Multi-analytical Techniques Research Articles

Assessing water quality of kazerun county in southwest Iran: Multi-analytical techniques, deterministic vs. probabilistic water quality index, geospatial analysis, fuzzy C-means clustering, and machine learning

Water quality is critical to human health and the environment, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Hence, the objectives of this study were to assess drinking water quality, identify critical parameters, investigate spatial patterns, and investigate accurate predictive models for the water quality index (WQI) in the Kazerun county in southwest Iran. To address this issue using deterministic and probabilistic WQI, correlation matrix, fuzzy C-Means (FCM) clustering, geostatistics, and adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) with FIS generation by fuzzy C-Means (FCM-ANFIS) and sub-clustering (SC-ANFIS).Various software tools, including Excel, MATLAB, Python, and GIS were used to analyze groundwater data collected from 25 sampling sites. Water parameters, including pH, Cl−, SO4−2, EC, NO3−, NO2−, Ca2+, Mg2+, and F−, were examined. The results showed that F− levels were within acceptable limits set by the US EPA, but about one-third of sites posed potential health risks based on WHO guidelines. In one-third of regions, the levels of Mg2+ exceeded the recommended guidelines. In deterministic and probabilistic approaches, water quality was excellent in 68% and 81.3% of sites, respectively. Sobol sensitivity analysis identified SO4−2> Mg2+>Cl− > EC > F− > NO3− as significant WQI variables. Spearman correlation matrix shows substantial positive correlations between WQI and EC, F−, SO4−2, Mg2+, and Cl− were shown by the Spearman correlation matrix. Based on the FCM results, the southeast and central sites (56% of sites) have similar water quality. In comparison, the northern and four central sites (28% of sites) have distinct regional features, and the southern sites (16% of sites) had unique water quality characteristics. Geostatistical analyses showed that pH had the most substantial local clustering, while SO4−2 had significant high-value clustering. Furthermore, hot spot research revealed specific sites with high pH, F−, NO3−, and Cl− levels. The FCM-ANFIS model outperformed the SC-ANFIS model, emphasizing FCM clustering's importance in water quality forecasting accuracy.

Revealing ancient yellow colorants in painted artworks along the silk Road (6th-10th century AD)

A comprehensive analytical protocol was undertaken to elucidate the yellow colorants employed in wall paintings from the Kizil Grottoes, the Taojia Tomb, the Baiyangzhai Tomb, and polychrome figurines from the Astana Tombs, all positioned along the historical Silk Road and dating to the 6th-10th centuries AD. To unequivocally identify these colorants, multi-analytical techniques were deployed, encompassing digital microscopy, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), micro-Raman spectroscopy, and ultra-performance liquid chromatography triple quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Triple TOF-MS/MS). This comprehensive approach facilitated the unambiguous identification of both inorganic pigments, specifically vanadinite, and plant-derived colorants, including gamboge (Garcinia sp.) and Chinese cork tree (Phellodendron chinense), within these archaeological artifacts. These findings not only significantly enhance our scientific understanding of the materials and techniques utilized in the creation of these wall paintings and polychrome figurines, but also shed light on the vibrant exchange of materials and technological advancements that flourished along the ancient Silk Road.

Li‐ion transport mechanisms in Ge/Cl dual‐doped Li10GeP2S12 solid electrolytes: Synergistic insights from experimental structural characterization and machine‐learning‐assisted atomistic modeling

AbstractEnhancing the ionic conductivity of sulfide solid electrolytes (SEs) through dual‐doping is a well‐established approach, yet the atomic‐level mechanisms driving these improvements remain elusive. By dual‐doping Ge and Cl into the Li10GeP2S12 (LGPS) framework, we synthesized Ge/Cl‐doped LGPS (Li10+xGe1+2xP2−2xS12−xClx, x = 0.3) with an ionic conductivity of 12.4 mS/cm at 25°C, a value that stands among the highest for LGPS‐type SEs. This achievement emphasizes the pivotal role of dopant selection in modulating Li‐ion transport mechanisms, thereby enhancing SE performance. Our research elucidates the intricate atomic mechanisms responsible for this enhanced ionic conductivity, with a particular focus on the synergistic effects of Ge and Cl dual‐doping. Integrating advanced multianalytical techniques, including experiments and atomistic modeling (machine‐learning‐assisted molecular dynamics simulations and density functional theory calculations), we provide comprehensive insights into the structure–property relationship in Ge/Cl‐doped LGPS SEs. Our findings reveal that Cl doping significantly enhances the paddle‐wheel dynamics, while Ge doping promotes cooperative Li diffusion through the formation of Li interstitials. This dual‐doping approach not only elucidates the structural and functional dynamics of SEs but also paves the way for designing dopants to enhance ionic conductivity. The insights gained from this study offer a strategic direction for developing higher‐performance SEs, highlighting the importance of tailored dopant selection in advancing energy storage technologies.

Investigating the Middle Iron Age ceramics of Van Fortress through multi-analytical techniques

This work presents the characterization results of Middle Iron Age pottery fragments excavated in Van Fortress, the historical capital of the Urartu Kingdom, located on the eastern coast of Lake Van in Turkey. A multi-analytical approach combining optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) has been employed to investigate the mineralogical composition of ceramics. Micro-Raman spectrometer was also used for the characterization of the pigments used for decoration. The data collected from the analyses offered information on the minerals that were discovered in the ceramics, as well as the temperature at which the ceramics were fired and the atmosphere that they were exposed to. The existence of hematite suggests that they were subjected to firing in an oxidizing environment, with the exception of one sample, which has a sandwich shape characterized by a red-edge and a black center, indicating exposure to both reducing and oxidative atmospheres during the fire process. The ceramics utilized in this investigation are hypothesized to have been crafted from elemental substances procured from two to three distinct clay origins.

Organic Amendments to Short Rotation Coppice (SRC) Plantation Affect Species Richness and Metal Accumulation of Spontaneously Growing Herbaceous Plants

Excess potentially toxic metals (PTMs) in soils require ad hoc approaches to salvage. Hence, this study explored the shoot accumulation of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) by herbaceous plants growing under previously established Salix and Populus clones Short Rotation Coppice (SRC) with compost and sewage sludge applications in an abandoned metallurgical site, Podlesí, Czech Republic; PTM decontamination of soils. Soils within the SRC experimental site and outside considered as control were analyzed for their chemical properties by multi-analytical techniques. Shoots of spontaneously growing herbaceous plants under trees in the site and without trees in control were determined for pseudo-total Cd, Pb, and Zn contents. Moderately to slightly acid soils, high cation exchange capacity, and C/N ratio supported mineralization and relative mobility of total Cd (7.7–9.76), Pb (1541–1929), and Zn (245–320 mg kg−1) in soils. Although soil amendments improved chemical properties, compost application supported higher species richness than sewage sludge. Over 95% of plants accumulated Cd and Zn above the WHO threshold and green fodder in the Czech Republic, with 36% Pb above the regional limit (40 mg kg−1). Approximately 100, 50, and 6% of herbaceous species had Cd, Pb, and Zn accumulation, respectively, higher than published average upper limits in plants (0.2 Cd, 10 Pb, and 150 Zn mg kg−1). Dicots recorded higher Cd content, Tenacetum vulgare (L.), Hypericum maculatum (Crantz), and Cirsium arvense (L.); Stachys palustris (L.), Lamium perpereum (L.), and Campanula patula (L.) for Pb; Glechoma hederaceae (L.), C. patula, and C. arvense for Zn in all treatments. Appropriate soil amelioration of SRC-supported PTM mobility and excess herbaceous species shoot accumulation, growth, and richness.

Evaluation of plasma-activated lactic-gallic acid treated chicken meats on the freshness, volatile changes, and metabolites through multi-analytical techniques

Various techniques were employed to evaluate freshness, volatile changes, and metabolites in chicken meat treated with plasma-activated lactic-gallic acid. Collectively 96 slices and 216 cubes of chicken breasts and drumsticks were immersed in deionized water (control), a mixture of lactic and gallic acids (0.3% lactic and 0.3% gallic; LGA), plasma-activated deionized water, or PLGA for 10 min. A synergistic effect of plasma was observed with low-concentration LGA in preserving meat quality and color over 8-day aerobic storage (4 °C). On day 8, PLGA-treated breasts and drumsticks exhibited a significant reduction in bacterial spoilage by 0.69 and 0.50 log CFU/g, respectively, compared to control treatment. They also showed the low levels of 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, respectively, as opposed to others. PLGA effectively sanitized and improved meat quality during storage. Multi-analytical techniques revealed strong correlations between anserine and taurine as antioxidants, linking them with freshness and chemical changes in chicken meat. Industrial relevanceCold atmospheric plasma is FDA-approved for surgical trials, while its potential in the food industry is currently under evaluation and gaining global attention. The combination of plasma and low-concentration lactic-garlic acid (LGA) holds significant promise for expanding markets by preserving color, and fortifying antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of chicken meat. In this study, PLGA treatment enhances chicken meat quality compared to other treatments, reducing microbial growth by up to 17%, lowering lipid oxidation by up to 12%, and improving volatile changes during storage. Additionally, it establishes a robust foundation for using multi-analytical techniques to correlate chicken meat freshness and chemical changes with direct relevance to the food industry.

Multi-analytical techniques to study changes in carbon and nitrogen forms in a tomato-cultivated soil treated with biochar and biostimulants

Agro-environmental applications of biochar and biochar in combination with biostimulants require a full understanding of the mobility and fate of the carbon and nitrogen fractions in soils. The effects of biochar and biostimulants on forms of nitrogen and carbon in soil during a field-scale incubation were investigated by a multi-analytical approach. This study was conducted on a tomato-cultivated agricultural land treated with low doses of biochar (about 0.1%) and different biostimulants: Micosat F®, arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF), or a consortium of Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus sp., and a nitrogen-fixing bacteria (Consortium B). Forms of carbon and nitrogen and their mobility before, during, and after tomato growth, were studied with different techniques including elemental analysis, adsorption and molecular fluorescence spectroscopy, ion chromatography, and a column leaching test. Due to the low load of biochar and the short study time, elemental analyses might not be sensitive enough to determine C and N variation in the soil. Based on the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and dissolved nitrogen forms, the treatments with biochar and biostimulants affected the mobility of these elements with an overall decrease at the end of tomato growth. The organic carbon is mainly ascribable to humic and fulvic acids, as indicated by spectroscopic analysis. The leaching column test demonstrated that cumulative leached C is about one order of magnitude lower than the DOC. In addition, simulated rain cycles profoundly affected their leaching, so it is important to design leaching tests based on local and seasonal weather conditions. In short, positive effects were observed in the marketable production of tomato when soil was treated with biochar combined with a mixture of biostimulants.

A multi-analytical approach to investigate DOM dynamics and alum dose control in enhanced coagulation process using wide-ranging surface waters

In this study, enhanced coagulation (EnC) − as a recommended water treatment process for disinfection by-product control − was investigated using jar testing, multi-analytical techniques, and a wide range of surface water sources. In addition to commonly used dissolved organic matter (DOM) concentration indices, DOM characteristics using UV–Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence EEM (fEEM) data, high-performance size exclusion chromatography (HPSEC), as well as turbidity, zeta potential and chlorophyll-a were studied. The results showed similar removal trends for the DOC, A254 and fluorescent DOM (fDOMs) signals with increasing alum dosing. Absorbance at ∼230 nm and fEEM data near Peak C in raw waters showed the highest correlations with enhanced dose. A decrease in weight-average apparent molecular weight following EnC, and a higher coagulability of DOM fractions with higher molecular weight, was noticed. The optimum zeta potential window was found to be −13 to +4 mV for EnC. Charge neutralization is suggested as the dominant mechanism for the EnC process. In addition to providing comprehensive information on the DOM dynamics during the EnC process, this study helps assess the potential of different water quality analysis techniques for EnC process monitoring and alum dose control, particularly using a field-deployable fDOM probe, offering potential for online, real-time applications.

A deep learning-based SEM-ANN analysis of the impact of AI-based audit services on client trust

PurposeThe advent of technology has propelled audit firms to incorporate AI-based audit services, bringing the relationship between audit clients and firms into sharper focus. Nonetheless, the understanding of how AI-based audit services affect this relationship remains sparse. This study strives to probe how an audit client's satisfaction with AI-based audit services influences their trust in audit firms. Identifying the variables affecting this trust, the research aspires to gain a deeper comprehension of the implications of AI-based audit services on the auditor-client relationship, ultimately aiming to boost client satisfaction and cultivate trust.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual framework has been devised, grounded in the client-company relationship model, to delineate the relationship between perceived quality, perceived value, attitude and satisfaction with AI-based audit services and their subsequent impact on trust in audit firms. The research entailed an empirical investigation employing Facebook ads, gathering 288 valid responses for evaluation. The structural equation method, utilized in conjunction with SPSS and Amos statistical applications, verified the reliability and overarching structure of the scales employed to measure these elements. A hybrid multi-analytical technique of structural equation modeling and artificial neural networks (SEM-ANN) was deployed to empirically validate the collated data.FindingsThe research unveiled a significant and positive relationship between perceived value and client satisfaction, trust and attitude towards AI-based audit services, along with the link between perceived quality and client satisfaction. The findings suggest that a favorable attitude and perceived quality of AI-based audit services could enhance satisfaction, subsequently augmenting perceived value and client trust. By focusing on the delivery of superior-quality services that fulfill clients' value expectations, firms may amplify client satisfaction and trust.Research limitations/implicationsFurther inquiries are required to appraise the influence of advanced technology adoption within audit firms on client trust-building mechanisms. Moreover, an understanding of why the impact of perceived quality on perceived value proves ineffectual in the context of audit client trust-building warrants further exploration. In interpreting the findings of this study, one should consider the inherent limitations of the empirical analysis, inclusive of the utilization of Facebook ads as a data-gathering tool.Practical implicationsThe research yielded insightful theoretical and practical implications that can bolster audit clients' trust in audit firms amid technological advancements within the audit landscape. The results imply that audit firms should contemplate implementing trust-building mechanisms by creating value and influencing clients' stance towards AI-based audit services to establish trust, particularly when vying with competing firms. As technological evolutions impinge on trustworthiness, audit firms must prioritize clients' perceived value and satisfaction.Originality/valueTo the researcher's best knowledge, no previous study has scrutinized the impact of satisfaction with AI-based audit services on cultivating audit client trust in audit firms, in contrast to past research that has focused on the auditors' trust in the audit client. To bridge these gaps, this study employs a comprehensive and integrative theoretical model.

Multi-analytical techniques for characterization of ancient Egyptian pottery objects from Cairo University excavations at Saqqara

Archaeological pottery shows various forms of deterioration and degradation. This research aims to determine the chemical composition and diagnose the damage manifestations of three pottery vessels from the archaeological site of Saqqara. The AutoCAD, digital microscope, X-ray diffraction, polarized microscope, portable X-ray fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy are utilized to understand the preservation status of pottery vessels. According to the investigation’s findings, the chosen vessels had cracks, accumulated dirt, missing parts, peeling of the slip layer, and black deposits. The X-ray diffraction analysis showed that Albite, Anorthite, Wollastonite, Quartz, Calcite, and Hematite are the primary constituents of the vessels. However, the polarized microscope showed the plagioclase feldspar, indicating that the Nile clay is the source of the raw clay and that the temperature rose above 800 °C. Portable X-ray fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy revealed different concentrations of Si, Fe, and Ca, which are the main pottery components. In addition to the presence of high concentrations of chloride salts. There is no doubt that this will help to preserve the archaeological pottery in future studies.

Multi-Analytical Techniques to Define the Mineralogical and Petrophysical Characteristics and Provenance of Siliceous Lithic Findings: The Case Study of La Calvera Rock Shelter (Cantabria, Spain)

This archaeometric study aims at characterizing the archaeological finds belonging to the lithic industry from La Calvera rock shelter (Camaleño, Cantabria) and at hypothesizing the possible provenance of each material. The site, located in the mountainous area of Picos de Europa National Park (more than 1000 m a.s.l.) close to the megalithic complex of Peña Oviedo, is characterized by the presence of hearths and charcoal remains, ancient pottery, and a rich lithic assemblage composed of siliceous rocks dating back to >8000 BP and linked to the first Holocene occupations of the Cantabrian Mountains. For the study of the rock shelter’s lithic assemblage, a multi-analytical approach was used: SEM-EDS and XRD analyses were performed to define the microtextural characteristics of samples and to identify the amorphous/crystalline phases; physical and mechanical tests were conducted to define the petrophysical properties (density, porosity, imbibition and saturation indexes, mechanical strength) of the samples. Preliminary data of chemical compositions, obtained by portable XRF, are also presented. The results show that the different siliceous materials (quartzite, cherts, hyaline quartz) can be distinguished through the basic analytical techniques used here. In addition, most of the archaeological samples have mineralogical and petrographic features similar to the natural samples coming from nearby outcrops, corroborating the hypothesis of a local material supply. The presence of local sources of useful raw materials could have favoured the site’s occupation. Finally, the diverse compositional and textural feature of the analysed materials result in different mechanical properties (porosity, density, hardness, workability), so they likely had different uses and technical functions.

Investigating the moisture sorption behavior of naturally and artificially aged bamboo paper with multi-analytical techniques

Investigating the moisture sorption behavior of naturally and artificially aged bamboo paper with multi-analytical techniques

Coupling of SEM-EDX and Raman spectroscopy to investigate painted preparation layers on two wooden statuettes from Ptolemaic era

Multi-analytical techniques combining SEM-EDX and Raman spectroscopy have been employed in this study to investigate the chemical composition of the preparation layers and pigments applied on two wooden statuettes of the goddess Isis from the Ptolemaic era preserved in Tell Basta's museum storeroom. Furthermore, light microscope was used to identify wood species in both statuettes and FTIR analysis to identify the binding media. Results proved that both statuettes were made of local wood; statuette no. 1408 was carved out of tamarisk wood, while statuette no. 2213 was made of sycamore fig. Preparation layer applied on statuette no. 1408 was predominantly composed of calcium carbonate and gypsum and the statuette no. 2213 was made with calcium carbonate. EDX coupled with Raman results indicate that the pigments used were mostly in accordance with the established Ancient Egyptian palette.

Transition metal based carbon composite for adsorptive desulfurization of tire derived fuel oils

Presence of sulphur groups in recovered tire oil has prevented the use of it as a substitute for the conventional fuels. The use of carbon materials mainly activated carbon as absorbent, for the desulphurization of tire oil can be considered but it has low affinity towards organic sulphur compound. However, such carbon material can act as good supports in development of composite due to their properties such as surface inertness, resistance to aggressive environments at elevated temperatures and large specific surface area. A transition metal (Fe) based adsorbent developed in the current work, present a sustainable approach in removal of organic sulphur compound from the oil. The method developed for the synthesis is the chemical precipitation as it is the most effective synthesis technique. Various doping levels of metal precursor were used in the substrate to check for the effectiveness of the complex. The composites werefurther characterised using a multi-analytical technique to fully understand both carbon and metal composite at the micro and nanoscale. The various characterization techniques such as FTIR, X-ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, BET surface area analysiswas used to characterize the newly developed metal complexes. A batch adsorption study was conducted for the removal of organic sulphur compounds present in the oil. The reduction was seen to be 83.575% with the help of 5% doped iron oxide on activated carbon. The comprehensive characterization approach proposed in this work allows the rationalization of the role of carbons and metal components in enhancing the performance of composite material in desulfurization activity.

The chemistry behind the first Portuguese postage stamps (1853–1894). A non-destructive analytical and chemometric analysis of pigments, fillers and binders

The analysis of 28 specimens of some of the first Portuguese postage stamps, dated from 1853 to 1894, was undertaken with non-destructive techniques: X-Ray fluorescence (XRF), Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) and Ultraviolet–Visible Reflectance Spectroscopy (UV–Vis). Ink, paper and cancellation of the postage stamps were analysed, and the pigments, binders and fillers identified. Prussian blue was found present in all blue and also in green and brown specimens. Chrome and zinc yellow, lead sulphate and mars red were also found in other of the investigated postage stamps. Binders consist mostly of protein glue. Fillers such as calcite and kaolinite were found dominant. The presence of the latter served as an indicator for distinguishing between genuine and forged samples. UV–Vis spectra also proved useful for the same purpose. All the above information was processed and organized using chemometric techniques. These include mainly Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), for clustering stamps of similar composition, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for mapping the samples and identifying the more relevant variables. The latter are, in the paper, content of calcium, potassium, sulphur and silicon and, in the dye pigment area, of iron, zinc and lead content. The study introduces an approach in which, by combination of non-destructive multi analytical techniques with chemometric analysis, extensive information on different aspects of the composition of the studied postage stamps is provided, including that of paper and dyes.

Quantification of major particulate matter species from a single filter type using infrared spectroscopy – application to a large-scale monitoring network

Abstract. To enable chemical speciation, monitoring networks collect particulate matter (PM) on different filter media, each subjected to one or more analytical techniques to quantify PM composition present in the atmosphere. In this work, we propose an alternate approach that uses one filter type (teflon or polytetrafluoroethylene, PTFE, commonly used for aerosol sampling) and one analytical method, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy to measure almost all of the major constituents in the aerosol. In the proposed method, measurements using the typical multi-filter, multi-analytical techniques are retained at a limited number of sites and used as calibration standards. At all remaining sites, only sampling on PTFE and analysis by FT-IR is performed. This method takes advantage of the sensitivity of the mid-IR domain to various organic and inorganic functional groups and offers a fast and inexpensive way of exploring sample composition. As a proof of concept, multiple years of samples collected within the Interagency Monitoring of PROtected Visual Environment network (IMPROVE) are explored with the aim of retaining high quality predictions for a broad range of atmospheric compounds including mass, organic (OC), elemental (EC), and total (TC) carbon, sulfate, nitrate, and crustal elements. Findings suggest that models based on only 21 sites, covering spatial and seasonal trends in atmospheric composition, are stable over a 3 year period within the IMPROVE network with acceptable prediction accuracy (R2 > 0.9, median bias less than 3 %) for most constituents. The major limitation is measuring nitrate as it is known to volatilize off of PTFE filters. Incorporating additional sites at low cost, partially replacing existing, more time- and cost-intensive techniques, or using the FT-IR data for quality control or substitute for missing data, are among the potential benefits of the one-filter, one-method approach.

Handmade Traditional Kiln Clay Bricks from Tamilnadu, India: Mineralogy, Temperature Effect and Mechanical Analysis

This work shows the changes in properties of industrial clay bricks collected from the traditional kiln situated at bank of Cauvery, Tamilnadu, India. Samples of local raw clay material already in use for the production of bricks and industrially produced fired brick materials were characterized by combined multi-analytical techniques to determine the relationships among chemical, mineralogical, textural and mechanical properties. FTIR absorption spectra of re-fired industrial clay bricks to different temperatures in air in the laboratory supply information about type of clay mineral presence, its original firing temperature and firing atmosphere. The minerals like quartz, plagioclase (albite or anorthite) and orthoclase were identified using XRD. In order to study the quality of the bricks they were submitted to mechanical analysis such as compressive strength, flexural rupture strength, water absorption, porosity and bulk density. The mechanical analysis reveals that when laboratory re-firing temperature exceeds the original firing temperature of industrial bricks, the compressive strength, flexural rupture strength and bulk density increases, whereas water absorption and porosity values decreases. The results showed that there is a drastic variation in the quality of the bricks collected from different parts of the same kiln.

Quarry origin determination of marble statues from Umm Qeis Antiquities Museum, Gadara, Jordan by multi-analytical techniques

This study examines the quarry origin of seven statues displayed in the archaeological museum of Gadara (Umm Qeis), Jordan. The statues were excavated in Gadara in past decades and have been dated to the Roman period between the first and third centuries (or later). They represent the most important Gods and the masterpieces of the city, including an enthroned Zeus, an enthroned Tyche, a Maenad with Silenus, a Satyr with an animal’s skin, an Athlete, an Artemis of Ephesos, and a Seasonal Genius of the “Hermes Erbach” type. The results of the isotopic, mineralogical, petrographic and chemical analyses indicate that the island of Paros was the main source for the marble of the statues: the Lakkoi quarries produced the Maenad with Silenus, the Seasonal Genius “Hermes Erbach,” and the Tyche statue, and the Marathi quarries produced the marble for the most important deity of Gadara the Enthroned Zeus “Nikephoros” statue. The quarries of Pentelikon (Athens) and Cape Vathy (the island of Thassos) produced the Satyr with an animal’s skin and the Athlete statues, respectively, while the Artemis of Ephesos statue was carved of the Aphrodisian marble. The results reflect the high state of art of the Gadarenes and the wealth of the city, and they reflect the development of the city during the first to the fourth centuries AD.

Real-space characterization of tetragonal CuO epitaxial films

It is widely believed that the undoped Mott insulator is crucial to understand the origin of high-TC superconductivity and the complex phase diagram in cuprates. Tetragonal CuO, the simplest structure among cuprates, is regarded as an archetypal model to explore the ground state physics of Mott insulator. Here, we report on the epitaxial growth and surface characterization of tetragonal CuO thin film by combining ozone-assisted molecular beam epitaxy and multi-analytical techniques. In situ scanning tunneling microscopy measurement reveals two sets of Cu2+ square lattices with a reversed contrast of their apparent heights between neighboring domains. A spectroscopy study demonstrates an upper bound of the charge transfer gap as 3.68 eV, and quantitatively agrees with the previous photoemission and x-ray photoelectron results. Our work will deepen the understanding of high-energy electronic structures in parent cuprates.

Characterization and identification of Chinese historical rubbings preserved in Wuyuan Museum by Pyrolysis\u2013Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

For conservation and restoration purposes, the precious historical rubbings preserved in Wuyuan Museum were studied by multi-analytical techniques including 14C radiocarbon dating, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Pyrolysis–Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) and Herzberg staining method. The results showed that the Py-GC/MS method is an efficient method for identifying the raw materials of paper and ink in historical rubbings simultaneously. Through Py-GC/MS analysis, five types of constituents could be detected: (1) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from soot; (2) compounds related to tar of conifer wood: retene and methyl dehydroabietate; (3) marker compounds from the whole egg; (4) additive compounds: menthol and curcumene, which were found for the first time in ink; (5) biochemical compounds from bark paper: β-amyrin and α-amyrin. Based on the above results, the ink type, binding media and additives in ink, as well as the fiber origin of the rubbing paper could be concluded. This study could not only provide scientific support for conservation and restoration of the historical rubbings preserved in Wuyuan museum, but also give method guidance for analysis of the uncharacterized rubbings from different origins.