Colonial Legacies in Heritage Conservation in Algeria

Dear Sir, We experienced a very rare case of a severe complication after breast augmentation with 2 different types of injectable materials. At the ages of 22 and 35 years, a female who is now 74 years old underwent breast augmentation with injectable materials for cosmetic purposes at 2 different clinics. Ten years after the second augmentation procedures, breasts became itchy, and erythematous. These symptoms increased over time. At the patient's first visit to our hospital, both breasts exhibited erythema, subcutaneous varicoses, and deformities (Fig ​(Fig1).1). On palpation, the laxity of the breast skin disappeared completely and the foreign body materials seemed to infiltrate into the subcutaneous tissue and breast parenchyma. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) showed diffuse radiopaque images in the superficial layer and solitary radiolucent images with eggshell-like calcification in the deep layer (Fig ​(Fig1).1). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) generated both T1 high/T2 low and T1 low/T2 high images that were in accordance with the CT findings. Figure 1 (Left) Preoperative appearance of the patient. (Right) Computed tomography revealed radiopaque images in the superficial layer and radiolucent images with eggshell-like calcification in the deep layer. The patient underwent extirpation of the injected materials together with the affected skin, the breast parenchyma, and the pectoralis major muscles in the upper pole. This was followed immediately by reconstruction with rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flaps. Eight months later, the lower pole of the affected breast tissue and skin were removed along with the injected materials, followed immediately by reconstruction with latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flaps. The patient was satisfied with both the symptomatic and cosmetic improvement. We also chemically analyzed the extracted substances by using 13C high-resolution magic angle spinning (MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. This analysis revealed clearly that there had been 2 different types of materials present in the breast: one type was in the superficial layer and was composed of hydrocarbon, and the other type was in the deep layer and consisted of silicone gel (Fig ​(Fig22). Figure 2 13C high-resolution magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance revealed the presence in the extirpated matter of 2 different types of injectable materials, namely, silicone (same ingredient as polydimethyloxane or PDMS) and hydrocarbon. Injectable materials such as silicone gel and hydrocarbon compounds have been used for breast augmentation since the 1950s, particularly in Asian countries. Some patients who were augmented with these materials subsequently develop severe complications, including subcutaneous indurations, oily infiltration to the skin, calcification, and even systemic human adjuvant diseases.1-3 In the past, we have treated over 100 cases who complained of these complications by simply extirpating the materials and, in some cases, providing subsequent breast reconstructions by using autologous tissue transfer.4 However, none of the patients in our series had received more than 1 different injectable materials. Previously, to identify the implant materials used for breast augmentation, we developed a clinical imaging technique using CT and MRI.5 If necessary, we also analyze the ingredients chemically by MAS NMR study. In the case reported here, where 2 different types of materials had been injected in the past, our preoperative diagnosis employing CT and MRI was completely consistent with the postoperative MAS NMR analysis of the injected materials and our experience with our series of breast-augmented patients. Thus, CT and MRI are highly reliable preoperative methods for determining the nature of the injected materials in breast-augmented patients.

Monitoring the Deterioration of Masonry Relics at a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Trimming and polishing dental prostheses is a regular procedure conducted in dental laboratory. The dust that produced during trimming process has high hazard risk especially when it is exposed to dental technician in a long duration. X-Dent Box is invented as a protective equipment to reduce indoor air pollution by collecting the dust from exposing in dental laboratory thus protecting them. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of the X-Dent Box in collecting dust from different type of dental prostheses materials during trimming process. Trimming procedure was performed for 4 minutes on five different types of common dental prostheses materials used in dental laboratory which are Plaster of Paris (PoP), dental stone (DS), resin special tray (RST), cold cure acrylic (ACC) and heat cure arcylic (HCA). The procedure is repeated 3 times for each sample using X-Dent Box and without X-Dent Box being attached to the vacuum. The collected dust in the vacuum bag and X-Dent Box was measured by weight. Data was then analysed. All types of dental prosthesis materials showed more than 60% (n:5) of dust been collected using X-Dent Box. The percentage of dust collected using X-Dent Box is between 65-90% as compared to without the box which only 20%-50%. The dust material that is most effective to the least effective collected by X-Dent box is PoP=CCA (90%) > HCA (85%) > DS (73%) > TRS (65%). There is no significant difference of dust collected with X-Dent Box (p= 0.056) compared to without the usage of X-Dent Box and on the effectiveness of X-Dent Box usage in comparing between different type of materials (p=0.406).

The reduction of fluoride concentrations in water is one of many concerns. Adsorption is the most widely used technology for fluoride removal and the center to development of adsorption technology is the improvement of adsorbents. This review classifies the typical fluoride removal adsorbents into four types: metal oxides/hydroxides, biopolymers, carbon-based, and other adsorbents. The exploitation of new materials and the synthesis of composite materials are two ways of developing new adsorbents. In comparison to the discovery of novel adsorbents for fluoride adsorption, research into the composite synthesis of different types of conventional adsorbents has proliferated in recent years. The traditional adsorbents used the earliest, metal oxides, can act as active centers in a wide range of applications for modifying and compounding with other types of adsorbents. This study emphasizes reviewing the research on fluoride removal by composite adsorbents synthesized from different types of metal-modified materials. Seven factors were compared in terms of material characterization, initial fluoride concentration, adsorbent dose, pH, temperature, reaction time, and maximum adsorption capacity. The modification of composite adsorbents is facile and the synergistic effect of the different types of adsorbents significantly improves fluoride adsorption capacity. Metal composite adsorbents are synthesized by facile coprecipitation, hydrothermal, or impregnation modification methods. The adsorption mechanisms involve electrostatic attraction, ion exchange, complexation, and hydrogen bonding. The fluoride adsorption capacity of composite adsorbents has generally improved, indicating that most modifications are successful and have application prospects. However, to achieve significant breakthroughs in practical applications, numerous issues such as cost, separation/regeneration performance, and safety still need to be considered.

The study explored the preservation of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in Alula, Saudi Arabia, focusing on farming techniques essential for local subsistence and ecosystem. Alula, a UNESCO World Heritage site, faces challenges due to environmental and social changes. The study employs a risk assessment framework that considers environmental, social, economic, and cultural aspects to assess local perspectives on ICH resources and activities. It also uses quantitative survey-based methodology and participatory techniques for stakeholder insights and change proposals. The study findings highlighted the importance of protecting ICH for cultural identity, community pride, and sustainable development despite low levels of participation and difficulties with intergenerational transfer. It emphasises the need for focused interventions to address these challenges. The suggested framework aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Royal Commission for Alula, aiming to enhance the preservation of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) and support worldwide initiatives for its protection and promotion. However, the study findings also have a limitation due to their focus on a specific population, primarily women aged 36-45, and suggest that future research should consider diverse age groups and gender perspectives.

Diyarbakır City Walls, one of the longest defensive structures in the world, following the Great Wall of China, the walls of Antakya, and the walls of Istanbul, is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2015. With a history of approximately 5000 years, the Diyarbakır City Walls have been affected by consecutive earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş in 2023, resulting in damages to various sections. Urgent restoration and repair interventions are needed for these sections of the Diyarbakır City Walls due to earthquake-induced damages. Although there are limited studies presenting stone analysis of the Diyarbakır City Walls in the literature, no studies focusing on mortar analysis have been found. The objectives of this study are as follows: (I) to identify the mechanisms and factors of earthquake damages in the Diyarbakır City Walls, (II) to conduct necessary analyses for the selection of mortar materials for post-earthquake repairs, and (III) to provide restoration and strengthening recommendations to ensure the sustainability of the original structure. Observational, petrographic, chemical, and SEM analysis techniques were used, and the findings were interpreted comparatively. The results demonstrate that the most severe damages after the earthquake in the Diyarbakır City Walls were caused by the inadequate adhesion of missing mortar joints and different types of materials used between double-walled structures. Additionally, the presence of clay minerals identified in the mineralogy of the mortar through experimental analysis was defined as an internal issue causing the loss of mortar due to osmotic pressure created by water absorption. Another factor causing the loss of mortar is the presence of chloride-type salts, which were found to be present in a significant amount in all samples and were attributed to the use of Portland cement in previous faulty repairs. It was also determined that recent faulty repointing works contributed to the loss of mortar. Finally, this article presents original restoration and strengthening recommendations to repair the earthquake-induced damages and prevent their reoccurrence in the future.

Developments in thermal interface materials (TIMs) continue across the industry with a variety of different types of materials. Thermal and mechanical design engineers are often confronted with the need to select which type or category of TIM material is the most appropriate for a specific LED module application, which can be confusing, and how to determine which materials provide the best thermal performance. The next step is understanding which TIM material types meet requirements for ease of shipping, handling, placement, cost, and rework. These are important distinctions, in addition to thermal performance. This presentation will illustrate comparative testing results for a set of thermal interface materials (TIMs) in different categories, using different TIM testing procedures. Test data prepared using three different test methods will be compared:1. ASTM D5470-06 with known temperatures and clamping forces;2. In-situ testing with industry-standard semiconductor modules, at known temperatures and estimated clamping forces;3. In-situ testing utilizing a thermal test vehicle (TTV) for TIM2 performance for a processor module. In-situ testing has been performed at an independent power semiconductor manufacturer, using both industry-standard and commonly-available modules and a custom-designed module with a relatively small footprint, capable of high operating junction temperatures. This testing data can illustrate how different types of TIM materials perform in laboratory testing conditions, for precise comparisons on thermal performance alone; and how different types of materials perform in what are termed as “in-situ” test procedures. This term is used for application-specific conditions, where additional variables are encountered in the testing (such as non-flat surface conditions and unknown clamping force values), which is significantly different from the laboratory conditions used to generate ASTM D-5470 test values. The comparative testing that has been undertaken will be described, showing that images of various power semiconductors with several different materials tend to correlate with the thermal resistance of materials measured with the ASTM D 5470-06 method. These thermal interface materials were also tested on a TTV supplied by a major processor module. The relevance of the thermal imaging, the TTV and the ASTM values will be discussed. This presentation is intended to illustrate the differences in experimental data from one TIM material to another, as well as the differences in testing procedures.

Summary Several different types of materials have been evaluated for use in gravel packing high-temperature thermal wells. The materials include Ottawa sand, sand from Venezuela, resin-coated sand, sintered bauxite. and high-alumina beads. The materials were evaluated at various temperatums up to 600 deg. F (316 deg. C] and pH's ranging from 7.0 to 11.0. The tests were conducted by passing water in the fluid phase through samples of the various materials at the desired pH and temperature. Weight-loss measurements and visual inspection by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) were performed on each sample to determine the effect of the various temperatures and pH's. The steam evaluation of the various gravel-packing materials shows that the alumina-based materials are best suited for gravel packing thermal wells, where the temperature may reach 600 deg. F 1316 deg. C1 and the pH of the aqueous phase of the steam reaches 11.0. The alumina materials have very little weight loss and maintain a uniform shape. Quartz materials show dramatic weight losses as temperature and pH increase. The weight loss of resincoated sand is most affected by increasing pH al elevated temperatures. Introduction Steamflooding and stimulation by steam are two of the most widely used methods for the production of heavy crudes. Most thermal recovery operations are in formations that are classified as unconsolidated and that require some form of sand control. One accepted method of sand control is gravel packing the well with a highquality silica sand or other suitable materials, such as sintered bauxite or resin-coated sand. Shallow wells generally are stimulated with steam injection at moderate rates and temperatures under 450 deg. F [232 deg. C]. Deeper wells, however, may require steam at temperatures higher than 600 deg. F [316 deg. C to be injected at the wellhead. This high-temperature steam is required to ensure that enough heat is transmitted to the formation in the deep wells to allow for efficient recovery of the heavy crudes. It is well established that the solubility of quartz sand and other siliceous materials in water increases sharply at high temperatures and pH's (see Fig. 1). Because of the composition of certain feedwaters used for steam generation, the liquid phase of the injected steam can have a relatively high pH. Where high pH and high temperatures are observed, gravel packs composed of quartz sand can be relatively short-lived. Steam Evaluation of Gravel-Pack Materials Several different types of common gravel-pack materials were evaluated. Two sources of gravel-pack sand were tested to determine whether differences in quartz content were important to the stability of quartz at elevated pH and temperature. Ottawa sand, which contains 99.9% quartz, and a sand from Venezuela, which contains 95 % quartz and various amounts of impurities (such as feldspar goethic, kaolinite, chlorite, and illite), were as subjected to various temperatures up to 600 deg. F [316 deg. C and pH's up to 11.0. Two types of bauxitic materials were chosen for evaluation. The first material was the sintered bauxite commonly used as a high-strength fracture proppant. The second sintered-bauxite-type material is a byproduct of a manufacturing process and contains more A1203 than the more common fracture proppant. Table 1 shows a comparison of the properties of the two sintered materials. Sintered bauxite and high-alumina beads are very stable in high-temperature/dry-heat environments, as shown in Table 2. Terns at thermal-well conditions of temperature and pH were performed to determine whether the differences in the amount of A1203 of the two bauxitic materials would result in greater stability. The use of resin-coated sand to control sand in thermal wells has been growing in popularity over the past several years. Improvements in resin chemistry and manufacturing processes have helped to increase the thermal stability of this type of material and to prolong its effectiveness in the harsh environment of steam-recovery wells. Tests were performed to determine the stability of one such material as a function of pH and temperature. Effect of Feedwater Many of the waters used to produce steam for thermal recovery projects contain HCO-3. This material is found in the formation feedwater and is not removed during the softening treatment before injection into the steam generator. Thermal degradation of the HCO - ions in the feed-water results in CO2 and OH - . Because most steam generators in the field produce 80% steam, the OH ions remain dissolved in the aqueous phase of the steam and produce a very alkaline solution depending on the concentration of HCO - in the feedwater. JPT P. 2006^

Re-Imagine

This study explores the struggle to preserve both the cultural heritage and the eco-sites associated with heritage in one of the most affluent and economically developed regions in China. In the twenty-first century, the introduction of global norms deriving from UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and World Heritage Sites has led to a series of measures at the local level to preserve items of cultural heritage that are likely to vanish due to the accelerated pace of development in the lower Yangzi delta. This study focuses particularly on Wu Songs, the traditional songs of delta populations, now entered into the national register for Intangible Cultural Heritage. Wu Songs were associated with labour in the rice paddies and travel along the waterways. The rice paddies and waterways were both essential elements of the traditional ecosystem, but are now imperilled in various ways by the impact of modernisation and globalisation. Issues of heritage value arise in different forms in the more affluent regions of China. As argued here, contention between ethnographers, land developers and municipal authorities, as well as commercial land use imperatives, dominate the conservation of eco-sites and Intangible Cultural Heritage in the delta region.

A fluid mechanics explanation of the effectiveness of common materials for respiratory masks

Sand encroachment is a serious problem in arid regions. Checkerboard barriers are commonly used as wind buffers and to stabilize soils at risk of desertification. These interventions can also improve soil nutrients. Checkboard sand barriers are widely used in arid regions, but different barrier types are seldom optimized for specific areas or land management objectives. This research studied how checkerboard barriers made of different types of materials influenced soil properties (soil organic carbon, available nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium, pH and soil moisture). These parameters were measured at various soil depths within test plots protected by eleven different types of checkerboard barrier material. Data were then analyzed by constructing a soil quality index (SQI) model based on coefficients identified by principal component analysis of soils at depths of 0–20, 20–40, 40–60 cm and for the complete 0–60 cm profile. The results generally found that barriers improve soil quality. They also showed significant variation in soil properties at different depths for different types of barrier material. For the 0–60 cm soil profile, barriers increased soil available nitrogen, available potassium, soil organic carbon and soil moisture but decreased soil available phosphorus and pH. The SQI values indicated that rice straw barriers optimized soil nutrients at soil depths of 0–20 cm, low vertical corn straw checkerboard barriers at soil depth of 20–40 cm, while 30 cm wide gravel checkerboard barriers optimized nutrients at 40–60 cm soil depth. Plots protected by low vertical branch barriers showed the greatest overall soil quality improvement for the complete 0–60 cm profile. This study found that corn straw, clay, 30 cm wide gravel and low vertical branch barriers can significantly protect and restore soils on the eastern edge of the Tengger Desert.

Stories play an important role in how World Heritage Sites are experienced and valued by local communities, visitors, and tourists. This paper explores the diverse narratives associated with Bridgetown and its Garrison in Barbados, designated as a World Heritage site in 2011. Through qualitative research involving a four-day participatory workshop and follow-up interviews with local stakeholders, the study examines dominant narratives and lesser-known stories connected to this heritage site, as well as the meanings constructed from these stories and the sentiments they evoke. The findings reveal a richness of stories, ranging from the official UNESCO narrative about colonial tangible heritage to lived experiences and intangible heritage. This narrative diversity suggests that incorporating multiple storytelling perspectives into destination storytelling practices could better reflect Barbadian identity and enhance visitor experiences at the World Heritage Site. Based on these findings, the study demonstrates the potential synergy between tangible and intangible heritage, with storytelling acting as a bridge between these domains. While recognizing the importance of a coherent storyworld, this paper advocates for a model of narrative plurality in destination storytelling.

The heritage inscription from Khan Jahan Ali in the city of Khalifatabad is a countenance of indigenous techniques with imperial Delhi, creating a unique identity. Some stunning architectural engravings are revealed here with its own exemplary expression. As well as some of the intangible heritages created and grew up around the built heritages of Bagerhat and became a source of some cultural, social and religious inspiration. Although distinct in nature, such traditional patterns form powerful imaginative, global domains through the interaction of meanings and values in spiritual, touristic, scholarly and civic contexts. The purpose of this research is to explore the intangible components and define long-term possessions of the religious built environment on a socio-cultural lifeline. Historical discoveries of remarkable cultural immaterial of present Bagerhat city are indexed. Bagerhat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Behind this recognition, as much as its physical and architectural appearance has come to the fore, its underlying embodied soul has not been revealed holistically. In this study an attempt has been made to discover the inner essence of this tradition through physical inspection. Moreover, various books, journals, and papers have been used as a basis. Unstructured interviews and discussions were also held with some recitalists because their ideas could not be rejected if cultural compassions were to be taken. The intangible cultural elements, if properly identified, will contribute to the appropriate live preservation of heritage sites and provide evidence of cultural continuity and fluidity during the past. The outcomes of the study provide some basis for better understanding of the history, culture, rituals, values and later preservation, restoration or conservation of intangible cultural heritages of Khalifatabad. JASBH, Vol. 70(1), June 2025, pp. 123-142

This paper presents residence time distribution (RTD)-based characterization of thermal insulation materials, constructed upon a boiling water heat source-based testing system. Different types of metals, glasses, and polymeric materials are tested and analyzed. Every test plate material is subjected to a boiling water-based heating at one of its sides (waterside), while the other side (airside) is open to the ambience. The temperature data at these two sides of the test plate are then used to construct the relevant RTD curves. The properties of the RTD curves and the associated RTD parameters are found to be dependent on the thermal insulation capability of the test material. Specifically, the RTD curves unveil maximum heating frequency that the test plate is subjected to, and the stabilization time required by the test plate to achieve equilibrium under heating conditions. Accordingly, new metrics are defined for characterizing thermal insulations: (i) thermal shielding efficiency based on the maximum heating frequency, and (ii) thermal stabilization efficiency based on the stabilization time. Subsequently, the tested materials are characterized using the proposed metrics, along with the conventional thermal resistance-based metric. The proposed metrics are found to bring out the proper thermal shielding abilities of different types of materials that are hitherto remaining obscured by the limited capability of the conventional thermal resistance-based characterization.