Search Results (126)

Within the Catholic liturgy and devotion, there exists a seemingly paradoxical notion of spirituality through materiality, religious practices that are equally tangible and intangible, concurrently present and absent. This paper explores the concept of ‘absent-presence’ in early modern Catholic devotional practices, with a focus on the Order of St John during the Counter-Reformation. Drawing on case studies from Malta and across the Hospitaller world, it investigates how religious materiality (sacred objects, spaces, and rituals) expresses divine agency. Anchored in the kinetic approach to religious history, the study examines how the movement of relics, the staging of processions, and the construction of sacred spaces fostered emotional and spiritual transformation among devotees. While belief may be elusive for historians, the devotional actions of the Hospitallers demonstrate a faith deeply intertwined with motion, matter, and memory as external forces that sought to move the soul through tangible forms. Full article

This paper reexamines the enduring role of esoteric traditions, as articulated by Frances Yates, in shaping the intellectual landscape of the scientific revolution and their resonance in the digital age. Challenging the linear, progress-centered narratives of traditional historiographies, it explores how esoteric principles—symbolized by transformative motifs like the Philosopher’s Stone—provided a framework for early scientific inquiry by promoting hidden knowledge, experimentation, mathematics, and interdisciplinary synthesis. This paper argues that moments of accelerated scientific and technological development magnify the visibility of esoteric structures, demonstrating how the intellectual configurations of Renaissance learned circles persist in contemporary expert domains. In particular, artificial intelligence exemplifies the revival of esoteric modes of interpretation, as AI systems—much like their Renaissance predecessors—derive authority through the identification of unseen patterns and the extrapolation of hidden truths. By bridging Renaissance esotericism with the modern information revolution, this study highlights how such traditions are not mere relics of the past but dynamic paradigms shaping the present and future, potentially culminating in new forms of digital mysticism. This study affirms that the temporal gap during periods of rapid technological change between industrial practice and formal scientific treatises reinforces esoteric knowledge structures. Full article

Internationally, there is a modern understanding of cultural heritage, including maritime/underwater cultural heritage (MUCH)—not merely as a passive relic of the past, but as a transformative driver for sustainable growth and innovation. The paper discusses the position of maritime cultural heritage (MUCH) in relation to the smart specialization strategies (S3) and its evolving role as a driver of sustainable growth, particularly within the context of the blue economy and smart specialization strategies (S3, S4) in Europe. It then focuses on the Greek context, where UCH-driven activities, particularly soft multi-use (MU) activities that combine UCH, diving tourism, and nature conservation, are gaining momentum, especially within marine protected areas (MPAs). Despite the growing interest, there is a lack of data, regulations, and a clear strategy for such activities, although the “National (Hellenic) Spatial Strategy for the Marine Space” (issued in 2025) suggests promoting low-impact diving tourism incorporating UCH. The research paper examines the benefits and barriers to implementing UCH-driven MUs, recommending the use of maritime spatial planning (MSP) to address relevant challenges. It suggests that integrating UCH with nature conservation and diving tourism in soft MUs could support a sustainable blue economy, through balancing cultural, ecological, social, and economic goals and fostering innovation through S3/S4 on a regional level. Full article

This research explores the underappreciated traditional cold-water baths of Western Anatolia, once integral to the region’s agrarian culture. Due to waves of change, which had markedly begun by the pandemic in 2019 and the aftermath of the 2020 Samos earthquake, there has been a growing interest in living in peri-urban areas, resulting in the invasion of agricultural grounds by new construction, mainly including detached houses with gardens. Such a harsh growth not only threatens the fertile lands, but also the irreplaceable cultural heritage they embrace. In this regional frame, this study focuses on three surviving baths within the Karaburun Peninsula, casting light on their current precarious state as relics of a diminishing rural way of life and local heritage. The traditional cold-water baths, constructed amidst agricultural fields for seasonal use in select villages throughout İzmir, stand as unique exemplars of rural architecture. Characterised by their singular domed chambers and their reliance on water from adjacent wells, these structures today face abandonment and disrepair. Through a multi-disciplinary lens blending ethnography, oral history, and spatial analysis, this paper portrays these unassuming yet culturally impactful baths, elucidating their intrinsic value within the heritage domain. The inquiry contributes significantly to the heritage conservation discussion, highlighting the broad spectrum of values beyond mere historical interest. By articulating the symbiotic relationship between heritage and its community, this research underscores the pressing need to weave these baths into the fabric of current social structures, safeguarding their place within the collective memory. Full article

In this paper, we revisit the extension of the classical non-standard cosmological model in which dissipative processes are considered through a bulk viscous term in the new field $\varphi$, which interacts with the radiation component during the early universe. Specifically, we consider an interaction term of the form ${\Gamma }_{\varphi }{\rho }_{\varphi }$, where ${\Gamma }_{\varphi }$ represents the decay rate of the field and ${\rho }_{\varphi }$ denotes its energy density and a bulk viscosity described by $\xi ={\xi }_0{\rho }_{\varphi }^{1/2}$, within the framework of Eckart’s theory. This extended non-standard cosmology is employed to explore the parameter space for the production of Feebly Interacting Massive Particles (FIMPs) as Dark Matter candidates, assuming a constant thermal averaged Dark Matter production cross-section ($⟨\sigma v⟩$), as well as a preliminary analysis of the non-constant case. In particular, for certain combinations of the model and Dark Matter parameters, namely ($T_{\mathrm{end}}$,$\kappa$) and $(m_{\chi },⟨\sigma v⟩)$, where $T_{\mathrm{end}}$ corresponds to the temperature at which $\varphi$ decays, $\kappa$ is the ratio between the initial energy density of $\varphi$ and radiation, and $m_{\chi }$ is the Dark Matter mass, we identify extensive new parameter regions where Dark Matter can be successfully established while reproducing the currently observed relic density, in contrast to the predictions of $\Lambda$CDM and classical non-standard cosmological scenarios. Full article

Searches for new particles beyond the Standard Model (SM) are an important task for the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). In this paper, we investigate the properties of the heavy non-SM Higgs bosons in the $\mu$-term extended Next-to-Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model ($\mu$NMSSM). We scan the parameter space of the $\mu$NMSSM considering the basic constraints from Higgs data, dark matter (DM) relic density, and LHC searches for sparticles. And we also consider the constraints from the LZ2022 experiment and the muon anomaly constraint at the 2$\sigma$ level. We find that the LZ2022 experiment has a strict constraint on the parameter space of the $\mu$NMSSM, and the limits from the DM-nucleon spin-independent (SI) and spin-dependent (SD) cross-sections are complementary. Then, we discuss the exotic decay modes of heavy Higgs bosons decaying into SM-like Higgs bosons. We find that for doublet-dominated Higgs $h_3$ and $A_2$, the main exotic decay channels are $h_3\to Z{A}_1$, $h_3\to h_1{h}_2$, $A_2\to A_1{h}_1$, and $A_2\to Z{h}_2$, and the branching ratio can reach to about 23%, 10%, 35%, and 10% respectively. Full article

The Kitchen God has always been regarded as the protector of Chinese families and one of the most common and far-reaching gods in Chinese folk beliefs. The emergence and development of the Kitchen God are inseparable from the material carrier of the stove. The Han Dynasty was a critical period for the development and integration of stoves and the Kitchen God belief. Based on archaeological discoveries of cultural relics, characters and images, as well as relevant historical documents and records, this paper focuses on the interactive and symbiotic relationship between the spiritual belief in the Kitchen God and the material culture of kitchen stoves and its influence during the Han Dynasty. The Han Dynasty combined stoves with high cooking benches, large stove chambers, multiple burners, and functional designs that incorporated images of the Kitchen God, making them both practical and spiritual. The Kitchen God’s identity and functions were transformed from ancestor to household god, from giving food to monitoring merits and demerits, along with the renewal of stoves. These developments laid the foundation for the Chinese people’s earnest hope for a prosperous life and a peaceful and harmonious family. Full article

Outdoor stone relics, including inscriptions, statues, temple grottoes, etc., are continuously subjected to natural weathering and air pollutants. Those made of marbles and other carbonate rocks are particularly vulnerable to acid rains, which can be protected by acid-resistant coatings. A novel method to prepare enamel-like hydroxyapatite coating on marble surfaces is presented in this paper and analyzed using optical microscopy, a scanning electronic microscope, grazing incident X-ray diffraction, and nano-indentation. The described coating is composed of tightly arranged hydroxyapatite nanorods, perpendicular to the marble substrate, with a thickness of 3–5 μm. Not only does the coating exhibit high acid resistance, it also has considerably higher elastic modulus and hardness compared to that synthesized by the well-known diammonium phosphate (DAP) method owing to the wellarranged microstructure. Consequently, the enamel-like hydroxyapatite coating would probably be more effective and durable for marble protection than the existing calcium phosphate coating. Full article

Paper-based cultural relics experience aging and deterioration during their long-term preservation, which poses a serious threat to their lifetime. The development of conservation materials with high compatibility and low intervention has been expected to extend the lifetime of paper artifacts. As a new type of biological macromolecule, nanocellulose has been extensively utilized in paper conservation, attributed to its excellent paper compatibility, high optical transparency, outstanding mechanical strength, and large specific surface area with abundant hydroxyl groups. This review systematically summarizes the latest development of three kinds of nanocellulose (cellulose nanofibril, cellulose nanocrystal, and bacterial nanocellulose) and their composites used for the multifunctional conservation of paper relics. Owing to the strong hydrogen bond interactions between hydroxyls of nanocellulose and paper fibers, nanocellulose can effectively consolidate paper without adding adhesives. The composite of nanocellulose with other functional materials greatly expands its application scope, and the superior performance has been emphasized in paper deacidification, consolidation, antimicrobial effect, antioxidation, UV resistance, self-cleaning, promotion of printing property, reduction in air permeability, and flame retardancy. The application characteristics and future prospects of nanocellulose composites are highlighted in the conservation of paper-based cultural relics. Full article

Handmade papers, as carriers of paper-based cultural relics, have played a crucial role in the development of human culture, knowledge, and civilization. Understanding the intricate relationship between the structural properties and degradation mechanisms of handmade papers is essential for the conservation of historical documents. In this work, an artificial dry-heat-accelerated aging method was used to investigate the interplay among the mechanical properties of paper, the degree of polymerization (DP) of cellulose, the chemical composition, the hydrogen bond strength, the crystallinity, and the degree of hornification for paper fibers. The results demonstrated for the first time that the mechanical properties of handmade bamboo paper exhibited an initial plateau region, a rapid decline region, and sometimes a second plateau region as it undergoes a dry-heat aging process. The changes in cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin content were tracked throughout these three stages. The lignin content was relatively stable, while the cellulose and hemicellulose content decreased, which was consistent with the observed decline in mechanical properties. When the DP of cellulose decreased to the range of 600–400, there was a critical point in the mechanical properties of the paper, marking a transition from the initial stable region to a rapid decline region. The fiber embrittlement caused by cellulose chain breakage resulting from the decrease in DP was counteracted by the enhancement of intermolecular hydrogen bonds and the hornification process. A second stable region appeared when the DP was less than 400, marking a transition from a balanced or slightly decreasing trend in the initial plateau region to a sharp decline. This study also discussed for the first time that the formation of the second plateau region may be due to the presence of hemicellulose and lignin, which hinder the further aggregation of cellulose and maintain the structural stability of the fiber cell. The findings of this study can provide guidance for improving ancient book preservation strategies. On the one hand, understanding how these components affect the durability of paper can help us better predict and slow down the aging of ancient books. On the other hand, specific chemical treatment methods can be designed to stabilize these components and reduce their degradation rate under adverse environmental conditions. Full article

Between March 2018 and May 2019, the archaeological team of the Xi’an Institute of Cultural Relics Protection and Archaeology excavated a Western Han tomb complex near Bailuyuan. This paper focuses on a bronze xuan with human-shaped feet discovered at tomb M21 of the complex, offering a foundation for further comparative analysis. According to the archaeological report, the Bailuyuan tomb complex, to which tomb M21 belongs, is of high status, indicating that the occupant of the main tomb held a rank no lower than a feudal lord, while the occupants of the other tombs were also likely members of the elite class. This tomb complex may belong to the accompanying tombs of the Ba Mausoleum, as it is located less than four kilometers from the mausoleum and the main tomb M1 within the complex yielded jade burial suit fragments and bronze chime bells. The central argument of this paper posits that the unusual human-shaped decoration on this xuan provides a new perspective on the significance of human-like imagery in bronzes from this and earlier periods. Such human-shaped decorations serve not only ornamental purposes but also carry symbolic meanings on cultural and religious levels, elevating them beyond mere functionality. Findings of this paper reflect that the unusual imagery in this xuan casts new light on the meaning of human-like figures in contemporaneous and even earlier bronzes. Full article

Previous evaluation models for cultural relic buildings in relation to fire risk fail to consider the necessity for effective firefighting and rescue capabilities in complex forest environments. This paper incorporates variables, including those pertaining to forest fires and climatic conditions, into the assessment index system. The hierarchical analysis method and the local punishment-incentive variable weighting method are employed to introduce a compensation coefficient score. A model for the evaluation of firefighting and rescue capability in a continuous area of cultural relic buildings in conjunction with the surrounding forest environment has been developed. The firefighting and rescue capability of the Yuelu Mountain scenic spot was evaluated at 73.91 (level III) using the fixed weight method and 69.52 (level IV) using the variable weight method. The variable weight method proved to be a more accurate approach for evaluating the status and importance of dynamic targets, thus enabling a more precise evaluation of the comprehensive evaluation area. The evaluation results inform the formulation of targeted improvement measures for enhancing the firefighting and rescue capabilities of cultural relic buildings. Full article

It is difficult to achieve high-precision color reproduction using traditional color reproduction methods when the angle is changed, and, for large-sized artefacts, it is also significantly difficult to collect a large amount of data and reproduce the colors. In this paper, we use three Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) modeling methods based on spectral imaging techniques, namely, the five-parameter model, the Cook–Torrance model and the segmented linear interpolation model. We investigated the color reproduction of color chips with matte surfaces and Chinese paintings with rough surfaces under unknown illumination angles. Experiments have shown that all three models can effectively perform image reconstruction under small illumination angle intervals. The segmented linear interpolation model exhibits a higher stability and accuracy in color reconstruction under small and large illumination angle intervals; it can not only reconstruct color chips and Chinese painting images under any illumination angle, but also achieve high-quality image color reconstruction standards in terms of objective data and intuitive perception. The best test model (segmented linear interpolation) performs well in reconstruction, reconstructing Chinese paintings at 65° and 125° with an illumination angle interval of 10°. The average RMSE of the selected reference color blocks is 0.0450 and 0.0589, the average CIEDE2000 color difference is 1.07 and 1.50, and the SSIM values are 0.9227 and 0.9736, respectively. This research can provide a theoretical basis and methodological support for accurate color reproduction as well as the large-sized scientific prediction of artifacts at any angle, and has potential applications in cultural relic protection, art reproduction, and other fields. Full article

Paper-based cultural relics inevitably face a variety of diseases such as acidification, yellowing, and strength loss during long-term preservation, where weakly alkaline inorganic materials play an important role in their deacidification treatments. In this work, by simply adjusting the supersaturation of crystal growing solution without the use of any organic additives, one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) weakly alkaline materials—magnesium carbonate hydrates (MCHs)—were controllably synthesized. It is worth noting that the coatings of 1D/2D MCHs not only cause little change in chromatic aberration and water wettability, but also ensure their safety for alkali-sensitive pigments. Meanwhile, the deacidification, anti-aging, strength-enhancing, and flame-retardant effects of these materials have been tested on ancient book papers, all of which achieved good protective effects. In contrast, 1D MCH materials brought about significant enhancement in both mechanical strengths and flame-retardant effects, and the related effects were investigated. Based on this facile micromorphology control strategy, more low-dimensional nanomaterials are expected to be synthesized by design for the protection of paper-based relics, which will expand our knowledge on functional deacidification and protection mechanisms. Full article

Underwater soft manipulators are increasingly used for grasping underwater organisms and cultural relics due to their compliance and ability to protect delicate objects. Unlike rigid manipulators, these soft manipulators feature underwater soft bending actuators that deform under external forces, making their shape and output force challenging to predict. Consequently, classical beam theory is no longer applicable. To address these issues, this article models the underwater soft bending actuator as a cantilever beam and establishes its shape and output force using elliptic integral functions. Additionally, this article proposes a method for determining the unknown parameters of the driver shape and output force model using optimization techniques and introduces a solution process based on the particle swarm optimization framework. Given the role of tensile and bending stiffness in the actuator’s performance, this paper employs a parameter identification method based on length and bending angle information. Tests demonstrate that the proposed method effectively estimates the deformation and output force of the underwater soft bending actuators, confirming its accuracy. Full article