The impact assessment of the drug "Artificial cuticle" on the development of chicken embryos

The article presents the results of experimental research as for the possible toxic effects of the disinfectant "Artificial cuticle" ("ARTICLE" – ARTIficial cutiCLE) which includes a substance of natural origin chitosan acid-soluble, peracetic acid, yellow iron oxide pigment (oxide II) Fe2O3 and microelements. This pre-incubation treatment technology involves irrigating the eggs with a working solution of the composition, followed by evaporation of the solvent and the formation on the surface of the calcite eggs’ layer an exact artificial analogue of the natural protective cuticle. Barrier properties of bioceramic structures of the shell and shell membranes are characterized by biocidal (antibacterial and antiviral) activity, as well as the ability to optimize embryo gas exchange during incubation and improve embryo metabolism and the quality of young birds. The studies were performed using hatching eggs obtained from laying hens Leghorn white. Two batches of 720 eggs were formed in each: control eggs were treated with formaldehyde fumigation, the second batch was treated with the drug "Artificial Cuticle". Incubation of eggs was performed in an incubator "Universal" for 21 days according to the method. On the 11th day of incubation, chicken embryos were removed, tissue and liver preparations were prepared. Prepared histological specimens were viewed under a microscope. Under the influence of the disinfectant on the chicken embryo, no abnormalities in the development of the embryo and the morphological structure of the liver were detected in comparison with the control. Similar to the control of the corresponding observation period, the formed liver beams, the beginning of the formation of bile and Kupffer cells are detected. Thus, when comparing control and experimental samples of embryonic liver tissue, the negative impact of the disinfectant "Artificial Cuticle" was not detected. The components of the drug do not enter the area of embryonic development. The drug "Artificial Cuticle" has no toxic effect on the developing embryo during incubation. Key words: technology, chitosan, nanotechnologies, egg incubation, disinfectants, histological examinations.

A transparent dialogue between iconography and chemical characterisation: a set of foreign stained glasses in Portugal

This work presents the first results of the iconographic study and analytical characterisation of a set of four stained-glass panels that are part of the collection of National Palace of Pena (Sintra, Portugal). These panels were collected by the King Ferdinand II in the mid-nineteenth century, for his main residence the Palace of Necessidades (Lisbon, Portugal), and only first presented to the general public in 2011. This study contributes with the knowledge of Technical Art History and Heritage Science to a better and deeper understanding of their history, materials and techniques used in the production, where an art-historical and a scientific approach are applied to attribute their origins. Based on the analysis of the formal and stylistic characteristic of the panels, it is proposed that the drawings used for the production of three of these panels may be based on the design and painting being carried out in the same workshop, and that the four panels have the same provenance (Germany). The composition of the glass and grisaille was determined and colourising elements were identified. Through this approach, conclusive correlation between the analysed glasses was possible: all are calcium rich or calcium–potassium rich types, and the results also suggest that the same source of silica was used for their production. A typical mixture of glass and lead oxide was found in the grisaille applied on the painted panels. However, less usual was the use of a copper oxide pigment for the black grisaille. All these findings support the proposals made regarding provenance and production period (fifteenth century).

A Transparent Dialogue Between Iconography and Chemical Characterisation: A Set of Foreign Stained Glasses in Portugal

This work presents the first results of the iconographic study and analytical characterisation of a set of four stained-glass panels that are part of the collection of National Palace of Pena (Sintra, Portugal). These panels were collected by the King Ferdinand II in the mid-19th century, for his main residence the Palace of Necessidades (Lisbon, Portugal), and only first presented to the general public in 2011. This study contributes with the knowledge of Technichal Art History and Heritage Science to a better and deeper understanding of their history, materials and techniques used in the production, where an art-historical and a scientific approach are applied to attribute their origins. Based on the analysis of the formal and stylistic characteristic of the panels, it is proposed that the drawings used for the production of three of these panels may be based on the design and painting being carried out in the same workshop, and that the four panels have the same provenance (Germany). The composition of the glass and grisaille was determined and colourising elements were identified. Through this approach, conclusive correlation among the analysed glasses was possible: all are calcium rich or calcium-potassium rich types, and the results also suggest that the same source of silica was used for their production. A typical mixture of glass and lead oxide was found on the grisaille applied on the painted panels. However, less usual was the use of a copper oxide pigment for the black grisaille. All these findings support the proposals made regarding provenance and production period (15th century).