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Identifying pigments from colored relics is essential for their color restoration and for facsimile creation. A workflow for identifying pigment information is constructed based on visible spectral imaging technology, aligned with the drawing process of colored relics. This workflow includes three steps: boundary extraction, material identification and prediction of mixture proportions. The methods for segmenting visible spectral images, identifying chemical compositions, and predicting mixture proportions of pigments are extensively reviewed. Future research trends of these methods are also analyzed. The influence of the pigment particle size is currently underexplored but can be accomplished by multidisciplinary research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, with the development of 3D digitization of cultural relics, most cultural sites contain a large number of fine 3D data of cultural relics, especially complex geometric objects such as painted cultural relics. At present, how to automatically extract surface damage information from the fine 3D color model of painted cultural relics and avoid the loss of accuracy caused by reducing the dimension using conventional methods is an urgentproblem. In view of the above issues, this paper proposes an automatic and high-precision extraction method for cultural relics surface shedding diseases based on 3D fine data. First, this paper designs a 2D and 3D integrated data conversion model based on OpenSceneGraph, a 3D engine, which performs mutual conversion between 3D color model textures and 2D images. Second, this paper proposes a simple linear iterative clustering segmentation algorithm with an adaptive k value, which solves the problem of setting the superpixel k value and improves the accuracy of image segmentation. Finally, through the 2D and 3D integrated models, the disease is statistically analyzed and labeled on the 3D model. Experiments show that for painted plastic objects with complex surfaces, the disease extraction method based on the 3D fine model proposed in this paper has improved geometric accuracy compared with the current popular orthophoto extraction method, and the disease investigation is more comprehensive. Compared with the current 3D manual extraction method in commercial software, this method greatly improves the efficiency of disease extraction while ensuring extraction accuracy. The research method of this paper activates many existing 3D fine data of cultural protection units and converts conventional 2D data mining and analysis into 3D, which is more in line with the scientific utilization of data in terms of accuracy and efficiency and has certain scientific research value, leading value and practical significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1606 Henry Garnet, provincial of the English Jesuits and purported co-conspirator in the Gunpowder Plot against James I, was executed at St. Paul's Cathedral in London. Following his death, accounts of miracles occurring at his execution began to spread throughout England, including an account of a relic bearing his miraculous image. While Catholic writers promoted these accounts as evidence of Garnet's innocence, Protestant contemporaries argued that Garnet was an illegitimate martyr and that his commemoration was evidence of Catholic support for regicide. This article demonstrates how London Protestant writers and publishers utilized anti-hagiographical arguments to intervene in attempts to promote Garnet's sainthood, counter claims about the veracity of his relic, and shape his legacy in the decades following his execution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bronze artifacts often suffer from "bronze disease" due to the presence of chloride ions, which result from copper chlorides forming on their surfaces during storage. Therefore, reinforced protection is essential for these unearthed cultural artifacts, and new materials for the reinforced protection of fragile bronzes are urgently needed. In this study, cuprammonium solvent and nanocellulose (CNC) were utilized as reinforcement materials to protect fragile bronzes. The chemical and aesthetic properties before and after reinforcement were analyzed using ultra-depth field microscopes, SEM-EDX, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy. The results indicated that at a nano-cuprammonium reinforcer concentration of 2.5 mol/L, the optimal reinforcement effect on simulated bronze powdery rust samples was achieved.Mechanical strength increased by an average of 77.59%. The mass growth rate reached 84.8%, while the color difference Δ E remained below 4.0. Additionally, aging resistance significantly improved, aligning with cultural artifact protection standards.Meanwhile, a compact and stable protective membrane formed on the surface of the bronzes, isolating the bronze matrix from direct contact with the external environment, which delayed bronze corrosion and contributed to long-term stable preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The museum system is exposed to a high risk of seismic hazards. However, it is difficult to carry out seismic hazard prevention to protect cultural relics in collections due to the lack of real data and diverse types of seismic hazards. To address this problem, we developed a deep-learning-based multi-source feature-fusion method to assess the data on seismic damage caused by collected cultural relics. Firstly, a multi-source data-processing strategy was developed according to the needs of seismic impact analysis of the cultural relics in the collection, and a seismic event-ontology model of cultural relics was constructed. Additionally, a seismic damage data-classification acquisition method and empirical calculation model were designed. Secondly, we proposed a deep learning-based multi-source feature-fusion matching method for cultural relics. By constructing a damage state assessment model of cultural relics using superpixel map convolutional fusion and an automatic data-matching model, the quality and processing efficiency of seismic damage data of the cultural relics in the collection were improved. Finally, we formed a dataset oriented to the seismic damage risk analysis of the cultural relics in the collection. The experimental results show that the accuracy of this method reaches 93.6%, and the accuracy of cultural relics label matching is as high as 82.6% compared with many kinds of earthquake damage state assessment models. This method can provide more accurate and efficient data support, along with a scientific basis for subsequent research on the impact analysis of seismic damage to cultural relics in collections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the serendipitous discovery of (1) a large double radio relic associated with the galaxy cluster PSZ2 G277.93 + 12.34 and (2) a new odd radio circle, ORC J1027–4422, both found in the same deep MeerKAT 1.3 GHz wide-band radio continuum image. The angular separation of the two arc-shaped cluster relics is ∼16 arcmin or ∼2.6 Mpc for a cluster redshift of z ≈ 0.158. The thin southern relic, which shows several ridges/shocks including one possibly moving inwards, has a linear extent of ∼1.64 Mpc. In contrast, the northern relic is about twice as wide, twice as bright, but only has a largest linear size of ∼0.66 Mpc. Complementary SRG/eROSITA X-ray images reveal extended emission from hot intracluster gas between the two relics and around the narrow-angle tail (NAT) radio galaxy PMN J1033–4335 (z ≈ 0.153) located just east of the northern relic. The radio morphologies of the NAT galaxy and the northern relic, which are also detected with the Australian Square Kilometer Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) at 888 MHz, suggest both are moving in the same outward direction. The discovery of ORC J1027–4422 in a different part of the same MeerKAT image makes it the fourth known single ORC. It has a diameter of ∼90 arcsec corresponding to 400 kpc at a tentative redshift of z ≈ 0.3 and remains undetected in X-ray emission. Supported by simulations, we discuss similarities between outward moving galaxy and cluster merger shocks as the formation mechanisms for ORCs and radio relics, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the demand for the protection and restoration of cultural heritage has become increasingly urgent. Particularly for paper-based cultural relics such as ancient books and paintings, their restoration is especially important due to their unique nature and susceptibility to environmental damage. Among various restoration materials, calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) has been widely studied and applied in the protection of paper-based cultural relics. However, commercial Ca(OH)2 materials have issues such as a large particle size and slow carbonation. In order to address these issues, this study employed carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a support, on which nano-sized Ca(OH)2 crystals were grown in situ on its surface, followed by loading with TiO2 nanoparticles, successfully preparing a multifunctional paper-based cultural relic restoration material with reinforcement, deacidification, anti-aging, and antimicrobial properties. It is worth noting that by in situ growing Ca(OH)2 on the surface of CMC, particle size control, uniform dispersion, and the fixation of Ca(OH)2 can be achieved. CMC is used to enhance the mechanical strength of the paper, Ca(OH)2 is used for deacidification, and TiO2 is used for anti-aging and antimicrobial purposes. This study provides a new approach and method for the restoration of paper-based cultural relics, simplifying traditional multi-step processes and avoiding potential impacts on the cultural relics from multiple repairs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The INSPIRE project has built the largest sample of ultra-compact massive galaxies (UCMGs) at 0.1 < z < 0.4 and obtained their star formation histories (SFHs). Due to their preserved very old stellar populations, relics are the perfect systems to constrain the earliest epochs of mass assembly in the Universe and the formation of massive early-type galaxies. The goal of this work is to investigate whether a correlation exists between the degree of relicness (DoR), quantifying the fraction of stellar mass formed at z > 2, and the other stellar population parameters. We use the Full-Index-Fitting method to fit the INSPIRE spectra to single stellar population (SSP) models. This allows us to measure, for the first time, the slope of the IMF, as well as stellar metallicity [M/H], [Mg/Fe], [Ti/Fe], and [Na/Fe] ratios, and study correlations between them and the DoR. Similarly to normal-sized galaxies, UCMGs with larger stellar masses have overall higher metallicities. We found a correlation between the IMF slope and the DoR, that, however, breaks down for systems with a more extended SFH. An even stronger dependency is found between the IMF and the fraction of mass formed at high- z. At equal velocity dispersion and metallicity, galaxies with a higher DoR have a larger dwarf-to-giant ratio, i.e. a bottom heavy IMF, than that of low-DoR counterparts. This might indicate that the cosmic epoch and therefore different formation scenarios influence the fragmentation of the star formation cloud and hence might be the explanation for IMF variations detected in massive ETGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gypsification is a common problem in weathered calcareous relics. In previous studies, the solutions of barium hydroxide in water and methanol were used as protectants for gypsification calcareous relics and showed significant differences in permeability. In this study, the underlying reasons for permeability differences between these two solutions were investigated using optical microscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry, X-ray diffractometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, the phenolphthalein test and physical property characterizations. The results indicated that the permeability differences were primarily caused by the solutions' reactivity. Specifically, owing to the high reactivity of barium hydroxide in water, it reacted rapidly with atmospheric CO2 and gypsum (the weathering product) to generate barium carbonate, barium sulfate and calcium hydroxide precipitates. These precipitates hindered the penetration of solution into weathered relics. In contrast, barium hydroxide in methanol did not react with atmospheric CO2 or weathered relics, which also kept the solution in a liquid state during the infiltration process. Therefore, the solution of barium hydroxide in methanol exhibited high permeability. Based on the above findings, this study is meaningful for applying barium protectants in the conservation of gypsification calcareous relics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liturgy was the perfect and unparalleled medium for public relations in the Middle Ages, and when it came to relics, it could transform any stone, bone, or a piece of wood into an object worthy of devotion. This article revolves around the activating force of the relics of Mary Magdalene in medieval France. It examines two liturgies—from Vézelay and from Saint-Maximin in Provence—honouring the saint, representing two distinct responses whose character reflects the priorities of the communities that produced them and the agendas that set them in motion. Liturgy was accorded a special role in bolstering the claims of Provence over the corporeal presence of Mary Magdalene in its midst, with liturgists adopting a more audacious and unreserved vocabulary to validate these claims over those of Vézelay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most Udmurt living in the Bashkortostan Republic and in the Perm' region of the Russian Federation are followers of a traditional ethnic religion. In their spiritual life, a huge place is occupied by sanctuaries and other places in which their ritual practices take place, such as the worship of deities, spirits and ancestors. We can identify different types of such places in this Udmurt regional group: the sanctuary dedicated to the cult of the clan protector deities, groves dedicated to the god Lud, places dedicated to personal and family cults, sacred places of agrarian sacrifices, territories where funerary and commemorative rituals take place, places dedicated to the propitiation of evil spirits. Depending on their social status, the sanctuaries are regional or general and can be related to a family, clan, village, or multiple villages. In this article, which relies on the authors' ethnographic fieldwork and published sources, we analyse the present state of the sacred places. We show that the transformation of cultural patterns has led some types of sanctuary to cease functioning, while others have remained as relics and the places of agrarian sacrifices have undergone an active revitalisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ancient glass products have suffered from the baptism of time and experienced changes in the burial environment and weathering, resulting in a change in the proportions of their chemical composition and interfering with their accurate identification by later generations. In this paper, the chemical composition of ancient glass products is predicted and identified. First, the multivariate statistical ANOVA test is applied to explore the relationship between whether the cultural relics samples are weathered or not and the glass type, decoration, and color to derive a law of chemical composition of the cultural relics and to analyze the correlation and difference among the four factors. Second, compared with the relevant data of the existing glass products, the missing values are processed by using the method of filling in the plurality. The weathering condition of the sampling points of the samples whose surfaces are not weathered is judged by the "distance discrimination method." Combined with the characteristics of the lead-barium glass and the high-potassium glass, the law of the chemical composition content on the surface of the samples, weathered or not, is explored. The modeling of the gray prediction method was applied again to predict the chemical composition content before weathering. Finally, the generalized Shapley function of fuzzy measurement was used to analyze the correlation between indicators and the chemical compositions and their differences. The scheme proposed in this paper can solve the difficult problem of category judgment in archeology, which is of great significance in promoting the smooth progress of archaeological work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salt efflorescence is one of the critical problems for the preservation of immovable silicate relics. Salt efflorescence mainly comes from continuous cycles of crystallization/dissolution or hydration/dehydration of salts in confined pores in silicate relics. Many protocols have been developed in attempts to alleviate possible salt damages with minor success because of endless water and salt feed from underground. In this study, we propose and design a novel technique for salt damage prevention and protection of immovable relics. Materials with higher water-absorbing ability than matrix are applied to control the water and salt migration direction in simulated sand samples. The distribution of moisture content on the surface of sand is followed by hyperspectral imaging. It appears that water and salt molecules will preferentially transport towards positions containing higher water-absorbing material. Both organic and inorganic high water-absorbing materials show effective in controlling the water and salt migration direction, which provides a new approach for the prevention and protection of salt efflorescence in silicate cultural relics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Paper-based artifacts hold significant cultural and social values. However, paper is intrinsically fragile to microorganisms, such as mold, due to its cellulose composition, which can serve as a microorganisms' nutrient source. Mold not only can damage papers' structural integrity and pose significant challenges to conservation works but also may subject individuals attending the contaminated artifacts to health risks. Current approaches for strain identification usually require extensive training, prolonged time for analysis, expensive operation costs, and higher risks of secondary damage due to sampling. Thus, in current conservation practices with mold-contaminated artifacts, little pre-screening or strain identification was performed before mold removal, and the cleaning techniques are usually broad-spectrum rather than strain-specific. With deep learning showing promising applications across various domains, this study investigated the feasibility of using a convolutional neural network (CNN) for fast in-situ recognition and classification of mold on paper. Methods: Molds were first non-invasively sampled from ancient Xuan Paper-based Chinese books from the Qing and Ming dynasties. Strains were identified using molecular biology methods and the four most prevalent strains were inoculated on Xuan paper to create mockups for image collection. Microscopic images of the molds as well as their stains situated on paper were collected using a compound microscope and commercial microscope lens for cell phone cameras, which were then used for training CNN models with a transfer learning scheme to perform the classification of mold. To enable involvement and contribution from the research community, a web interface that actuates the process while providing interactive features for users to learn about the information of the classified strain was constructed. Moreover, a feedback functionality in the web interface was embedded for catching potential classification errors, adding additional training images, or introducing new strains, all to refine the generalizability and robustness of the model. Results & Conclusion: In the study, we have constructed a suite of high-confidence classification CNN models for the diagnostic process for mold contamination in conservation. At the same time, a web interface was constructed that allows recurrently refining the model with human feedback through engaging the research community. Overall, the proposed framework opens new avenues for effective and timely identification of mold, thus enabling proactive and targeted mold remediation strategies in conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is very important to reveal the weathering characteristics of stone cultural relics to protect their integrity for a long time. Infrared thermal imaging was employed in this study to analyze the degree of weathering and classification of stone cultural relics for the protection of the cultural relics. To explore the feasibility of evaluating the overall weathering degree of rock surface, the weathering degree of the rock surface was first determined by using various conventional testing methods. Then, the weathering degree of rock surface was quantified by applying infrared thermal imaging. Finally, the weathering degree of the rock surface was analyzed by comparing it with conventional testing results. Results show that, the infrared thermal imaging can distinguish general disease types and degrees of development based on abnormal surface temperature. When the surface weathering of stone cultural relics is more serious, the temperature change at a certain time is greater after water spraying and cooling. The conclusions obtained in this study can provide a reference for evaluating the overall weathering degree of the surface layer of stone cultural relics via infrared thermal imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The rise in sea levels, driven by global climate change, poses a significant threat to cultural heritage in coastal regions. Traditional risk assessment methods, focusing on direct inundation, often fail to consider the crucial impact of socio-economic factors, which are significantly vulnerable to sea level rise. To bridge this gap, this study introduces an innovative Sea Level Rise Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment Model (SLR-CHIA Model), a novel approach that integrates both land inundation and socio-economic aspects. This comprehensive model evaluates potential risks to various types of cultural heritage in coastal China, including intangible cultural heritage, relics, and traditional villages. The study’s findings are striking: (1) About 7.79% of coastal villages, 53.94% of relics, and 2.53% of intangible cultural heritage are potentially at high risk in a 100-year sea level rise event; (2) Relics in the Eastern coast and villages in the Southern coast are most vulnerable; (3) Different types of cultural heritage rely on diverse principal factors for protection, resulting in varied risk levels under sea level rise conditions. The SLR-CHIA Model provides a vital methodological framework for evaluating cultural heritage risks in other global regions.

Tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) is the most commonly used silicon-based reinforcement agent for conserving art relics due to its cost-effectiveness and commercial maturity. However, the resulting silica gel phase is prone to developing cracks as the gel shrinks during the sol–gel process, potentially causing severe damage to the objects being treated. In this study, dodecyltrimethoxysilane (DTMS) was introduced into TEOS to minimize this shrinkage by adding elastic long chains to weaken the capillary forces. The gel formed from the DTMS/TEOS hybrid material was transparent and crack-free, featuring a dense microstructure without mesopores or micropores. It exhibited excellent thermal stability, with a glass transition temperature of up to 109.64 °C. Evaluation experiments were conducted on artificially aged, handmade bamboo paper. The TEOS-based hybrid material effectively combined with the paper fibers through the sol–gel process, polymerizing into a network structure that enveloped the paper surface or penetrated between the fibers. The surface of the treated paper displayed excellent hydrophobic properties, with no significant changes in appearance, color, or air permeability. The mechanical properties of the treated bamboo paper improved significantly, with longitudinal and transverse tensile strengths increasing by up to 36.63% and 44.25%, respectively. These research findings demonstrate the promising potential for the application of DTMS/TEOS hybrid materials in reinforcing paper relics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rise in sea levels, driven by global climate change, poses a significant threat to cultural heritage in coastal regions. Traditional risk assessment methods, focusing on direct inundation, often fail to consider the crucial impact of socio-economic factors, which are significantly vulnerable to sea level rise. To bridge this gap, this study introduces an innovative Sea Level Rise Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment Model (SLR-CHIA Model), a novel approach that integrates both land inundation and socio-economic aspects. This comprehensive model evaluates potential risks to various types of cultural heritage in coastal China, including intangible cultural heritage, relics, and traditional villages. The study's findings are striking: (1) About 7.79% of coastal villages, 53.94% of relics, and 2.53% of intangible cultural heritage are potentially at high risk in a 100-year sea level rise event; (2) Relics in the Eastern coast and villages in the Southern coast are most vulnerable; (3) Different types of cultural heritage rely on diverse principal factors for protection, resulting in varied risk levels under sea level rise conditions. The SLR-CHIA Model provides a vital methodological framework for evaluating cultural heritage risks in other global regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significant variations in climate exist between the northern and southern regions of China, resulting in varying degrees of decay observed in wooden relics unearthed from different areas. The preservation of wooden cultural artifacts in humid environments is influenced by numerous factors including regional environmental conditions (such as temperature, humidity, and biological mold), and site structural characteristics, among others, making the conservation efforts more specialized and intricate. This study utilizes the example of the unearthed wet outer coffin wooden cultural relics from the Tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng to demonstrate a method involving the use of polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) composite material for the reinforcement and protection of such artifacts. Through a comprehensive analysis of various analytical techniques including scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), density increase rate, wood compression strength along the grain, hydrophobic property, and other micro and macro properties, it was determined that: The combination of PVAc and shellac as a reinforcement agent has been shown to enhance the mechanical properties of wooden cultural relics while also maintaining minimal color variation, increased biocompatibility, and durability. This method is particularly well-suited for fortifying and preserving damp wooden cultural relics that exhibit varying degrees of decay. The findings offer significant insights and potential avenues for further research on the preservation methods for large wooden cultural artifacts discovered in the middle and lower regions of the Yangtze River dating back to the Warring States Period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the acquisition process of 3D cultural relics, it is common to encounter noise. To facilitate the generation of high-quality 3D models, we propose an approach based on graph signal processing that combines color and geometric features to denoise the point cloud. We divide the 3D point cloud into patches based on self-similarity theory and create an appropriate underlying graph with a Markov property. The features of the vertices in the graph are represented using 3D coordinates, normal vectors, and color. We formulate the point cloud denoising problem as a maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimation problem and use a graph Laplacian regularization (GLR) prior to identifying the most probable noise-free point cloud. In the denoising process, we moderately simplify the 3D point to reduce the running time of the denoising algorithm. The experimental results demonstrate that our proposed approach outperforms five competing methods in both subjective and objective assessments. It requires fewer iterations and exhibits strong robustness, effectively removing noise from the surface of cultural relic point clouds while preserving fine-scale 3D features such as texture and ornamentation. This results in more realistic 3D representations of cultural relics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The history and reproductive biology of the Eupomatiaceae family are reviewed, and the flowering of Eupomatia bennettii is described to highlight the significance of floral parts and their movements for cross-pollination. The highly specialised relationships between Eupomatia spp. and weevil pollinators (Elleschodes spp.) are discussed, and gaps in knowledge of the reproductive biology of Eupomatiaceae are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compact massive relic galaxies are a class of galaxies that exhibit characteristics suggesting they have remained largely unchanged since their initial formation, making them 'relics' of the early Universe. These galaxies represent a distinct class characterized by strongly peaked high-velocity dispersion profiles with large rotational velocities. This study investigates the formation of such galaxies within the framework of Milgromian dynamics (MOND), offering a unique perspective on their origin without invoking the presence of cold or warm dark matter. Our analysis focuses on the collapse dynamics of isolated non-rotating post-big bang gas clouds, revealing kinematic and density profiles comparable to observed compact massive relic galaxies like NGC 1277, Mrk 1216, and PGC 032873. The findings underscore the natural emergence of compact massive relic galaxies within a MOND-based Universe, providing valuable insights into the interplay between gravitational dynamics and galaxy formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To develop an environment‐friendly detergent for textile relics adsorbing soil/rust stains, the relationship between surfactant types and concentrations, the nature of additives and the type of textile (e.g., cotton, linen, silk or wool) were systematically investigated. Results showed that the detergent formulations of sodium montmorillonite (5 g/L) as additives were overall the best options for soil stains removal on textile relics. Specifically, the most suitable surfactant for cotton, linen, silk and wool textiles relics adsorbing soil stains was rhamnolipid (8 g/L), tea saponin (6 g/L), tea saponin (8 g/L), alkyl glycosides (10 g/L), respectively. The detergent formulations of ascorbic acid (5 g/L) as additives were more beneficial for rust stains peeling‐off from the surface of the textile relics regardless of the type of surfactant and textile relics. But the optimal surfactants for different textiles relics were different. In detail, the most suitable surfactants for cotton, linen, silk and wool textiles relics adsorbing rust stains were separately rhamnolipid (10 g/L), Tea saponin (8 g/L), Tea saponin (6 g/L), Alkyl glycosides (6 g/L). This indicated that the washing effect of detergent formulation was related to the types of stains and textile relics' fiber. These findings not only demonstrated the necessity for developing detergent formulations for different textile relics, but also illustrated the complexity and diversity of the textile relics' stain‐washing work. Moreover, this work also assists understanding of the washing mechanism of textile relics and help the department of textile relics protection to properly wash textile relics and extend the life of textile relics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article offers a pedagogical approach to introducing undergraduate students to hagiology by comparing medieval sanctity to modern celebrity. The bodies of saints and celebrities are important loci for the transmission of sanctity or celebrity from a person to the public and for the continuity of identity. Examples include St. Faith, St. Cuthbert, Kim Kardashian, and Marilyn Monroe. Using a comparative method allows students who are non-religious to better apprehend the unfamiliar practices and beliefs around the cult of saints and relics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Burial stone relics remain in a humid, semi-enclosed environment for long periods, and temperature and humidity variations can cause deterioration acceleration. Yang Can's tomb was selected as the research object, and field monitoring and simulations were performed to investigate the characteristics of temperature and humidity variations, after which the simulation results were evaluated. The monitoring results showed that solar radiation, rainfall, wind speed, and depth of entry are important factors affecting the variation in the temperature and humidity of burial stone relics. The temperature outside the chamber is greatly affected by seasonal variations, while the humidity inside the chamber is influenced by seasonal variations, so appropriate measures should be implemented inside and outside the chamber during different seasons to alleviate deterioration. On the basis of the above analysis, a temperature and humidity model for the interior chamber of burial stone relics was established in COMSOL software 5.6, combined with a porous medium heat transfer model and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model. The temperature and humidity inside the chamber can be calculated by the temperature and humidity outside the chamber. This study provides data support for hydrothermal, condensation and other related studies of burial stone relics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural disaster risk monitoring is an important task for disaster prevention and reduction. In the case of immovable cultural relics, however, the feedback mechanism, risk factors, monitoring logic, and monitoring indicators of natural disaster risk monitoring are complex. How to achieve intelligent perception and monitoring of natural disaster risk for immovable cultural relics has always been a focus and a challenge for researchers. Based on the analysis of the concepts and issues related to the natural disaster risk of immovable cultural relics, this paper proposes a framework for natural disaster risk monitoring for immovable cultural relics based on the digital twin. This framework focuses on risk monitoring, including the physical entities of natural disaster risk for immovable cultural relics, monitoring indicators, and virtual entity construction. A platform for monitoring the natural disaster risk of immovable cultural relics is proposed. Using the Puzhou Ancient City Site as a test bed, the proposed concept can be used for monitoring the natural disaster risk of immovable cultural relics at different scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultural relics line graphic serves as a crucial form of traditional artifact information documentation, which is a simple and intuitive product with low cost of displaying compared with 3D models. Dimensionality reduction is undoubtedly necessary for line drawings. However, most existing methods for artifact drawing rely on the principles of orthographic projection that always cannot avoid angle occlusion and data overlapping while the surface of cultural relics is complex. Therefore, conformal mapping was introduced as a dimensionality reduction way to compensate for the limitation of orthographic projection. Based on the given criteria for assessing surface complexity, this paper proposed a three-dimensional feature guideline extraction method for complex cultural relic surfaces. A 2D and 3D combined factor that measured the importance of points on describing surface features, vertex weight, was designed. Then the selection threshold for feature guideline extraction was determined based on the differences between vertex weight and shape index distributions. The feasibility and stability were verified through experiments conducted on real cultural relic surface data. Results demonstrated the ability of the method to address the challenges associated with the automatic generation of line drawings for complex surfaces. The extraction method and the obtained results will be useful for line graphic drawing, displaying and propaganda of cultural relics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relic galaxies are massive, compact, and quiescent objects observed in the local Universe that have not experienced any significant interaction episodes or merger events since about z  = 2, remaining relatively unaltered since their formation. On the other hand, massive and compact early-type galaxies (cETGs) in the local Universe appear to show similar properties to Relic galaxies, despite having substantial accretion history. Relic galaxies, with frozen history, can provide important clues about the intrinsic processes related to the evolutionary pathways of ETGs and the role that mergers play in their evolution. Using the high-resolution cosmological simulation TNG50-1 from IllustrisTNG project, we investigate the assembly history of a sample of massive, compact, old, and quiescent subhaloes split by satellite accretion fraction. We compare the evolutionary pathways at three cosmic epochs: z  = 2, z  = 1.5, and z  = 0, using the orbital decomposition numerical method to investigate the stellar dynamics of each galactic kinematical component and their environmental correlations. Our results point to a steady pathway across time that is not strongly dependent on the mergers or the environment. Relics and cETGs do not show a clear preference for high- or low-density environments within the volume explored at z  = 0, as they are found in both scenarios. However, the progenitors of Relic galaxies have consistently resided in high-density environments since z  = 2, while cETGs were shifted to such environments at a later stage. The merger history can be recovered from the stellar kinematics imprints in the local Universe. Relics and cETGs show consistently dynamical similarities at z  = 2 and differences at z  = 0 to disc, bulge, and hot inner stellar halo. In the current scenario, the mergers that drive the growth of cETGs do not give rise to a new and distinct evolutionary pathway when compared to Relics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the discovery of a radio relic in the north-eastern periphery of the galaxy cluster Abell 2108 (A2108). A2108 is part of the uGMRT LOw-MAss Galaxy Cluster Survey (GLOMACS), where our main aim is to search for diffuse radio emission signatures in very sparsely explored low-mass galaxy clusters using uGMRT band-3 (central frequency 400 MHz). We used our uGMRT band-3 observations along with the existing archival band-3 uGMRT data to improve image sensitivity. Along with the previously reported south-western relic, the discovery of the new relic makes A2108 one of the few low-mass clusters hosting a double relic. The new relic spans over a region of 610 kpc × 310 kpc and, interestingly, differs considerably in size and morphology from the other relic. Using XMM–Newton science archive data, we also report the tentative detection of a mildly supersonic shock of Mach number |$\mathcal {M}_\mathrm{SB}=1.42$| and |$\mathcal {M}_\mathrm{T} = 1.43$| from the surface brightness and temperature discontinuities, respectively, near this newly found relic. Both the relics in A2108 are found to be significantly under-luminous compared with other double-relic systems in the mass–luminosity plane. Moreover, the north-eastern relic is remarkably under-luminous in the size–luminosity plane. Although mild supersonic shocks resulting from an off-axis merger could have influenced the origin of both relics, we hypothesize that local environments have played a crucial role in shaping their morphologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1606 Henry Garnet, provincial of the English Jesuits and purported co-conspirator in the Gunpowder Plot against James I, was executed at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. Following his death, accounts of miracles occurring at his execution began to spread throughout England, including an account of a relic bearing his miraculous image. While Catholic writers promoted these accounts as evidence of Garnet’s innocence, Protestant contemporaries argued that Garnet was an illegitimate martyr and that his commemoration was evidence of Catholic support for regicide. This article demonstrates how London Protestant writers and publishers utilized anti-hagiographical arguments to intervene in attempts to promote Garnet’s sainthood, counter claims about the veracity of his relic, and shape his legacy in the decades following his execution.

This paper presents the third data release of the INvestigating Stellar Population In RElics (INSPIRE) project, comprising 52 ultra-compact massive galaxies (UCMGs) observed with the X-Shooter spectrograph. We measure integrated stellar velocity dispersion, [Mg/Fe] abundances, ages, and metallicities for all the INSPIRE objects. We thus infer star formation histories and confirm the existence of a degree of relicness (DoR), defined in terms of the fraction of stellar mass formed by z  = 2, the time at which a galaxy has assembled 75 per cent of its mass, and the final assembly time. Objects with a high DoR assembled their stellar mass at early epochs, while low-DoR objects show a non-negligible fraction of later formed populations and hence a spread in ages and metallicities. A higher DoR correlates with larger [Mg/Fe], supersolar metallicity, and larger velocity dispersion values. The 52 UMCGs span a large range of DoR from 0.83 to 0.06, with 38 of them having formed more than 75  per cent of their mass by z  = 2. Of these, nine are extreme relics (DoR>0.7), since they formed the totality (⁠|$\gt 99~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$|⁠) of their stellar mass by redshift z  = 2. The remaining 14 UCMGs cannot be considered relics, as they are characterized by more extended star formation histories. With INSPIRE  we built the first sizeable sample of relics outside the local Universe, up to z ∼ 0.4, increasing the number of confirmed relics by a factor of >10, and opening up an important window to explain the mass assembly of massive galaxies in the high- z Universe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semi-exposed relics within an air–soil system often have earthworks partially buried, leading to moisture migration and substantial salt accumulation. Salt accumulation threatens relic preservation, but destructive sampling is hindered by conservation concerns. We conducted a case study on salt enrichment at K9901 Armour Pit of Emperor Qinshihuang 's Mausoleum Site Museum. Environmental factors and soil salt characteristics were assessed through sampling and monitoring. A relic-soil coupling system was established with a soil column device containing burned bricks. Using 5-TE sensors, water and salinity movement was tracked, and X-ray diffraction analyzed relic salt crystals. The soil column experiment effectively simulated water-salt migration in relics. Salts, like Cl−, NO3−, SO42−, Na+, and Mg2+, concentrated on the soil surface during evaporation. Simulation linked specific salt species to relic ailments. Salt solution from soil migrated to bricks, forming CaSO4 crystals. Results highlight coupling's role in salt-related deterioration and the need to protect it for optimal relic preservation. Findings impact semi-exposed relic conservation, revealing salt accumulation processes and their impact on historical artifacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cathedral of Valencia, Spain, has preserved the so-called Holy Chalice of the Last Supper since 1437. It consists of a foot, a gold stem, and an upper cup carved in agate stone. Based on a pious tradition, this cup is supposed to be the one used by Jesus of Nazareth to institute the Eucharist. According to an archeological study published in 1960, this agate bowl was crafted around the 2nd–1st centuries BC, but people visiting this famous relic often wonder about its authenticity and about the evidence supporting it as a Hellenistic–Roman cup. Attempting to clarify this concern, a photographical characterization of the agate cup is presented and discussed. The main conclusions are the following: (i) The typology of the bowl is common to classical tableware, but the wall thickness, shape of the rim, and foot are typical of gemstone cups from the Hellenistic–Roman period. (ii) This cup would have been extremely valuable, which agrees with the location of the Cenacle in the aristocratic neighborhood of Jerusalem. This case study highlights the importance of further investigating the dating of historical objects as a key issue to support their authenticity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A joint hadronic model is shown to quantitatively explain the observations of diffuse radio emission from galaxy clusters in the form of minihaloes, giant haloes, relics, and their hybrid, transitional stages. Cosmic-ray diffusion of order D ∼ 1031–32 cm2 s−1, inferred independently from relic energies, the spatial variability of giant-halo spectra, and the spectral evolution of relics, reproduces the observed spatio-spectral distributions, explains the recently discovered mega-haloes as enhanced peripheral magnetization, and quenches electron (re)acceleration by weak shocks or turbulence. For instance, the hard-to-soft evolution along secondary-electron diffusion explains both the soft spectra in most halo peripheries and relic downstreams, and the hard spectra in most halo centres and relic edges, where the photon index can reach α ≃ −0.5 regardless of the Mach number |$\mathcal {M}$| of the coincident shock. Such spatio-spectral modelling, recent γ-ray observations, and additional accumulated evidence are thus shown to support a 2010 claim that the seamless transitions among minihaloes, giant haloes, and relics, their similar energetics, integrated spectra, and delineating discontinuities, the inconsistent |$\mathcal {M}$| inferred from radio versus X-rays in leptonic models, and additional observations, all indicate that these diffuse radio phenomena are manifestations of the same cosmic-ray ion population, with no need to invoke less natural alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamic relationship that exists between a religious rite and its territory is interpreted and analysed by religious anthropology as a form of protection, offered by the sacred to the place in which it resides. According to this interpretation, passage through the territory of what is reputed to be sacred or even its very presence as a sanctuary, drives evil away and is believed to perform a generally stable protective function. Within such a dynamic, the rite that actually creates this sacred passage, i.e., the procession of relics, lays the foundations for an analysis of the two specific variables that are, in actual fact, intwined: on the one side is the rite, and on the other, the territory. Such a relationship appears all the more problematic due to the progressive rationalisation of the religious dimension, extensively dealt with by Max Weber (Weber 1920) and accepted by contemporary sociology on religion, as it is now a supernatural phenomenon that is only considered to have a representational dimension. The internal secularization at the festival of Saint Rosalia happened in 2023, with the landing of the triumphal cart in New York. The rite moves to another new territory and transforms it. The cart of Saint Rosalia, preserved in the Columbus Citizens Foundation in New York, represents the identity of Sicilian immigrants but also a new form of ritualization on a new territory through an "ancient" ritual. When the sacred is located within the institutional dimension of a salvation religion presided over by an institution, it appears separate from any purely mechanical (and therefore magical) dimension, while the territory becomes a variable in which a multiplicity of factors are contained. These factors not only give importance to the very aspects of the ritual itself, boosting its civil and secular parts, but also to the religious programme, which undergoes unexpected transformations introduced by the presiding institution. The main object of this analysis is, therefore, to establish an interactive path whereby, on the one hand, the territory, through its various cultural components (both secular and religious), shapes the religious rite and how it places restrictions on those protective functions, while on the other, how the rite places its own constraints on the cultural transformations that take place in the fabric of society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Main galaxy cluster in the Abell 781 system is undergoing a significant merger and accretion process with peripheral emission to the north and south-eastern flanks of the merging structure. Here we present a full polarimetric study of this field, using radio interferometric data taken at 21 and 92 cm with the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope (WSRT), to a sensitivity better than any 21 cm (L band) observation to date. We detect evidence of extended low-level emission of 1.9 mJy associated with the Main cluster at 21 cm, although this detection necessitates further follow-up by modern instruments due to the limited resolution of the WSRT. Our polarimetric study indicates that, most likely, the peripheral emission associated with this cluster is not a radio relic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radio relics are giant sources of diffuse synchrotron radio emission in the outskirts of galaxy clusters that are associated with shocks in the intracluster medium. Still, the origin of relativistic particles that make up relics is not fully understood. For most relics, diffusive shock acceleration (DSA) of thermal electrons is not efficient enough to explain observed radio fluxes. In this paper, we use a magnetohydrodynamic simulation of galaxy clusters in combination with Lagrangian tracers to simulate the formation of radio relics. Using a Fokker–Planck solver to compute the energy spectra of relativistic electrons, we determine the synchrotron emission of the relic. We find that re-acceleration of fossil electrons plays a major role in explaining the synchrotron emission of radio relics. Particles that pass through multiple shocks contribute significantly to the overall luminosity of a radio relic and greatly boost the effective acceleration efficiency. Furthermore, we find that the assumption that the luminosity of a radio relic can be explained with DSA of thermal electrons leads to an overestimate of the acceleration efficiency by a factor of more than 103. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antimicrobial property of core-shell silver nanoparticles (Ag@mSiO 2) is better than that of yolk-shell silver nanoparticles (Ag@YSiO 2), which plays a protective role in silk cultural relics without interference. [Display omitted] Silver nanoparticles coated with organic-inorganic hybrid silica or inorganic silica have antimicrobial ability, and the coating can also effectively improve the dispersion and stability of the particles. The slow release of silver ions (Ag+) can improve the antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles are light yellow, which does not affect the look and feel of the silk cultural relics and meets the requirements of the principle of minimum interference. Two kinds of silver-based nanoparticles were synthesized: silver core-shell nanoparticle (Ag@mSiO 2) and silver yolk-shell nanoparticle (Ag@YSiO 2). The morphology, surface properties and Ag+ release efficiency of two nanoparticles were characterized. The antimicrobial effects of two nanoparticles on Aspergillus niger (A. niger) and Penicillium citrinum (P. citrinum) were compared. Both of Ag@mSiO 2 and Ag@YSiO 2 had uniform size and good stability. Two nanoparticles had pore structure and silver nanocore, which provided the basis for the dissolution and exchange of Ag+. Because more silver ions were released, Ag@mSiO 2 had higher antimicrobial activity than Ag@YSiO 2 for A. niger and P. citrinum. For various silk samples, Ag@mSiO 2 exhibited excellent antimicrobial properties. Meanwhile, there was little change in the color and tearing strength of Ag@mSiO 2 coated silk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The initiation and evolution of marginal seas, especially those developing under a convergent setting, is one of the more enigmatic aspects of plate tectonics. Here, we report the presence of slab relics in the mid-mantle of the Woodlark rift in the southwestern Pacific based on a new map of the topography of the mantle discontinuities from a receiver function analysis and evidence from body-wave tomography. The widespread mantle transition-zone thickening rules out active mantle upwelling, and the revealed slab relics in both the upper and middle mantle may hydrate the upper mantle, which can be expected to further weaken the overlying lithosphere. Such a process can then promote initial continental rifting when this lithosphere is exposed to tensional stress like slab-pull stretching originating from the nearby active subduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Tethysbaena are small peracarid crustaceans inhabiting extreme environments such as subterranean lakes and thermal springs, represented by endemic species found around the ancient Tethys, including the Mediterranean, Arabian Sea, Mid-East Atlantic, and the Caribbean Sea. Two Tethysbaena species are known from the Levant: T. relicta, found along the Dead Sea-Jordan Rift Valley, and T. ophelicola, found in the Ayyalon cave complex in the Israeli coastal plain, both belonging to the same species-group based on morphological cladistics. Along the biospeleological research of the Levantine subterranean fauna, three biogeographic hypotheses determining their origins were proposed: (1) Pliocenic transgression, (2) Mid-late Miocenic transgression, and (3) The Ophel Paradigm, according to which these are inhabitants of a chemosynthetic biome as old as the Cambrian. Methods. Tethysbaena specimens of the two Levantine species were collected from subterranean groundwaters. We used the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene and the nuclear ribosomal 28S (28S rRNA) gene to establish the phylogeny of the Levantine Tethysbaena species, and applied a molecular clock approach for inferring their divergence times. Results. Contrary to the morphological cladistic-based classification, we found that T. relicta shares an ancestor with Tethysbaena species from Oman and the Dominican Republic, whereas the circum-Mediterranean species (including T. ophelicola) share another ancestor. The mean age of the node linking T. relicta from the Dead Sea-Jordan Rift Valley and Tethysbaena from Oman was 20.13 MYA. The mean estimate for the divergence of T. ophelicola from the Mediterranean Tethysbaena clade dated to 9.46 MYA. Conclusions. Our results indicate a two-stage colonization of Tethysbaena in the Levant: a late Oligocene transgression, through a marine gulf extending from the Arabian Sea, leading to the colonization of T. relicta in the Dead Sea-Jordan Rift Valley, whereas T. ophelicola, originating from the Mesogean ancestor, inhabited anchialine caves in the coastal plain of Israel during the Mid-Miocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the cultural image of child and adolescent labour performed in the People's Republic of Poland in the years 1948–1989 as was presented in the literary fiction addressed to the young people. During the Stalinist period, literature officially condemned child labour on individual farms, but affirmed the labour of adolescent workers in state industry and construction. After the 1956 Thaw, the subject matter of labour was receding into the background, for several reasons. Nevertheless, the post-1956 youth literature also featured labour-related themes: community works, school cooperatives, work in family crafts, tutoring, and shady trade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extraction effect and feature matching are poor in the three‐dimensional reconstruction of metal cultural relics, which leads to a poor reconstruction effect. Therefore, an optimization method of three‐dimensional reconstruction of metal cultural relics based on 3D laser scanning data reduction is proposed. The overall technical design route of the method is shown as follows. Based on this model, the 3D laser scanning method is used to collect 3D images of metal artefacts, combined with colour space and 2D entropy detection methods to pre‐process 3D images, and feature matching of point clouds is carried out to extract and optimize the significant value of superpixels, and a 3D reconstructed visual model is constructed. Affine transformation is used to obtain the affine invariant moment of the structural light parameters of the visual feature lines of metal cultural relics. The light stability adjustment of the three‐dimensional reconstruction of metal cultural relics is realized by using the linear structural light adjustment method in the HSV colour space. The rigid and non‐rigid registration methods are introduced to match the point cloud. The product quantization algorithm is used to linearize the error function, and the block feature detection and matching model of spatial image is obtained. The noise number is judged by the threshold value, and the three‐dimensional reconstruction technology is combined to realize the three‐dimensional reconstruction of metal relics. The simulation results show that this method has good visual expression ability, high feature recognition rate, and improves the three‐dimensional reconstruction ability of metal relics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential impact of vibration from nearby construction on four ancient stone statues in the Qingdao Museum was studied. Simulated but full-scale drilling, excavation and impact breaking were conducted to gather ground motion data which were used to prepare incremental dynamic time histories. The four stone statues were modeled numerically and the models were used to estimate the statues' maximum tensile stress, maximum strain and maximum shear stress in response to the time histories. The most vulnerable parts of the statue are thus identified, and vibration limits were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Early Jurassic and Cretaceous deposits of India are known for their diverse sauropod fauna, while little is known from the Middle and Late Jurassic. Here we report the first ever remains of a dicraeosaurid sauropod from India, Tharosaurus indicus gen. et sp. nov., from the Middle Jurassic (early–middle Bathonian) strata of Jaisalmer Basin, western India. Known from elements of the axial skeleton, the new taxon is phylogenetically among the earlier-diverging dicraeosaurids, and its stratigraphic age makes it the earliest known diplodocoid globally. Palaeobiogeographic considerations of Tharosaurus, seen in conjunction with the other Indian Jurassic sauropods, suggest that the new Indian taxon is a relic of a lineage that originated in India and underwent rapid dispersal across the rest of Pangaea. Here we emphasize the importance of Gondwanan India in tracing the origin and early evolutionary history of neosauropod dinosaurs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cathedral of Valencia has kept an important relic since 1437: the Holy Chalice of the Last Supper. It consists of an agate cup, a gold stem, and a gemstone foot. According to a pious tradition, this cup is the one used by Jesus of Nazareth to institute the Eucharist. Tourists visiting Valencia Cathedral often doubt its authenticity. There are certain queries that pilgrims wonder about, some of which have not been studied in depth. For example: What is known about the family who owned the chalice? Why would Jesus use a gemstone cup instead of one made of glass, silver, or gold? Aimed at clarifying these concerns, the research methodology was essentially centered on a review of the literature. The main conclusions are the following: (i) The Cenacle belonged to a rich disciple of Jesus, who would have lent him a valuable cup of blessing. Quite likely, it was the family of Saint Mark, who had a close link with Saint Peter. (ii) It is unlikely that Jesus used a cup made of glass because this material was relatively affordable. By contrast, gemstone vessels were highly appreciated. This case study highlights the importance of promoting historic and scientific studies about Christian artworks as a pre-requisite to foster heritage tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the repurposing of historical relics into jewelry, a trend observed at the AGTA, GJX, and Pueblo shows. Topics include the incorporation of artifacts from Chinese, Greek, Viking, and medieval European cultures into jewelry pieces, the appeal of wearing items with a connection to the past, and examples of such jewelry, such as carved mother-of-pearl pieces featuring eighteenth-century Chinese gaming counters.

The article discusses current trends in the formation of the church space in post-Soviet Russia. The author focuses on religious practices that result in the presence of symbolically significant objects – relics, votive gifts, donators’ icons, notes, etc., – in churches. These objects build the space of the church as a space of communication with the saints; they form an environment in which parishioners and pilgrims clearly see the channels and means of this communication. Some practices are carried out primarily by the clergy – such as collections of relics and brandea or ordering various reliquaries for keeping sacred objects which the church is either already having or planning to obtain. Collecting relics allows clergy to build the “topography of holiness” in the church, to present the uniqueness of the church in the parish and on the church website. Other practices are carried out primarily by parishioners and pilgrims – this is the bringing of votive gifts, notes, and donators’ icons (sometimes with inscriptions). Various objects that appear in the temple space can serve as affordances for such actions. First, these are wooden icon-cases covered with glass – ‘niches’ in which it is convenient and safe to place gifts. Secondly, these are ‘regular’ gifts – decorations placed on icons by the clergy (as a rule, pectoral crosses and panagia). Finally, the same role is played by the notes, the gifts, and the curatorial icons themselves – the presence of the gift serves as an invitation to do a similar action and bring a note / a jewelry or to order a new icon related to personal or family story (request, need). As a result of such practices, the church space in Russia is actively developing. Reliquaries of various forms are being created; relics are integrated into icons and crosses, turning them into reliquaries; massive icon-cases are ordered for icons, convenient for placing a lot of votive gifts, etc. These processes are sometimes hardly noticeable, but their role in the current church tradition is undoubtedly significant. В статье рассмотрены актуальные тенденции в формировании храмового пространства в постсоветской России. В фокусе внимания – религиозные практики, которые оказывают влияние на наполнение церквей символически значимыми объектами – реликвиями, вотивными дарами, ктиторскими иконами, записками и т. п. Эти предметы выстраивают пространство храма как пространство коммуникации со святыми и формируют среду, в которой прихожане и паломники наглядно видят каналы и средства этой коммуникации. Некоторые практики осуществляются прежде всего духовенством – это собирание реликвий, святых мощей и брандеа, заказ различных реликвариев для хранения как уже приобретённых, так и (зачастую) ещё только запланированных к приобретению святынь. Собирание реликвий позволяет выстраивать свою «топографию святости» в каждой церкви, позиционировать уникальность своего храма в приходе и на церковном сайте. Другие практики осуществляют прежде всего прихожане и паломники – это принесение вотивных даров, записок, а также ктиторских икон, иногда с донаторскими надписями. Аффордансами для таких действий могут служить различные предметы, появляющиеся в храмовом пространстве. Прежде всего, это деревянные киоты, закрытые стеклами, – ниши, в которых удобно и безопасно размещать дары. Кроме того, это «регулярные» дары – украшения, размещаемые на иконах духовенством (как правило, наперсные кресты и панагии). Наконец, ту же роль играют сами записки, привесы и ктиторские иконы – наличие дара служит приглашением сделать аналогичное действие и принести записку / одарить икону драгоценностью / заказать новую икону, связанную с личной или семейной историей (просьбой, потребностью). В результате развития таких практик храмовое пространство в России активно развивается, трансформируется, формируется на новых основаниях. Для реликвий создают мощевики разных форм; частицы мощей интегрируют в иконы и кресты, превращая их в реликварии; для икон заказывают массивные киоты, в которых можно разместить множество вотивных привесов и т. п. Эти процессы порой мало заметны, но их роль в актуальной церковной традиции крайне велика.

The article analyzes three fragments from the travel notes of Vasily Grigorovich-Barsky about pilgrimage sites identified as the house of the Virgin Mary in Mariazell, Loreto and Nazareth. This traveler, who lived in the 18th century, was an Orthodox Christian and his education was very close to European University tradition, was interested not only in the appearance and history of these complexes, but also in the authenticity of the objects of worship. The texts about Mariazell and Loreto are non-critical descriptions, although about the shrine in Nazareth in his description Barsky is doubting about the authenticity of what he had seen earlier. Bringing scientific arguments, he is convinced of the falsity of the Catholic shrine in Loreto and the falsity of the legend about moving the house to another location. His reasoning, at first glance, is a natural part of interfaith polemics, but when referring to the tradition of Loretan criticism, it turns out that the author is included in the polemic that began in European religious and scientific circles long before him. His arguments are of interest from the point of view of the history of the Church, since he refutes Catholic practice, relying on arguments of a scientific nature, and not on theology. В статье анализируются три фрагмента из путевых заметок Василия Григоровича-Барского о паломнических объектах, отождествляемых с домом Девы Марии, в Марияцелле, Лорето и Назарете. Путешественника, жившего в XVIII столетии, исповедующего православие и получившего образование, близкое к университетскому, интересовал не только облик и история этих комплексов, но и подлинность объектов поклонения. Тексты о Марияцелле и Лорето имеют характер некритических описаний, тогда как при обращении к святыне в Назарете Барский задаётся вопросом о подлинности увиденного им ранее. Приводя аргументы научного характера, он убеждается в поддельности католической святыни в Лорето и неистинности легенды о переносе домика Девы Марии. Его рассуждения, на первый взгляд, являются естественной частью межконфессиональной полемики, но при обращении к традиции лоретанской критики выясняется, что автор включается в полемику, начавшуюся в европейских религиозных и научных кругах задолго до него. Его рассуждения представляют интерес с точки зрения истории Церкви, поскольку он опровергает католическую практику, опираясь на аргументы научного характера, а не на богословие.