materials that were used in the Roman period.

The present research describes the components of two types of medicinal plants. [...]

Knowledge from materials science can be used to design systems that target specific issues in [...]

The Casino building from Constanta is the most important and characteristic public building [...]

Carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHAp) is an inorganic compound with various applications that presents better homogeneity and consolidating effect than HAp [1]. [...]

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have attracted attention, due to their structures as well as their ability to present multiple walls. [...]

In the last decades, the waste electric and electronic equipment (WEEE) has increased substantially due to an accelerated development of the economy and the lifetime of electronics.

The history portrays the identity of a culture, of people and various civilizations, which has [...]