Owing to the role that micro-organisms play, it can be seen that the need to comprehend the composition and functionality of complex microbial groups, within ancient structures, is important as to ascertain if it is dangerous to health. This can be shown within a process of demolition and refurbishment on a heritage building information modelling platform.
For the identification of such micro-organisms, two applications are considered for the identification and data collection. Firstly, Metagenomics applies and utilises a set of genomic advances and bioinformatic instruments, which will access and identify the microbial communities content, within structure, as it allows a culture free identification within a natural and/or host associated micro-organism community, and to provide and give insight to the micro-organisms structure, dynamic and function within a prescribed environment.
Secondly, Polyremase Chain Reaction (PCR) allows for the detection and production for large amounts of DNA, found within structure. This particular technique is commonly used to detect and identify illnesses, clone and sequence genomic families and to undertake very sophisticated quantitative genomic work at a very sensitive level. However, the use and application of both procedures have never been considered or sought for the detection of micro-organisms, within an ancient monument setting. This paper will primarily look at the two applications in a specific scientific manner, as to establish and understand its relevance and subsequent ability for data collection and sequencing within the ancient structure.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1. Practical Data Collection
2. Polyremase Chain Reaction (PCR)
3. Metagenomic Process
4. Metagenomic Testing of Micro-organisms
5. Metagenomic Development
6. Metagenomic Continuity
7. Metagenomic Binning of Micro-organisms
8. Metagenomic Annotation of Micro-organisms
9. Metagenomic Risk of Micro-organisms
10. HBIM Platform Development
11. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper investigates methodologies for the identification and analysis of complex microbial communities found within ancient monuments. The primary research focus is to develop a reliable data collection and processing framework that can be integrated into Building Information Modelling (HBIM) platforms to assess the impact of micro-organisms on structural heritage and public health.
- Comparison of metagenomic and PCR-based data collection techniques.
- Integration of microbial data into structural heritage preservation.
- Implementation of HBIM platforms for managing microbial risk.
- Standardisation of protocols for sampling micro-organisms in historical environments.
Excerpt from the Book
1. Practical Data Collection
All primary data collection will involve the visitation on site to the monument being considered for the research, that being Moreton Corbet castle, situated in Wem, Shropshire. Data extraction may require the utilisation of a diamond core drill equipped with a shaft of sufficient length to facilitate depth of structure within eight areas under consideration, or a simple archaeological chipping hammer, at four specific points in the Tudor aspect of the ruin, and the remaining points selected at the Norman aspect of the ruin. During extraction, notes will be taken to as to ascertain the areas highlighted, in the event that a likely visit needs to be carried out to re-evaluate or re-define any results that may be unlikely pertinent to what was, or may be expected. In each area, two different extractions will be performed: initially, a sample will be extracted from the wall/window jamb surface in order to determine and assess the specific micro-organisms that exist. Subsequently, a sample will be extracted from the inside area of the wall/window jamb. From an overall graphical plan of the site, all specific points will be identified with figures (i), the following figures (ii),(iii), (iv),(v),(vi), (vii), (viii), (ix), (x) and (xi), will identify and highlight the specific areas to be inspected, within the Norman and Tudor contingent.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the significance of ancient monuments in the UK and the necessity of studying microbial communities for historical preservation.
1. Practical Data Collection: Details the site-specific sampling procedures conducted at Moreton Corbet castle using diamond core drills and archaeological hammers.
2. Polyremase Chain Reaction (PCR): Explains the mechanism of PCR as a tool for amplifying DNA sequences to identify specific microbial fingerprints.
3. Metagenomic Process: Describes the methodology of metagenomics as a means to study microbial diversity and community functionality within environmental samples.
4. Metagenomic Testing of Micro-organisms: Discusses the sampling challenges and the technical requirements for obtaining sufficient DNA for sequence analysis.
5. Metagenomic Development: Reviews the evolution of sequencing technologies, specifically focusing on high-throughput methods like 454/Roche.
6. Metagenomic Continuity: Addresses the logistics of re-collecting and analyzing microbial data for continuous monitoring of monuments.
7. Metagenomic Binning of Micro-organisms: Explains the process of grouping DNA sequences into meaningful clusters to determine community structure.
8. Metagenomic Annotation of Micro-organisms: Outlines the systematic routes for annotating genome data derived from microbial assemblages.
9. Metagenomic Risk of Micro-organisms: Evaluates the necessity of early stage research into microbial risk to avoid operational limitations in refurbishment.
10. HBIM Platform Development: Focuses on the integration of metagenomic research findings into Building Information Modelling for stakeholder management.
11. Conclusion: Summarizes the efficacy of the proposed methodologies and the potential for identifying micro-organisms within ancient structures.
Keywords
DNA, Genome, HBIM, Micro-organism, Metagenomics, Norman, Polyremase Chain Reaction, Tudor, Sequencing, Bioinformatics, Microbial Communities, Preservation, Heritage, Sampling, PCR
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research focuses on identifying and analyzing micro-organisms found within ancient monuments to assess their structural and health-related impacts.
What are the central themes of the work?
The core themes include metagenomic data collection, microbial community analysis, structural heritage conservation, and the integration of these findings into HBIM systems.
What is the primary goal of the study?
The objective is to establish a standardized methodology for collecting and analyzing microbial samples to support the preservation and refurbishment of historical buildings.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The study utilizes both Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and metagenomic sequencing techniques to analyze microbial DNA extracted from structural samples.
What is covered in the main body of the text?
The body covers sampling techniques at specific historical sites, DNA extraction procedures, analytical processes like binning and annotation, and the development of an HBIM framework.
What are the key terms that define this work?
Key terms include Metagenomics, HBIM (Building Information Modelling), Polyremase Chain Reaction, DNA, microbial diversity, and heritage conservation.
Why is Moreton Corbet castle specifically mentioned?
Moreton Corbet castle serves as the primary case study site for practical data collection, representing both Norman and Tudor architectural styles.
How is the data integrated into structural management?
The data is collated into an HBIM platform, allowing stakeholders to access information regarding microbial presence and potential health or structural risks during refurbishment.
What role does PCR play in this research?
PCR is used as a specific method to amplify DNA sequences, enabling the identification of microbial fingerprints and providing a profile of the community present in the monument.
What is the importance of the binning process in this context?
Binning is crucial for organizing vast amounts of raw metagenomic data into distinct groups, which helps in identifying individual community members and understanding their specific functions.
- Arbeit zitieren
- John Peter Cooney (Autor:in), 2019, An Investigative Study of Micro-Organisms within Ancient Monuments, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/503428
