Calin Constantin Steindal

• Bertheussen, Anastasia; Wright, David K.; Birk, Jago J.; Steindal, Calin Constantin; Fiedler, Sabine & Klassen, Stefanie [Vis alle 8 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2026). Past moisture and vegetation conditions at Lake Aura, Norway using n-alkanes and pollen. The Holocene. ISSN 0959-6836. doi: 10.1177/09596836261487383. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Wetlands are valuable paleoenvironmental archives where pollen and n -alkane samples can be collected and used to reconstruct local vegetation patterns and hydrological conditions. However, the impact of local environmental heterogeneity on n -alkanes specifically remains poorly constrained. To address this, we apply a combined n -alkane and pollen approach which allows for a more nuanced reconstruction. In this study, we analyze three separate peat cores around Lake Aura, a high-altitude lake in central Norway, to reconstruct the Holocene vegetation and hydrological development. The area has extensive evidence of successive archaeological activity, and human impacts on vegetation are considered. Our records show a general pattern of arboreal dominance, but with increasing percentages of grassy vegetation towards the Late Holocene, possibly associated with the onset and intensification of pastoralism. Although pollen and n -alkane records broadly converge, intervals where the n -alkane wood/grass ratio rises while the arboreal pollen declines show that the proxies capture different aspects of vegetation change, refining the overall reconstruction. Our study demonstrates the value of combining pollen with molecular markers for reconstructing Holocene vegetation and moisture patterns, and we highlight the broader potential of this tandem approach for refining paleoenvironmental reconstructions in heterogeneous landscapes.

• Dahle, Nicola; Damlien, Hege; Eigeland, Lotte Christin; Steindal, Calin Constantin; Nyland, Astrid Johanne & Mjærum, Axel (2025). «Blodspor» fra Flendalen – distribusjonen av jaspis, nettverk og mobilitet i Sørøst-Norge i eldre steinalder. Viking - Norsk arkeologisk årbok. ISSN 0332-608X. 2025, s. 7–34. doi: 10.5617/viking.12711. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  In this study we investigate the use and distribution of jasper, a distinctive red quartz that served as a key resource for stone tool production in parts of inland Norway and Sweden during the Mesolithic. The sole known source in this region is the Flendalen quarry in Trysil, Innlandet County. Drawing on results from all excavations undertaken at the Flendalen quarry and studies of jasper from settlement sites beyond the immediate region, this article presents a comprehensive provenance study. Based on examinations involving dynamical technological classification, find contexts, and geochemical classification and provenance analysis of jasper utilizing pXRF and Raman spectroscopy, we argue that the quarry was established as early as 8000 BC. The discovery of jasper transported 200–300 km from Flendalen to coastal sites around the Inner Oslofjord and Larvik, as well as to inland locations in Oppdal and Lesja, reveals widespread distribution and an extensive network during the Middle Mesolithic. This network later contracted, with most finds concentrated within a 75 km radius of the quarry. We interpret this pattern as linked to changes in settlement organization and potentially to shifts in social significance.

• Chirakkal, Aljasil; Kulakova, Ekaterina; Steindal, Calin Constantin; Birk, Jago J.; Anoikin, Anton & Kurbanov, Redzhep [Vis alle 9 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2025). Geochemical records from loess sediments provide insights into early hominin influence on the landscape in the Khovaling region of Southern Tajikistan, Central Asia. Organic Geochemistry. ISSN 0146-6380. s. 105088–105088. doi: 10.1016/j.orggeochem.2025.105088. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Streeton, Noëlle Lynn Wenger; Caruso, Francesco; Steindal, Calin Constantin; Frøysaker, Tine; Platania, Elena & Maguregui, Maite (2025). Revealing Saint Anne with the Virgin and Child: Decoding Damage Via Non-Invasive Scientific Investigations. I Streeton, Noëlle Lynn Wenger; Frøysaker, Tine & Bjerregaard, Peter (Red.), Sacred Medieval Objects and Their Afterlives in Scandinavia. De Gruyter Brill. ISSN 9789004707573. s. 163–198. doi: 10.1163/9789004712034_007. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Saint Anne with the Virgin and Child came to the Museum of Cultural History at the University of Oslo in 1915. The sculptural group has no solid provenance, and no documentation prior to the 1930s, after the museum restorer/handyman Louis Smestad removed heavy secondary paints that covered all three figures, which prior to 1915 had been extensively repaired. Smestad revealed gilding, paint and/or ground layers that are fragmented, worn or altogether missing down to the wooden support. The object, in short, is difficult to read. Building on Chapter 5 in this volume, which addresses the original functions of this object in relation to late medieval piety, this chapter focuses on Smestad’s notes and recent analytical imaging and surface investigations. Here, attention is given to Smestad’s description of his work, and to new analytical results that can offer a clearer understanding of how the original polychromy might have looked, how the object has been damaged and the impact of Smestad’s treatment. The authors interpret data from portable spectroscopies (XRF, Raman and DRIFT) in tandem with insights offered by macro-imaging and X-radiography. In advance of sampling and reconstructions, the results of this work facilitate a new appreciation for the dramatic history of this object and its damaged polychromy. The results can enhance the experience of current audiences faced with this fragmented yet intriguing object in a museum gallery.

• Chirakkal, Aljasil; Steindal, Calin Constantin; Birk, Jago Jonathan; Újvári, Gábor & Wright, David Keith (2025). Biomarker evidence on Early Paleolithic human-environment interactions from loess records in Tajikistan, Central Asia. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology. ISSN 0031-0182. 663. doi: 10.1016/j.palaeo.2025.112786. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Cutajar, Jan Dariusz; Steindal, Calin Constantin; Caruso, Francesco; Joseph, Edith & Frøysaker, Tine (2024). Spectral- and image-based metrics for evaluating cleaning tests on unvarnished painted surfaces. Preprints. ISSN 2310-287X. doi: 10.20944/preprints202407.0896.v2. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Chirakkal, Aljasil; Steindal, Calin Constantin; Birk, Jago J; Kurbanov, Redzhep & Wright, David Keith (2024). Occurrence and distribution of biomarkers in loess-paleosol sequences of Tajikistan (Central Asia): Implication for archaeo-ecological studies. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports. ISSN 2352-409X. 61. doi: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2024.104902. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Finding biomarkers preserved in loess-paleosol sequences is challenging and rarely undertaken in the archaeological studies that occur in these settings. Here, we investigate the preservation of n-alkanes and PAHs collected in association with “Loessic Paleolithic” sites (archaeological sites entrained in fine-grained eolian sediments dating to the Paleolithic era 700,000 to 70,000 years ago) in the Khovaling region of southern Tajikistan. This region has been subject to archaeological inquiry since Soviet research projects in the 1970s found evidence of hominin occupations from Lower and Middle Paleolithic stone tool assemblages in excavations. Questions about the timing and ecological circumstances of putative ancient migrations into the region have prompted new geoarchaeological research at the sites of Lakhuti-IV, Obi-Mazar, Kuldara, and Khonako-II to constrain landscape evolutionary histories better using vegetation (straight-chain [n-]alkanes) and fire (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon [PAH]) biomarkers. We collected sediment samples from on–, sparse on–, near-, and off-site contexts relative to known archaeological sites for biomarker extraction and identification. The homologous series of n-alkanes ranging from nC15-nC33 are identified and quantified, in which the long-chain length of n-alkanes (nC27-nC33) has shown odd-over-even predominance. We found the abundance of PAH compounds with two to five rings in the sedimentary organic matter, in which PAH compounds with four or more rings have shown the highest abundance. The short (≤ nC21) and mid-chain (nC22-nC26) n-alkanes have shown a positive correlation with PAH abundance from study sites. This is likely the result of the combustion of terrestrial plant matter on the landscape at elevated temperatures (≥ 400 °C).

• Cutajar, Jan Dariusz; Steindal, Calin Constantin; Caruso, Francesco; Joseph, Edith & Frøysaker, Tine (2024). Spectral- and Image-Based Metrics for Evaluating Cleaning Tests on Unvarnished Painted Surfaces. Coatings. 14(8). doi: 10.3390/coatings14081040. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Despite advances in conservation–restoration treatments, most surface cleaning tests are subjectively evaluated. Scores according to qualitative criteria are employed to assess results, but these can vary by user and context. This paper presents a range of cleaning efficacy and homogeneity evaluation metrics for appraising cleaning trials, which minimise user bias by measuring quantifiable changes in the appearance and characteristic spectral properties of surfaces. The metrics are based on various imaging techniques (optical imaging by photography using visible light (VIS); spectral imaging in the visible-to-near-infrared (VNIR) and shortwave infrared (SWIR) ranges; chemical imaging by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectral mapping in the mid-infrared (MIR) range; and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) element mapping). They are complemented by appearance measurements (glossimetry and colourimetry). As a case study showcasing the low-cost to high-end metrics, agar gel spray cleaning tests on exposed ground and unvarnished oil paint mock-ups are reported. The evaluation metrics indicated that spraying agar (prepared with citric acid in ammonium hydroxide) at a surface-tailored pH was as a safe candidate for efficacious and homogenous soiling removal on water-sensitive oil paint and protein-bound ground. Further research is required to identify a gel-based cleaning system for oil-bound grounds.

• Portale, Silvia; Felter, Margrethe; Zisi, Angeliki; Steindal, Calin Constantin; Ferri, Lavinia de & Mazzoleni, Paolo [Vis alle 7 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2024). Preliminary Study of Stone Sawing Sludges-based Alkali Activated Materials (AAMs) for the Conservation of Archaeological Ceramics. Geoheritage. ISSN 1867-2477. 16(4). doi: 10.1007/s12371-024-01010-3. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Homer, Laura; Ustvedt, Øystein & Steindal, Calin Constantin (2023). Nightrider, 1972, Victor Lind: Challenges of data gathering. ArtMatters International Journal for Technical Art History. ISSN 1571-3806. 8(1). Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Occhipinti, Roberta; Caggiani, Maria Cristina; Ferri, Lavinia de; Xu, Zhuo; Steindal, Calin Constantin & Razavi, Nima [Vis alle 9 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2023). Structural properties of volcanic precursors-based geopolymers before and after natural weathering. Ceramics International. ISSN 0272-8842. 49, s. 21892–21902. doi: 10.1016/j.ceramint.2023.04.013. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Andriulo, Fabrizio; Vespignani, L.; Steindal, Calin Constantin; Bortolini, M. & Ferri, Lavinia de (2022). Evaluation of sol-gel hybrid nanocomposites for dry medieval wood. Journal of Cultural Heritage. ISSN 1296-2074. 56, s. 96–107. doi: 10.1016/j.culher.2022.06.004. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Viking Age archaeological wooden objects from the Oseberg find have undergone extensive chemical de- terioration due to the original conservation treatment, based on alum salts (KAl(SO 4 ) 2 ·12H 2 O), done in the early 1900s. Today, the artefacts are highly acidic (pH ≤2), fragile and the wood has almost completely lost its structural integrity. This study is part of a wider research project on conservation methods for these finds, currently underway. Multi-functional organic/inorganic hybrid systems, engineered to deacidify and consolidate alum- treated wood in a single step, have been studied. These products, made of a polysiloxanes’ network and nanostructured Ca(OH) 2 , have given promising results in terms of penetration, deacidification, consolida- tion and maintenance of the wood properties. This work provides a comparison between two hybrid systems having in common a backbone of poly(dimethylsiloxane) hydroxy–terminated (PDMS-OH) and alkaline nanoparticles (NPs) (as deacidify- ing agent), along with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) applied to fresh and archaeological wood, respectively. Colour, pH, dimensions, SEM-EDS and ultrasonic velocity measurements, in addition to hardness tests, were collected on the treated mock-ups to investigate the outcomes of the two systems in terms of conservation efficacy. FTIR-ATR and DVS have also been carried out for systems characterization. From the analysis performed, the most promising hybrid system seems to be the one prepared with MTES as structural polymer. In addition, it has been highlighted the requirement of a method for sol application other than immersion when objects are already treated with resins.

• Cutajar, Michelle; Stockman, Robert A.; Braovac, Susan-Diana; Steindal, Calin Constantin; Zisi, Angeliki & Harding, Stephen Ernest (2022). Comparative Hydrodynamic Study on Non-Aqueous Soluble Archaeological Wood Consolidants: Butvar B-98 and PDMS-OH Siloxanes. Molecules. ISSN 1431-5157. 27(7). doi: 10.3390/molecules27072133. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Butvar B-98 and PDMS-OH both have a demonstrable ability as consolidants for archaeological wood. This makes them both potential treatment options for the Oseberg collection, which is one of the most important archaeological finds from the Viking era. Both Butvar B-98 and PDMS-OH are soluble in organic solvents, offering a useful alternative to aqueous-based consolidants. Extensive characterisation studies were carried out on both of these polymers, with the use of analytical ultracentrifugation and viscometry, for the benefit of conservators wanting to know more about the physical properties of these materials. Short column sedimentation equilibrium analysis using SEDFIT-MSTAR revealed a weight-average molar mass (weight-average molecular weight) Mw of (54.0 ± 1.5) kDa (kg · mol−1) for Butvar B-98, while four samples of PDMS-OH siloxanes (each with a different molar mass) had an Mw of (52.5 ± 3.0) kDa, (38.8 ± 1.5) kDa, (6.2 ± 0.7) kDa and (1.6 ± 0.1) kDa. Sedimentation velocity confirmed that all polymers were heterogeneous, with a wide range of molar masses. All molecular species showed considerable conformational asymmetry from measurements of intrinsic viscosity, which would facilitate networking interactions as consolidants. It is anticipated that the accumulated data on these two consolidants will enable conservators to make a more informed decision when it comes to choosing which treatment to administer to archaeological artefacts.

• Bronken, Ida Antonia Tank; Boon, Jaap & Steindal, Calin Constantin (2021). Delamination of the paint structure in Peinture, dated 1954 by Pierre Soulages. A study on soap formation in the paint layer interface. Meddelelser om konservering. ISSN 0106-469X. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Stoveland, Lena Porsmo; Frøysaker, Tine; Stols-Witlox, Maartje; Grøntoft, Terje; Steindal, Calin Constantin & Madden, Odile [Vis alle 7 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2021). Evaluation of novel cleaning systems on mock-ups of unvarnished oil paint and chalk-glue ground within the Munch Aula Paintings Project. Heritage Science. 9(144). doi: 10.1186/s40494-021-00599-w. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Low-risk removal of embedded surface soiling on delicate heritage objects can require novel alternatives to traditional cleaning systems. Edvard Munch’s monumental Aula paintings (1911–16) have a long history of exposure to atmospheric pollution and cleaning campaigns that have compromised the appearance and the condition of these important artworks. Soiling removal from porous and water-sensitive, unvarnished oil paintings continues to be a major conservation challenge. This paper presents the approach and results of research into the effect and efficiency of three novel systems used for soiling removal: soft particle blasting, CO2-snow blasting, and Nanorestore Gel® Dry and Peggy series hydrogels. Cleaning tests were performed on accelerated-aged and artificially soiled mock-ups consisting of unvarnished oil paint and chalk-glue grounds. Visual and analytical assessment (magnification using a light microscope and scanning electron microscope, as well as colour- and gloss measurement) was carried out before and after mock-up cleaning tests and the results were compared to those obtained using the dry polyurethane sponges employed in the most recent Aula surface cleaning campaign (2009–11). Although the results varied, the Nanorestore Gel® series proved promising with respect to improved soiling removal efficiency, and reduced pigment loss for the water-sensitive surfaces evaluated, compared to dry sponges.

• Marketou, Ariadni Kostomitsopoulou; Andriulo, Fabrizio; Steindal, Calin Constantin & Handberg, Søren (2020). Egyptian Blue Pellets from the First Century BCE Workshop of Kos (Greece): Microanalytical Investigation by Optical Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy-X-ray Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy and Micro-Raman Spectroscopy. Minerals. 10. doi: 10.3390/min10121063. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  This paper aims to expand our understanding of the processes involved in the production of the artificial pigment Egyptian blue through the scientific examination of pigments found in the first century BCE workshop of the Greek island of Kos. There, 136 Egyptian blue pellets were brought to light, including successfully produced pellets, as well as partially successful and unsuccessful products. This study is based on the examination of eighteen samples obtained from pellets of various textures and tones of blue, including light and dark blue pigments, coarse and fine-grained materials, and one unsuccessful pellet of dark green/grey colour. The samples were examined by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and micro-Raman spectroscopy. These complementary microanalytical techniques provide localised information about the chemical and mineralogical composition of this multicomponent material, at a single-grain level. The results shed light on the firing procedure and indicate possible sources for raw materials (beach sand, copper alloys), as well as demonstrating the use of a low-alkali starting mixture. Moreover, two different process for the production of light blue pigments were identified: (a) decreased firing time and (b) grinding of the initially produced pellet and mixing with cobalt-containing material.

• Bronken, Ida Antonia Tank; Steindal, Calin Constantin & Boon, Jaap (2019). Examination of Paint Delamination in C’est grace à nous by Asger Jorn. I Berg, Klaas jan van den; Bonaduce, Ilaria; Burnstock, Aviva; Ormsby, Bronwyn; Scharff, Mikkel; Carlyle, Leslie; Heydenreich, Gunnar & Keune, Katrien (Red.), Conservation of Modern Oil Paintings. Springer Nature. ISSN 9783030192532. s. 265–273. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-19254-9_20. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Bronken, Ida Antonia Tank; Boon, Jaap; Corkery, Robert & Steindal, Calin Constantin (2019). Changing surface features, weeping and metal soap formation in paintings by Karel Appel and Asger Jorn from 1946-1971. Journal of Cultural Heritage. ISSN 1296-2074. 35, s. 279–287. doi: 10.1016/j.culher.2018.09.005. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• McQueen, Caitlin; Steindal, Calin Constantin; Narygina, Olga & Braovac, Susan (2018). Temperature- and humidity-induced changes in alum-treated wood: a qualitative X-ray diffraction study. Heritage Science. 6:66, s. 1–11. doi: 10.1186/s40494-018-0232-z. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Alum-treated wooden artefacts suffer from extreme deterioration, and the stability of these objects and the salts they contain to variations in climate conditions is an important issue. Responses of potassium alum (KAl(SO4)2·12H2O), ammonium alum (NH4Al(SO4)2·12H2O), potassium bisulfate (KHSO4) and alum-treated wood to changing temperature and relative humidity (RH) were therefore investigated at the crystalline level using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). The XRD analysis showed changes in the crystal structures of alum salts that suggest some degree of dehydration starting at 40 °C at 15% RH. Rehydration of such dehydrated alum in Oseberg wood samples was still ongoing after 2 years. However, alum salts on their own and in alum-treated wood generally appeared to be stable to most of the changing climate conditions. Conversely, the minor potassium bisulfate component found in some samples was very sensitive to all changes in RH and temperature, and may even cause changes to the alum component under some conditions. This may be related to the efflorescence of K9H7(SO4)8·H2O crystals seen on some fragments after long-term exposure to high RH. These findings can help to refine RH and temperature limits for alum-treated objects, and also demonstrate the utility of temperature- and RH-controlled XRD for qualitative monitoring of climate-induced changes in such salt-impregnated materials.

• Bråte, Inger Lise N; Hurley, Rachel; Iversen, Karine; Beyer, Jonny; Thomas, Kevin V & Steindal, Calin C [Vis alle 9 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2018). Mytilus spp. as sentinels for monitoring microplastic pollution in Norwegian coastal waters: A qualitative and quantitative study. Environmental Pollution (1987). ISSN 0269-7491. 243(A), s. 383–393. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.08.077. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Microplastic (MP) contamination is ubiquitous in the environment and many species worldwide have been shown to contain MP. The ecological impact of MP pollution is still unknown, thus there is an urgent need for more knowledge. One key task is to identify species suitable as sentinels for monitoring in key eco-compartments, such as coastal waters. In Norway, mussels (Mytilus spp.) have been monitored for hazardous contaminants through OSPAR since 1981. Norway has the longest coastline in Europe and adding MP to the Norwegian Mussel Watch is therefore important in a European and global context. The present study reports MP data in mussels (332 specimens) collected from multiple sites (n = 15) spanning the whole Norwegian coastline. MPs were detected at all locations, except at one site on the west coast. Among the most surprising findings, mussels from the Barents Sea coastline in the Finnmark region, contained significantly more MPs than mussels from most of the southern part of the country, despite the latter sites being located much closer to major urban areas. Only mussels from a site located very close to Oslo, the capital, contained levels similar to those observed in the remote site in Finnmark. In total an average of 1.5 (±2.3) particles ind−1 and 0.97 (±2.61) particles w.w. g−1 was found. The most common MPs were <1 mm in size, and fibres accounted for 83% of particles identified, although there was inter-site variability. Thirteen different polymeric groups were identified; cellulosic being the most common and black rubbery particles being the second. This study suggests Mytilus spp. are suitable for semi-quantitative and qualitatively monitoring of MPs in coastal waters. However, some uncertainties remain including mussel size as a confounding factor that may influence ingestion, the role of depuration and other fate related processes, and this call for further research.

• Andriulo, Fabrizio; Giorgi, Rodorico; Steindal, Calin Constantin; Kutzke, Hartmut & Braovac, Susan (2018). Nanotechnologies for the restoration of alum-treated archaeological wood. I Williams, Emily & Hocker, Emma (Red.), Proceedings of the 13th ICOM-CC Group on Wet Organic Archaeological Materials Conference: Florence 2016. International Council of Museums Committee for Conservation (ICOM-CC). ISSN 9789290124368. s. 176–183. doi: 10.1007/s00339-016-9833-0. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• McHale, Emily; Braovac, Susan; Steindal, Calin Constantin; Kutzke, Hartmut & Benneche, Tore (2018). Consolidation of waterlogged wood with lignin-like oligomers. I Williams, Emily & Hocker, Emma (Red.), Proceedings of the 13th ICOM-CC Group on Wet Organic Archaeological Materials Conference: Florence 2016. International Council of Museums Committee for Conservation (ICOM-CC). ISSN 9789290124368. s. 184–192. doi: 10.1038/srep46481. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Andriulo, Fabrizio; Giorgi, Rodorico; Baglioni, Piero; Steindal, Calin Constantin; Braovac, Susan & Kutzke, Hartmut (2017). Hybrid nanocomposites made of diol-modified silanes and nanostructured calcium hydroxide. Applications to Alum-treated wood. Pure and Applied Chemistry. ISSN 0033-4545. doi: 10.1515/pac-2016-1014. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Andriulo, Fabrizio; Giorgi, Rodorico; Steindal, Calin Constantin; Kutzke, Hartmut; Baglioni, Piero & Braovac, Susan (2017). Hybrid nanocomposites made of diol-modified silanes and nanostructured calcium hydroxide. Applications to Alum-treated wood. Pure and Applied Chemistry. ISSN 0033-4545. doi: 10.1515/pac-2016-1014. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• McHale, Emily; Steindal, Calin Constantin; Kutzke, Hartmut; Benneche, Tore & Harding, Stephen Ernest (2017). In situ polymerisation of isoeugenol as a green consolidation method for waterlogged archaeological wood. Scientific Reports. 7. doi: 10.1038/srep46481. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Waterlogged archaeological wood is often in need of consolidation prior to drying to prevent shrinkage and cracking of the object. There is a need for new greener materials (than for example polyethylene glycol) and methods for consolidation to be developed. The use of wood-based components could provide good interaction between the consolidant and the remaining wood structure and would also support a shift away from fossil fuel-based materials to those with more sustainable sources. Based on this, lignin-like structures have been investigated for their ability to consolidate waterlogged archaeological wood. The in situ formation of a lignin-like material has been carried out using isoeugenol polymerised by horse radish peroxidase in aqueous solution. The formation of the oligomeric/polymeric materials within the wood following this reaction has been determined by Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infra Red (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. The oligomers remaining in solution have been characterised by ATR-FTIR and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy as well as analytical ultracentrifugation, showing that they have a weight average Mw of 0.4–0.9 kDa and a lignin-like structure rich in the β-5′ moiety. Therefore, this approach is proposed as a basis to further develop a green consolidation method for waterlogged archaeological wood.

• McHale, Emily; Braovac, Susan; Steindal, Calin Constantin; Gillis, Richard B; Adams, Gary & Harding, Stephen E [Vis alle 8 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2016). Synthesis and characterisation of lignin-like oligomers as a bio-inspired consolidant for waterlogged archaeological wood. Pure and Applied Chemistry. ISSN 0033-4545. 88(10-11), s. 969–977. doi: 10.1515/pac-2016-0814. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  The development of new materials for the consolidation of waterlogged archaeological wood from sustainable sources is an important area of research, as the most widely used consolidant today is petroleum based. Ideally a new consolidant will interact with the existing wood structure, ensuring maximum compatibility. Lignin is often the major component remaining in archaeological wood, as it is less susceptible to degradation than holocellulose. Therefore, in order to maximise the potential for interaction with the wood cells, lignin-like oligomers have been synthesized from isoeugenol using a water soluble copper salen catalyst at pH 10, giving a weight average Mw of 1.6 kDa. Analysis by NMR spectroscopy has shown that the oligomers have a lignin-like structure with β-O-4′, β-β′ and β-5′ connections. A 10 w/w% solution of the oligomers in ethyl acetate was found to thoroughly penetrate 1 cm3 samples of waterlogged archaeological wood (density of 0.146 g/mL, maximum water content of 620%) after 14 days impregnation, as determined by FTIR spectroscopy. No impregnation material could be seen by SEM, suggesting that it coats the cell walls upon drying. This indicates that dehydrogenated polymers penetrate waterlogged archaeological wood well and have the potential to be developed into consolidants.

• Bråte, Inger Lise N.; Eidsvoll, David P.; Steindal, Calin Constantin & Thomas, Kevin V (2016). Plastic ingestion by Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) from the Norwegian coast. Marine Pollution Bulletin. ISSN 0025-326X. 112(1-2), s. 105–110. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.08.034. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  This study documents the occurrence of microplastic (< 5 mm), mesoplastics (5–20 mm) and macroplastic (> 20 mm) in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), a common and economically important species of marine fish in Norway. Fish stomachs (n = 302) were examined from six different locations along the coast of Norway. Three percent of the individual stomachs contained items identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) as synthetic polymers. Bergen City Harbour was a hotspot with 27% of the cod examined found to contain plastic. Polyester was the most frequently detected polymer. All bar one of the stomachs that contained plastic were full of organic stomach content, suggesting a plastic gut clearance rate similar to the ingested food. It is proposed that stomach fullness is an important metric in order to avoid underestimations when assessing the levels of microplastic ingested by fish.

• Bronken, Ida Antonia Tank; Boon, Jaap; Corkery, Robert; Kutzke, Hartmut & Steindal, Calin Constantin (2016). On the changing appearance of, and potenial treatment options for, softening and dripping paints in CoBrA oil paintings. Studies in Conservation. ISSN 0039-3630. 61, s. 269–270. doi: 10.1080/00393630.2016.1188617. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Kaupang, Åsmund; Paulsen, Steinar Martin; Steindal, Calin Constantin; Ravna, Aina Westrheim; Sylte, Ingebrigt & Halvorsen, Trine Grønhaug [Vis alle 8 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2015). Synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular modeling studies of the PPARβ/δ antagonist CC618. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. ISSN 0223-5234. 94, s. 229–236. doi: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2015.03.006. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Abstract: Herein, we describe the synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular docking of the selective PPARb/ d antagonist (4-methyl-2-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-N-(2-(5-(trifluoromethyl)-pyridin-2-ylsulfonyl) ethyl)thiazole-5-carboxamide)), CC618. Results from in vitro luciferase reporter gene assays against the three known human PPAR subtypes revealed that CC618 selectively antagonizes agonist-induced PPARb/ d activity with an IC50 ¼ 10.0 mM. As observed by LC-MS/MS analysis of tryptic digests, the treatment of PPARb/d with CC618 leads to a covalent modification of Cys249, located centrally in the PPARb/d ligand binding pocket, corresponding to the conversion of its thiol moiety to a 5-trifluoromethyl-2- pyridylthioether. Finally, molecular docking is employed to shed light on the mode of action of the antagonist and its structural consequences for the PPARb/d ligand binding pocket.

• Ciocoiu, Calin Constantin; Ravna, aina westrheim; Sylte, Ingebrigt & Hansen, Trond Vidar (2010). Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and Molecular Modeling of GW 501516 Analogues. Archiv der Pharmazie. ISSN 0365-6233. 343(11-12), s. 612–624. doi: 10.1002/ardp.201000189. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Ciocoiu, Calin Constantin; Nikolic, Natasa; Nguyen, Hoa Huyen; Thoresen, G. Hege; Hansen, Trond Vidar & Aasen, Arne Jørgen (2010). Synthesis and dual PPAR alpha/delta agonist effects of 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazole analogues of GW 501516. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. ISSN 0223-5234. 45(7), s. 3047–3055. doi: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2010.03.035. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv

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• Chirakkal, Aljasil; Wright, David Keith; Kulakova, Ekaterina; Steindal, Calin Constantin; Birk, Jago & Kurbanov, Redzhep [Vis alle 7 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2025). Biomarkers and stable isotopes in loess-paleosol sediments reveal early human-environment interactions in Southern Tajikistan, Central Asia. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Chirakkal, Aljasil; Wright, David K; Steindal, Calin Constantin; Birk, Jago Jonathan; Kurbanov, Redzhep & Buylaert, Jan-Pieter (2024). Climate, fire, and vegetation history from loess-palaeosol sequences in Southern Tajikistan, Central Asia during early Palaeolithic: Reconstruction using organic biomarkers and stable isotopes. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Platania, Elena; Wedvik, Barbro & Steindal, Calin Constantin (2024). Alf Bjercke’s factory. Comparing ready-made paint and colour swatches with archived recipes from the first half of the 20th century. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Occhipinti, Roberta; Caggiani, Maria Cristina; Ferri, Lavinia de; Xu, Zhuo; Steindal, Calin Constantin & Razavi, Nima [Vis alle 9 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2023). Strength and durability studies on Mt. Etna volcanic precursors-based geopolymers. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  In recent years, volcanic pyroclastic residues from Mt. Etna (ash and paleosoil named “ghiara”) have been widely employed as feedstocks in the alkali activation process [1, 2]. In the optic of building and restoration applications, strength and durability of volcanic ash and ghiara-based geopolymer (binders and mortars) have been investigated in terms of structure degradation, efflorescences development and water moisture transfer after being exposed to natural weathering [2]. Ultrasound Pulse Velocity, specific weight, Brazilian Disk and Digital Image Correlation together with Dynamic Vapor Sorption (DVS) techniques have been used in order to understand the structural properties of geopolymers before and after the atmospheric exposure. In addition, DVS results of pure salts, (i.e. sulphates and carbonates) which can often occur as efflorescence, were compared to the results obtained on geopolymers. Overall, by comparing the results obtained on unexposed and exposed samples, it was found that volcanic ash-based geopolymers have shown a better reaction to weathering in the hot summer Mediterranean climate zone.

• Cutajar, Jan Dariusz; Steindal, Calin Constantin; Joseph, Edith; Caruso, Francesco; Hardeberg, Jon Yngve & Frøysaker, Tine (2023). Spectral- and image-based documentation metrics for the evaluation of conservation cleaning treatments. Archiving Conference. ISSN 2161-8798. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Stoveland, Lena Porsmo; Ørnhøi, Anne Apalnes; Mengshoel, Gerd Karen; Steindal, Calin Constantin & Frøysaker, Tine (2023). Different contexts, common challenges: Conservation of a distemper wall painting (1690) by Henning S. Munch in Vågå Church, Norway. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Polanska, Weronika Patrycja; Ferri, Lavinia de; Steindal, Calin Constantin & Austvoll, Knut Ivar (2023). Preliminary investigation of the production technology of Norwegian Bronze Age ceramics. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Archaeological ceramics are among the most studied artifact categories since they can refer to both social and economic traditions of past communities. Investigations usually point at determining the production technology and special attention has been given to the firing conditions. This poster presents the intricate knowledge system of pottery production occurring in Norway in the Bronze Age (1300–900 BCE). To this aim, aliquots of clays sampled in Norway, Germany and Poland were fired in an electric furnace at 500, 550, 600, 700, 800 and 900℃ and successively analyzed by colorimetry, XRD and FTIR-ATR to determine modifications in term of structure and mineralogical composition. Temperatures were chosen based on pre-existing knowledge of ceramic technology in the geographical region of interest in that period [1]. Results were compared with those obtained on a set of ten ceramic fragments dated to the Bronze Age at the site of Hunn in Eastern Norway. The aim was to estimate the temperature used in the production of these prehistoric ceramics exhibiting typological similarities with contemporary finds from Southern and Central Sweden as well as Northern Poland [2]. Due to the abundance of the thermally stable grain minerals such as quartz and feldspar, the study of the clayish fraction through XRD resulted particularly hostile, while FTIR-ATR confirmed its usefulness in investigating ceramics and ceramic-related materials. A progressive modification of the color of the fired material, turning towards a reddish hue, was due to the gradual formation of iron oxide (Fe2O3), starting from 700 ℃. In parallel, carbonates decompose and weak features due to CaO appeared. In addition, small amounts of chlorite, a phase decomposing at 600–650 ℃, were found through the petrographic analysis of some archaeological sherds highlighted, . However, its structural similarity with other clay minerals and the abundence of silicate phases, made the identification of chlorite by XRD and FTIR not possible in the fired clays. Despite this, the experiment helped to strengthen the hypothesis about the technological correspondence of similar ceramics in Eastern Norway and Western Pomerania in the Bronze Age, as the results seem to indicate that the Bronze Age ceramics were fired at a temperature not higher than 700 ℃, more probably ranging between 600 and 650 ℃. [1] H.M. Hop Wendelbo, Keramikk fra norske bronsealdergraver: En studie av morfologi, kronologi, forbindelser og deponeringspraksiser i tidsrommet 1700-500 f. Kr., 2020 [2] T. Eriksson, Kärl och social gestik: keramik i Mälardalen 1500 BC-400 AD, Uppsala universitet/ Riksantikvarieämbetet, 2000

• Polanska, Weronika Patrycja; Ferri, Lavinia de; Austvoll, Knut Ivar & Steindal, Calin Constantin (2023). A multi-method approach to Bronze Age ceramics from Hunn, Eastern Norway. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Located in Eastern Norway, Hunn is a site with a rich archaeological landscape that includes Bronze Age burial mounds and metal workshops. One of the workshops contained a large number of ceramics dating back to the Nordic Bronze Age Period III–IV (1300-900 BCE). Ten ceramic fragments were chosen for a multi-technique analytical study aiming to investigate their production technology and possible provenance. In addition to optical and scanning electron microscope, observations carried out on thin section, handheld X-ray fluorescence (pXRF), Fourier Transferred Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) in ATR mode and X ray diffraction were applied. The analyses were intended to determine whether the ceramic sherds from Eastern Norway were imported from the continent as previously hypothesized. The comparison with data obtained on three clay samples from locations in Norway, Germany and Poland indicate that the analyzed pottery samples were of local origin, as the chemical and mineral analyses confirmed the use of a local clay. At the same time, the tempering material consists primarily of locally available granitic rock. However, thin-section petrography revealed the occurrence of chamotte previously found in contemporary ceramics from Swedish sites [1]. The ceramic traditions in Eastern Norway share similarities with Southern and Central Swedish finds, especially when it comes to rusticated ceramics and tableware [2]. There has been as well previous associations between the Nordic Bronze Age pottery types and the Lusatian Culture in Poland (1300-400 BCE) [3]. However, a link between ceramics in Norway and Northern Central Europe has never been explored before [4]. [1] T. Eriksson, Grog tempering during Scandinavian Bronze Age, Naturwissenschaftliche Analysen vor-und fr Grog tempering during Scandinavian Bronze Age. Naturwissenschaftliche Analysen vor-und frügeschichtlicher Keramik III.: Anwendungsbereiche, Auswertungsmöglichkeiten, 2013, 331-351. [2] H.M, Hop Wendelbo, Keramikk fra norske bronsealdergraver: En studie av morfologi, kronologi, forbindelser og deponeringspraksiser i tidsrommet 1700-500 f. Kr., 2020 [3] T. Eriksson, Kärl och social gestik: keramik i Mälardalen 1500 BC-400 AD, Uppsala universitet/Riksantikvarieämbetet, 2009 [4] W. P. Polańska et al. in prep - A multi-method approach to Bronze Age ceramics from Hunn, Eastern Norway

• Platania, Elena; Steindal, Calin Constantin; Garrappa, Silvia; Olstad, Tone & Spaarschuh, Christina (2023). Multi-analytical investigation of the glass-based pigment of the Kinn altarpiece (Norway). Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Platania, Elena; Steindal, Calin Constantin & Kaun, Susanne (2023). New understanding of the 16th and 17th century murals in Enebakk Church in Norway: An interdisciplinary and multi-analytical approach. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Andriulo, Fabrizio; Vespignani, Laura; Steindal, Calin Constantin; Bortolini, Mara & Ferri, Lavinia de (2022). Evaluation of sol-gel hybrid nanocomposites for dry medieval wood. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Steindal, Calin Constantin & Braovac, Susan-Diana (2022). The degradation of conserved archaeological wood in the presence of pyrite - An analytical protocol. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  The StAr Project (Development of Storage and assessment methods suited for organic archaeological artefacts) within the framework of Joint Programming Initiative on Cultural Heritage and Global Change (JPI-CH) Conservation, Protection and Use, seeks to establish an analytical assessment protocol suited for museums, using well-established analytical techniques to observe the extent of degradation of archaeological wood containing unstable inorganic compounds. The assessment of the post-treatment condition of conserved archaeological wooden artefacts would allow identification of early stages of degradation, leading to earlier and more cost effective mitigation measures to be applied. The role of pyrite oxidation in the degradation of archaeological collections is well documented. In the presence of oxygen, pyrite oxidizes producing sulphuric acid and hydrates of iron(II) sulphate. Sulphuric acid causes extensive depolymerisation of cellulose and hemicellulose, reducing mechanical strength, while the iron(II) sulphate adsorbs water from the atmosphere, further enhancing oxidation. Additionally, the high amounts of iron(II) and iron(III) ions also degrade polyethylene glycol (PEG), which is often used as a conservation agent to support the wood cells before drying. This paper presents our methodological efforts in analyzing wood samples from several objects and excavation sites, treated by different conservation treatments, both standard and newer (PEG, and the polyester-based ‘Nucléart’, respectively). Combining powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) with scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), infrared spectroscopy and pH measurements, we sought to elucidate the state of pyrite oxidation and wood degradation. XRD patterns revealed the presence of complex inorganic mixtures, often dominated by the presence of gypsum, and iron sulphate in different oxidation and hydration states along with unoxidized pyrite. Moreover, IR spectra of wood revealed degradation of the holocellulose fraction, while lignin appears less affected. Key words: Archaeological wood, pyrite, oxidation, sulphate, degradation

• Cutajar, Jan Dariusz; joseph, edith; Hardeberg, Jon Yngve; Steindal, Calin Constantin & Frøysaker, Tine (2022). Cleaning unvarnished oil paint mock-ups. Spectral imaging maps for assessing soiling removal. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Cutajar, Jan Dariusz; Joseph, Edith; Hardeberg, Jon Yngve; Steindal, Calin Constantin & Frøysaker, Tine (2022). Spectral imaging for cleaning paintings. Mapping soiling removal by rigid agar gel spray from unvarnished oil paint mock-ups of Munch's monumental Aula paintings. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Steindal, Calin Constantin; Simonsen, Margrete Figenschou & Andriulo, Fabrizio (2019). Saint Olaf pilgrim badges. Microchemical analysis - insight into alloy compostition and manufacturing. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Edqvist, Pia Kristina & Steindal, Calin Constantin (2019). The deterioration and conservation of a pelt fragment from a Medieval context. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Wakefield, Jennifer M.K.; Steindal, Calin Constantin; Piva, Eleonora; Stockman, R; Adams, Gary & Heinze, T [Vis alle 8 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2019). Investigation of natural polymers for treatments of Oseberg artifacts-review of lab degraded and archaeological wood. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• McQueen, Caitlin; Steindal, Calin Constantin & Braovac, Susan (2018). Temperature- and RH-induced changes in materials related to alum-treated wood – a qualitative X-ray diffraction study. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Kogler, Stian & Steindal, Calin Constantin (2018). Identification of degradation markers in archaeological wood. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• McHale, Emily; Steindal, Calin Constantin; Braovac, Susan; Gillis, Richard; Adams, Gary & Benneche, Tore [Vis alle 7 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2016). Synthesis and characterisation of lignin-like oligomers as a bio-inspired consolidant for waterlogged archaeological wood. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• McHale, Emily; Steindal, Calin Constantin; Benneche, Tore; Kutzke, Hartmut & Harding, Stephen E. (2016). IN SITU PREPARATION OF LIGNIN-LIKE OLIGOMERS FOR THE CONSOLIDATAION OF WATERLOGGED ARCHAEOLOGICAL WOOD. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Andriulo, Fabrizio; Giorgi, Rodorico; Steindal, Calin Constantin; Kutzke, Hartmut; Braovac, Susan & Baglioni, Piero (2016). Nanotechnologies for the restoration of alum-treated archaeological wood. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• McHale, Emily; Braovac, Susan; Steindal, Calin Constantin; Kutzke, Hartmut & Benneche, Tore (2016). Consolidation of waterlogged archaeological wood with lignin-like oligomers. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Bronken, Ida Antonia Tank; Boon, Jaap; Kutzke, Hartmut; Steindal, Calin Constantin & Corkery, Robert (2016). On the changing appearance of, and potential treatment option for, softening and dripping paints in CoBrA oil paintings. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Braovac, Susan; McQueen, Caitlin; Andriulo, Fabrizio; McHale, Emily & Steindal, Calin Constantin (2016). The Saving Oseberg Project – Chemistry for the salvation of Viking Age wooden artefacts. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Braovac, Susan; Hauer, David; Steindal, Calin Constantin; McQueen, Caitlin; Andriulo, Fabrizio & McHale, Emily (2016). Oseberg-konserveringen for dummies. Museumsnytt. ISSN 0027-4186. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Hauer, David; Andriulo, Fabrizio; McQueen, Caitlin; Braovac, Susan; Steindal, Calin Constantin & Kutzke, Hartmut [Vis alle 7 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2015). Håper at vikingskattene kan reddes. [TV]. NRK Dagsrevuen. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv

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