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Inproceedings Reference Image stacking: a semi-automated approach allowing high quality mass digitization
Scientific institutions like museums maintain large collections enabling present and future research. Thanks to the digitization of the collections, in most of these institutes, it enables researchers across the globe to see which collections might be interesting for their projects. However as most of these databases only provide descriptive information and/or metadata, it remains impossible to study these digitized specimens from a distance. As the most precious parts of the collections, like type specimens, are the most requested ones by fellow researcher, these become, inevitably, the most handled ones. Unless a policy exists not to handle them at all, which unfortunately, prevents research. To make sure that collection material like type specimens remain documented for future research and can be studied trough the internet, digitization is the key, 3D or 2D. The only challenge is to chose the right digitization method for the right material and or size (Mathys et al., 2013). Especially small specimens which are often found in insect and invertebrate collections tend to be difficult to digitize in 3D as fine structures can only be seen in µCT recordings, which are still quite expensive pieces of equipment. However, 2D image might provide enough information to conduct for instance taxonomic research. Image stacking is the only way to capture enough detail in a single picture as the low depth of field of camera lenses, makes it almost impossible to get the complete object in focus, unless the aperture is stepped down. However this results in other aberrations as the optical resolution reduces due to the diffraction effect. Thanks to the large computational power of today’s workstations, it is possible to do image stacking rather easily. The only remaining challenge is taking the individual pictures. Readily made commercial stacking columns do exist, but are too expensive to provide one to each department or research group. In this paper we will present the results of a low cost approach consisting of a DSLR camera attached to an automated macro rail with a custom build light tent. As there are no over- or underexposed parts on the resulting images, they are good enough to allow publication without the use of a post-processing software. More importantly, during the photo-shoot of one specimen another can be prepared, alcohol based or dry, for the next shoot. When similar specimens are digitized at the same time, light and aperture settings stay more or less the same, providing a fast and smooth workflow. The stacking of the images, done in Zerene Stacker, can easily be started as a batch process at the end of the working day or during the night. As the total package of this system can be purchased for around € 2.5k several digitization centers can be started in different department allowing faster digitization of the type material.
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications
Techreport Reference Petite Rue de Bouchers /Theater Toone (BR 229): Palynological and anthracological research
1) The results of the pollen analysis indicate that the pollen deposited at the site comes from a rather open landscape. Most of the trees occur only sporadically or come from the local wetland vegetation (Salix, Alnus, Sambucus). Interesting are the finds of trees which could represent useful or cultivated plants like plum (Prunus-type) and hasel nut (Corylus). A definitely cultivated tree is the walnut (Juglans regia) found in samples from both 11th and 13th century. The herb vegetation, apart of grasses is strongly dominated by pollen of plants growing in disturbed habitats or occurring in the cultivated fields like weeds (Agrostemma githago, Centaurea cyanus, Polygonum convolvulus, Convolvulus sp., Papaver phoeas-type). Those results are also very promising for further integration and comparison with the macrobotanical data. 2) The wood and wood charcoal analyses have indicates that the charred wood was used most probably for fuel as opposed to that deposited in a subfossil state of preservation. The subfossil wood could originate from local vegetation or from activities related with foddering or the use of oak for specific purposes different than fuel. 3) The results of the analyses now are in their final stage and can now be further integrated with those from the macrobotanical and phytolith analyses in order to achieve a better understanding of the plant use at the site.
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications
Techreport Reference Hoogstraeten-Lalaing (BR 061): Anthracolgical study
The wood charcoal analyses of the site Hoogstraeten (BR061) have shown continuity of the used wood fuel through the period of occupation of the site (10-12th to 16-17th century), however the current results should be considered with certain care, as the number of the studied charcoal fragments from the lower Dark Earth layer is rather low. The finds from this layer from indicate reworked wood charcoals, which could considering the micromorphological studies on the site most probably were used as component of the manure spread over the plough layer from which the sample originates. The wood charcoal assemblages from the richest on wood remains structure (US 2230) indicate fuel wood dominated by the most common in the study area woods (beech and oak), but also are characterised by quite high diversity suggest use of all available wood resources.
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications
Article Reference Taphonomy of a Campanian vertebrate-bearing locality in southeastern France. 7th International Meeting on Taphonomy and Fossilization.
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications
Article Reference Archaeopteryx and paravian phylogeny: the enigma of Balaur
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications
Article Reference Feather-like structures and scales in a Jurassic neornithischian dinosaur from Siberia
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications
Article Reference The brain of Deinocheirus mirificus, a gigantic ornithomimosaurian dinosaur from the Cretaceous of Mongolia
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications
Article Reference Feather-like structures in ornithischian dinosaurs
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications
Article Reference New basal Avialae from the Jurassic of China
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications
Inproceedings Reference Influence of sedimentological variation on reservoir and source rock characteristics in shale dominated cyclothems (Campine Basin, NE Belgium)
The KB186 well (GSB 047W0264, Lommel-Kerkhoven) is situated in the northern part of the Campine Basin (NE Belgium) to the west of the Donderslag fault and has been studied and sampled in detail from a depth of 1182.72 meters to 1197.75 metres. The objective is to examine the sedimentological, petrographical, mineralogical and petrophysical characteristics and their variations within and between two cyclothems. 17 shale samples were taken throughout the entire section, varying from roof shales, over dark organic-rich shales with siderite enrichments, to bluish-grey shales without no visible organic content. Two sedimentary cycles have been recognised. Macroscopically, they show some similarities and differences in facies and sedimentological trends. Both are approximately 6.5 metres thick and contain sections of mainly shale deposits (with or without siderite enrichments). Fining-upwards sequences of fine sand and clayey silt and larger sandstone bodies occur between these shale-rich sections. A petrographical assessment by means of optical light and electron microscopy is conducted for a qualitative analysis of the mineralogical composition and diagenetic history, while a quantitative determination is made by means of x-ray diffractometry. Important mineralogical reservoir parameters are the relative amounts of silica and quartz, and the clay mineralogy with special attention to smectite and illite.
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications