Search Results (102)

As a vital carrier of China’s intangible cultural heritage, restoring damaged embroidery fabrics is essential for the sustainable preservation of cultural relics. However, existing methods face persistent challenges, such as mask pattern mismatches and restoration size constraints. To address these gaps, this study proposes an embroidery image restoration framework based on enhanced generative adversarial networks (GANs). Specifically, the framework integrates a U-Net generator with a multi-scale discriminator augmented by an attention mechanism and dual-path residual blocks to significantly enhance texture generation. Furthermore, fabric damage was classified into three categories (hole-shaped, crease-shaped, and block-shaped), with complex patterns simulated through dynamic randomization. Grid-based overlapping segmentation and pixel fusion techniques enable arbitrary-dimensional restoration. Quantitative evaluations demonstrated exceptional performance in complex texture restoration, achieving a structural similarity index (SSIM) of 0.969 and a peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) of 32.182 dB. Complementarily, eye-tracking experiments revealed no persistent visual fixation clusters in the restored regions, confirming perceptual reliability. This approach establishes an efficient digital conservation pathway that promotes resource-efficient and sustainable heritage conservation. Full article

Extreme weather events, such as typhoons, induce strong wave–current interactions that significantly alter nearshore hydrodynamic conditions, particularly in shallow intertidal zones. This study investigates the influence of wind speed and water depth on wave–current coupling under typhoon conditions in Shenhu Bay, southeastern China—a semi-enclosed bay that hosts multiple ancient forest relics within its intertidal zone. A two-tier numerical modeling framework was developed, comprising a regional-scale hydrodynamic model and a localized high-resolution model centered on a protective structure. Validation data were obtained from in situ field observations. Three structural scenarios were tested: fully intact, bottom-blocked, and damaged. Results indicate that wave-induced radiation stress plays a dominant role in enhancing flow velocities when wind speeds exceed 6 m/s, with wave contributions approaching 100% across all water depths. However, the linear relationship between water depth and wave contribution observed under non-typhoon conditions breaks down under typhoon forcing. A critical depth range was identified, within which wave contribution peaked before declining with further increases in depth—highlighting its potential sensitivity to storm energy. Moreover, structural simulations revealed that bottom-blocked devices, although seemingly more enclosed, may be vulnerable to vertical pressure loading due to insufficient water exchange. In contrast, perforated designs facilitate an internal–external hydrodynamic balance, thereby enhancing protective effect. This study provides both theoretical and practical insights into intertidal structure design and paleo-heritage conservation under extreme hydrodynamic stress. Full article

In the contemporary international context, the preventive conservation of cultural relics has become a widespread consensus. “Risk management” has emerged as a pivotal research focus at the present stage. However, the preventive protection of cultural relics is confronted with deficiencies in risk assessment and prediction. There is an urgent requirement for research to present a comprehensive and in-depth overview of the frontier technologies applicable to the preventive protection of cultural relics, with a particular emphasis on risk prevention and control. Additionally, it is essential to delineate the prospects for future investigations and developments in this domain. Consequently, this study employs bibliometric methods, applying CiteSpace (6.3.R1) and Biblioshiny (4.3.0) to perform comprehensive visual and analytical examinations of 392 publications sourced from the Web of Science (WoS) database covering the period 2010 to 2024. The results obtained from the research are summarized as follows: First, it is evident that scholars originating from China, Italy, and Spain have exhibited preponderant publication frequencies, contributing the largest quantity of articles. Second, augmented reality, digital technology, and risk-based analysis have been identified as the cardinal research frontiers. These areas have attracted significant scholarly attention and are at the forefront of innovation and exploration within the discipline. Third, the “Journal of Culture Heritage” and “Heritage Science” have been empirically determined to be the most frequently cited periodical within this particular field of study. Moreover, over the past decade, under the impetus and influence of the concept of Intangible Cultural Heritage, virtual reality, digital protection, and 3D models have progressively evolved into the central and crucial topics that have pervaded and shaped the research agenda. Finally, with respect to future research trajectories, there will be a pronounced focus on interdisciplinary design. This will be accompanied by an escalation in the requisites and standards for preventive conservation. Specifically, the spotlight will be cast upon aspects such as the air quality within the preservation environment of cultural relics held in collections, the implementation and efficacy of environmental real-time monitoring systems, the utilization and interpretation of big data analysis and early warning mechanisms, as well as the comprehensive and in-depth risk analysis of cultural relics. These multifaceted investigations will be essential for advancing understanding and safeguarding of cultural heritage. These findings deepen our grasp of how risk management in cultural heritage conservation has progressed and transformed between 2010 and 2024. Furthermore, the study provides novel insights and directions for subsequent investigations into risk assessment methodologies for heritage collections. Full article

Cultural heritage (CH) relics are irreplaceable records of human civilization, encompassing diverse historical, technological, and artistic achievements. Extracting their structural and compositional information without affecting their physical integrity is a critical challenge. This review summarizes recent advances in non-destructive techniques (NDTs) for CH analysis and emphasizes the balance between the depth of analysis and conservation ethics. Techniques are broadly categorized into spectrum-based, X-ray-based, and digital-based methods. Spectroscopic techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Raman, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy provide molecular-level insights into organic and inorganic components, often requiring minimal or no sampling. X-ray-based techniques, including conventional and spatially resolved XRD/XRF and total reflection XRF (TRXRF), provide powerful means for crystal and elemental analysis, including in situ pigment identification and trace material analysis. Digital-based methods include high-resolution imaging, three-dimensional modeling, data fusion, and AI-driven diagnosis to achieve the non-invasive visualization, monitoring, and virtual restoration of CH assets. This review highlights a methodology shift from traditional molecular-level detection to data-centric and AI-assisted diagnosis, reflecting the paradigm shift in heritage science. Full article

Chinese ancient calligraphy and paintings, as priceless cultural heritage, face dual conservation challenges: cleaning accumulated contaminants and combating microbial deterioration. Addressing these issues, this study develops a multifunctional poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(2-hydroxyethyl acrylate) (PVA/PHEAA)-based hydrogel system, including a basic robust hydrogel, an ethylene glycol (EG)-modified antifreeze version, and a polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB)-composite antibacterial hydrogel. By tuning interfacial adhesion energy at the molecular level, these hydrogels enable gentle yet effective cleaning of delicate substrates such as Xuan paper, efficiently removing surface and embedded dirt without mechanical damage. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed a “capture-and-fixation” dual-mode mechanism driven by hydrogen bonding and network reconfiguration, supporting the experimental findings. The EG-modified hydrogel retains elasticity at −20 °C, allowing conservation work in cold environments. Meanwhile, the PHMB-integrated hydrogel achieves a 99.6% antibacterial rate against E. coli and S. aureus, combining cleaning and long-term antimicrobial protection. Quantitative cleaning tests (n = 3) showed the PVA/PHEAA gel removed >90% of particulates, significantly outperforming traditional methods while leaving no detectable residues. Experimental results confirm the hydrogels’ compatibility with cultural materials and their multifunctionality in Xuan paper conservation. This study introduces a novel material solution for restoring traditional Chinese calligraphy and paintings, significantly advancing the application of functional hydrogels in cultural heritage preservation. By extending the lifespan of ancient artworks through a safe, residue-free, and reversible cleaning approach, it contributes to the enduring transmission of Chinese civilization. Full article

Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica (Endl.) Manetti ex Carrière) is an endemic and relict conifer species from northwestern Africa, relatively drought-tolerant but also highly sensitive to recurrent summer heat stress. Cedar forests have undergone a dramatic range contraction in recent decades. The development of effective conservation strategies requires long-term perspectives to understand how forests have responded to past disturbances. We present a multi-proxy, high-resolution analysis of a 122 cm-deep fossil record (Merj Lkhil; LKH) located at 1213 m a.s.l. in Jbel Bou Hachem (Moroccan Rif), providing insights into the fragmentation of cedar stands. Cedrus likely formed extensive lowland populations during the final stages of the Late Glacial and began migrating upslope during the Greenlandian. It reached its maximum extent in the Rif around 7000 cal yr BP. Thereafter, increasing aridity, enhanced seasonality, and growing anthropogenic pressure triggered its long-term decline. This trajectory involved a vertical reorganization of montane ecosystems, with Cedrus progressively retreating within mid- and low-elevation forests, while deciduous oaks maintained a long-term co-dominance and Q. ilex L. gradually expanded, especially at lower elevations. Today, Cedrus is confined to isolated high-elevation stands in Jbel Bou Hachem. These relic populations should be prioritized for conservation under ongoing climate and land-use change. Full article

Spores offer the most accessible diagnostic characters for the early-divergent Lycopodiaceae. We quantified eight morphometric traits—equivalent diameter, polar length, equatorial width, projected area, perimeter, and aspect ratio—in a balanced sample of 50 spores from each of six Central European taxa (Diphasiastrum alpinum, D. tristachyum, D. complanatum, Lycopodium annotinum, L. clavatum, and Huperzia selago) collected in the Białowieża Primeval Forest. Integrated light-microscope and scanning-electron-microscope imaging revealed three discrete wall-ornamentation syndromes (reticulate, verrucate, and granulose) that parallel the quantitative gradients. Principal component analysis showed that a single, collinear size axis accounts for 79% of variance, situating H. selago at the large-diameter extreme (mean: $37\mathsf{\mu }\mathrm{m}$) and the three Diphasiastrum species at the small-diameter pole (mean: 32–$33\mathsf{\mu }\mathrm{m}$). One-way ANOVA ($p<{10}^{-31}$) and PERMANOVA ($R^2=0.52$) confirmed decisive interspecific separation that mirrors published molecular phylogenies, underscoring a strong phylogenetic signal in spore form. While trait baselines are taxonomically stable, moderate microhabitat-driven shifts indicate limited ecophenotypic plasticity. The resulting high-resolution benchmark refines palynological identification, enables rapid spore-based bioindication of demographic stress, and strengthens conservation monitoring in relic temperate forest ecosystems. Full article

The identification of plant oils in polychrome cultural relics is crucial for understanding historical craftsmanship and for developing appropriate conservation strategies. Historically, plant oils were used as binders, protective coatings, and plasticizers, directly influencing the stability and appearance of artifacts. Their degradation—through oxidation, hydrolysis, and environmental exposure—makes accurate detection challenging. Recent advances in spectroscopic methods (Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Raman), chromatographic techniques (Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography), and mass spectrometry imaging (Desorption Electrospray Ionization—Mass Spectrometry Imaging) enable non-invasive or minimally invasive analysis of oils, even within complex matrices. Case studies, including the Meiwu ceiling of the Palace Museum and resin–oil varnishes, illustrate how multi-method approaches improve reliability. Ongoing challenges include interference from degradation products, limited sampling due to ethical concerns, and the absence of comprehensive reference libraries. Future research should prioritize non-destructive techniques, standardized protocols, and interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance the precision and applicability of plant oil identification in cultural heritage conservation. Full article

The performance evaluation of aqueducts is crucial for the development of water conservancy and the protection of cultural relics. However, there are few effective methods for accurate evaluations of the mechanical performance of aqueducts. To investigate the changes in the concrete microstructure during the service life of aqueducts, this study conducted compressive tests on various parts of an aqueduct that has been in service for 56 years in Hunan Province, China. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) scans and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) tests were carried out on concrete samples taken from the side and bottom of the aqueduct tank. The compressive strength of the aqueduct concrete was 28.3–44.1 MPa, and the porosity of concrete was 10.98–17.57%. The pore structure of concrete is deteriorated by carbonation and water flow, which has a negative impact on the impermeability of the aqueduct. For concrete at the bottom of the tank, the internal pore structure was denser than the external one (with lower porosity and smaller average pore diameter). In contrast, the pore structure in other parts was the opposite. This difference was caused by the presence of flowing water. The types of internal pores in the concrete are basically gel pores and capillary pores. Finally, evaluation models considering the relationships between carbonation, compressive strength, porosity and permeation parameters of aqueduct concrete were proposed. The models can provide theoretical support for the performance evaluation and maintenance of aged aqueducts. Full article

The Terracotta Army, an integral part of China’s cultural heritage, has suffered physical erosion like cracks and notches over time. Manual inspection methods are inefficient and subjective. This study proposes an automated defect detection system based on computer vision to enhance the efficiency and precision of detecting these defects. The system includes the following core modules: (1) high-resolution image acquisition, which ensures comprehensive and detailed data capture; (2) sophisticated image illumination processing, which compensates for varying lighting conditions and improves image quality; (3) advanced image data augmentation techniques, which enrich the dataset and improve the generalization ability of the detection model; and (4) accurate defect detection, which leverages state-of-the-art algorithms. In the experimental phase, the efficacy of the proposed approach was evaluated. Illumination-enhanced low-light images were used for data augmentation, and the generated images showed high similarity to the original images, as measured by PSNR and SSIM. The YOLOv10 algorithm was employed for defect detection and achieved average detection rates of 91.71% for cracks and 93.04% for abrasions. This research provides a scientific and efficient solution for cultural relic protection and offers a valuable reference for future research in heritage conservation. Full article

Hydrogels, characterized by their high water content, tunable mechanical properties, and excellent biocompatibility, have emerged as a promising material platform for the preservation of cultural heritage. Their unique physicochemical features enable non-invasive and adaptable solutions for environmental regulation, structural stabilization, and antifungal protection. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent progress in hydrogel-based strategies specifically developed for the conservation of cultural relics, with a particular focus on antifungal performance—an essential factor in preventing biodeterioration. Current hydrogel systems, composed of natural or synthetic polymer networks integrated with antifungal agents, demonstrate the ability to suppress fungal growth, regulate humidity, alleviate mechanical stress, and ensure minimal damage to artifacts during application. This review also highlights future research directions, such as the application prospects of novel materials, including stimuli-responsive hydrogels and self-dissolving hydrogels. As an early exploration of the use of hydrogels in antifungal protection and broader cultural heritage conservation, this work is expected to promote the wider application of this emerging technology, contributing to the effective preservation and long-term transmission of cultural heritage worldwide. Full article

As the cradle of Jiangnan culture, Suzhou is home to a dense concentration of historical architectural heritage that is currently facing existential threats from rapid urbanization. This study aims to develop a spatial heritage corridor network for conservation and sustainable utilization. Using kernel density estimation, this study identifies 15 kernel density groups, along with the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), to pinpoint clusters of historical architectural heritage and assess the involved resistance factors. Current Effective Conductance (CEC) theory is further applied to model spatial flow relationships among heritage nodes, leading to the delineation of 27 heritage corridors and revealing a spatial structure characterized by one primary core, one secondary core, and multiple peripheral zones. Based on 15 source points, six cultural relics-themed routes are proposed—three land-based and three waterfront routes—connecting historical sites, towns, and ecological areas. The study further recommends a resource management strategy centered on departmental collaboration, digital integration, and community co-governance. By integrating historical architectural types, settlement forms, and ecological patterns, the research builds a multi-scale narrative and experience system that addresses fragmentation while improving coordination and sustainability. This framework delivers practical advice on heritage conservation and cultural tourism development in Suzhou and the broader Jiangnan region. Full article

Epoxy resins have been extensively employed in cultural heritage conservation as both adhesive and reinforcement materials owing to their exceptional bonding strength, relatively low toxicity, and cost-effectiveness. This review initially outlines the fundamental material characteristics of epoxy resins and subsequently examines their contemporary applications in artifact restoration. Subsequently, it synthesizes the research advancements documented over the past two decades, with a focus on critical challenges associated with their application in cultural heritage preservation, including susceptibility to aging, inherent brittleness, and prolonged curing time. The corresponding modification strategies are systematically examined, including strategies for aging resistance enhancement, toughness improvement, and rapid-curing techniques. Finally, potential future directions for epoxy resin applications in conservation are critically evaluated. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of epoxy resins’ performance and modification methodologies, thereby offering valuable insights to guide future research on its application in cultural heritage conservation. Full article

As a core structure within the Qing Changling Mausoleum, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, Long’en Hall preserves a relatively complete set of Qing dynasty imperial lacquered furniture. These furnishings provide critical physical evidence for studying Qing dynasty sacrificial rituals and the craftsmanship of court lacquerware. However, limited research has been conducted on the surface finishing techniques of such furnishings, posing challenges to their conservation and accurate restoration. This study focuses on representative furnishings from Long’en Hall—including an offering table, an incense pavilion, a throne, and a poke lamp—and employed a multi-method analytical approach comprising fluorescence microscopy (FM), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The analysis was conducted on the following two levels: the lacquer layer structure and material composition. The results show that the furnishings in the Long’en Hall adopt the typical structure of “lacquer ash layer–color lacquer layer”, and the color lacquer layer is composed of raw lacquer, tung oil, animal glue, and other natural organic ingredients as film-forming materials, supplemented with inorganic mineral pigments such as red lead (Pb₃O₄) and Au metal, which constitutes a stable organic–inorganic composite structure with the lacquer ash layer. The multi-analysis results show a good complementary and cross-corroboration relationship, providing the necessary technical support and a theoretical reference for Qing dynasty palace lacquer wood furniture as cultural relics worthy of scientific protection and imitation. Full article

The fossil and molecular evidence suggests that the area of origin of the Hairy Armadillo Chaetophractus villosus was the central Pampas region of Argentina, with a current distribution that includes Bolivia, Paraguay and Chile. We studied the evolutionary history of peripheral individuals of C. villosus using phylogeographic approaches and potential distribution models for the Holocene. We sequenced a segment of the mitochondrial DNA control region in 22 individuals with a peripheral distribution that inhabit the western limit of its current distribution in Chile, which was compared with Argentine sequences of the central distribution. The results show that the peripheral individuals studied have less genetic polymorphism than populations in the central distribution. All Chilean sequences were grouped in the haplotype C, which is dominant in Patagonian populations of Argentina. The potential distribution model predicts that during the Holocene the areas in which the peripheral populations of Chilean C. villosus are currently distributed presented medium–high habitability conditions for the species. Our results are consistent with the center–periphery model, showing a decrease in genetic diversity in peripheral areas of the distribution of C. villosus. It is probable that the low genetic diversity of the peripheral population is related to recent population establishment by dispersion from adjacent Argentine Patagonian populations. Peripheral populations such as those studied can have small population sizes; however, they can remain stable and have high survival rates during climatic oscillations, acting as important relics for the conservation and evolutionary potential of the species. Full article