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Digital technology has become crucial for the protection of cultural relics, enabling their acquisition, preservation, exhibition, and dissemination in a non-contact manner.At present, the three-dimensional(3D) visualization technology of cultural relics focuses on the research of non-true 3D visualization, which cannot provide continuous viewing angle and takes a long time to render. This paper focuses on the acquisition and reproduction of digital information related to cultural relics, and proposes to achieve the true 3D display of cultural relics from a continuous perspective based on integrated imaging(InIm). Building up on traditional InIm, an Element image array (EIA) generation algorithm based on local depth template matching is designed by using spatial geometry relation. Experimental results show that the algorithm not only enables naked-eye 3D visualization of cultural relics, but also the generation speed is more than twice that of the compared 3D display data source generation algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explore the freeze-in production of dark matter in the singlet–doublet model where the dark matter is the lightest admixture of the neutral components of S U (2) L vector doublet and singlet fermion. Here, the scalar sector is extended by a MeV scalar mediating the self-interaction of the fermion dark matter, which solves the small-scale anomaly of the Universe. The scalar particle is stable and contributes to the relic density of the dark matter. Self-interacting dark matter scenario demands large interaction between the dark particles, which makes this sector strongly coupled. In this case, thermal equilibrium occurs in the dark sector after the freeze-in, and the relic abundance of the fermion dark matter gets suppressed in the radiation-dominated early Universe. However, the non-standard cosmological evolution in the early Universe helped the fermion dark matter to achieve almost whole contribution towards the observed relic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Anthropogenic groundwater arsenic (As) pollution is common in many aquifers in Southwest China. It is concerned that long-term random disposal of As smelting slag could induce the transport of high-As groundwater into previously uncontaminated aquifers. Here, we used HELP-MODFLOW-MT3DMS model simulations to integrate the percolation, groundwater flow, and solute transport processes at an aquifer at site scale, constrained by weather, hydrogeology, and monitoring data. Our simulations provide a new method framework of the simulated percolation by HELP model and have induced As spatiotemporal distribution in the aquifer. According to the HELP model simulation results, percolation volume accounts for 24% of rainfall over 18 years. This work determined that the As discharge trend was fitted by double-constants kinetics based on the leaching experiment. And this work calculates total mass distribution of As in the aquifer over 18 years. We have found that the sustained As pollution relies on the rainfall that acts as the primary contributor of elevated As concentrations. Model simulation results suggest that 51.70% of the total As mass (1.96 × 104 kg) was fixed in low permeability solid media. The total As mass discharged into groundwater reached 9.3 × 103 kg, accounting for 24.68%. The accumulative outflow mass of arsenic was 8.0 × 103 kg, accounting for 21.62%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of global climate change, it is of great interest to assess the adaptive capabilities of the glacial relics of Ranunculus kamtschaticus DC. of the Urals and the prospects for their conservation has a high degree of ecological specialization for high mountain conditions and extremely low plasticity. It is preserved in the midlands of the Urals on individual peaks. The life form of R. kamtschaticus in the Ural fragment of its range is a brush-rooted non-turf polycarpic grass with erect assimilating shoots of a non-succulent type. The variability of the development of its shoots and shoot systems under the influence of climatic and weather conditions is shown, the preferential development of shoots with an incomplete development cycle is noted. Irregular fruiting, a long period of germination, and rapid loss of seed germination reduce the competitiveness of R. kamtschaticus in the Urals and its ability to colonize new territories. Threat assessment according to IUCN criteria showed that populations of the species in the Komi Republic and Sverdlovsk oblast are in critical condition. [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 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]

Recent analysis of the viability of solid state-based relic neutrino detectors has revealed the fundamental necessity for the use of heavy, A > 100 , β -decayers as neutrino targets. Of all heavy isotopes, and stand out for their sufficiently low decay energies, reasonable half-life times and stable daughter nuclei. However, the crucial bit of information, that is the soft neutrino capture cross-section is missing for both isotopes. The main reason for that is a particular type of β -decay, which precludes a simple link between the isotope's half-life time and the neutrino capture rate. In light of the necessity for a reliable estimate of the capture rate – unimpeded by potentially devastating theoretical uncertainties – prior to using the isotope in a full-scale experiment, we propose an experimental method to bypass this difficulty and obtain the capture cross-section of a soft neutrino by a given isotope from the isotope's β -spectrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the evolution of hypermagnetic fields (HMFs) in random plasma in the symmetric phase of the early universe. The system of kinetic equations for the spectra of the energy density and the helicity, as well as the particles' asymmetries is derived. We also formulate the initial condition which involve the Kazantsev and Kolmogorov spectra of the seed HMFs. This system is solved numerically. We predict the energy spectrum of primeval gravitational waves which are produced by these HMFs. Additionally, the baryon asymmetry of the universe, generated by the lepton asymmetries, is obtained. These results allow us to constrain the strength of seed HMFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a world heritage, the Great Wall is threatened by many natural disasters, such as mountain floods and debris flows. The natural disaster risk assessment of the Great Wall is of great significance to the risk management and preventive protection of the heritage. Yet, there were few systematic risk assessment frameworks for large linear cultural heritages like the Great Wall. This paper constructed a multi-hazard risk assessment model from two dimensions of hazard and vulnerability by combining with the geological and ecological environment in view of mountain flood, debris flow, and landslide. According to the risk assessment of 781 relics for the Great Wall in Miyun District, Beijing, and the analysis of spatial correlation and geographical detector, the results showed that 7.42% of relics were in the extremely high-risk zone. Most of the high-risk relics are defense towers, and more than half of them are endangered of cracking and collapsing. Relics that have strong agglomeration accounted for 18.69%, and they coincide with the Xiadian–Chengge fault zone and the inner ridge of Yanshan Mountain, indicating that the topographic environment and the distribution of faults have an important impact on the distribution of risk. This study could provide a scientific basis for the natural disaster risk management of the Great Wall and similar cultural heritages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to restore the original colours of ancient relics more accurately and to reduce the burden of manual restoration, we developed a novel colour-restoration technique based on the DenseNet algorithm, which was used in a case study involving restoration of Dunhuang mural images and is based on deep learning. In recent years, deep learning-based methods have been an important direction for research into virtual restoration of image colours. Typical, damaged murals were generated from 60 mural datasets as input for the system, and these were enhanced by DenseNet, based on the interactive, digital mural-restoration system. We compared execution time, peak signal-to-noise ratio and structural similarities to evaluate DenseNet, SegNet, Deeplab and ResNet algorithms. In terms of time efficiency, the DenseNet algorithm was 44.62% faster than the SegNet algorithm. Regarding structural similarity (SSIM) values for the four models, DenseNet was the lowest: 1.289% lower than SegNet, 2.442% lower than Deeplab v3 and 1.288% lower than ResNet. In terms of the overall comparison, the repair effect for DenseNet was the best. Our method is highly reliable for mural restoration and not only saves time but also produces better virtual restoration results than other methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unprecedented discoveries during the past decade have unearthed the ubiquitous presence of biomolecular condensates (BCs) in diverse organisms and their involvement in a plethora of biological functions. A predominant number of BCs involve coacervation of RNA and proteins that demix from homogenous solutions by a process of phase separation well described by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), which results in a phase with higher concentration and density from the bulk solution. BCs provide a simple and effective means to achieve reversible spatiotemporal control of cellular processes and adaptation to environmental stimuli in an energy-independent manner. The journey into the past of this phenomenon provides clues to the evolutionary origins of life itself. Here I assemble some current and historic discoveries on LLPS to contemplate whether BCs are extant biological hubs or evolving microcompartments. I conclude that BCs in biology could be extant as a phenomenon but are co-evolving as functionally and compositionally complex microcompartments in cells alongside the membrane-bound organelles. This Perspective discusses how biomolecular condensates are co-evolving as complex microcompartments alongside membrane-bound organelles in cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an important supporting material for calligraphy and painting relics in collections, the silk substrate is generally in acidification. And owing to an extremely high light response, it is very prone to different forms of lighting damage, including color and mechanical aspects. Considering that the Light Emitting Diode (LED) with flexible spectral compositions is widely used in the lighting environment of collections, the spectral responsivity of acidified silk substrates is the core issue concerning the long-term conservation of calligraphy and painting relics. In this study, based on the accelerated aging experiment of nine narrowband LEDs with different wavelengths (λ) in the visible range on silk samples with different acidification degrees (pH values), the infrared spectrum was measured non periodically. Processed with the Principal Component Analysis (PCA), the obtained ΔPC1 was used to evaluate the lighting damage of silk samples. Based on the damage change curve, its spectral responsivity function, that is, the mathematical relationship between lighting damage and λ and pH values, was further fitted. Combined with the previous research on the spectral responsivity of colorants, an evaluation method for lighting damage was proposed, which is the key to the conservation of calligraphy and painting relics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detection of massless kinetically-mixed dark photons is notoriously difficult, as the effect of this mixing can be removed by a field redefinition in vacuum. In this work, we study the prospect of detecting massless dark photons in the presence of a cosmic relic directly charged under this dark electromagnetism. Such millicharged particles, in the form of dark matter or dark radiation, generate an effective dark photon mass that drives photon-to-dark photon oscillations in the early universe. We also study the prospect for such models to alleviate existing cosmological constraints on massive dark photons, enlarging the motivation for direct tests of this parameter space using precision terrestrial probes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One potential legacy of the widespread deforestation of the 1700-1800s and subsequent agricultural abandonment and reforestation across the eastern United States (U.S.) during the 1900s is the establishment of introduced apple trees (Malus domestica) exclusive of naturally occurring native crab apple species. As these apple trees might provide ecological services and a genetic reserve of long-forgotten apple cultivars, a region-wide forest inventory was used to estimate the current extent, condition, and changes in the population of apple trees across eastern forests of the U.S. It was found that hundreds of millions of apple trees currently exist in the forests of the northern U.S. with indications of population senescence as the abundance of seedlings and saplings decline while the abundance of the largest-sized trees and standing dead trees increase. The distribution of forest apple trees is only aligned with native crab apple distributions in limited areas, suggesting distinct feral apple populations derived from agricultural abandonment decades ago. As these extant apple trees are likely relics of former orchards and/or their naturally dispersed progeny, these populations may serve as an in-situ gene bank representing hundreds, if not thousands, of apple cultivars forgotten long ago but adapted to local conditions and perhaps of importance to ensuring the future resilience of domestic apple production in the context of global change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultural relic conservation capability is an important issue in cultural relic conservation research, and it is critical to decrease the vulnerability of immovable cultural relics to rainfall hazards. Commonly used vulnerability assessment methods are subjective, are mostly applied to regional conditions, and cannot accurately assess the vulnerability of cultural relics. In addition, it is impossible to predict the future vulnerability of cultural relics. Therefore, this study proposed a machine learning-based vulnerability assessment method that not only can assess cultural relics individually but also predict the vulnerability of cultural relics under different rainfall hazard intensities. An extreme rainfall event in Henan Province in 2021 was selected as an example, with a survey report on the damage to cultural relics as a database. The results imply that the back propagation (BP) neural network-based method of assessing the vulnerability of immovable cultural relics is reliable, with an accuracy rate higher than 92%. Based on this model to predict the vulnerability of Zhengzhou City's cultural relics, the vulnerability levels of cultural relics under different recurrence periods of heavy rainfall were obtained. Among them, the vulnerability of ancient sites is higher than those of other cultural relic types. The assessment model used in this study is suitable for predicting the vulnerability of immovable cultural relics to heavy rainfall hazards and can provide a technical means for cultural relic conservation studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water seepage in grotto relics, i.e., Yungang Grottoes, Dazu Rock Carvings, is a key issue to accurately describe the deterioration and weathering process of grotto rock mass. Considering rainfall infiltration, Finite element simulation was performed for studying the water flow through macro-channel of fractured rock in the 4th cave of Yungang Grottoes, where a group of joints with directions of S62°E and N5°W are widely developed. A 3D atom-based representative model was derived from X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and the related semi-quantitative calculation of grotto rock powders, for visualizing the associated seepage characteristics through micro-channel by means of molecular dynamics simulation, for the first time. By analyzing various properties, ranging from the configuration and energetic behaviors to the dynamic characteristics, the calculated water flux and mass flow rate were equal to 270 ns−1 and 8.10 × 10–12 g s−1, respectively. A dynamic process of water transport from the entrance region to the exit region was examined and it is consistent with the relative concentration profiles at the corresponding stage. The tagged O atoms experienced a zigzag movement instead of linear motion as expected, roughly exhibited the same target direction. The seepage characteristics in grotto relics experienced a complex evolution process and three types can be summarized: water infiltrates through micro-channels with a low flow rate; it flows through fracture with a relatively high flow rate; it turned into a kind of analogous pipe flow in inter-connected fracture network, resulting in water seepage hazard. Current simulation studies provide helpful insights for understanding the water flow-infiltration behavior of fractured rock in grotto relics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many degradation processes of cultural heritage objects are associated with unsuitable microclimatic conditions. One of the most ubiquitous deteriorations is the crystallization of salts in pores, which can accelerate the erosion rate of masonry historical relics. In this study, the microclimate of the burial tomb and exfoliation of sandstone in the Yongling Mausoleum of the Former Shu Dynasty in Chengdu were monitored for 1 year to determine the development of the degradation. We established a connection between the monitoring data and exfoliation variations of the stone with time. To predict the deterioration of the stone, a three-dimensional computational finite element model was used to simulate the detailed process of the thermo-hygrometric performance that led to salt crystallization and artwork deterioration. Two results were obtained. In the simulation of the microclimate, the temperature ranged from 15 to 22.6 °C, and the relative humidity was heterogeneous and varied between 60 and 100%. The other was the relationship between the microclimate and exfoliation. It was found that the exfoliation was more severe in the higher relative humidity areas where the water vapor frequently interacted with the relics. The crystallization and hydration of sulfate produced stress, which damaged the stone relics. These results provide a rationale analysis and a reference for better management of the environmental interactions and reduction of the environmental impacts in the subsequent scientific conservation of ancient Chinese cultural relics in tombs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We revisit the thermal production and annihilation of magnetic monopoles and their relic abundance in order to gain a deeper physical interpretation on the monopole phenomenology predicted from the Baines et al.'s effective field theory, recently proposed in the description of monopole pair production via Drell–Yan and photon fusion processes. In this sense, we use of the vacuum cross sections for the Drell–Yan reactions derived within the mentioned framework to evaluate the cross section averaged over the thermal distribution associated to other particles that constitute the hot medium where the monopoles propagate. In the considered range of monopole mass with spin-zero and spin-half, our findings suggest that the thermally averaged cross sections for the pair production are highly suppressed, while at higher temperatures those for the annihilation of lighter pairs reach larger magnitudes. Besides, we observe that smaller temperature leads to a rate of annihilation for scalar monopoles smaller than the one for fermionic monopoles, which might be interpreted as a theoretical evidence of a more pronounced stability for spin-zero and heavier monopoles. Then we input these thermally averaged cross sections into the kinetic equation that describes the evolution of the monopole abundance via an extension of a freeze-out theory. Our results infer that heavier monopoles achieve the equilibrium at earlier stages of the expansion, and consequently at higher temperatures. In addition, larger monopole masses produce higher values of the relic abundance. Besides, the results indicate that the abundance does not behave differently for spin-zero and spin-half relic monopoles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Starobinsky inflationary model of theoretical description of the early Universe is used to calculate the precision parameters of relic microwave radiation by analytical and numerical methods with allowance for subleading corrections to the number of e-foldings characterizing duration of inflation. The Mukhanov–Chibisov formula for the spectral index of scalar relic radiation perturbations is generalized with accuracy up to cubic terms of the number e-foldings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of wireless sensor network (WSN) technology, image restoration technology based on WSN has gradually become a research hotspot. This paper aims to study the image restoration technology based on adaptive segmentation and wireless sensor network, and explore its application in museum VR platform to improve the accuracy and efficiency of image restoration. The image data is transmitted through wireless sensor network, and the collaborative processing ability of sensor nodes is used to restore the image. In this paper, the museum VR platform is built, and the research is simulated and tested. The experimental results show that the image restoration technology based on adaptive segmentation and wireless sensor network has a significant improvement in image quality and recovery speed. Compared with traditional methods, this technology can better maintain the details and texture of the image, and has higher stability and anti-interference ability, which can not only improve the virtual experience of users, but also provide strong support for the protection of cultural relics and digital management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continental-rifting of Arabia from Nubia, and the initial evolution of the Red Sea spreading center includes many of the continental-rifting to ocean-spreading processes, in particular transform formation, and the eventual development of a mid-ocean ridge. The recent occurrence of this rifting and the multi-stage evolution of the plate boundary has preserved of key components of the early-stage plate boundary development. We find that the Makkah–Madinah Transform Zone (MMTZ) represents a rift-to-rift continental transform fault that served as a primary component of the initial plate boundary between Arabia and Nubia. It connected the more evolved southern Red Sea mid-ocean ridge to the initially dominant Sirhan Rift. During this time, the MMTZ served as a primary lithospheric-scale boundary between the Arabia and Nubia plates. The Sirhan Rift and the MMTZ connection to the Red Sea spreading center was mostly abandoned with the development of the Dead Sea fault, and localization of extension in the present-day northern Red Sea. The transition to the present tectonic setting suggests an ephemeral rift–rift–transform triple junction within the central Red Sea connecting the localized southern Red Sea rift, a developing northern Red Sea rift, and the MMTZ transform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dragon washbasin is one of Chinese cultural relics, which could produce interesting water spurting phenomenon when rubbing by hands. The multi-degree-of-freedom modal model is established in this work. By means of the perturbation method, the perturbation solution of the modal piece-wise governing equations is obtained, with the help of a method to determine the integral limits in integration process of the perturbation method when the term of the governing equation is piece-wise. Based on the perturbation solution, the general amplitude–frequency and phase–frequency curves are given to illustrate the effects of the physical parameters. The results match well with numerical ones and provide more detailed descriptions of the system. As the dragon washbasin is a classical type of solid–liquid coupling system, the results can be used for reference to other complex research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

If the refractive index of the relic gravitons increases during a conventional stage of inflationary evolution the spectral energy density is blue at intermediate frequencies above the fHz and then flattens out after a knee that is typically smaller than the mHz. We investigate here the conditions leading to a sufficiently large spectral energy density in the nHz range where some peculiar signatures observed with the pulsar timing arrays have been recently attributed to cosmic gravitons. If these potential evidences are combined with the most recent bounds provided by wide-band interferometers in the audio range (i.e. between few Hz and the kHz) the allowed regions of the parameter space are compatible with both determinations and also with all the other constraints associated with the background of relic gravitons produced during inflation. The present analysis suggests that the pulsar timing arrays are sensitive to the evolution of the refractive index during early stages of the inflationary evolution. This physical interpretation of the preliminary empirical evidence is distinguishable from other perspectives since the high-frequency normalization, the blue spectral index and the tensor to scalar ratio cannot be independently assigned but are all related to the frequency of the knee that is ultimately determined by the competition between the rate of evolution of the refractive index and the slow-roll corrections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are still many difficulties in the recovery and long-term preservation of underwater archaeological artifacts, in situ preservation should be the first choice before further procedures are considered. However, the materials, preservation status, and preservation environment of underwater artifacts are diverse, resulting in many fragile artifacts facing difficult situations. In order to prevent serious damage, it is a safe protective strategy to preserve them in a controlled environment for a long time after excavation. Extraction and transfer of fragile cultural relics are vital parts of this strategy. Due to the complexity of the underwater environment and the vulnerability of fragile artifacts, safety in extraction and transfer still faces enormous challenges. Researchers have developed new materials and technologies to tackle this problem. This paper focuses on introducing and developing prospects to different preservation techniques for fragile artifacts from underwater sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conservation of surface gypsification stone relics using methanol solution of barium hydroxide as a novel treating agent was studied. In application, the methanol solution of barium hydroxide and water was introduced into the gypsum crust successively, and the gypsum crust was converted into protective barium sulfate and calcium carbonate layer. The conservation effect of barium hydroxide methanol solution was investigated by Raman spectroscopy (RS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), water solubility, color difference, capillary water absorption and surface hardness. The results indicated that the methanol solution of barium hydroxide could obtain a good permeability in gypsum crust. Hence, the desulfuration procedure in the traditional barium hydroxide method was not necessary anymore. After treatment by the methanol solution of barium hydroxide, the water solubility of the specimens was significantly decreased, and the surface hardness was significantly increased. In addition, the inherent physical properties of gypsum crust such as pore structure and original appearance were almost unaffected. Therefore, the methanol solution of barium hydroxide would be promising for the conservation of surface gypsification stone relics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concomitant with the promotion of industrial transformation, sustainable development strategies, and accelerated urbanization, there has been an increase in the number of industrial relic restoration projects. However, there are many disputes over the value and development of such industrial relic restoration projects. In this work, we identified three evaluation indicators based on a study of 106 industrial relic restoration projects in China. A value assessment model composed of five parts combining the Delphi method and analytic hierarchy process was established. The results show that an effective assessment of the value of industrial relic restoration projects can enable the effective use of green technology, reduce construction costs, protect industrial heritage, and inherit historical culture. In addition, there are many uncertain factors in developing these projects, such as brownfield pollution and dilapidated buildings, and appropriate renewal strategies can reduce safety risks as well as maximize the heritage value. As there is limited research assessing the value of industrial relic restoration projects in China, our study can serve as a reference for the value assessment of existing building restoration projects including historical blocks and livable villages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the value of an art piece, authenticity of the artwork must be verified. We demonstrate here a genetic approach to determine origin of a historic relic in the museum piece. We tested two hair shafts of unknown origin framed into a watercolor portrait of Tsesarevich Alexei Romanov, son of the last Russian Tzar Nicholas II, which is a unique item kept in the State Historical Museum. Genetic identification of the hair shafts was performed by analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) markers using both massive parallel genomic sequencing and multiplex targeted PCR, followed by Sanger sequencing. In previous works, we reconstructed the complete mtDNA sequence inherited to Alexei Romanov through the Queen Victoria lineage [Rogaev et al. (2009) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 106, 5258-5263]. DNA extracts were obtained from the two thin hair shafts and used for comparative genetic analysis. Despite the very low quantity and quality of the DNA templates retrieved from the historical single hair shaft specimen, informative mtDNA sequences were determined. The mtDNA haplotype in the hair shafts corresponds to the mtDNA haplotype of Tsarevich Alexei, his sisters, and his mother, Empress Alexandra Feodorovna. This haplotype remains unique in the currently available mtDNA databases. Our results reveal that the hair relic from the portrait is associated with the family of the last Russian Emperor Nicholas II. The study is an example of first application of the genetic methodology for verification of the value of museum artwork items. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sufficiently light primordial black holes (PBH) could evaporate in the very early universe and dilute the preexisting baryon asymmetry and/or the frozen density of stable relics. The effect is especially strong in the case that PBHs decayed if and when they dominated the cosmological energy density. The size of the reduction is first calculated analytically under the simplifying assumption of the delta-function mass spectrum of PBH and instant decay approximation. In the realistic case of exponential decay and for an extended mass spectrum of PBH the calculations are made numerically. Resulting reduction of the frozen number density of the supersymmetric relics opens for them a wider mass window to become viable dark matter candidate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper cultural relics such as double-sided printed newspapers and periodicals represent modern cultural heritage. Severe damage such as embrittlement, decay, and dreg generally occur to paper; hence, it urgently needs conservation and restoration. Therefore, herein, a new reinforcement method for the fragile double-sided printed paper cultural relics is proposed with cotton mesh and adhesive PVA217 as reinforcement materials. Using a computer measured and controlled folding endurance tester, a pendulum tensile strength tester, pH meter, pulp viscosimeter, and other instruments, the physical properties of newspaper samples before and after aging were evaluated. In addition, the mechanical properties, chromatic aberration and surface morphology of simulated samples before and after the cotton mesh reinforcement and Japanese washi paper reinforcement were assessed. The experimental results indicate that this new reinforcement method could effectively improve the physical strength, chromatic aberration and durability of the simulated samples. Widespread applications of this cotton mesh reinforcement method for the reinforcement and protection of the red revolutionary cultural relics such as double-sided printed newspaper and periodicals during the Republic of China era are foreseeable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

First order phase transitions can leave relic pockets of false vacua and their particles, that manifest as macroscopic Dark Matter. We compute one predictive model: a gauge theory with a dark quark relic heavier than the confinement scale. During the first order phase transition to confinement, dark quarks remain in the false vacuum and get compressed, forming Fermi balls that can undergo gravitational collapse to stable dark dwarfs (bound states analogous to white dwarfs) near the Chandrasekhar limit, or primordial black holes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce DRAKE, a numerical precision tool for predicting the dark matter relic abundance also in situations where the standard assumption of kinetic equilibrium during the freeze-out process may not be satisfied. DRAKE comes with a set of three dedicated Boltzmann equation solvers that implement, respectively, the traditionally adopted equation for the dark matter number density, fluid-like equations that couple the evolution of number density and velocity dispersion, and a full numerical evolution of the phase-space distribution. We review the general motivation for these approaches and, for illustration, highlight three concrete classes of models where kinetic and chemical decoupling are intertwined in a way that quantitatively impacts the relic density: (i) dark matter annihilation via a narrow resonance, (ii) Sommerfeld-enhanced annihilation and (iii) 'forbidden' annihilation to final states that are kinematically inaccessible at threshold. We discuss all these cases in some detail, demonstrating that the commonly adopted, traditional treatment can result in an estimate of the relic density that is wrong by up to an order of magnitude. The public release of DRAKE, along with several examples of how to calculate the relic density in concrete models, is provided at drake.hepforge.org [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The creative cultural product design, relating to both typical regional cultures and traditional cultural elements, is a hot issue in recent years. However, there is still a lack of systematic and efficient designing methods to guide designing practices. In order to fill this research gap, this paper proposes a new design method based on F-AHP (Fuzzy-Analytic Hierarchy Process) and entropy computation to extract traditional cultural shape design elements from a set of images of cultural relics. Firstly, we collect a set of culture object related to descriptive and adjective words that can express users' emotional perception and narrow down them into a shortlist via a fitness evaluation process. Secondly, we analyze and extract common shape elements with image processing tools and user choices. Thirdly, we create a full mapping between the shortlisted culture descriptive words and the identified common shape elements and determine the weighting of each shape element against each evaluation indicator through F-AHP. Fourthly, we construct decision-making matrix and extract key shape elements with high information entropy. Finally, we start designing products with extracted cultural elements. A case study of Han Dynasty potter figurines was conducted to verify the feasibility of the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The review considers the contribution of the results of measuring fluctuations of relic cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation to cosmological model and the latest results of observational cosmology. We discussed the basics of the modern cosmological model, the stages of obtaining information from observational data of the Planck space observatory, namely, analysis of time series of observations, construction procedures maps, pixelation, separation of background components, calculation of the angular power spectrum, and determination of cosmological parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study collective features of the scattering of gravitational waves on relic wormholes and normal matter objects. We derive and solve the GW energy transport equation and show that the scattered signal lies in the same frequency spectrum bands as the basic signal. The scattering forms long living tails which always accompany the basic signal and have a universal form. The scattering on normal matter objects forms tails which have always the retarded character, while wormholes lead to advanced tails as well. In addition, wormholes may produce considerably stronger effect when the total energy in tails detected on the Earth exceeds that in the incident direct wave. In both cases the retarding tails have a long living character when the mean amplitude behaves with time as h ∼ 1 / t + R / c . For a single GW event the echo tails give only a tiny contribution to the mean amplitude. However such tails accumulate with events and form a stochastic GW background which may be observed by the contribution to the noise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hollowing deterioration of stone relics required effective non-destructive testing (NDT) methods for their timely restoration and maintenance. To this end, a new NDT method based on terahertz (THz) technology by using support vector machine (SVM)-based machine learning models was developed to assess and diagnose the hollowing deterioration of the Yungang Grottoes. According to experiment design, a series of hollowing deterioration samples with various thicknesses of hollowing deterioration were prepared and then measured by using THz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS). Based on the THz-TDS results of 30 randomly selected samples, a SVM-based hollowing deterioration prediction model (SVM-HDPM) was established by analyzing the relationship between the hollowing samples and the THz spectral information. The reliability and accuracy of the model was further proved by verified and compared with using the THz spectral data of the remaining 10 samples. The experimental results with the linear kernel function greatly demonstrated that the SVM-HDPM can have superior prediction accuracy, implying that the model is feasible for the prediction the hollowing deterioration of the stone relics. Moreover, one data preprocess was introduced into SVM-HDPM to meet the needs of field-based test. The predicted results of five different hollowing deterioration with different flaked stone thickness revealed good performance with very low mean square error (MSE) value. Therefore, it is believed that the proposed method can be regarded as an effective NDT technique with practical applications in analyzing cultural relics and have promising future prospects in inspection stone relics-like ancient heritage for hidden flaws. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two types of materials were sampled as part of an investigation of the relics of the Holy Catholic Church of the Apostles St Philip and St James in the Basilica dei Santi Apostoli in Rome: bone- and mummy-materials and architectural samples. The analyses encompassed radiocarbon dating, thermoluminescence dating, gas and liquid chromatographic separation with mass spectrometric detection, X-Ray fluorescence, X-Ray diffraction, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results show that the samples were subjected to a number of conservational and exhibition-related treatments. The alleged femoral bone of St James was dated between AD 214 and 340 (2σ confidence), which shows that this cannot be the bone of St James. An encrustation found in a canal in the reliquary in the high altar construction showed the presence of heavily oxidized rapeseed oil, which was radiocarbon dated between AD 267 and 539 (2σ confidence), and a ceramic shard also found in the high altar construction was TL-dated to AD 314–746 (2σ confidence). The two latter dates are consistent with a translation of the relics following the erection of the church at the time of Pope Pelagius I in AD 556–561. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In situ consolidation is the most common treatment to conserve cultural relics, but materials for preserving fragile organic cultural relics in humid archaeological excavation sites are scarce. To solve the problem, a moisture-curable polyurethane (MCPU) prepolymer was synthesized by reacting isophorone diisocyanate with polyethylene glycol 600. The standard acetone–dibutylamine method, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, gel chromatography and thermogravimetric analysis were utilized to determine the change in isocyanate groups before and after the reaction, the prepolymer molecular weight, the thermal decomposition kinetic parameters and the MCPU film lifetime. The results showed that the number-average molecular weight of the prepolymer was 749, and the weight average molecular weight was 1684. Isophorone groups in the prepolymer react with moisture in the air to form colorless, transparent, flexible films. The thermal decomposition of the MCPU films was a first-order reaction, and the decomposition process consisted of two stages. The Dakin equation was used to obtain the thermal aging equation lg t = 4600.82/T − 8.07, meaning that at 15 °C, the sample has an approximately 150-year lifetime. A new conservation material was developed, and its thermal decomposition kinetics were studied, which are significant for the conservation of fragile organic cultural relics in humid environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Being generated, the relic neutrino background contained equal fractions of electron , muon , and taon neutrinos. We show that the gravitational field of our Galaxy and other nearby cosmic objects changes this composition near the Solar System. As a result, the relic background becomes enriched with taon and particularly muon neutrinos. The electron relic neutrinos are the rarest for a terrestrial observer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Screening of the best matching pair of broken pieces of 3D cultural relics is an important step in realizing their automatic reassembly. Herein, a reassembly framework based on an extended Gaussian sphere (EGS) and a similarity function is proposed. First, the inner surface was identified based on the proportion of the point cloud and the smoothness of the broken pieces, thereby avoiding over-segmentation. The EGS model was then used to represent the geometric and color information of the inner surface boundary. The similarity function, which was defined to describe the global characteristics of the EGS model, can help the program to automatically screen the two most similar broken pieces to be matched. In this way, the rough alignment step was completed. Finally, a fine alignment step was conducted using the iterative closest point method. This reassembly framework is effective for broken bowl-shaped pieces. The average screening accuracy of our final method is 93.87% and the calculation time is 9.7 s. Compared with a traditional Gaussian sphere model based on a normal vector and curvature, the proposed method can improve the screening accuracy and average calculation speed by 6.60% and 16.08%, respectively. Experimental results with real datasets demonstrated the validity and effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Megalithic tombs have since long been a focus of debate within the archaeological research field, not least regarding their emergence, use life and the various bursts of building activity in different regions and periods. The aim of this study is to investigate the temporal span of the main burial sequences in the conventional megalithic grave types of southern Sweden, with special focus on the less studied gallery graves. In Scandinavia, megalithic tombs are divided into three main types: dolmens, passage graves and gallery graves. Here, this prevailing typological seriation was tested. The study was based on 374 14C dates from unique individuals selected from 66 tombs. The form, layout and dating of the different types of tombs were studied in order to examine regional and chronological variation in the use of megaliths. By comparing sum plots, KDE models, individual 14C dates and typology of artefacts, the existing chronologies were evaluated. The 14C dates from dolmens and passage graves more or less agreed with the conventional chronology, while the presence of early skeletons in gallery graves was unexpected. The results indicate that megalithic graves appeared more or less simultaneously in southern Sweden and were first used around 3500–3300 cal BC. The dolmens and passage graves were used contemporaneously, although the proportion of early dates supports a slightly earlier start of the dolmens. Some of the gallery graves may also have been introduced at this time, although reburial of old bones cannot be ruled out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tonglushan ancient copper mine relics in Daye of Hubei province is the ancient copper mine relics in China with the most complete preservation, the earliest excavation time, the highest smelting level and of the largest scale. However, deformation and cracking recently occurred in the copper mineral relics. According to the engineering geological conditions and surrounding environment of ancient mine relics, the main factors of slope deformation as well as the deformation were analyzed. In view of the deformation characteristics of ancient copper mines, the deep sliding force monitoring system was adopted to continuously monitor the slope stability of relics. According to the monitoring curve, the sliding force of No. 6-2 monitoring point presented a sudden drop on 13th February through field survey; the reason was that the local collapse of goad occurred around the No. 6-2 monitoring anchor cable, leading to the reduction of shearing force supplied by unstable body on the cable. Through drilling and geophysical exploration, the distribution of goafs around the relics were probed, revealing that the old goafs beneath the relics constituted the basic inducing mechanism of relics deformation, while the method of filling and grouting were proposed to control the goafs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]