Precious Arks of the 18th century Russian State Seals: the evolution of the iconography and manufacturing technology

The article presents the results of the trace-wear analysis and elemental composition of the arks of the pendant seals of 1700—1801 from the charters of Russian Emperors Peter the Greate, Catherine I, Peter II, Anna Ioannovna, Elizabeth Petrovna, Catherine the Greate and Paul I. The objects were studied in terms of their iconography, technological features, and metal composition. Comparison with historical documents shows that in the manufacture of all the arks the masters followed the iconography, regulated by decrees, and in general the artifacts reflect heraldic innovations of different periods. The peculiarities of the technological methods of the master jewelers of different periods, used in the production of these status items, have been identified. The evolution of the technology of making Russian seal arks has been revealed. The earliest ark (1700) was identified as belonging to the European technological tradition. The other arks belong to a different technological tradition, inclined to a more decorative depiction and the use of small complex embossings. Two of the arks show signs of later surface plating with electroplated gilding.

Influence of Commonly Used Endodontic Irrigants on the Setting Time and Metal Composition of Various Base Endodontic Sealers

The present study aimed to evaluate if commonly used endodontic irrigants such as 3% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl, Prime Dental, Thane, India), 2% chlorhexidine (CHX, Sigma-Aldrich Co., St. Louis, MO, USA), and 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA, Meta-Biomed Co. Ltd., Cheongju-si, South Korea) influenced the setting time and metal composition of different base endodontic sealers on exposure. AH Plus (Dentsply De Trey GmbH, Konstanz, Germany), Sealapex (SybronEndo, Orange, CA, USA), mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) Fillapex (Angelus Soluções Odontológicas, Londrina, Brazil), and Tubli-Seal (Kerr Dental, Orange, CA, USA) were selected as the different base representatives of endodontic sealers. These sealers were exposed to 3% NaOCl, 2% CHX, and 17% EDTA, and the individual setting time of the sealers was analyzed. The samples were analyzed for heavy metal elements such as chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and beryllium (Be) by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis. For statistical analysis, one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey’s tests were used. All selected sealers showed variation in setting time post-exposure to different irrigants. MTA Fillapex had the shortest mean setting time (215.7 min, post-exposure at 187.3 min) (p < 0.05). Mean setting time was also affected for AH Plus (479.6 min, post-exposure at 423.9 min) (p < 0.05) and Tubli-Seal (514.7 min, post-exposure at 465.2 min) (p < 0.05). Sealapex showed the maximum reduction of setting time (864.8 min, post-exposure at 673.4 min) (p < 0.05). All tested sealers showed heavy metals (Cr, Ni, Co, Cd, As, Hg, and Pb) in their composition, and the quantities were influenced by interaction with different irrigants. The heavy metal Be was not seen in any of the samples. Sealapex showed the longest setting time in comparison to other test sealers. Heavy metals were most present in Sealapex, followed by AH Plus, Tubli-Seal, and MTA Fillapex. MTA Fillapex was seen to have the shortest setting time, and heavy metal composition was least affected on interaction with different commonly used endodontic irrigants. Further, this study provides significant insight into the influence of different endodontic irrigants on interaction with different base endodontic sealers, which has not been reported previously, and future studies should emphasize endodontic irrigant-sealer interactions and their possible effects in the long run.

Reliquary Cross with Niello from the Upper Dzulat Hillfort in North Ossetia

The present paper deals with the results of the study of manufacturing technique and metal chemical composition carried out for encolpia nielloed cross dated to the end of the 12th – early 13th from the North Caucasus. Analytical results were obtained with a scanning electron microscope equipped with micro ED-XRF in low-vacuum conditions. An eightpointed cross filled with niello was depicted on the survive valve of encolpia. The Christ letter monograms encrusted with niello were made on the cross rounded terminals. Reliquary cross could have been cast in piece-mould made by the impression of previously made encolpia valve. High-tin gunmetal (Sn –17,5%) was used for encolpia production. Recessions for niello were made by casting and left without further treatment. Niello composition comprises copper, tin, and lead sulfides. Sulfur content obtained for several samples exceed 30%. The copper-based niello was more available and cheaper than silver-based composition. It has been widely used for production of the Old Russian pectoral crosses cast of bronze or brass. Manufacturing technique, metal composition, and peculiar niello recipe put encolpia cross from the Upper Dzulat hillfort on a par with widespread Old Russian reliquary crosses dated to the 12th – 13th centuries. There were prestigious but serial items made of cheap copper alloys decorated with cheap niello made without silver. The Old Russian origin of encolpia from the North Caucasus proves by the long list of analogies from the territories of Ukraine, Crimea, Bryansk, Suzdal and Ryazan Lands.

Comparative Study of Heavy Metals in Breast Milk of Breast Feeding Mothers in Urban and Sub-Urban Subjects in Rivers State

Breast milk is one fluid that could contain heavy metals and this can be dangerous to the health of breastfeeding baby. The increase in urbanization and industrialization often comes with the increased level of heavy metals in the environment especially in developing countries where environmental protection is poorly managed. The study aimed to compare the heavy metal composition in breast milk in postpartum women in urban and sub-urban areas in Rivers State. The study was conducted among 59 postpartum subjects between 0 and 10days of child delivery in each group. Sampling was done through a simple randomized system. Human breast milk was collected using a manual breast pump. Heavy metals; Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg) and Mercury (Hg) were assayed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer with their corresponding cathode lambs. Results revealed that the mean differences of the heavy metals assayed between both groups were not significant (p>0.05). This work has shown that heavy metal composition in the breast milk of postpartum women may not vary based on urban and sub-urban settlements.

ANALYSIS OF ILKHANIDS SILVER COINS DISCOVERED IN THE GREAT MOSQUE OF ARDABIL CITY IN NORTHWESTERN IRAN, BY PIXE METHOD

Город Ардебиль - один из древних городов Ирана, где сохранилось более 10 исторических памятников доисламского и исламского периодов, в частности, остатки Большой мечети - одной из первых больших мечетей Ирана, некогда возвышавшейся на берегу реки Балыклы-Чай. В 2009-2012 гг. в ходе работ по восстановлению Большой мечети было обнаружено множество монет: золотых византийских, медных - эпохи Атабеков и серебряных - династии Илханидов XI-XIII вв. Этот факт указывает на использование данного религиозного памятника в течение длительного времени. В статье подробно описывается методика исследования серебряных монет, найденных в Большой мечети и связанных с началом истории Илханидов. Результаты анализа элементного состава металла пяти монет методом PIXE - высокое содержание серебра и наличие золота вместе со значительным снижением содержания меди -свидетельствуют о благоприятных экономических условиях и расцвете культуры в период правления Илханидов. Авторы предполагают, что и серебро, и медь добывались в месторождениях, находившихся в окрестностях Тебриза. Existence of more than 10 historical sites dating back to pre-Islamic and Islamic periods, especially, the architectural remains of the Great Mosque located on bank of the Balikhlli chai river running through Ardabil indicates the significance of the city of Ardabil. Numerous Byzantine golden coins, Atabegs copper and Ilkhanids silver coins belonging to 11th to 13th centuries AD were found during the extensive activities on reparation of the Great Mosque in 2009-2012. This fact evidences that this religious monument has been used for a long time. The article focuses on Ilkhanids silvers coins. The investigation of the silver coins from the Great Mosque shows that they are related with the beginnings of Ilkhanids' history. PIXE analysis of some of the silver coins shows high purity of silver and gold in metal composition of coins and points to good economic conditions, medicine improvement and cultural dehiscence during Ilkhanid period and the preceding periods. The authors suppose the extract of copper and presence of silver in Tabriz surroundings.

THE ROMAN SILVER COIN ASSEMBLAGE FROM THE FRONTOVOYE 3 NECROPOLIS TOMB 3 (SOUTHWESTERN CRIMEA): INVESTIGATION OF METAL BY MEANS OF X-RAY SPECTROSCOPY AND PB ISOTOPIC ANALYSIS

В статье представлены результаты исследования химического состава металла и изотопного состава Pb в серебре группы римских монет из раскопок могильника Фронтовое 3 (Юго-Западный Крым). Из погребения 3 происходят семь монет Септимия Севера, Плавтиллы, Гордиана III, Филиппа I, отчеканенные на монетном дворе Рима. Данные о составе металла этих монет сопоставлены с результатами анализа других римских монет данного периода. Исследования изотопного состава Pb в римских серебряных монетах из Фронтового 3 и денариях из раскопок Горгиппии показывают, что наиболее вероятным источником серебра для чеканки римских монет, найденных на территории Северного Причерноморья, являлись стратиформные серебро-полиметаллические месторождения Центрального массива Франции. The article presents the results of investigation of a group of Roman silver coins from the excavations of the Frontovoye 3 burial ground (the Southwestern Crimea). Seven coins of Septimius Severus, Plautilla, Gordian III, and Philip I, struck in the mint of Rome, were discovered in tomb 3. Data on the metal composition of these coins are compared with the results of analysis of other Roman coins of this period. The Pb isotopic analysis of the Roman silver coins from Frontovoye 3 and the denarii from the excavations at Gorgippia shows that the stratiform silver-polymetallic deposits of the Massif Central in France was the most likely source of silver for mintage of Roman coins found in the North Pontic Region.

METAL FROM THE SHUSHUK ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE (THE NORTHWEST CAUCASUS) IN THE LIGHT OF CHRONOLOGICAL AND MICROSCOPIC STUDIES

В статье представлены результаты междисциплинарного изучения металлических предметов из раскопок археологического комплекса Шушук в Адыгее. В комплекс входят погребения в ящиках-рамах и поселение. По аналогиям в курганных памятниках Восточной Европы и Кавказа, с учетом имеющихся радиоуглеродных дат, погребения разделены на три хронологические группы. К первой (начало средней бронзы, XXVIII-XXVII вв. до н. э.) относятся объекты с литой декоративной пластикой ранних форм (рис. 1; 2). В составе металла выявлены беспрецедентно высокие лигатуры мышьяка, что объясняется первичным использованием сплавов. Морфология предметов второй группы (XXVI-XXIV вв. до н. э.) имеет транзитные признаки второй половины раннего - первой половины позднего периодов среднего бронзового века. Состав металла иллюстрирует преемственность, новацией являются тройные сплавы медь-мышьяк-свинец (рис. 3; 4). В третьей хронологической группе (эпоха поздней бронзы, XVIII-XVI вв. до н. э.) выделены три типа медных сплавов с лигатурами олова и мышьяка, а также сурьма. Отмечена корреляция между видами, функциями, составом металла и технологией изготовления предметов (рис. 5; 6). Металл поселения Шушук, датированного финальным этапом эпохи бронзы (XII в.), не демонстрирует связи с какой-либо группой погребений (рис. 7). The paper presents results of the interdisciplinary study of metal artifacts from the Shushuk archaeological site in Adygea. The site includes burials in cists lined with stone and a settlement. Using analogies from kurgan sites in eastern Europe and the Caucasus and taking into account available radiocarbon dates, the burials are divided into three chronological groups. The first group (beginning of the Middle Bronze Age, 2800-2700 BC) contains items with cast decorative elements of earlier forms (Fig. 1; 2). The metal composition revealed an unexampled high content of arsenic which is explained by primary use of alloys. Morphology of the items referred to the second group (2600-2400 BC) shows transition characteristics typical for the second half of the Early Bronze Agefirst half of the later periods of the Middle Bronze Age. The metal composition demonstrates continuity, with triple alloys containing copper, arsenic and lead (Fig. 3; 4) being an innovation. The third chronological group (the Late Bronze Age, 1800-1600 BC) has three types of copper-based alloys containing tin and arsenic as well as antimony. The types, functions, metal composition and production technologies are correlated (Fig. 5; 6). The metal from the Shushuk settlement dating to the final stage of the Bronze Age (1200 BC) does not demonstrate any correlation with any group of burials (Fig. 7).

Analyses of organic matter and heavy metal composition in formulated macroalgae-based organic fertilizer

The application of inorganic fertilizers has been continuously increasing since last many decades globally. Farmers nowadays heavily rely on the use of inorganic fertilizers to meet the production of their farms and gardens. This becomes a concerning environmentally and also health issue. One solution is to decrease the use of inorganic fertilizers and substitute with organic fertilizers. In our previous work, we have developed macroalgae-based organic fertilizer (MbOF) which show promising results in increasing the growth and yield of various crops and plants. However, the quality of the formulated MbOF has never been accessed. In this study, we analysed the organic matter composition and heavy metal safety profile of the MbOF. Our results show that MbOF contains considerably high organic C (43.05 ± 2.56 %). The cumulative content of total-N (1.91 ± 0.78 %), P2O5 (2.20 ± 0.81 %) and K2O (2.18 ± 0.54 %) were also above 4%. Furthermore, the C/N ratio was sufficient (22.54 ± 5.81 %). In addition, heavy metal analyses also show low content of Pb (5.61 ± 0.71 ppm) and Hg (0.29 ± 0.14 ppm). Based on the results, the formulated MbOF could be employed as substitute or used together with inorganic fertilizer to get maximum benefits regarding yield and growth of crops and plants.

The Influence of Qatari Dust on the Element Composition of Marine Plankton

The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Qatar is affected by extreme dust and extensive industrialization, making it an ideal location to examine influences of coastal processes on biological activity, which greatly affects marine biogeochemical cycling. In this study, the influence of dust on the trace element composition of plankton and how distance from shore effects elemental concentrations in marine plankton was investigated. Samples were collected using net tows with mesh sizes of 50 (bulkplankton) and 200 (zooplankton) mm size-fractions in 2012 and 2014 to examine temporal and spatial variabilities. The samples were strong acid digested and analyzed using ICP-OES. Trace metal clean techniques were used. The biogenic concentrations of trace metals were determined by correcting the bulk analyses for the lithogenic contribution using aluminum content of Qatari dust as a lithogenic tracer. The relative trace metal composition of plankton from EEZ of Qatar is Fe > Zn ≈ Cu > V ≈ Ni ≈ Cr ≈ As ≈ Mo > Cd ≈ Co. Small and large size planktonic compositions were similar, except for Ba, Mn, Pb, Mo which were higher in zooplankton than bulkplankton. It was not clear if the variability was due to differences in biology, proximity to the coast or interannual effects. The geochemical and statistical analysis suggested that the concentrations of Al, Fe, Cr, Co, Mn, Ni, Pb, Li in net-tow plankton samples were mostly of lithogenic (dust) and Cd, Cu, Mo, Zn, Ca are most likely of biogenic/anthropogenic origin. The excess concentrations relative to average dust from Qatar for most elements (except Cd) decreased with distance from shore. This may be due to contamination or uncertainties with the lithogenic correction or due to our sampling locations in a marginal sea, dominated by dust input. This is an aspect of this study that warrants more research.