Sandu Ion - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Sandu Ion
Journal of Environmental Protection, 2012
Assessment of harmful impacts and risks of air pollution in case of accidents as well as of long ... more Assessment of harmful impacts and risks of air pollution in case of accidents as well as of long lasting exposition is an important challenge of chemical transport modeling. Sad confirmation of this statement unexpectedly has come from the nuclear power plant accident in Fukushima which occurred while this paper was finalized. Two strategies to comply with the task of impact and risk assessment in extended regions like Central Europe or the Balkans are described. The first one is characterized by application of a single model system to an extended domain. The other one is based on the combined application of several chemical transport models designed for the use in various sub-domains in the region under consideration. Advantages and disadvantages exist for both approaches. For instance, the single model strategy allows unified and harmonized assessment of risks in a larger region, whereas the combined model strategy may provide faster and locally more specific response in emergency cases. The single model approach is treated exploiting applications of the EURAD model system. The combined model approach is a novel way of joint use of chemical transport model systems developed for the Balkans. The models are described and the accuracy of simulations carried out with them is briefly demonstrated by comparison of simulated and observed concentrations of air pollutants. Applications regarding the search of sources for high pollution events and the assessment of risks through known sources are exemplarily discussed.
Mankind Quarterly, 2012
Latin authors mentioned the unusual process of obtaining salt by spraying salt water on hot ashes... more Latin authors mentioned the unusual process of obtaining salt by spraying salt water on hot ashes. At the end of the 18th century this method was confirmed ethnographically. Archaeological research has demonstrated that there is evidence for this process as early as 6050 BC. Analysis of the salts produced following an archeological experiment demonstrated that this was, in fact, a matter of obtaining the first food supplement in the history of the world.
Materiale Plastice, 2017
High printing quality of banknotes and the variety of security features implemented in banknotes ... more High printing quality of banknotes and the variety of security features implemented in banknotes make a big difference between the genuine notes and high-quality forgeries. The counterfeiter cannot reproduce or imitate the printing quality and all security features embedded in every banknote, such as Optically Variable Ink, Optically Variable Diffractive Images, or intaglio printing. The present research focused on the examination of optically variable devices embedded on 50Îbanknotes. The altered banknotes were examined using different techniques.
Revista de Chimie, 2017
The paper presents the results obtained in the study of new archaeometric and chemometric charact... more The paper presents the results obtained in the study of new archaeometric and chemometric characteristics involved in the authentication of old artefacts made of metal, ceramics and polychrome wood, by the Iasi school of Conservation Science of cultural heritage goods. Most of the metal and ceramic artefacts considered for this study originate from archaeological sites from the region of Moldavia and Dobrudja, and those of polychrome wood from state or private collections and monastic establishments. The data obtained, using modern experimental methods and techniques, has allowed us to set the fundaments of phenomenological aspects related to the conception/execution, acquired patina, evolutive effects of deterioration and degradation, historical contexts, etc. These discoveries have been acknowledged as interdisciplinary effects, as evidenced by the citations listed in scientometric databases.
Materiale Plastice, 2017
The paperwork presents the results of the examination of the paper support from travel documents,... more The paperwork presents the results of the examination of the paper support from travel documents, by analysing the composition of the biodata page, which where differently falsified. For this purpose, the computer analyzed the composition of the tab, which is usually through various kinds counterfeit. By taking very small fragments of these pages, we can get useful information about the methods and techniques used by counterfeiters. The comparative analysis highlights the forgeries and certain connections with the original document. Therefore, there were obtained some data on their scientific investigation and highlighted the method used by forgeries.
Applied Sciences, 2019
The paper presents the authentication of a Stradivari 1737 type violin, which belonged to the Rom... more The paper presents the authentication of a Stradivari 1737 type violin, which belonged to the Romanian scientist Ştefan Odobleja. The analytical methods used in the study for assessing archaeometric characteristics of some component materials, along with the white degree and glycolysis rate measurements of the label that allowed an extensive evaluation of the violin, were OM, SEM–EDX, and micro-FTIR. The preparation binder (egg white from thin gypsum layers) and the varnish (identification of linseed oil and colophony components, alongside contamination impurities) were assessed in order to evaluate the artefact conservation state, as well as the restoration and counterfeiting interventions. We can conclude that the violin was done by a violin maker from the Stradivari family, and it is a replica of the violins of that period.
Applied Sciences, 2020
The paper presents the expertise of authenticating a painting by Nicolae Grigorescu through the i... more The paper presents the expertise of authenticating a painting by Nicolae Grigorescu through the involvement of multi-analytical techniques, in order to identify and evaluate some archaeometric and chemometric characteristics of the pictorial materials and of the support, used in determining the age. The painting is made with oil colors on pressed cardboard, with preparation based on chalk powder and animal glue. The painting presents two elements as being counterfeit, which have attracted suspicions, namely the signature of the author (presenting a semi-transparent covering veil), and, on the back, a writing of dating, performed by a very controversial art historian. The investigation was carried out by direct analysis with magnification devices, in reflected UV (ultraviolet), VIS (visible), and NIR (near- infrared) light, and by OM, SEM-EDX, and μ-FTIR. The results showed that the painting is authentic and belongs to Nicolae Grigorescu, and the dating established previously by Amel...
The changes in the beach dynamics at Gahirmatha sea turtle rookery along Odisha coast of India ha... more The changes in the beach dynamics at Gahirmatha sea turtle rookery along Odisha coast of India have forced the olive ridley turtles to nests in a non-conducive environment. In the recent past, non-availability of nesting beach due to erosion was hypothesized to be one of the major reasons for non-occurrence of arribada at Gahirmatha. This paper reviews the current status of nesting habitat for olive ridley turtles at Gahirmatha and suggests onshore and offshore developmental activities close to Gahirmatha rookery should be monitored efficiently so that future arribada at this rookery should not be troubled due to habitat destruction.
Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2012
The treatment in natural salt mines (speleotherapy) was known since a very long time ago; the min... more The treatment in natural salt mines (speleotherapy) was known since a very long time ago; the miners and other persons involved in these activities might have known about the great effects of the microclimate within salt mines upon human health, long before they were described in a book published by a Polish doctor in 1843. The effectiveness of speleotherapy is associated with the unique cave microclimate; the sodium chloride aerosols represent the main curative factor. The saline aerosols are formed off the salt walls by convective diffusion.[1] Halotherapy is the natural therapy method which boroughs the main curative factor for speleotherapy, meaning the saline aerosol particles dispersed in the salt mine microclimate.[2]The salt room microclimate should have a constant humidity (a relative air humidity of 40-60%) and a temperature of 18favourable conditions for patients and they are a stable environment for aerosols.[3-4] The precinct should also ensure a stable environment, bacteria-and allergen-free; studies have shown that the microbial contamination during a halotherapy session is of 130-200 saprophyte microorganisms to 1m 3 of air (the WHO standards regarding air 3 air). Thus, a 10-20 minutes break after each session is necessary to purify the air within the chamber.[1]
The paper focuses on the counterfeiting of travel documents by identifying the safety elements. I... more The paper focuses on the counterfeiting of travel documents by identifying the safety elements. In this purpose, there are presented both new materials and manufacturing procedures of theses documents and the actual procedures of counterfeiting. There are also presented the specific methods of identifying and are analysed some case studies faced to their afferent specimens.
Mankind …, Jan 1, 2010
This article presents the use of salt water springs in the Moldavian sub-Carpathians (eastern Rom... more This article presents the use of salt water springs in the Moldavian sub-Carpathians (eastern Romania) for treating certain diseases. The authors take into consideration archaeological discoveries and ethnographical surveys, correlated with known facts from the literature in the field. A special focus is on the presence of archaeological sites next to salt water springs, where specific objects were noted that are used in the extraction, storage, manipulation and use of salt waters. Nevertheless, what distinguishes the Romanian region under discussion from similar regions of Europe is the intense, unexpected continuity in the use of a traditional, non-industrial water supply from salt water springs. Among the uses of salt water and halite in the area, we will mention numerous traditional halotherapeutic practices. The concordances shown between ancient and current traditional halotherapeutic practices in eastern Romania infer the existence of a strong halotherapeutic element in prehistory. This aspect is generally neglected by archaeologists who deal with the evolution of human communities in an area rich in salt. The ancient and current halotherapeutic practices in eastern Romania are proof of an authentic ethnoscience acquired by human communities with salt outcrops and salt water springs. The analysis of these practices demonstrates their scientific validity from the current biochemical and biophysical standpoint. The scientific explanation of the various effects of salt upon the human body is, in fact, given by the influence of NaCl aerosols and nanodispersions. Parts of these practices are being adopted by a series of recent halotherapeutic procedures, with reliable scientific and technological bases.
Latin authors mentioned the unusual process of obtaining salt by spraying salt water on hot ashes... more Latin authors mentioned the unusual process of obtaining salt by spraying salt water on hot ashes. At the end of the 18th century this method was confirmed ethnographically. Archaeological research has demonstrated that there is evidence for this process as early as 6050 BC. Analysis of the salts produced following an archeological experiment demonstrated that this was, in fact, a matter of obtaining the first food supplement in the history of the world.
This article presents the use of salt water springs in the Moldavian sub-Carpathians (eastern Rom... more This article presents the use of salt water springs in the Moldavian sub-Carpathians (eastern Romania) for treating certain diseases. The authors take into consideration archaeological discoveries and ethnographical surveys, correlated with known facts from the literature in the field. A special focus is on the presence of archaeological sites next to salt water springs, where specific objects were noted that are
used in the extraction, storage, manipulation and use of salt waters. Nevertheless, what distinguishes the Romanian region under discussion from similar regions of Europe is the intense, unexpected continuity in the use of a traditional, non-industrial water supply from salt water springs. Among the uses of salt water and halite in the area, we will mention numerous traditional halotherapeutic practices. The concordances shown between ancient and current traditional halotherapeutic practices in eastern Romania infer the existence of a strong halotherapeutic element in prehistory.
This aspect is generally neglected by archaeologists who deal with the evolution of human communities in an area rich in salt. The ancient and current halotherapeutic practices in eastern Romania are proof of an authentic ethnoscience acquired by human communities with salt outcrops and salt water springs. The analysis of these practices demonstrates their scientific validity from the current biochemical and
biophysical standpoint. The scientific explanation of the various effects of salt upon the human body is, in fact, given by the influence of NaCl aerosols and nanodispersions. Parts of these practices are being adopted by a series of recent halotherapeutic procedures, with reliable scientific and technological bases.
The paper describes the background, objectives, progress and results of a series of field experim... more The paper describes the background, objectives, progress and results of a series of field experiments concerning the production of salt cakes using ceramic vessels known as briquetage, conducted within the framework of a larger research project concerning the ethnoarchaeology of the salt springs from the extra-Carpathian areas of Romania. The approach was based on the existing archaeological data – description of briquetage sherds and their discovery contexts, as well as on ethnoarchaeological accounts and previous experimentations. The experiments allowed some valuable observations on the distinct aspects of this chaîne opératoire: modelling and firing the briquetage vessels; exposure to fire of the recipients filled with brine or a salt slurry of varied concentrations; the amount of time needed for crystallization and hardening of the salt, dependent on the fuels used and temperatures reached; ways of extracting the salt cakes from the ceramic coat; assessment of the effort (i.e. labour and raw materials) involved by the whole process. All the failures, challenges and eventual successes encountered during the experiments granted an insight into an ancient technique, described mainly a priori in the archaeological literature. Also, it gives a hint in understanding the appreciable importance and value of salt in times when this essential mineral was not available as it is today.
Revista de Chimie, 2018
Death by intoxication represents an important cause of violent deaths which could be easily preve... more Death by intoxication represents an important cause of violent deaths which could be easily prevented. Accidental ethanol and carbon monoxide intoxications produce the most frequent causes of violent deaths among civilians in Romania. To provide an insight in these types of deaths and to bring attention upon the clinical and biological manifestations as well as of the typical morphologically findings, the authors present a strange case of fatal intoxication due to carbon monoxide in an 88 years old male, found in his bed. Moreover, because of the simultaneous death of the male�s wife in the attic of the house, with ethanol intoxication, we would also like to bring attention to the juridical notion of commorientes, since in the establishing of its constituting characteristics the forensic expertise plays a decisive role.
European Journal of Cultural Management and Policy
The concept of participatory conservation of cultural heritage involves the investigation of ways... more The concept of participatory conservation of cultural heritage involves the investigation of ways in which community members can be encouraged to become active actors and collaborators in the preservation/restoration process of cultural heritage assets and, beyond that, promoters of tourism policies and processes and the cultural, ethnographic and religious values that such assets embody. This paper aims to present some forms of participation in the conservation of the cultural heritage process as an important part of integrated scientific conservation management, starting from an important series of documents on international policy in the field.
Applied Sciences, 2021
This paper presents the study of three bronze socketed axes discovered in Neamţ County, Romania. ... more This paper presents the study of three bronze socketed axes discovered in Neamţ County, Romania. The surface structures and those from the interface of the corrosion layer with the metal core of the basic alloy were analyzed, in order to elucidate the nature of the materials used and the manufacturing processes. The analyzes by optical microscopy (OM) and electron microscopy (SEM), coupled with X-ray spectrometry (EDX), revealed the type of their degradation during the depositional period, as a result of the processes of chemical alteration and physical damage. A series of metallurgical techniques used were also established, as well as the identification of some finishing and decoration processes that led to the establishment of the objects’ functionality.
Mankind Quarterly, 2010
Compresses with salt water and vinegar, ribwort or cabbage leaves with salt, "loam from the rear ... more Compresses with salt water and vinegar, ribwort or cabbage leaves with salt, "loam from the rear cart wheel" with salt or warmed salt compresses on the wound Ciubotaru 2005, 122, 233, and ethnographic surveys. Furuncles, inflammatios of the skin and dermatosis Blisters, rashes Not mentioned Plinius, Naturalis Historia, XXXI, XLV(9), 98 Not mentioned Plinius, Naturalis Historia, XXXI, XLIV, 97 Mouth and ear diseases Pouches with warmed halite on painful areas Ethnographic surveys and Ciubotaru 2005, 187; Curcă 2007, 266 Salt water baths Ethnographic surveys and Ciubotaru 2005, 187 Frostbites Frostbites Salt is recommended for frostbites, but "before ulceration".
The present study aim to quantify heavy metals in the Akouedo landfill soil and evaluate the exte... more The present study aim to quantify heavy metals in the Akouedo landfill soil and evaluate the extent of their contamination, to better understand the horizontal migration of these pollutants towards the Ebrie lagoon located downstream. Horizontal mobility of heavy metals in soil was performed by the Kruskal-Wallis test which was used to evaluate the heavy metals concentrations according to the upstream downstream disposition of soil sample sites. Then the Mann-Whitney test was applied to find if variances between upgradient and downgradient parameters concentrations in the soil sample sites were homogenous. The results show that the soil is rich in organic matter (organic carbon and organic nitrogen) with a basic pH (7.94 <pH <8.7), characteristic of the landfill leachate. Metals such as lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) are retained by the organic matter while the other metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe) relative to migrate upstream to downstream. Thus, the flow of infiltration water into the soil...
Applied Mechanics and Materials, 2015
We live in an era where people should be more aware of pollution and its consequences. The presen... more We live in an era where people should be more aware of pollution and its consequences. The present paper reveals a way protecting the environment while producing high quality concrete. What make this type of concrete environmentally friendly are the recycled aggregates in the concrete composition amongst with eliminating the ecological impact by saving large amounts of natural aggregates resources. Recycling concrete comes with many other advantages that lead to waste reduction, economy in waste transportation and storage taxes, which are becoming increasingly expensive. This research is based on mix design and experimental tests carried out on C20/25 strength class concrete with uncontaminated leftover concrete aggregates (LCAgg). It reveals favorable results in order to militate for recycled concrete aggregate uses in regular concrete strength classes respectively for common structural elements, mainly for slabs. River sand (0/4 mm) and coarse aggregates (4/8 mm and 8/16 mm): natu...
Journal of Environmental Protection, 2012
Assessment of harmful impacts and risks of air pollution in case of accidents as well as of long ... more Assessment of harmful impacts and risks of air pollution in case of accidents as well as of long lasting exposition is an important challenge of chemical transport modeling. Sad confirmation of this statement unexpectedly has come from the nuclear power plant accident in Fukushima which occurred while this paper was finalized. Two strategies to comply with the task of impact and risk assessment in extended regions like Central Europe or the Balkans are described. The first one is characterized by application of a single model system to an extended domain. The other one is based on the combined application of several chemical transport models designed for the use in various sub-domains in the region under consideration. Advantages and disadvantages exist for both approaches. For instance, the single model strategy allows unified and harmonized assessment of risks in a larger region, whereas the combined model strategy may provide faster and locally more specific response in emergency cases. The single model approach is treated exploiting applications of the EURAD model system. The combined model approach is a novel way of joint use of chemical transport model systems developed for the Balkans. The models are described and the accuracy of simulations carried out with them is briefly demonstrated by comparison of simulated and observed concentrations of air pollutants. Applications regarding the search of sources for high pollution events and the assessment of risks through known sources are exemplarily discussed.
Mankind Quarterly, 2012
Latin authors mentioned the unusual process of obtaining salt by spraying salt water on hot ashes... more Latin authors mentioned the unusual process of obtaining salt by spraying salt water on hot ashes. At the end of the 18th century this method was confirmed ethnographically. Archaeological research has demonstrated that there is evidence for this process as early as 6050 BC. Analysis of the salts produced following an archeological experiment demonstrated that this was, in fact, a matter of obtaining the first food supplement in the history of the world.
Materiale Plastice, 2017
High printing quality of banknotes and the variety of security features implemented in banknotes ... more High printing quality of banknotes and the variety of security features implemented in banknotes make a big difference between the genuine notes and high-quality forgeries. The counterfeiter cannot reproduce or imitate the printing quality and all security features embedded in every banknote, such as Optically Variable Ink, Optically Variable Diffractive Images, or intaglio printing. The present research focused on the examination of optically variable devices embedded on 50Îbanknotes. The altered banknotes were examined using different techniques.
Revista de Chimie, 2017
The paper presents the results obtained in the study of new archaeometric and chemometric charact... more The paper presents the results obtained in the study of new archaeometric and chemometric characteristics involved in the authentication of old artefacts made of metal, ceramics and polychrome wood, by the Iasi school of Conservation Science of cultural heritage goods. Most of the metal and ceramic artefacts considered for this study originate from archaeological sites from the region of Moldavia and Dobrudja, and those of polychrome wood from state or private collections and monastic establishments. The data obtained, using modern experimental methods and techniques, has allowed us to set the fundaments of phenomenological aspects related to the conception/execution, acquired patina, evolutive effects of deterioration and degradation, historical contexts, etc. These discoveries have been acknowledged as interdisciplinary effects, as evidenced by the citations listed in scientometric databases.
Materiale Plastice, 2017
The paperwork presents the results of the examination of the paper support from travel documents,... more The paperwork presents the results of the examination of the paper support from travel documents, by analysing the composition of the biodata page, which where differently falsified. For this purpose, the computer analyzed the composition of the tab, which is usually through various kinds counterfeit. By taking very small fragments of these pages, we can get useful information about the methods and techniques used by counterfeiters. The comparative analysis highlights the forgeries and certain connections with the original document. Therefore, there were obtained some data on their scientific investigation and highlighted the method used by forgeries.
Applied Sciences, 2019
The paper presents the authentication of a Stradivari 1737 type violin, which belonged to the Rom... more The paper presents the authentication of a Stradivari 1737 type violin, which belonged to the Romanian scientist Ştefan Odobleja. The analytical methods used in the study for assessing archaeometric characteristics of some component materials, along with the white degree and glycolysis rate measurements of the label that allowed an extensive evaluation of the violin, were OM, SEM–EDX, and micro-FTIR. The preparation binder (egg white from thin gypsum layers) and the varnish (identification of linseed oil and colophony components, alongside contamination impurities) were assessed in order to evaluate the artefact conservation state, as well as the restoration and counterfeiting interventions. We can conclude that the violin was done by a violin maker from the Stradivari family, and it is a replica of the violins of that period.
Applied Sciences, 2020
The paper presents the expertise of authenticating a painting by Nicolae Grigorescu through the i... more The paper presents the expertise of authenticating a painting by Nicolae Grigorescu through the involvement of multi-analytical techniques, in order to identify and evaluate some archaeometric and chemometric characteristics of the pictorial materials and of the support, used in determining the age. The painting is made with oil colors on pressed cardboard, with preparation based on chalk powder and animal glue. The painting presents two elements as being counterfeit, which have attracted suspicions, namely the signature of the author (presenting a semi-transparent covering veil), and, on the back, a writing of dating, performed by a very controversial art historian. The investigation was carried out by direct analysis with magnification devices, in reflected UV (ultraviolet), VIS (visible), and NIR (near- infrared) light, and by OM, SEM-EDX, and μ-FTIR. The results showed that the painting is authentic and belongs to Nicolae Grigorescu, and the dating established previously by Amel...
The changes in the beach dynamics at Gahirmatha sea turtle rookery along Odisha coast of India ha... more The changes in the beach dynamics at Gahirmatha sea turtle rookery along Odisha coast of India have forced the olive ridley turtles to nests in a non-conducive environment. In the recent past, non-availability of nesting beach due to erosion was hypothesized to be one of the major reasons for non-occurrence of arribada at Gahirmatha. This paper reviews the current status of nesting habitat for olive ridley turtles at Gahirmatha and suggests onshore and offshore developmental activities close to Gahirmatha rookery should be monitored efficiently so that future arribada at this rookery should not be troubled due to habitat destruction.
Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2012
The treatment in natural salt mines (speleotherapy) was known since a very long time ago; the min... more The treatment in natural salt mines (speleotherapy) was known since a very long time ago; the miners and other persons involved in these activities might have known about the great effects of the microclimate within salt mines upon human health, long before they were described in a book published by a Polish doctor in 1843. The effectiveness of speleotherapy is associated with the unique cave microclimate; the sodium chloride aerosols represent the main curative factor. The saline aerosols are formed off the salt walls by convective diffusion.[1] Halotherapy is the natural therapy method which boroughs the main curative factor for speleotherapy, meaning the saline aerosol particles dispersed in the salt mine microclimate.[2]The salt room microclimate should have a constant humidity (a relative air humidity of 40-60%) and a temperature of 18favourable conditions for patients and they are a stable environment for aerosols.[3-4] The precinct should also ensure a stable environment, bacteria-and allergen-free; studies have shown that the microbial contamination during a halotherapy session is of 130-200 saprophyte microorganisms to 1m 3 of air (the WHO standards regarding air 3 air). Thus, a 10-20 minutes break after each session is necessary to purify the air within the chamber.[1]
The paper focuses on the counterfeiting of travel documents by identifying the safety elements. I... more The paper focuses on the counterfeiting of travel documents by identifying the safety elements. In this purpose, there are presented both new materials and manufacturing procedures of theses documents and the actual procedures of counterfeiting. There are also presented the specific methods of identifying and are analysed some case studies faced to their afferent specimens.
Mankind …, Jan 1, 2010
This article presents the use of salt water springs in the Moldavian sub-Carpathians (eastern Rom... more This article presents the use of salt water springs in the Moldavian sub-Carpathians (eastern Romania) for treating certain diseases. The authors take into consideration archaeological discoveries and ethnographical surveys, correlated with known facts from the literature in the field. A special focus is on the presence of archaeological sites next to salt water springs, where specific objects were noted that are used in the extraction, storage, manipulation and use of salt waters. Nevertheless, what distinguishes the Romanian region under discussion from similar regions of Europe is the intense, unexpected continuity in the use of a traditional, non-industrial water supply from salt water springs. Among the uses of salt water and halite in the area, we will mention numerous traditional halotherapeutic practices. The concordances shown between ancient and current traditional halotherapeutic practices in eastern Romania infer the existence of a strong halotherapeutic element in prehistory. This aspect is generally neglected by archaeologists who deal with the evolution of human communities in an area rich in salt. The ancient and current halotherapeutic practices in eastern Romania are proof of an authentic ethnoscience acquired by human communities with salt outcrops and salt water springs. The analysis of these practices demonstrates their scientific validity from the current biochemical and biophysical standpoint. The scientific explanation of the various effects of salt upon the human body is, in fact, given by the influence of NaCl aerosols and nanodispersions. Parts of these practices are being adopted by a series of recent halotherapeutic procedures, with reliable scientific and technological bases.
Latin authors mentioned the unusual process of obtaining salt by spraying salt water on hot ashes... more Latin authors mentioned the unusual process of obtaining salt by spraying salt water on hot ashes. At the end of the 18th century this method was confirmed ethnographically. Archaeological research has demonstrated that there is evidence for this process as early as 6050 BC. Analysis of the salts produced following an archeological experiment demonstrated that this was, in fact, a matter of obtaining the first food supplement in the history of the world.
This article presents the use of salt water springs in the Moldavian sub-Carpathians (eastern Rom... more This article presents the use of salt water springs in the Moldavian sub-Carpathians (eastern Romania) for treating certain diseases. The authors take into consideration archaeological discoveries and ethnographical surveys, correlated with known facts from the literature in the field. A special focus is on the presence of archaeological sites next to salt water springs, where specific objects were noted that are
used in the extraction, storage, manipulation and use of salt waters. Nevertheless, what distinguishes the Romanian region under discussion from similar regions of Europe is the intense, unexpected continuity in the use of a traditional, non-industrial water supply from salt water springs. Among the uses of salt water and halite in the area, we will mention numerous traditional halotherapeutic practices. The concordances shown between ancient and current traditional halotherapeutic practices in eastern Romania infer the existence of a strong halotherapeutic element in prehistory.
This aspect is generally neglected by archaeologists who deal with the evolution of human communities in an area rich in salt. The ancient and current halotherapeutic practices in eastern Romania are proof of an authentic ethnoscience acquired by human communities with salt outcrops and salt water springs. The analysis of these practices demonstrates their scientific validity from the current biochemical and
biophysical standpoint. The scientific explanation of the various effects of salt upon the human body is, in fact, given by the influence of NaCl aerosols and nanodispersions. Parts of these practices are being adopted by a series of recent halotherapeutic procedures, with reliable scientific and technological bases.
The paper describes the background, objectives, progress and results of a series of field experim... more The paper describes the background, objectives, progress and results of a series of field experiments concerning the production of salt cakes using ceramic vessels known as briquetage, conducted within the framework of a larger research project concerning the ethnoarchaeology of the salt springs from the extra-Carpathian areas of Romania. The approach was based on the existing archaeological data – description of briquetage sherds and their discovery contexts, as well as on ethnoarchaeological accounts and previous experimentations. The experiments allowed some valuable observations on the distinct aspects of this chaîne opératoire: modelling and firing the briquetage vessels; exposure to fire of the recipients filled with brine or a salt slurry of varied concentrations; the amount of time needed for crystallization and hardening of the salt, dependent on the fuels used and temperatures reached; ways of extracting the salt cakes from the ceramic coat; assessment of the effort (i.e. labour and raw materials) involved by the whole process. All the failures, challenges and eventual successes encountered during the experiments granted an insight into an ancient technique, described mainly a priori in the archaeological literature. Also, it gives a hint in understanding the appreciable importance and value of salt in times when this essential mineral was not available as it is today.
Revista de Chimie, 2018
Death by intoxication represents an important cause of violent deaths which could be easily preve... more Death by intoxication represents an important cause of violent deaths which could be easily prevented. Accidental ethanol and carbon monoxide intoxications produce the most frequent causes of violent deaths among civilians in Romania. To provide an insight in these types of deaths and to bring attention upon the clinical and biological manifestations as well as of the typical morphologically findings, the authors present a strange case of fatal intoxication due to carbon monoxide in an 88 years old male, found in his bed. Moreover, because of the simultaneous death of the male�s wife in the attic of the house, with ethanol intoxication, we would also like to bring attention to the juridical notion of commorientes, since in the establishing of its constituting characteristics the forensic expertise plays a decisive role.
European Journal of Cultural Management and Policy
The concept of participatory conservation of cultural heritage involves the investigation of ways... more The concept of participatory conservation of cultural heritage involves the investigation of ways in which community members can be encouraged to become active actors and collaborators in the preservation/restoration process of cultural heritage assets and, beyond that, promoters of tourism policies and processes and the cultural, ethnographic and religious values that such assets embody. This paper aims to present some forms of participation in the conservation of the cultural heritage process as an important part of integrated scientific conservation management, starting from an important series of documents on international policy in the field.
Applied Sciences, 2021
This paper presents the study of three bronze socketed axes discovered in Neamţ County, Romania. ... more This paper presents the study of three bronze socketed axes discovered in Neamţ County, Romania. The surface structures and those from the interface of the corrosion layer with the metal core of the basic alloy were analyzed, in order to elucidate the nature of the materials used and the manufacturing processes. The analyzes by optical microscopy (OM) and electron microscopy (SEM), coupled with X-ray spectrometry (EDX), revealed the type of their degradation during the depositional period, as a result of the processes of chemical alteration and physical damage. A series of metallurgical techniques used were also established, as well as the identification of some finishing and decoration processes that led to the establishment of the objects’ functionality.
Mankind Quarterly, 2010
Compresses with salt water and vinegar, ribwort or cabbage leaves with salt, "loam from the rear ... more Compresses with salt water and vinegar, ribwort or cabbage leaves with salt, "loam from the rear cart wheel" with salt or warmed salt compresses on the wound Ciubotaru 2005, 122, 233, and ethnographic surveys. Furuncles, inflammatios of the skin and dermatosis Blisters, rashes Not mentioned Plinius, Naturalis Historia, XXXI, XLV(9), 98 Not mentioned Plinius, Naturalis Historia, XXXI, XLIV, 97 Mouth and ear diseases Pouches with warmed halite on painful areas Ethnographic surveys and Ciubotaru 2005, 187; Curcă 2007, 266 Salt water baths Ethnographic surveys and Ciubotaru 2005, 187 Frostbites Frostbites Salt is recommended for frostbites, but "before ulceration".
The present study aim to quantify heavy metals in the Akouedo landfill soil and evaluate the exte... more The present study aim to quantify heavy metals in the Akouedo landfill soil and evaluate the extent of their contamination, to better understand the horizontal migration of these pollutants towards the Ebrie lagoon located downstream. Horizontal mobility of heavy metals in soil was performed by the Kruskal-Wallis test which was used to evaluate the heavy metals concentrations according to the upstream downstream disposition of soil sample sites. Then the Mann-Whitney test was applied to find if variances between upgradient and downgradient parameters concentrations in the soil sample sites were homogenous. The results show that the soil is rich in organic matter (organic carbon and organic nitrogen) with a basic pH (7.94 <pH <8.7), characteristic of the landfill leachate. Metals such as lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) are retained by the organic matter while the other metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe) relative to migrate upstream to downstream. Thus, the flow of infiltration water into the soil...
Applied Mechanics and Materials, 2015
We live in an era where people should be more aware of pollution and its consequences. The presen... more We live in an era where people should be more aware of pollution and its consequences. The present paper reveals a way protecting the environment while producing high quality concrete. What make this type of concrete environmentally friendly are the recycled aggregates in the concrete composition amongst with eliminating the ecological impact by saving large amounts of natural aggregates resources. Recycling concrete comes with many other advantages that lead to waste reduction, economy in waste transportation and storage taxes, which are becoming increasingly expensive. This research is based on mix design and experimental tests carried out on C20/25 strength class concrete with uncontaminated leftover concrete aggregates (LCAgg). It reveals favorable results in order to militate for recycled concrete aggregate uses in regular concrete strength classes respectively for common structural elements, mainly for slabs. River sand (0/4 mm) and coarse aggregates (4/8 mm and 8/16 mm): natu...
Book2 - Informatics, Geoinformatics and Remote Sensing/ConferenceProceedings, Jun 30, 2016
The complex field of Conservation Science requires a gradual interdisciplinary approach and recen... more The complex field of Conservation Science requires a gradual interdisciplinary approach and recently, more and more categories of experts involved in cultural heritage activities use GIS technologies to investigate the aspects of a local heritage. This paper aims to present the current conservation status of some old ecclesiastical buildings of Iasi, a city which represents an ancient religious, cultural, academic and economic urban centre of Romania, correlated to the traces of the human life (socio-cultural and economic) and community attitude towards ecclesiastical heritage. For this purpose, the studies have been conducted on the local monuments using GIS technologies for a better understanding and valorisation of the cultural heritage in an integrated manner. First we created a spatial database of ecclesiastical heritage included into the most recent national list of cultural heritage, in 2015. Then we attached specific attributes such as the year or period of construction, the year of the last interventions/restorations/reconstructions over time, etc. to each vector object. In this way it was possible to generate a number of maps that emphasize the old ecclesiastic city centre, the monuments in unstable areas etc. This attributes data base can be updated in real time, and in this way the governmental institutions can decide their conservation policies in a more accurate way, comparing with the traditional methods. The updated data regarding the conservation status of ecclesiastical heritage represent an important component in monitoring, protection and valorisation processes of local heritage and, in the same time, offer the possibility to involve the members of local community into heritage management for a sustainable development.