Restoration Methodology Research Articles

Bioactive Compounds Aimed at the AMPK Pathway: A Window into their Therapeutic Potential

Abstract: Current investigations have proposed that focusing on malignancy cell metabolism is an elective restorative methodology in cancer treatment. AMPK is the significant energy sensor regulating ordinary as well as malignancy cell metabolism. Drugs as AMPK activators can quell malignancy cell development through the various signalling cascade. AMPK enactment in light of natural AMPK activators, for example, BME, ICT, Thymoquinone, has been displayed to constrict mTOR, approving that BME can restrain cell development in ovarian malignant growth cells utilizing suppressing mTOR-mediated protein translation process. Nutraceuticals as well as traditional medicines operate as natural AMPK activators that regulate AMPK movement through a mechanism that is independent of AMP. These naturally occuring AMPK activators might straightforwardly actuate AMPK through single or more than one mechanism in AMPK initiation. Exploring the synergistic effects of compounds with existing cancer treatments could open new avenues for combinatorial therapy, potentially enhancing efficacy and reducing side effects. Moreover, understanding the precise molecular pathways through which these natural AMPK activators exert their effects will be crucial in designing targeted therapies that maximize their therapeutic potential. The integration of these nutraceuticals into standard cancer treatment protocols requires rigorous clinical trials to establish their safety, optimal dosing, and long-term benefits in cancer patients. With further investigation, the possibility of using natural AMPK activators in addition to traditional medicines could transform cancer treatment by providing more patient-friendly and comprehensive options.

Diagnostic investigation of the wall paints conservative state in a hypogeal room of the archaeological park of Baia (Italy)

The present study investigated the correlation between the degradation processes of cultural heritage and the environmental parameters of the semi-confined site that houses it. The latter is a semi-underground room (nymphaeum) found in the Archaeological Park of Baia (Italy) dating back to the third century; it is decorated with marine motifs and painted with frescos techniques from the same period. Relative humidity and temperature were hourly registered, and the collected data were used to derive daily and annual profiles. The effects of microclimate induced degradation were investigated employing various techniques, such as Ion Chromatography for the chemical characterisation of deposits, and Thermography, for the individuation of biological layers. The data obtained showed that the underground environment, partially submerged by rising brackish water, was affected by the presence of biodeteriogens, whose distribution and growth is strongly favoured, above all, by the environmental parameters and by the substrate characteristics. All the data were then cross-referenced to obtain a complete knowledge of the conservation frameworks of the environments, essential to identify the most compatible and effective restoration methodologies to be applied in the conservation of the nymphaeum.

Ecological restoration combining mowing and competition limits the development of invasive Reynoutria japonica

Limiting the negative effects of an invasive species, such as Reynoutria japonica, has become a challenge for scientists and a necessity for managers. Ecologically relevant, technically feasible, and sustainable control methods must be created to reduce the development or spread of R. japonica in ecosystems. The objective of our study was to investigate how monthly mowing in association with plant competition affects the development of R. japonica over a three-year field experiment. Among the plant traits measured, the height growth of R. japonica was the most affected; it was strongly reduced in the presence of competing plants. Combined mowing and competition with restoration plants negatively affected the growth diameter of R. japonica. Most competitive sown species were well established and complementary in limiting the development of R. japonica. The plant communities showed interannual dynamics in which R. japonica declined progressively. The restoration methodology adopted in this study allows managers to make appropriate decisions to reduce the impact of R. japonica on ecosystems.

Study of liquid photopolymer 3D printing resins exposed to accelerated aging for cultural heritage purposes

PurposeThis paper aims to study the suitability of a selection of 3D printing liquid photopolymer resins for their application in the cultural heritage context.Design/methodology/approachThe main concerns regarding the conservation and restoration of cultural assets are the chemical composition and long-term behavior of the new materials that will be in contact with the original object. Because of this, four different LED curing resins were exposed to an accelerated aging procedure and tested to identify the materials which demonstrated a better result. Some specific properties of the material (color, glossiness, pH and volatile organic compound emissions) were measured before and after the exposure.FindingsSome of the properties measured reported good results demonstrating a decent stability against the selected aging conditions. The main changes were produced in the colorimetric aspect, probably indicating other chemical reactions in the material. Likewise, a case study could be also executed to demonstrate the usefulness of these materials in the cultural field.Research limitations/implicationsIt is necessary to study in more detail the long-lasting behavior of the materials employed with these technologies. Further analysis should be carried out highlighting the chemical composition and degradation process of the materials proposed.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the introduction of curing 3D printing resins in the restoration methodologies of cultural assets. For this, the study of a selection of properties represents the first stage to suggest or reject their use.

Identification of ecological restoration areas based on the ecological safety security assessment of wetland-hydrological ecological corridors: A case study of the Han River Basin in China

In recent years, wetland resources have been threatened by human activities such as mining, agriculture and construction land expansion, and problems such as shrinkage of wetland area and deterioration of water quality have emerged, impeding the exchange of materials between wetlands and reducing the ecological function of wetlands. Water systems are important channels for material exchange between wetland sources, and evaluating the ecological safety of wetland–water system ecological corridors can aid in efficiently delineating ecological restoration areas and identifying ecological problems. In this paper, the ecological safety of wetland–hydrological ecological corridors in the Han River Basin was evaluated, and ecological restoration areas were delineated by adopting the method of “identification of source areas - construction of resistance surfaces - extraction of wetland–hydrological ecological corridors” with the watershed as the research unit. The study identified wetland–hydrological ecological corridors with a total length of 7,589.77 km and delineated 31 sections of wetland–hydrological ecological corridors with a total length of 1,076 km; these corridors were located in the Hanzhong Canyon area, tributaries of the Danjiang River and Tangbai River, and tributaries of the main streams below Danjiangkou. Among them, 8 sections of the primary corridor account for 27 %, 14 sections of the secondary corridor account for 33 %, and 9 sections of the tertiary corridor account for 39 %. This study breaks administrative boundaries, emphasizes the correlation between wetlands and water bodies, highlights the integrity of ecosystems, and establishes a multidimensional systematic restoration methodology of “points, lines and surfaces”, which provides guidelines for the long-term planning of ecological corridors of wetlands and water systems in large-scale regions.

Multi-planar low-coherence diffraction imaging

Coherent diffraction imaging (CDI) is a popular methodology for quantitative phase restoration and wavefront measurements from several desired intensity measurements that have wide applications ranging from wavefront sensing in adaptive optics to optical imaging. To overcome the problem of image quality degradation caused by the high coherence of the light source, a multi-planar low-coherent diffraction imaging (LCDI) method under low-coherence light sources was proposed and verified by measuring an U.S. Air Force (USAF) resolution test target and a nine-letter element. Negative lenses with different focal lengths were designed as filters in the image-relay system to capture multi-planar diffraction patterns at a single recording plane, and a multi-planar LCDI algorithm was used to reconstruct the test sample using a set of intensity images. Its feasibility was demonstrated experimentally using a super-radiation light-emitting diode. Considering its compact setup, easy realization, high speed, and easy operation in phase recovery, this method is effective for rapidly detecting phase and wavefront measurements with high accuracy and resolution.

Unveiling the Secrets of an Artwork through Non-Invasive Investigations—Case Study of a 19th-Century Female Portrait

This article aims to present the results of the investigations performed on a 19th-century oil painting on canvas belonging to the Conservation and Restoration Department of the University of Art and Design in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. The artwork depicting the portrait of a lady originating from an important Irish noble family (Judith Bunbury, 1785–1861) has been investigated using only non-invasive methods. The investigation protocol included digital photography in different light sources at different wavelengths, which was used to document the current condition of the painting, UV fluorescence, which highlighted the previous improper retouches and the presence of a varnish coat, Infrared reflectography, which brought to light the underdrawing made by the artist and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy, an elemental analysis technique which indicated the chemical composition of the pigments, suggesting the use of lead white, a barium white pigment, yellow and red ochre, vermilion, cobalt blue, and a manganese-based brown pigment. The results of this entirely non-invasive investigation approach helped in choosing the most appropriate conservation and restoration methodology for the artwork.

Development of seed coating methodology for land restoration of degraded grasslands in Mongolia and verification of germination promoting effects

Development of seed coating methodology for land restoration of degraded grasslands in Mongolia and verification of germination promoting effects

Holistic Methods of Assessing the Historical Wooden Structure on the Example of the Floor of the Polish Manor House in Tarnowiec

Sustainable development should take into account the conservation and preservation of architectural features characteristic of a given cultural area for future generations. Chemical, physical and mechanical properties of timber components are key to assessing the technical preservation of historical timber structures, defining proper restoration methodology and extending the durability of timber structures. Moreover, this evaluation will help to elaborate assessment criteria to decide between the restoration or replacement of a given antique structure. The article presents a method of assessing a historical wooden structure on the example of an antique decorative wooden floor from the beginning of the 19th century, preserved in the Tarnowiec Manor House. It determines tests and scientific analysis as a tool for a decision of possibilities of further usage of the historical floor structure. We performed tests and scientific analysis by calculating the functional properties of the parquet panels, performing a visual inspection, as well as resistance tests, tests of longitudinal curvature deviation and shape preservation, tests of fungi infestation and its impact on the state of preservation, as well as future perspectives for the use of parquet elements. The results of the evaluation verify that the proposed methodologies are reasonable and will help to elaborate assessment criteria to decide between the restoration or replacement of a given antique parquet.

NATURAL REGENERATION IN MIXED PLANTING FOR ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION IN THE COASTAL PLAIN OF PARANÁ STATE, BRAZIL

Pastures occupy approximately 20% of the Brazilian territory and a significant part of these areas are degraded and have legal environmental liabilities. Ecological restoration is necessary to remedy this liability. The objective of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of a forest restoration planting in an area previously used as buffalo pasture, through floristic and phytosociological parameters of natural regeneration. The study area was densely populated by invasive exotic grasses (Urochloa spp.) until 2006, when, after eliminating the grasses, six native tree species were planted at 2.5 × 1.6 m spacing. A total of 73 terrestrial plant species were found, the most important being Alchornea glandulosa Poepp. & Endl. - heliophilous, which showed high abundance in all strata. The restoration methodology employed was effective in triggering natural succession in the study area, resulting, after 12 years, in floristic and structural parameters consistent with the initial stage of development of the alluvial Dense Ombrophylous Forest. It is inferred that the well-preserved landscape in the region has been determinant in providing the propagules and dispersers that made the observed species richness possible, while the planting tends to have contributed with the control of grasses and with the recovery of the forest environment, facilitating the arrival and development of these propagules. Evidence of soil degradation by use as pasture was observed, and in former buffalo bathing areas neither restoration planting nor natural regeneration developed.

Restoration of Road Pavement Depending on the Degree of Destruction of the Road

Purpose. The main purpose of this work is to develop a methodology for road pavement restoration depending on the degree of road destruction. Methodology. The study is based on the recommendations of the information guide for designers and customers in the development of design solutions for the rehabilitation of public roads and a preliminary assessment of the damage caused by their destruction as a result of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation. To assess the condition of the road and determine the necessary pavement rehabilitation work, indices can be used that take into account different types of defects on the road. Comparison of different road surface options was performed using a «priority matrix». The total score for each type of pavement makes it possible to determine the most rational option. Findings. The study found that when choosing a method for organizing construction work on pavement rehabilitation, the availability of materials, technical equipment, and the timing of rehabilitation should be taken into account. The choice of pavement design and material depends on the degree of road destruction, which is determined by technical and economic indicators, taking into account the life cycle of the road. The cost of repair and maintenance over the life cycle of a pavement is a key aspect of infrastructure planning and management. Estimation of these costs helps to effectively allocate the budget, prioritize and rationally spend resources to maintain road quality. Originality. Methodological approaches to the establishment of the pavement structure by the volume and cost of materials with the adjustment of the decision made by operational indicators, taking into account the service life, resistance to traffic, wear resistance, noise, vibration and, ultimately, vehicle safety, are proposed. Practical value. The provided recommendations for road pavement rehabilitation, depending on the degree of destruction, will contribute to the adoption of effective design solutions and preliminary assessment of the damage caused by the destruction or damage to roads as a result of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation.

Two-stage mobile emergency generator dispatch for sequential service restoration of microgrids in extreme conditions

A fast and reliable sequential service restoration (SSR) methodology is necessary to enhance the resilience of the distribution system (DS) after an outage. However, traditional SSR strategies ignore the utilization of mobile emergency generators (MEGs) to reduce the system outage duration. This paper exploits the enhanced resilience of DSs by dispatching MEGs as backup sources to form microgrids (MGs) and sequentially restore out-of-service loads. A two-stage dispatching model is proposed for the SSR of MGs that takes into consideration the preventive control stage (PCS) and the emergency control stage (ECS). Moreover, SSR decisions are optimized depending on stage-based uncertainties. Specifically, in PCS, MEGs are pre-positioned prior to event strikes. Considering contingency uncertainty, a scenario-based stochastic model is proposed to minimize the expected outage duration of loads, and a progressive hedging algorithm is applied to improve computational efficiency. With the realization of contingency in ECS, MEGs are rerouted from pre-positions to target locations, and provisional MGs are sequentially formed to restore critical loads. Considering wind power uncertainty, a robust model is formulated, and the convex hull relaxation method is customized to reduce the computational complexity. The resulting SSR scheme can be adaptively and securely adjusted in response to random contingencies and wind power fluctuation. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated by numerical simulations.

An integrated restoration methodology based on adaptive failure feature identification

An integrated restoration methodology based on adaptive failure feature identification

Inexact restoration for minimization with inexact evaluation both of the objective function and the constraints

In a recent paper an Inexact Restoration method for solving continuous constrained optimization problems was analyzed from the point of view of worst-case functional complexity and convergence. On the other hand, the Inexact Restoration methodology was employed, in a different research, to handle minimization problems with inexact evaluation and simple constraints. These two methodologies are combined in the present report, for constrained minimization problems in which both the objective function and the constraints, as well as their derivatives, are subject to evaluation errors. Together with a complete description of the method, complexity and convergence results will be proved.

The effects of four different solvent vapours on the restoration of obliterated stamp markings from five different wooden surfaces

The stamp markings on wooden surfaces, which are placed on trees and products including antiques, indicate the status of trees and involve identifying data regarding the products. Such markings are obliterated either to facilitate illegal logging or to conceal product information. Despite the wide literature on the restoration of obliterated characters on metal and polymer surfaces, the recovery of defaced characters on wooden surfaces appears to be understudied. Several reference texts in the forensic marks’ examination literature suggest that water, water vapor, and alkaline solutions are useful in restoring the abraded markings on the wood. Since there does not seem to be any experimental study proving such success, this study aimed to fill this gap. This study conducted experimental research by using water, ethanol, ammonia, and chloroform to recover the scraped characters on samples obtained from walnut, beech, spruce, oak, and cedar trees. The cold-stamped characters, which were defaced at varying depths, were restored using vapor and liquid phases of four solvents. While the vapor phases of water, ethanol, and ammonia yielded good outcomes on all types of wooden surfaces, the liquid phases did not seem to be useful in the revisualization process. The response of the vapors, which varied between 62 and 220 s, depended on the type of wood. The restoration technique developed in this research offers the possibility of on-site usage, easy application, utilization of low-cost solvents, rapid recovery, and effectiveness on various wooden surfaces. Overall, the restoration methodology used in this research appears to be fruitful in retrieving identifying information on wooden samples.

A review of methodology for grassland restoration and management with practical examples

Currently, the majority of high nature value Slovenian grasslands have an unfavourable conservation status. Based on the available data from habitat type mappings, the surface of high nature value grasslands (6210(*) – semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland facies on calcareous substrates, 6410 – Molinia meadows, and 6510 – lowland hay meadows) at Natura 2000 sites is decreasing. The existing agri-environment measures have been only partly effective in promoting grassland biodiversity. The main threats to biodiversity are driven by various anthropogenic activities, which result in a continuous change in landscape identity, habitat fragmentation, and ecosystem degradation. Therefore, biodiversity restoration became an urgent step in conservation of high nature value grasslands. Multiple pathways may lead to the ecological restoration of grasslands with an altered, uncharacteristic floristic composition, or grasslands with an unfavourable conservation status. In this paper, we present an overview of the methods used in the restoration of grasslands from different parts of Europe. In an adapted form, these methods could also be used for the restoration of Slovenian grasslands. Grasslands may be left to spontaneous succession, which is mainly suitable for small-scale areas, located in the proximity of grasslands with well-preserved biodiversity. However, to re-establish plant communities with specialist species, a more proactive approach is usually required, such as sowing of regional or commercial seed preservation mixtures, transfer of mature plant material, or topsoil transfer from donor sites with appropriate botanical composition. Grassland restoration methods should be carefully thought-out and carried out before the habitat or species is endangered. We conclude that optimally chosen post-restoration management may have an impact that is comparable or even greater than the impact of a suitable restoration method. Nevertheless, maintenance of well-preserved grasslands is still much more cost-effective than restoration of degraded grasslands.

Digital Unfading of Chromogenic Film Informed by Its Spectral Densities

A material-based approach for the digital restoration of chromogenic photographic and film materials affected by dye fading is proposed. Through a digital reconstruction of the original optical properties, the proposed restoration methodology approximates the original color appearance in a non-subjective manner, thus improving the results compared to conventional RGB tonal re-adjustment of the film scan both in terms of quality and presumed faithfulness to original appearance. In order to do so, the degree of fading is derived from neutral black parts of the film’s image content, and the knowledge of the film material’s spectral densities is used to digitally reconstruct the colors corresponding to the material’s original dye concentrations and render them in an RGB space. For a comparison, results from conventional re-grading were adjusted to render them most similar—and thus comparable—to the results of the proposed spectrally informed digital unfading. The restored images obtained through spectrally informed unfading were deemed clearly superior in terms of color subtlety, color faithfulness and coherence.

Current Trends on Bioengineering Approaches for Ovarian Microenvironment Reconstruction.

Ovarian tissue has a unique microarchitecture and a complex cellular and molecular dynamics that are essential for follicular survival and development. Due to this great complexity, several factors may lead to ovarian insufficiency, and therefore to systemic metabolic disorders and female infertility. Techniques currently used in the reproductive clinic such as oocyte cryopreservation or even ovarian tissue transplant, although effective, have several limitations, which impair their wide application. In this scenario, mimetic ovarian tissue reconstruction comes as an innovative alternative to develop new methodologies for germ cells preservation and ovarian functions restoration. The ovarian extracellular matrix (ECM) is crucial for oocyte viability maintenance, once it acts actively in folliculogenesis. One of the key components of ovarian bioengineering is biomaterials application that mimics ECM and provides conditions for cell anchorage, proliferation, and differentiation. Therefore, this review aims at describing ovarian tissue engineering approaches and listing the main limitations of current methods for preservation and reestablishment of ovarian fertility. In addition, we describe the main elements that structure this study field, highlighting the main advances and the challenges to overcome to develop innovative methodologies to be applied in reproductive medicine. Impact Statement This review presents the main advances in the application of tissue bioengineering in the ovarian tissue reconstruction to develop innovative solutions for ovarian fertility reestablishment.

Restoration intervention of exposed white concrete buildings: The case of ‘Pavilhão do Conhecimento’, Portugal

In the restoration of exposed concrete buildings with architectural or cultural relevance, the chromatic and texture compatibility between the adopted repair mortars and the original concrete surface plays a key factor. In the particular case of smooth white concrete surfaces, this compatibility can be even more challenging. The application of commercial products ensures mechanical aspects, but the aesthetic matching between both materials is hard to achieve. A methodology for restoration of smooth exposed surfaces of white concrete is herein presented. The concrete surface is chromatically characterized by image processing, and then a customized restoration mortar is designed by adding pigment to a reference mortar, defined to fulfil mechanical and durability requirements. The methodology was validated in ‘Pavilhão do Conhecimento’, the first building in exposed white concrete built in Portugal. The chromatic and finishing compatibility was achieved, and the interventions are not perceptible to the human eye. The developments proposed results in a science-based approach that enable the reproduction of smooth white concrete surface finishes and the chromatic reintegration to replicate colour heterogeneity and soften the transition zones.

Biodeterioration of stone monuments: Studies on the influence of bioreceptivity on cyanobacterial biofilm growth and on the biocidal efficacy of essential oils in natural hydrogel

An important field of research is devoted to the development of innovative, sustainable, and safe methodologies to counteract biodeterioration of stone monuments due to the growth of microbial communities. However, besides the biocide's efficacy, it is crucial to consider the features of substrates on which biocides must be applied, to define the so-called bioreceptivity of the lithic faces. In this research five different lithotypes, namely Lecce stone, Travertine, Peperino, Serena stone, and Granite, have been used as substrates for the growth of cyanobacterial biofilms. Open porosity, hygroscopic properties, and roughness parameters have been investigated for each lithotype and correlated to the photosynthetic yields of the biofilms colonizing the different stones to propose an easy method to estimate stone bioreceptivity. Different levels of coverage of the stone surfaces have been accomplished in relation to the typology of lithotypes. To develop innovative restoration methodologies against biodeterioration of stone monuments, a hydrogel-biocide system has been optimized by using a polysaccharide dispersion as a matrix where to embed T. vulgaris essential oil (at 0.25 % or 0.1 %) or its main component thymol (at 0.18 % or 0.07 %). The efficacy and the effect of the innovative biocide have been evaluated combining microscopy, photosynthetic measurements, and colorimetric analyses and both the biocides (with T. vulgaris EO or thymol) showed to be highly effective against the cyanobacterial biofilms for at least six months from the treatment without inducing any significant alteration to the lithic surfaces. The efficacy of thymol alone allows to treat colonized surfaces with a single active ingredient, or at least a mixture thereof, much cheaper and reproducible. The results obtained in this work pave the way to develop a sustainable cleaning protocol to counteract the biodeterioration of stone monuments or historic buildings induced by the presence of phototrophic biofilms that endangered their conservation.