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This paper contains an interpretation of the results obtained from Fourier Transform Infrared micro-spectroscopy (µ-FTIR) and Pyrolysis - Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) techniques applied on the crayons used by Edvard Munch (1863-1944) and now stored at the Munch Museum (MUNCH). Around 100 of different brands from Edvard Munch's collection of reference materials available at the Munch Museum were analyzed. Micro-destructive methods as µ-FTIR and Py-GC-MS were used to characterize the constituent materials of crayon samples, with a special focus on organic binding medium, to allow the classification of different brands of crayons. Two natural waxes (beeswax and carnauba wax) were identified by µ-FTIR, but the most specific chemical information on wax mixtures was attained by Py-GC-MS. The present study adds more analytical data on Edvard Munch's legacy and was developed under the framework of the collaborative research project "THE SCREAM-Touchstone for Heritage Endangered by Salt Crystallization: a Research Enterprise on the Art of Munch" between the HERCULES Laboratory and the Munch Museum in Oslo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research suggests that parent-child art making can foster opportunities for closeness between children and parents. Most studies however, have focused on artmaking that involves paint and paper, or non-digital drawing technologies. There is a need for researchers to consider how a wider range of technologies, including digital technologies, might shape the interactions between children and parents during art-making. This is particularly important given current concerns that digital technologies are impacting negatively on children's social interactions and their intimacy with others. This study takes a social semiotic perspective to explore how child-parent closeness was supported by different technologies. A three year old child and her father were observed across eight episodes of art-making in the home using a range of four technologies (two digital and two non-digital). A multimodal interaction analysis of the video data suggested that the different technologies were characterised by different types of interaction and distinct forms of closeness between the child and parent. These differences did not correspond neatly to a digital/non-digital divide, but instead related to a network of material factors, embodied actions and the participants' sociocultural investment in each technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the development and application of a low-cost passive monitor for indoor formaldehyde (CH2O) monitoring. The system is based on the diffusion sampling of formaldehyde and the pararosaniline reaction on a collection filter, followed by the elution and analysis of the product by spectrophotometry. The system was validated against a standard atmosphere of formaldehyde with 99% of collection efficiency. The device was applied in the assessment of formaldehyde emissions for school supplies (glitter glue, modeling clay, crayons, glue stick, felt pen, and plastic ink), in which the highest concentrations of formaldehyde were obtained for the felt-tip pen (approximately, 170 µg/g) and the lesser to glue stick (14 µg/g). The application of the passive sampler in a primary classroom environment demonstrated that relative high levels of formaldehyde can be measured in schools are usually considered to be linked to the high density of furniture in the classrooms, but it was also verified that school supplies can significantly contribute in the concentrations of formaldehyde indoor when associated to poor ventilation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]