Red Ink Research Articles

Preparation of ultraviolet‐cured silicone elastomer reinforced by SH‐POSS crosslinker for light emitting diode encapsulant

AbstractStable silicone encapsulants are essential for protecting high‐power light‐emitting diodes (LED) from dust and moisture and extending their service life. Herein, by incorporating thiol‐functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (SH‐POSS) as a crosslinker into ultraviolet‐curable silicone elastomer (UVSE), a series of new UV‐cured silicone encapsulants (SH‐POSS/UVSE) have been developed through thiol‐ene click chemistry. It was found that SH‐POSS effectively enhanced the mechanical properties of SH‐POSS/UVSE. When 30 mol% SH‐POSS was added, the tensile strength and elongation at break reached 1.01 MPa and 422%, respectively, 2.1 and 1.6 times higher than pure UVSE. This could be ascribed to the more concentrated crosslinking network and the improved interfacial interactions between SH‐POSS and UVSE than physical blending. Moreover, the steric effect of branched and rigid SH‐POSS restricted the movement of UVSE molecular chains. Incorporating SH‐POSS also suppressed UVSE degradation and improved its thermal stability. Additionally, when the LED sample encapsulated by SH‐POSS/UVSE‐30 was immersed in boiling red ink for 2 h, no crack or stain was observed, indicating that SH‐POSS/UVSE‐30 possessed good adhesion to the LED lead frame. This work provides a new approach to fabricating high‐strength and stable silicone composites, which are promising candidates as LED encapsulants.

MULTI - ANALYTIC STUDY OF ORIENTAL MANUSCRIPTS IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA DATING FROM THE 15TH - 19TH CENTURY

The objective of this study was the analysis of materials used in five Oriental manuscripts from Bosnia and Herzegovina dating from the 15th - 19th century. The manuscripts were examined using various analytical techniques ranging from a series of preliminary tests (visual inspection, microchemical tests, thin layer chromatography (TLC), acidity status, UV fluorescence) to Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS). The obtained results showed that the manuscripts were made using paper, ink and pigments derived mainly from natural sources. The paper was made from either flax fibers or the combination of flax and hemp fibres and was often sized with egg white and alum to improve its quality. Both carbon black and iron-gall inks were used for the main text, whereas vermillion was chosen only for red ink. This research provides a valuable insight into the production techniques used in Oriental manuscripts from Bosnia and Herzegovina during that period. It also represents a template approach for manuscript characterisation and science-based paper conservation.

A MULTI-ANALYTICAL INVESTIGATION OF AN IRANIAN LITHOGRAPHY BOOK FROM THE QAJAR PERIOD

The lithography books of Iran, despite their historical importance, have received relatively little attention. This study aims to comprehensively examine an Iranian lithography book from the Qajar period titled Hayat al-Qolub, to identify its materials. The paper pulp, sizing, inks and leather of the bookbinding were analyzed through various methods, including staining tests for identifying paper pulp, light microscopy, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, Micro-spectrophotometry, multi-band imaging, SEM-EDS and LC-MS. The findings suggest that the book was made of rag paper composed of linen and cotton fibers, while animal glue and gypsum were used for paper sizing and filling, respectively. Carbon black was used as black printing ink and cochineal was used for red ink. The leather cover of the book was made of goat skin that was tanned with gallotannins and unhaired with lime. Evidence of the use of liming in the unhairing process was also observed in this leather. This research enhances our understanding of paper and bookmaking techniques of the Qajar period in Iran.

Biological characteristics of flowers and examination of pollen viability at different developmental stages of Epimedium sagittatum (Sieb. et Zucc.) Maxim

To gain a deeper understanding of the flowering pattern and reproductive characteristics of Epimedium sagittatum, to enrich the research on the flower development of E. sagittatum and its reproductive regulation, and to screen the methods suitable for the rapid detection of pollen viability of E. sagittatum and to promote its cross-breeding. The characteristics of its flower parts were observed, recorded and measured, and the pollen viability of E. sagittatumwas determined by five methods, including TTC staining, I2-KI staining, red ink staining, peroxidase method and in vitro germination method. The flowering process of E. sagittatum can be divided into five stages: calyx dehiscence, bract spathe, petal outgrowth, pollen dispersal, and pollination and withering. The results of I2-KI staining and peroxidase method were significantly higher than those of other methods; the in vitro germination method was intuitive and accurate, but the operation was complicated and time-consuming; the red ink staining method was easy to operate and had obvious staining effect, and the results were the closest to those of the in vitro germination method; and it was found that the pollen of E. sagittatum was not as effective as the in vitro germination method at the bud stamen stage, the flower stigma and the flower bud. It was also found that the pollen viability and germination rate of E. sagittatum pollen were higher in the three periods of bud spitting, petal adductor and pollen dispersal. Comparing the five methods, the red ink staining method was found to be a better method for the rapid detection of pollen viability; the best pollination periods of E. sagittatum were the bud stamen stage, petal adductor stage, and pollen dispersal stage of flowers at the peak of bloom. This study on the flowering and fruiting pattern of E. sagittatum, and the related mechanism of sexual reproduction, can be used as a reference for the next step of research on the breeding of E. sagittatum.

Organofluorosilicon Modified Polyacrylate with the Unidirectional Migration Promotion of Disperse Dyes toward Polyester Fabric for Wash-Free Digital Inkjet Dyeing.

The printing and dyeing industry is currently accelerating toward a direction of high efficiency, energy conservation, environmental protection, and integration with digitalization. Disperse dye wash-free digital inkjet dyeing is a revolutionary breakthrough for cleaning and coloring polyester fabric. Based on the solubility parameters and the hot-melt dyeing characteristics of disperse dyes, soft, hard, and functional monomers of acrylate were used as the main body. Moreover, single-vinyl fluorinated polysiloxane and divinyl polysiloxane with low solubility parameters were used as modified monomers. A modified polyacrylate (PFSMA) adhesive containing silicon in the main chain and fluorine silicon in the side chain was prepared via miniemulsion polymerization. Using disperse digital inkjet dyeing of polyester fabric without washing can realize energy saving, emission reduction, and carbon reduction. Results showed that the optimum preparation conditions of PFSMA were as follows: DVFS molecular weight of 957 g/mol and DVFS content of 2.5 wt %. Compared with that of polyacrylate (PA), the glass-transition temperature of PFSMA film decreased, and its water resistance, toughness, and adhesion enhanced. When the PFSMA content in the wash-free disperse red ink was 8 wt %, the color yields of the front and back of the PFSMA jet-dyed polyester fabric were 18.86 and 13.28, respectively. Moreover, the color yield of the front of PFSMA jet-dyed polyester fabric was 39.9% higher than that of the pure liquid disperse red jet-dyed fabric. The simulated fixation rate was 87.9%, approximately 2.9 times higher than that of the PA wash-free jet-dyed fabric. The color fastness to dry rubbing reached level 4 and the color fastness to wet rubbing reached level 3-4, which was one level higher than that of pure liquid disperse red jet-dyed fabrics. The color fastness to soaping reached grade 5 and the color fastness to heat compression reached grades 4-5 and above. The fabric was a little firmer but smoother. The color properties, color fastness, and hand feeling of the PFSMA wash-free jet-dyed polyester fabric exceeded the levels of commercially available adhesives.

Modified histological staining for the identification of arterial and venous segments of brain microvessels

BackgroundThis study aimed to develop a modified histochemical staining technique to successfully identify arterial and venous segments of brain microvessels. New methodGelatin/red ink-alkaline phosphatase-oil red O (GIAO) staining was developed from the traditional gelatin–ink perfusion method. Oil red Chinese ink for brush writing and painting mixed with gelatin was used to label cerebral vascular lumens. Subsequently, alkaline phosphatase staining was used to label endothelial cells on the arterial segments of cerebral microvessels. Thereafter, the red ink color in vessel lumens was highlighted with oil red O staining. ResultsThe arterial segments of the brain microvessels exhibited red lumens surrounded by dark blue walls, while the venous segments were bright red following GIAO staining. Meanwhile, the nerve fiber bundles were stained brownish-yellow, and the nuclei appeared light green under light microscope. After cerebral infarction, we used GIAO staining to determine angiogenesis features and detected notable vein proliferation inside the infarct core. Moreover, GIAO staining in conjunction with hematoxylin staining was performed to assess the infiltration of foamy macrophages. Comparison with existing methodRed Chinese ink enabled subsequent multiple color staining on brain section. Oil red O was introduced to improved the resolution and contrast between arterial and venous segments of microvessels. ConclusionWith excellent resolution, GIAO staining effectively distinguished arterial and venous segments of microvessels in both normal and ischemic brain tissue. GIAO staining, as described in the present study, will be useful for histological investigations of microvascular bed alterations in a variety of brain disorders.

Electrohydrodynamic Inkjet Printing of Three-Dimensional Perovskite Nanocrystal Arrays for Full-Color Micro-LED Displays.

Perovskite nanocrystal (PeNC) arrays are showing a promising future in the next generation of micro-light-emitting-diode (micro-LED) displays due to the narrow emission linewidth and adjustable peak wavelength. Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) inkjet printing, with merits of high resolution, uniformity, versatility, and cost-effectiveness, is among the competent candidates for constructing PeNC arrays. However, the fabrication of red light-emitting CsPbBrxI(3-x) nanocrystal arrays for micro-LED displays still faces challenges, such as low brightness and poor stability. This work proposes a design for a red PeNC colloidal ink that is specialized for the EHD inkjet printing of three-dimensional PeNC arrays with enhanced luminescence and stability as well as being adaptable to both rigid and flexible substrates. Made of a mixture of PeNCs, polymer polystyrene (PS), and a nonpolar xylene solvent, the PeNC colloidal ink enables precise control of array sizes and shapes, which facilitates on-demand micropillar construction. Additionally, the inclusion of PS significantly increases the brightness and environmental stability. By adopting this ink, the EHD printer successfully fabricated full-color 3D PeNC arrays with a spatial resolution over 2500 ppi. It shows the potential of the EHD inkjet printing strategy for high-resolution and robust PeNC color conversion layers for micro-LED displays.

Anatomy, evolution, and clinical aspects of the superextended-intercompartmental-supraretinacular artery perforator flap (SISAP-flap): A proof of concept

BackgroundExtended soft tissue defects of the fingers—irrespective of their origin—are challenging to treat. In cases of missing amputates or crush injuries, the options are often limited to further amputation, ray resection, or free tissue transplantation. The SISAP-flap was developed to add an extra option to treat finger avulsion injuries or otherwise extended soft tissue finger defects. MethodsCadaveric SISAP-flaps were individually dissected, tested for arterial perfusion using red ink and radiopaque dye, and transposed into artificially created same-size defects. After introducing this flap in the clinic, which was partially successful in the first patient, we modified the flap to its definite design. ResultsAverage cadaver flap size ranges between 11 cm and 22 cm in length, allowing dorsal wrapping of the flap over the fingertip and way back to the palmar metacarpophalangeal-joint. The flap is based on the distal web space perforator, which is commonly used by a dorsal metacarpal artery flap and supercharged using an intercompartmental, supraretinacular artery. Donor sites were closed primarily with little tension. Application of the flap in the clinic resulted in satisfactory functional and esthetic outcomes. ConclusionThe SISAP-flap is a new option for the reconstruction of extended finger defects and should be added to the reconstructive surgeon’s armamentarium of pedicled flaps, providing relatively short operating times and promising clinical outcomes.

Exploring volatile organic profiles of red pen inks based on gas-chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and chemometric methods for forensic investigation purposes

Criminal cases involving questioned documents often cause the loss of a huge amount of money in a country. Red ballpoint pen inks found on threatening notes, or any official documents are potentially encountered by a forensic document examiner as questioned documents. Identifying sources of the questioned ink entries is paramount to revealing the authenticity or sources of the document. Despite the multitude of works being devoted to discriminating pen inks by their sources, very little is focused on the volatile fractions. In this study, the volatile compositional profiles of ten types of red ballpoint pen inks as acquired by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) were studied using various multivariate exploratory tools. Scores plot of principal component analysis reveals that inter-pen brand variation is higher than the inter-pen type variation. Meanwhile, hierarchical clustering analysis showed that 6 of the 10 pen types and all five pen brands could be discriminated. In conclusion, volatile organic compositions of red pen inks are useful in classifying the pen inks by brands. The outcome of the study will provide vital insight into the potential of volatile organic profiles in discriminating red pen inks sold in Malaysia.

Tattoos: risks and complications, clinical and histopathological approach

BackgroundSkin modification through tattoos is as old as humanity itself. However, this trend is on the rise, and with the use of different types of pigments and application practices, both cutaneous and systemic complications can arise. Adverse reactions can be grouped into five classes: inflammatory, infectious, neoplastic, aesthetic, and miscellaneous. On histopathology, inflammatory reactions can exhibit a lichenoid pattern or present as spongiotic dermatitis, granulomatous reactions, pseudolymphoma, pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia, or scleroderma/morphea-like changes. This article reviews tattoo complications, including their clinical and histopathological characteristics. MethodsAn open search was conducted on PubMed using the terms “tattoo”, “complications”, and “skin”. No limits were set for period, language, or publication type of the articles. ResultsReactions to tattoos are reported in up to 67% of people who get tattooed, with papulonodular and granulomatous reactions being the most common. Some neoplastic complications have been described, but their causality is still debated. Any pigment can cause adverse reactions, although red ink is more frequently associated with them. Patients with pre-existing dermatoses may experience exacerbation or complications of their diseases when getting tattoos; therefore, this procedure is not recommended for this patient group. ConclusionsDermatological consultation is recommended before getting a tattoo, as well as a histopathological examination in case of complications. In patients who develop cutaneous inflammatory reactions following tattooing, additional studies are recommended to investigate systemic diseases such as sarcoidosis, pyoderma gangrenosum, atopic dermatitis, and neoplasms. It is important for physicians to be trained in providing appropriate care in case of complications.

The Materiality of Scribal Practice in Isaiah 8:1–2: Papyrus, Pens, and Authority in Inscribing Prophecy

Abstract Isaiah 8:1–2 is an elusive text, in regard to both its interpretation and its import. In these verses, YHWH commands Isaiah to write למהר שלל חש בז on a large גליון with a חרט אנוש. The writing surface, writing tool, and message are obscure and contested. However, I argue that the puzzle of Isaiah’s writing materials has not yet been persuasively solved, as scholarship has failed to consider Judah’s Egyptian scribal heritage. With this context, the prophet’s writing surface (גליון) can be correctly understood as a section of papyrus, and his tool (חרט אנוש) can be read as a red rush pen. These proposed identifications of Isaiah’s tools harmonize with comparative, etymological, epigraphic, and art-historical evidence for scribalism in the Levant and Egypt. Moreover, they illuminate the purpose and genre of YHWH’s message. It appears that Isaiah was borrowing the format and tropes of royal decrees, which were transcribed on large pieces of papyrus in front of witnesses. The use of red ink also hints at the text’s significance. The scene described in Isa 8:1–2 thus indicates that prophecy had taken on the garb of written record. The word of God was becoming not just an oral message but an authoritative document.

Strategy of Spreading Aswaja Understanding by Nurul Furqon Boarding School Tomia Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi

As a country rich in diversity, Indonesia has witnessed a red ink history of religion-related violence. In Southeast Sulawesi, the majority Muslim population lives a peaceful religious life. However, potential conflicts arise on the basis of ethnicity, not religion. Although violence in the name of religion has not yet occurred, radical and intolerant movements are growing, demanding in-depth understanding and effective preventive measures. this research aims to Know the strategy of Pondok pesantren nurul furqon in spreading aswaja understanding. The place of research conducted at the nurul furqon boarding school in Tomia Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi. Research conducted by researchers includes descriptive qualitative research with the type of case study. Data collection techniques include observation, interviews and documentation. The data analysis model includes data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results of this study show that Pondok Pesantren Nurul Furqon has successfully implemented a stunning strategy, involving elements such as Hadrah, majlis ta'lim, and the leadership role of the kiyai as key elements in the spread of Aswaja. More than just an educational institution, this study highlights the central role of pesantren in maintaining the sustainability of Aswaja values, while guarding against potential radicalism.

Estimation of the composition ratio of two contents filled in an elastic thin tube through laser-diode-based photoacoustic measurements

Photoacoustic imaging is considered useful for evaluating the effects of treatment because it has a good resolution to capture minute vascular lesions and changes in the progression of atherosclerosis, which is difficult to detect with conventional imaging methods. In this study, the authors prepared a thin silicone tube filled with a mixture of red ink and olive oil as a model that mimics arteriosclerosis. The tube was embedded in a soft phantom. Photoacoustic measurements were performed using 405 nm and 520 nm laser diodes. As a result, the 405 nm laser produced a higher photoacoustic signal as the oil concentration in the mixture increased, whereas the 520 nm laser produced lower photoacoustic signals as the oil concentration increased. By focusing on the difference in the optical absorption at different wavelengths between the red ink and oil, it was shown that there was a possibility of estimating the oil concentration from the ratio of photoacoustic signals between different wavelengths.

Silk‐Based Functional Inks with Color‐Tunable Light Upconversion for Printing on Arbitrary Surfaces

AbstractA biocompatible and versatile silk‐based functional ink with hydrophilic upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) that can be printed or painted on arbitrary substrates, including biological surfaces is demonstrated. Hydrophilic UCNPs, ready to be dispersed in aqueous silk fibroin solution, are synthesized in large quantities via facile hydrothermal synthesis using citric acid. Based on a systematic study of dopant control to achieve robust red emission from citrate‐capped UCNPs, three primary colors are obtained, which serve as the basis for the expansion of the color palette. The synthesized UCNPs are homogeneously dispersed in regenerated silk fibroin solutions derived from Bombyx mori cocoons to produce water‐based functional inks. Cyan, magenta, and yellow (CMY) inks are created by combining red, green, and blue (RGB) inks. Demonstrator devices, where a variety of colorful patterns and codes are revealed only under near‐infrared irradiation, are realized through stencil printing or brush painting on flexible polymer films, fruit, leaves, silkworm cocoons, and pig skin. The patterns and codes are highly heat resistant (≈230 °C) and can be easily washed off with water after use. The printable/paintable inks and functions proposed here will provide new opportunities for applications where sustainability, biocompatibility, and intentional luminescence are simultaneously required.

Consequences of Correction: Learner’s Uptake and Perceptions through Written Corrective Feedback

This study investigates the effect of written corrective feedback (WCF) styles on high school science students’ second language writing. A descriptive-correlational design explored student uptake (revision based on feedback) and perceptions on WCF, having been exposed only to the indirect and the metalinguistic WCFs. Students revised outputs in writing with both styles, and a survey assessed their perceptions. Uptake was high for both WCFs. Students’ perceptions on WCF was generally positive across variables such as sex, section, and type of school graduated from. Despite exposure to only two methods, students generally preferred the direct feedback and found the red ink helpful. No significant relationship between uptake and preferences was found. The study highlights the value of WCF as a formative assessment tool of language teachers in an ESL classroom.

10 Pupil Dilation During the Stroop Task Offers a Sensitive and Scalable Biomarker of Locus Coeruleus Integrity

Objective:Neuronal dysfunction of the locus coeruleus (LC), the primary producer of norepinephrine, has been identified as a biomarker of early Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology. Norepinephrine has been implicated in attentional control, and its reduced cortical circulation in AD may be associated with selective attentional difficulties. Additionally, greater pupil dilation indicates greater effort needed to perform a cognitive task, and greater compensatory effort to perform the digit span task has been found in individuals at risk for AD. In this study, we examined associations between a neuroimaging biomarker of the LC and pupil dilation during the Stroop task as a sensitive measure of attentional control.Participants and Methods:64 older adults without dementia were recruited from the San Diego community (mean [SD] age = 74.3 [6.3]; 39 cognitively unimpaired and 25 with mild cognitive impairment). All participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the LC and generated behavioral data from a computerized Stroop task that included 36 incongruent trials (e.g., GREEN presented in red ink), 36 congruent trials (e.g., GREEN presented in green ink), and 32 neutral trials (e.g., LEGAL presented in green ink) in a randomized presentation. Mean pupil dilation for each trial (change relative to baseline at the start of each trial) was measured at 30 Hz using the Tobii X2-30 system (Tobii, Stockholm, Sweden) and averaged within each Stroop condition. Paired t-tests assessed for differences in mean pupil dilation across incongruent and congruent Stroop conditions. Iterative re-weighted least squares regression was used to assess the association between a rostral LC contrast ratio measure derived from manually marked ROIs and mean pupil dilation during incongruent trials divided by congruent trials, adjusting for age, sex, and education. Follow-up analyses also assessed the association of these variables with mean reaction time (RT) for incongruent trials divided by congruent trials.Results:Mean pupil dilation significantly differed across conditions (t = 3.74, mean difference = .13, 95% CI [.06, .20]) such that dilation was higher during the incongruent condition (mean [SD] dilation = .18 [.38] mm) relative to the congruent condition (mean [SD] dilation = .05 [.35] mm). A significant association was observed between pupil dilation and LC contrast ratio, such that increased levels of mean dilation during incongruent trials relative to congruent trials were observed at lower levels of LC contrast ratio (i.e., lower LC integrity; r = -.37, 95% CI [-.55, -.13]). This association was not observed for mean dilation during only congruent trials (r = -.08, 95% CI [-.31, .18]). Additionally, neither LC contrast ratio [r = .24, 95% CI [-.02, .46]) nor mean incongruent/congruent pupil dilation (r = .14, 95% CI [-.13, .37]) were associated with incongruent/congruent RT.Conclusions:Findings suggest that increased pupil dilation during a demanding attentional task is indicative of increased compensatory effort needed to achieve the same level of performance for individuals with reduced LC biomarker integrity. Pupillometry assessment offers a low-cost, non-invasive, and scalable biomarker of LC dysfunction that may be indicative of preclinical AD.

Shedding light on the composition and degradation mechanism of dyes in historical ink's collection (19th-20th century)

Man has always used writing to be able to communicate, express, and disseminate his thoughts. In time, many different coloured extracts of plant and animal origin have been used to produce inks; after the development of synthetic chemistry, artificial and synthetic dyes started to be widely exploited. The end of the 19th century marked great technological and industrial innovations in commercial production of artists' materials. To reveal ink formulations and build a database of red inks by different producers, we developed a multi-analytical approach and investigated a collection of writing inks produced in France in the late 19th – early 20th century. The materials used as binders, additives, dyes, and pigments have been investigated by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array and tandem mass spectrometric detectors (HPLC-DAD-MS2), in situ derivatisation pyrolysis coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py(HMDS)-GC/MS), surface enhanced Raman (SERS, TLC-SERS) and X-Ray Fluorescence spectroscopies. Several dyes and pigments were detected, showing that the French ink's formulations of the early days of synthetic dye industry were based on rhodamine B and 6G, eosin Y, rose Bengal and methyl or crystal violet. Instead, as binder and additives only gum Arabic and shellac resin have been identified, respectively. Mass spectrometry also allowed us to detect possible by-products of the synthesis of ink's dyes and even early degradation products, that can be used for ink identification in historical writings and drawings. Our studies can pave the way to investigate inks in historical samples by introducing ultra-sensitive chromatographic and mass spectrometric methods in the array of analytical tools available to the chemist.

Vulcanization failure mechanism analysis of lead-frame LED package

Light-emitting diodes (LED) failure can be attributed to various factors such as vulcanization, which is considered as one of the primary causes. The main consequence of vulcanization is the production of black silver sulfide, a result of silver and sulfur ion interaction within the plating layer. The consequences of this reaction can be quite severe, leading to a reduction in luminous flux, color temperature drift, golden ball and support fracture. In this work, following an analysis of the process structure characteristics of LED support, four vulcanization failure paths have been identified. To determine the main vulcanization path of the LED stent, various tests, such as the vulcanization corrosion test, the red ink test, and the cross-section test, have been conducted. This work provides an innovative and constructive approach for directing failure research in LED package.

UNRAVELLING THE HISTORY OF A VENETIAN ANTIPHONARY

ABSTRACTWe present the results of a multifaceted study of an antiphonary—liturgical song book—presumably made in Venice in 1607, now in the Ringve, National Music Museum of Norway in Trondheim1. The book is hand-sewn on raised cords, bound in full leather on cardboard covers, originally with metal clamps. The paper block consists of pages printed in black and red that include both song texts and music scores. The red ink is based on vermillion and red lead while the black ink is carbon based. The treads and cords were made of flax. The leather used was made from goat skin. Radiocarbon results confirmed the printing date. The antiphonary shows several signs of repair including the possibility of re-binding. Animal-based glue was used for the repairs as well as for the sizing of both original and repair paper. Two potential periods were identified for reparations, 1670–1710 AD and 1782–1830 AD. This case study was conducted prior to the opening of a new permanent exhibition, Soundtracks, at the Ringve Museum where the book is displayed.

Analytical methods for evaluating the state of preservation of a historical manuscript dating back to the 15th century AD in Al-Azhar Library – Egypt

PurposeThis study aims to evaluate the state of preservation of one of the most famous manuscripts dated back to the 15th century using some analytical techniques to identify the manuscript components, explain its deterioration mechanisms and produce some solutions for conservation processes in future studies.Design/methodology/approachThe analytical techniques used were visual assessment, digital microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM) with EDX, pH measurement, attenuated total reflection – Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR/FTIR) and cellulose crystallinity.FindingsStains, missed parts and scratching were the most common aspects of deterioration. Some insects were observed by digital microscope. The SEM showed that linen fibers and goat skin were used to manufacture paper sheets and leather binding. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis proved that niobium and tantalum were added during the manufacture of paper sheets. Carbon black ink was the main writing material. The other pigments used were cinnabar in red ink, gold color from brass and blue color from lapis lazuli. FTIR analysis proved that some chemical changes were noticed. Low crystallinity of the historical paper was obtained. There was a reduction in the pH value of the historical bookbinding.Originality/valueThe importance of the analytical techniques used to detect the main components, forms and mechanism of deterioration of the studied manuscript. The elements of niobium and tantalum were added to paper sheets, which protected them from deterioration. The insects such as house flies and Sitophilus granarius were found in the manuscripts.