School of Historical and Philosophical Studies - Research Publications

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    Speckle and Conservation
    Miles, E ; Roberts, A ; Tse, N ; Sloggett, R (International Seminars, 2008)
    The aim of this research is to demonstrate the usefulness of speckle, a trait of an expanded laser beam, for the non-destructive testing of artwork in both the imaging of subsurface structure and the quantitative detection of physical movement of canvas. Laser Speckle Contrast Method (LSCI) is a useful method for the viewing of subsurface layers and movement. By investigating the statistical properties of dynamic speckle it is possible to reveal drawings that are hidden beneath scattering layers such as the primary layer of paint or adhered paper. This is achieved by taking a series of speckle images captured in a short time frame and applying one of a number of post processing algorithms. We explore the limitations of this method when applied to various paper samples that have a sketch executed in various media beneath the top layer. The ability to resolve gray scale images was examined as well as looking at the dependence of the contrast of the revealed drawings to the temperature of the surface. Current work is being done on using LSCI to reveal indentations in artwork caused by the application process. The successful use of Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometry (ESPI) both in the laboratory and in-situ for the detection of in-plane movement of painted canvas due to humidity fluctuations and the out-of-plane movement of paint as it dries has also been demonstrated. Canvas paintings can be very susceptible to movement due to changes of the environment. ESPI is a non-destructive technique yielding sensitive results that can detect displacement on a surface of less than the wavelength of the illuminating coherent light source. While ESPI has been successfully applied to the in-situ study of painted frescoes, previous studies have employed tensile testers as a support for painted canvas. We have shown a portable version of ESPI to be of use in tropical environment in the Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore with original artworks where variations in humidity occur and the samples have not undergone special preparation before analysis, revealing significant directional movements. Furthermore, a simple variation in the direction of beams paths permits the characterisation of out-of-plane movement, specifically as the height of paint shrinks due to the drying process. We have used ESPI to view the drying process of alkyd resin paints over the time period of 24 hours.
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    Respect: Engendering participatory relationships in conservation education
    SLOGGETT, R (Canadian Association for Conservation, 2009)
    In 2004, the Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation (The University of Melbourne) established a new subject, Respect, as part of a new Masters by Coursework in Cultural Materials Conservation. In this subject, guest lecturers who have extraordinary or senior cultural expertise and knowledge introduce students to the political and societal aspects of cultural materials conservation. They lead students through the complexity of issues relating to context, disruption, authenticity, legal standing, development, reinvention, identity, and minority status. In Respect, students are asked to think about conservation as a practice that could benefit from incorporating intellectual positions and emotional skills that have been developed by other cultures, or marginalized communities within our own culture, to support the preservation of their cultural material or cultural identity. In order to do this, Respect seeks to indicate to students the political nature of cultural material conservation decision-making. The subject also asks students to consider who the partners in cultural materials conservation are, and whether conservators and those with the responsibility and interest in cultural preservation have the skills to enter into successful participatory partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
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    The foundation of the Universitie of Cambridge
    SLOGGETT, R ; WILSON, L ( 2007)
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    Hortus sanitatis (The garden of health)
    SLOGGETT, R ; WILSON, L ( 2007)
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    Silence and the History of Menstruation
    Pascoe Leahy, CE (Oral History Association of Australia, 2007)
    Oral history is often concerned not only with what is said but also with silences and what they might mean—what is omitted from interview responses or the historical record, and in this case, omission from both social discourse and research in general about women’s experience of what is virtually a universal experience for them. From interviews with twelve women, the author sought to ‘penetrate the veil of silence’ and transcend the dearth of documentary evidence about the meaning of menstruation in women’s lives. Interviews ‘yielded fascinating and complex responses that opened up questions rather than providing definitive answers. Perhaps the most profound insight gained through the project was an appreciation of the power of silence, which can communicate more loudly than words.’
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    Chinese health biotech and the billion-patient market
    Frew, SE ; Sammut, SM ; Shore, AF ; Ramjist, JK ; Al-Bader, S ; Rezaie, R ; Daar, AS ; Singer, PA (NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP, 2008-01)
    UNLABELLED: Chinese government support and 'sea turtles' are spurring the sector, but investors lack exits. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version of this article (doi:10.1038/nbt0108-37) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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    Science and society -: Genomic medicine and developing countries:: creating a room of their own
    Seguin, B ; Hardy, B-J ; Singer, PA ; Daar, AS (NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP, 2008-06)
    The notion that developing countries must wait for the developed world to make advances in science and technology that they later import at great cost is being challenged. We have previously argued that developing countries can harness human genetic variation to benefit their populations and economies. Based on our empirical studies of large-scale population genotyping projects in Mexico, India and Thailand, we describe how these resources are being adopted to improve public health and create knowledge-based economies. A significant additional benefit is building the capacity for scientific research and internalizing advances in technology, whatever their source.