This study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms of hydraulic erosion degradation in Enzyme-Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation (EICP)-treated earthen site soil, with a specific focus on the Zhouqiao earthen site in Kaifeng. After conducting dry-wet (DW) cycles, tests were performed on matric suction, shear strength, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) on the improved soils at various concentrations of cementation solution (CS) ranging from 0 to 1.5 mol/L. Changes in hydraulic and strength properties before and after the DW cycles were measured. Detailed SEM and MIP analyses comparing microstructural evolution at different CS concentrations indicated that as CS concentration increases, matric suction, internal friction angle, cohesion, and shear strength initially rise and subsequently decline, with optimal performance observed at 1.0 mol/L. Based on the microanalytical data, we propose a model that describes the interaction among the calcium carbonate, water, and soil particle phases. Furthermore, using a modified Moore–Cullen model that incorporates the effects of matric suction, we propose a mechanism for strength deterioration in EICP-treated soils under varying water content conditions.
{"title":"Analysis of strength characteristics of EICP-treated earthen site soil considering matric suction effects","authors":"Jianwei Zhang , Chenhao Xie , Yue Dong , Junjie Zheng , Yu Song , Guilin Sheng","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.12.010","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.12.010","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms of hydraulic erosion degradation in Enzyme-Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation (EICP)-treated earthen site soil, with a specific focus on the Zhouqiao earthen site in Kaifeng. After conducting dry-wet (DW) cycles, tests were performed on matric suction, shear strength, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) on the improved soils at various concentrations of cementation solution (CS) ranging from 0 to 1.5 mol/L. Changes in hydraulic and strength properties before and after the DW cycles were measured. Detailed SEM and MIP analyses comparing microstructural evolution at different CS concentrations indicated that as CS concentration increases, matric suction, internal friction angle, cohesion, and shear strength initially rise and subsequently decline, with optimal performance observed at 1.0 mol/L. Based on the microanalytical data, we propose a model that describes the interaction among the calcium carbonate, water, and soil particle phases. Furthermore, using a modified Moore–Cullen model that incorporates the effects of matric suction, we propose a mechanism for strength deterioration in EICP-treated soils under varying water content conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"77 ","pages":"Pages 364-378"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145880458","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-12-23DOI: 10.1016/j.culher.2025.12.001
Huiming Fan , Yibin Lin , Fengyu Li , Jianan Liu
Paper, as an important carrier of information, is widely used in fields such as books, magazines, newspapers, etc. Paper that serves to transmit information and preserve culture is commonly termed "cultural paper". To ensure the long-term preservation of cultural heritage, anti-aging treatment for cultural paper is essential. Unlike the predominantly acidic papermaking processes of the 20th century, modern cultural paper typically employs a milder alkaline method. This weakly alkaline environment effectively inhibits acidification-induced aging; consequently, the primary aging mechanism in these papers is oxidative degradation. The widely accepted cellulose auto-oxidation mechanism involves free radical reactions, wherein hydroxyl and superoxide anion radicals play major roles. These radicals not only accelerate paper degradation but also compromise the effectiveness of strengthening agents. This study proposes a novel anti-aging strategy for cultural paper using a combination of antioxidants and strengthening agents. Results indicate that among four common cellulose derivative strengtheners, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) demonstrated the best reinforcing performance. When combined with antioxidants, a 0.08 % mass concentration mixture of tea polyphenol and sodium phytate (mass ratio 1:1) exhibited excellent free radical scavenging capability. Furthermore, this mixture effectively suppressed radical activity, significantly enhancing the durability of the CMC treatment without adversely affecting the paper's initial properties.
{"title":"Study on anti-aging cultural paper using a combination of antioxidants and strengthening agents","authors":"Huiming Fan , Yibin Lin , Fengyu Li , Jianan Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.12.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.12.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Paper, as an important carrier of information, is widely used in fields such as books, magazines, newspapers, etc. Paper that serves to transmit information and preserve culture is commonly termed \"cultural paper\". To ensure the long-term preservation of cultural heritage, anti-aging treatment for cultural paper is essential. Unlike the predominantly acidic papermaking processes of the 20th century, modern cultural paper typically employs a milder alkaline method. This weakly alkaline environment effectively inhibits acidification-induced aging; consequently, the primary aging mechanism in these papers is oxidative degradation. The widely accepted cellulose auto-oxidation mechanism involves free radical reactions, wherein hydroxyl and superoxide anion radicals play major roles. These radicals not only accelerate paper degradation but also compromise the effectiveness of strengthening agents. This study proposes a novel anti-aging strategy for cultural paper using a combination of antioxidants and strengthening agents. Results indicate that among four common cellulose derivative strengtheners, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) demonstrated the best reinforcing performance. When combined with antioxidants, a 0.08 % mass concentration mixture of tea polyphenol and sodium phytate (mass ratio 1:1) exhibited excellent free radical scavenging capability. Furthermore, this mixture effectively suppressed radical activity, significantly enhancing the durability of the CMC treatment without adversely affecting the paper's initial properties.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"77 ","pages":"Pages 294-305"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145836619","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-12-22DOI: 10.1016/j.culher.2025.11.016
Yunpeng Yue , Hai Liu , Xiaoyu Liu , Francesca da Porto , Elisa Saler , Jie Cui , Marco Donà
Cultural heritage (CH) buildings may suffer damage due to aging, and computer vision can help detect and aid protection measures. However, damage segmentation models for CH buildings still face challenges such as large parameter sizes, low computational efficiency, and limited model portability. This paper proposes a real-time embedded system to segment damage in CH building images based on a lightweight neural network and knowledge distillation. Firstly, an improved YOLOv8n-Ghost model is established, which incorporates the Ghost module and a pruning method to construct a lightweight network and reduce model redundancy while maintaining detection accuracy and segmentation performance. Secondly, a channel-wise knowledge distillation method is applied to enable the student model to learn from the teacher model and improve accuracy without increasing the number of network parameters. Finally, a CH building dataset including seven types of damage in CH buildings is constructed, and the established dataset is used to train and validate the deep learning model. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed damage segmentation model, trained on CH building images, achieves an average precision of 0.824 and can process a 512 × 512 image in 0.27 s (204 FPS). Fine-tuning effectively restores accuracy and reduces the model size to 2.94 MB after pruning. Moreover, knowledge distillation further enhances feature extraction ability, enabling accurate and real-time segmentation of various damage types, making the model suitable for UAV-based CH building inspections. Two case studies were conducted on a communal building and a Renaissance building in Padova, Italy, confirming the effectiveness of the trained algorithm. The proposed model was successfully deployed on an Android device, demonstrating accurate damage segmentation with high adaptability and efficient on-device processing capabilities.
文物建筑可能因老化而受损，计算机视觉可以帮助发现和协助保护措施。然而，用于CH建筑的损伤分割模型仍然面临着参数尺寸大、计算效率低、模型可移植性有限等挑战。本文提出了一种基于轻量级神经网络和知识精馏的实时嵌入式CH建筑图像损伤分割系统。首先，建立改进的YOLOv8n-Ghost模型，该模型结合Ghost模块和剪枝方法构建轻量级网络，在保持检测精度和分割性能的同时减少模型冗余；其次，采用基于渠道的知识蒸馏方法，使学生模型能够从教师模型中学习，在不增加网络参数数量的情况下提高准确率。最后，构建了包含7种CH建筑损伤类型的CH建筑数据集，并使用所建立的数据集对深度学习模型进行训练和验证。实验结果表明，基于CH建筑图像训练的损伤分割模型平均精度为0.824，处理512 × 512图像的时间为0.27 s （204 FPS）。微调有效地恢复了准确性，并将修剪后的模型大小减小到2.94 MB。此外，知识蒸馏进一步增强了特征提取能力，实现了对各种损伤类型的准确实时分割，使模型适用于基于无人机的CH建筑检测。在意大利帕多瓦的一座公共建筑和一座文艺复兴时期的建筑上进行了两个案例研究，证实了训练算法的有效性。该模型在Android设备上成功部署，显示出准确的损伤分割、高适应性和高效的设备上处理能力。
{"title":"Efficient on-device damage segmentation for cultural heritage using pruning and knowledge distillation","authors":"Yunpeng Yue , Hai Liu , Xiaoyu Liu , Francesca da Porto , Elisa Saler , Jie Cui , Marco Donà","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.11.016","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.11.016","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cultural heritage (CH) buildings may suffer damage due to aging, and computer vision can help detect and aid protection measures. However, damage segmentation models for CH buildings still face challenges such as large parameter sizes, low computational efficiency, and limited model portability. This paper proposes a real-time embedded system to segment damage in CH building images based on a lightweight neural network and knowledge distillation. Firstly, an improved YOLOv8n-Ghost model is established, which incorporates the Ghost module and a pruning method to construct a lightweight network and reduce model redundancy while maintaining detection accuracy and segmentation performance. Secondly, a channel-wise knowledge distillation method is applied to enable the student model to learn from the teacher model and improve accuracy without increasing the number of network parameters. Finally, a CH building dataset including seven types of damage in CH buildings is constructed, and the established dataset is used to train and validate the deep learning model. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed damage segmentation model, trained on CH building images, achieves an average precision of 0.824 and can process a 512 × 512 image in 0.27 s (204 FPS). Fine-tuning effectively restores accuracy and reduces the model size to 2.94 MB after pruning. Moreover, knowledge distillation further enhances feature extraction ability, enabling accurate and real-time segmentation of various damage types, making the model suitable for UAV-based CH building inspections. Two case studies were conducted on a communal building and a Renaissance building in Padova, Italy, confirming the effectiveness of the trained algorithm. The proposed model was successfully deployed on an Android device, demonstrating accurate damage segmentation with high adaptability and efficient on-device processing capabilities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"77 ","pages":"Pages 284-293"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145836620","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2026-01-13DOI: 10.1016/j.culher.2025.12.011
Huimei Zhu , Shaoqing Bai , Shiyu Shao , Jiani Chen , Hui Li
As consolidating materials for the weathered surface of earthen heritage, Ca/Si (CS) and Ca/Mg/Si (CMS) cementing suspensions were prepared to comparatively investigate their particle stability, penetration, reinforcement efficacy, and resistance to weathering. The CMS system exhibits a “bimodal distribution dominated by micro-nano particles” in particle size, contributing to the enhanced stability of its suspension, as evidenced by the minimal concentration gradient change observed during static conditions. Furthermore, the formation of nano-scale spherical M-S-H gel within the CMS system facilitates its penetration into porous matrices. In comparison to CS, CMS suspensions demonstrate a 13∼15% increase in penetration depth and a 58∼69% expansion in diffusion area. Consequently, soil matrices reinforced with CMS suspensions exhibit improved surface hardness, water erosion resistance, and resilience against complex environmental degradation. These findings highlight the CMS system as a promising choice for the conservation and reinforcement of porous earthen structures.
{"title":"Consolidating and penetrating mechanisms of Ca/Mg/Si suspensions in treating earthen heritage surface","authors":"Huimei Zhu , Shaoqing Bai , Shiyu Shao , Jiani Chen , Hui Li","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.12.011","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.12.011","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As consolidating materials for the weathered surface of earthen heritage, Ca/Si (CS) and Ca/Mg/Si (CMS) cementing suspensions were prepared to comparatively investigate their particle stability, penetration, reinforcement efficacy, and resistance to weathering. The CMS system exhibits a “bimodal distribution dominated by micro-nano particles” in particle size, contributing to the enhanced stability of its suspension, as evidenced by the minimal concentration gradient change observed during static conditions. Furthermore, the formation of nano-scale spherical M-S-H gel within the CMS system facilitates its penetration into porous matrices. In comparison to CS, CMS suspensions demonstrate a 13∼15% increase in penetration depth and a 58∼69% expansion in diffusion area. Consequently, soil matrices reinforced with CMS suspensions exhibit improved surface hardness, water erosion resistance, and resilience against complex environmental degradation. These findings highlight the CMS system as a promising choice for the conservation and reinforcement of porous earthen structures.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"77 ","pages":"Pages 429-438"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145976184","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-11-27DOI: 10.1016/j.culher.2025.11.007
Laura Homer , Piotr Targowski , Magdalena Kowalska , Magdalena Iwanicka , Francesca Rosi , Laura Cartechini , David Buti , Haida Liang , C.S. Cheung , Florence Liggins , Patrick Atkinson , Raffaella Fontana , Emma Vannini , Irene Lunghi , Georgios Karagiannis , Theodoros Karagiannis , Angelica Bartoletti , Bronwyn Ormsby
This study presents the results of a non-invasive analytical investigation into eight varnished modern paintings from the Norwegian National Museum, dating from 1966 to 1982. These works, executed in either waterborne acrylic dispersion resin or polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) media, have not been examined before. They form part of a broader research initiative aimed at documenting the use and degradation of synthetic, waterborne varnishes over acrylic and vinyl paints in the context of Norwegian modern art, and the implications for conservation treatments. The eight paintings were examined through the mobile laboratory (MOLAB) platform of the European infrastructure for Heritage Science (E-RIHS). Multiple complementary techniques, including optical coherence tomography (OCT), external reflection infrared spectroscopy (ERIRS), x-ray fluorescence (XRF) mapping and optical micro-profilometry, were employed to identify binders and pigments, assess varnish thickness and distribution and document the layer structure without sampling. The results of a central case study, Winter Sun, 1966, by Gunnar S. Gundersen (1921–1983) (MS-02579-2988, acrylic on canvas, 165×110 cm), are presented including characterisation of the layer structure, and identification of the paint and varnish compositions.
Comparative analysis between the case study paintings highlights both prevalences and differences within the materials used, informing material history and artistic practices within the mid-century Norwegian context. This in turn informs conservation approaches to the as-yet unresolved challenge of varnish removal from waterborne modern paints. The findings have the potential to inform the future design of representative mock-ups to test potential varnish removal systems. This multimodal, non-invasive approach offers new tools for understanding artist materials and supports conservation decision-making by clarifying when and how varnish removal may be appropriate.
本研究展示了对挪威国家博物馆1966年至1982年期间的八幅清漆现代绘画进行非侵入性分析调查的结果。这些作品是在水性丙烯酸分散树脂或聚氯乙烯（PVAc）介质中进行的，以前从未被检查过。它们是一项更广泛的研究计划的一部分，该计划旨在记录挪威现代艺术背景下合成水性清漆与丙烯酸和乙烯基涂料的使用和降解情况，以及对保护处理的影响。这八幅画通过欧洲遗产科学基础设施（E-RIHS）的移动实验室（MOLAB）平台进行了检查。多种互补技术，包括光学相干断层扫描（OCT）、外反射红外光谱（ERIRS）、x射线荧光（XRF）测绘和光学显微轮廓术，用于鉴定粘合剂和颜料，评估清漆的厚度和分布，并记录层结构而无需采样。一个中心案例研究的结果，冬天的太阳，1966年，由Gunnar S. Gundersen (1921-1983) （MS-02579-2988，丙烯帆布，165×110厘米），包括层结构的特征，以及油漆和清漆成分的鉴定。案例研究绘画之间的比较分析突出了所用材料的流行和差异，在中世纪挪威的背景下告知材料历史和艺术实践。这反过来又通知了保护方法，以解决水性现代涂料中清漆去除的尚未解决的挑战。研究结果有可能为未来设计具有代表性的模型来测试潜在的清漆去除系统提供信息。这种多模式、非侵入性的方法为理解艺术家材料提供了新的工具，并通过澄清何时以及如何去除清漆来支持保护决策。
{"title":"Non-invasive characterisation of varnished modern paintings: comparative insights and conservation implications","authors":"Laura Homer , Piotr Targowski , Magdalena Kowalska , Magdalena Iwanicka , Francesca Rosi , Laura Cartechini , David Buti , Haida Liang , C.S. Cheung , Florence Liggins , Patrick Atkinson , Raffaella Fontana , Emma Vannini , Irene Lunghi , Georgios Karagiannis , Theodoros Karagiannis , Angelica Bartoletti , Bronwyn Ormsby","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.11.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.11.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study presents the results of a non-invasive analytical investigation into eight varnished modern paintings from the Norwegian National Museum, dating from 1966 to 1982. These works, executed in either waterborne acrylic dispersion resin or polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) media, have not been examined before. They form part of a broader research initiative aimed at documenting the use and degradation of synthetic, waterborne varnishes over acrylic and vinyl paints in the context of Norwegian modern art, and the implications for conservation treatments. The eight paintings were examined through the mobile laboratory (MOLAB) platform of the European infrastructure for Heritage Science (E-RIHS). Multiple complementary techniques, including optical coherence tomography (OCT), external reflection infrared spectroscopy (ERIRS), x-ray fluorescence (XRF) mapping and optical micro-profilometry, were employed to identify binders and pigments, assess varnish thickness and distribution and document the layer structure without sampling. The results of a central case study, <em>Winter Sun</em>, 1966, by Gunnar S. Gundersen (1921–1983) (MS-02579-2988, acrylic on canvas, 165×110 cm), are presented including characterisation of the layer structure, and identification of the paint and varnish compositions.</div><div>Comparative analysis between the case study paintings highlights both prevalences and differences within the materials used, informing material history and artistic practices within the mid-century Norwegian context. This in turn informs conservation approaches to the as-yet unresolved challenge of varnish removal from waterborne modern paints. The findings have the potential to inform the future design of representative mock-ups to test potential varnish removal systems. This multimodal, non-invasive approach offers new tools for understanding artist materials and supports conservation decision-making by clarifying when and how varnish removal may be appropriate.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"77 ","pages":"Pages 127-139"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145621535","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-11-12DOI: 10.1016/j.culher.2025.10.014
Ming Wu , Zhenzhen Ma , Zhang He , Jinghan Ding , Xichen Zhao , Encarnacion Ruiz-Agudo , Carlos Rodriguez-Navarro , Jinmeng Zhu , Xuanhua Li
Mural paintings reflect valuable spiritual and cultural achievements of human civilizations and serve as crucial evidence for studying ancient customs, rituals, and clothing. However, deterioration of the mural plaster layer results in a decrease in the mural’s mechanical strength, thus posing a serious threat to its preservation. Nanolime (NL) is currently one of the most widely studied inorganic nanomaterials for the consolidation of cultural heritage in general, and mural paintings in particular, due to its excellent compatibility. However, there is limited research on the application of NL for consolidating the plaster layer of mural paintings. Here, we focus on ancient tomb mural paintings (ca. 1000 CE), investigating the consolidation performance of NL for its plaster layer. NL is homogeneously synthesized in the presence of additives and subjected to size-selection through centrifugation, yielding a narrowly distributed particle size of ∼40 nm—markedly smaller than the ∼180 nm obtained without centrifugation (NL-C). This novel NL is subsequently applied to the plaster layer of the tomb mural exhibiting limited impact on its pore structure and good penetration depth (1.2∼3.5 mm), which is significantly deeper than that observed in samples consolidated with NL-C (∼1 mm). More importantly, after consolidation with NL, the surface hardness of the plaster layer increases by ∼56 %, and the surface weight loss decreases by ∼67 %, demonstrating an effective consolidation performance. This study provides technical and methodological support for the application of NL in the preservation of ancient tomb murals.
{"title":"Consolidating tomb mural plaster layer with nanolime","authors":"Ming Wu , Zhenzhen Ma , Zhang He , Jinghan Ding , Xichen Zhao , Encarnacion Ruiz-Agudo , Carlos Rodriguez-Navarro , Jinmeng Zhu , Xuanhua Li","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.10.014","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.10.014","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mural paintings reflect valuable spiritual and cultural achievements of human civilizations and serve as crucial evidence for studying ancient customs, rituals, and clothing. However, deterioration of the mural plaster layer results in a decrease in the mural’s mechanical strength, thus posing a serious threat to its preservation. Nanolime (NL) is currently one of the most widely studied inorganic nanomaterials for the consolidation of cultural heritage in general, and mural paintings in particular, due to its excellent compatibility. However, there is limited research on the application of NL for consolidating the plaster layer of mural paintings. Here, we focus on ancient tomb mural paintings (ca. 1000 CE), investigating the consolidation performance of NL for its plaster layer. NL is homogeneously synthesized in the presence of additives and subjected to size-selection through centrifugation, yielding a narrowly distributed particle size of ∼40 nm—markedly smaller than the ∼180 nm obtained without centrifugation (NL-C). This novel NL is subsequently applied to the plaster layer of the tomb mural exhibiting limited impact on its pore structure and good penetration depth (1.2∼3.5 mm), which is significantly deeper than that observed in samples consolidated with NL-C (∼1 mm). More importantly, after consolidation with NL, the surface hardness of the plaster layer increases by ∼56 %, and the surface weight loss decreases by ∼67 %, demonstrating an effective consolidation performance. This study provides technical and methodological support for the application of NL in the preservation of ancient tomb murals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"77 ","pages":"Pages 7-14"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145493117","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-11-14DOI: 10.1016/j.culher.2025.10.009
Jakub Kołodziejczak, Lucyna Nyka
Polders are particular territories where centuries-long land reclamation processes led to the emergence of highly anthropogenic landscapes with dikes, canals, ditches and drainage devices - windmills and pumping stations. The dependence on pumping action was visually evident in the landscape for many centuries, underscoring the identification of polders as both spatial concepts and balanced hydraulic systems. However, knowledge of the centuries-long locations of pumping devices in the Vistula Delta area as historic hydraulic components of landscape remains limited and is seldom incorporated into landscape planning procedures. The goal of this study is to present the process of unveiling the layered patterns of distribution of the historical drainage devices between the 18th and 21st centuries, and to advocate for the development of tools and procedures to facilitate the integration of this knowledge into heritage preservation and contemporary planning. The retrogressive method and geographic information technologies are applied for the investigation of the historic landscape components in the selected study area between the Tina and Balewka rivers in the Vistula Delta. The transfer of historic components of landscape - non-existent windmills and pump stations - as time-related layers in the GIS system enables the identification of most drainage windmills and other vanished drainage devices in an analysed case study area. This layered mapping made it possible to pinpoint locations where drainage windmills and historic pumping stations existed for centuries, strengthening the evidence for spatial continuity in drainage infrastructure.
The analysis demonstrates that the retrogressive method, when combined with GIS and historical cartographic analysis, allows for a precise reconstruction of the layered spatial distribution and historical transformation of drainage infrastructure in the Vistula Delta area. Key sites of ‘drainage technology heritage’ were identified in Różany and Markusy, where surviving landscape features and physical remnants testify to the long-term evolution of hydraulic systems. By representing these historical structures as GIS layers, the approach provides a systematic framework for integrating water management heritage into conservation and spatial planning practices. This approach addresses gaps in heritage documentation, promotes sustainable landscape management, and lays the groundwork for extending retrogressive mapping to broader areas, thereby enhancing the recognition, valorization, and preservation of the distinctive hydraulic and spatial heritage of the Vistula Delta area. The findings support the anchoring of planning solutions for the Vistula Delta polder areas in heritage values and extend an understanding of which elements require effective exposition and protection.
{"title":"Unveiling layered legacies: A retrogressive method and GIS for mapping historical device distribution in the water-dependent landscape of the vistula delta","authors":"Jakub Kołodziejczak, Lucyna Nyka","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.10.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.10.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Polders are particular territories where centuries-long land reclamation processes led to the emergence of highly anthropogenic landscapes with dikes, canals, ditches and drainage devices - windmills and pumping stations. The dependence on pumping action was visually evident in the landscape for many centuries, underscoring the identification of polders as both spatial concepts and balanced hydraulic systems. However, knowledge of the centuries-long locations of pumping devices in the Vistula Delta area as historic hydraulic components of landscape remains limited and is seldom incorporated into landscape planning procedures. The goal of this study is to present the process of unveiling the layered patterns of distribution of the historical drainage devices between the 18th and 21st centuries, and to advocate for the development of tools and procedures to facilitate the integration of this knowledge into heritage preservation and contemporary planning. The retrogressive method and geographic information technologies are applied for the investigation of the historic landscape components in the selected study area between the Tina and Balewka rivers in the Vistula Delta. The transfer of historic components of landscape - non-existent windmills and pump stations - as time-related layers in the GIS system enables the identification of most drainage windmills and other vanished drainage devices in an analysed case study area. This layered mapping made it possible to pinpoint locations where drainage windmills and historic pumping stations existed for centuries, strengthening the evidence for spatial continuity in drainage infrastructure.</div><div>The analysis demonstrates that the retrogressive method, when combined with GIS and historical cartographic analysis, allows for a precise reconstruction of the layered spatial distribution and historical transformation of drainage infrastructure in the Vistula Delta area. Key sites of ‘drainage technology heritage’ were identified in Różany and Markusy, where surviving landscape features and physical remnants testify to the long-term evolution of hydraulic systems. By representing these historical structures as GIS layers, the approach provides a systematic framework for integrating water management heritage into conservation and spatial planning practices. This approach addresses gaps in heritage documentation, promotes sustainable landscape management, and lays the groundwork for extending retrogressive mapping to broader areas, thereby enhancing the recognition, valorization, and preservation of the distinctive hydraulic and spatial heritage of the Vistula Delta area. The findings support the anchoring of planning solutions for the Vistula Delta polder areas in heritage values and extend an understanding of which elements require effective exposition and protection.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"77 ","pages":"Pages 37-50"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145527941","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The purpose of this research was the diagnosis of the detachments and the analysis of the subsequent stabilization intervention of antique roman plaster in Room 38 of the Domus Aurea. We carefully assessed the extent of the detachments in the fresco-decorated plaster before initiating the stabilization intervention. Two methods were implemented: manual auscultation and automatic scanning using the PICUS system. Both produced a map representing the defects prior and after the intervention. The comparison between the map obtained by the auscultation method and the PICUS map shows that they can be superimposed. The map obtained with the PICUS system highlights the most severe defects using a colorimetric scale, which is normally not used in a manual scan. The PICUS system has proven to be a valid support to the classical manual auscultation to prepare the map of the defects of antique, damaged cultural heritage.
{"title":"Detachments detection at the ‘Grand Stairway’ in the Room 38 of the Domus Aurea using the PICUS system","authors":"Francesca Mariani , Michele Lo Giudice , Alessandro Salvini , Stefano Borghini , Giosué Caliano","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.11.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.11.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The purpose of this research was the diagnosis of the detachments and the analysis of the subsequent stabilization intervention of antique roman plaster in Room 38 of the <em>Domus Aurea</em>. We carefully assessed the extent of the detachments in the fresco-decorated plaster before initiating the stabilization intervention. Two methods were implemented: manual auscultation and automatic scanning using the PICUS system. Both produced a map representing the defects prior and after the intervention. The comparison between the map obtained by the auscultation method and the PICUS map shows that they can be superimposed. The map obtained with the PICUS system highlights the most severe defects using a colorimetric scale, which is normally not used in a manual scan. The PICUS system has proven to be a valid support to the classical manual auscultation to prepare the map of the defects of antique, damaged cultural heritage.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"77 ","pages":"Pages 81-86"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145577756","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-11-14DOI: 10.1016/j.culher.2025.10.024
Silvia Marín-Ortega , Manuel Ángel Iglesias-Campos , M․ Àngels Calvo i Torras
This research evaluates microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) generated by means of two endogenous bacterial strains inhabiting Titanochelon richardi (formerly Cheirogaster richardi) fossil bone remains; in this case, Bacillus subtilis and Sporosarcina pasteurii. Both bacterial strains were inoculated on different samples to study their possible effectiveness and to verify whether an improvement in the cohesion and mechanical strength of the fossil surface is achieved by the formation of a bioconsolidated carbonate matrix within the specimen. Treatment chemical compatibility was also considered as well as non-occurrence of noticeable changes in the main properties and appearance of the substrate. Several methods were used to analyse and compare samples before and after treatment and the benefits and limitations of both treatments, including ATP analysis, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-ray Diffraction, surface roughness analysis, pH and conductivity measurements, weight monitoring, water absorption tests, Vickers microindentation, peeling tape test and spectrophotometry. Results indicate that both strains, with some differences between them, significantly improved fossil hardness and cohesion by filling pores, valleys and fissures and by binding disaggregated particles with minimal impact on surface topography and appearance. Weight, pH and conductivity hardly changed, while porosity was reduced but not blocked.
Overall, bioconsolidation with both strains proved to be effective and highly compatible with carbonate fossil bones, making it a feasible, suitable and alternative treatment for these substrates. Furthermore, bacterial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation is a safe and environmentally sustainable technique for consolidation treatments.
{"title":"Comparative evaluation of fossil bone bioconsolidation via two endogenous bacterial strains: Bacillus subtilis and Sporosarcina pasteurii","authors":"Silvia Marín-Ortega , Manuel Ángel Iglesias-Campos , M․ Àngels Calvo i Torras","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.10.024","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.10.024","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This research evaluates microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) generated by means of two endogenous bacterial strains inhabiting <em>Titanochelon richardi</em> (formerly <em>Cheirogaster richardi</em>) fossil bone remains; in this case, <em>Bacillus subtilis</em> and <em>Sporosarcina pasteurii.</em> Both bacterial strains were inoculated on different samples to study their possible effectiveness and to verify whether an improvement in the cohesion and mechanical strength of the fossil surface is achieved by the formation of a bioconsolidated carbonate matrix within the specimen. Treatment chemical compatibility was also considered as well as non-occurrence of noticeable changes in the main properties and appearance of the substrate. Several methods were used to analyse and compare samples before and after treatment and the benefits and limitations of both treatments, including ATP analysis, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-ray Diffraction, surface roughness analysis, pH and conductivity measurements, weight monitoring, water absorption tests, Vickers microindentation, peeling tape test and spectrophotometry. Results indicate that both strains, with some differences between them, significantly improved fossil hardness and cohesion by filling pores, valleys and fissures and by binding disaggregated particles with minimal impact on surface topography and appearance. Weight, pH and conductivity hardly changed, while porosity was reduced but not blocked.</div><div>Overall, bioconsolidation with both strains proved to be effective and highly compatible with carbonate fossil bones, making it a feasible, suitable and alternative treatment for these substrates. Furthermore, bacterial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation is a safe and environmentally sustainable technique for consolidation treatments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"77 ","pages":"Pages 51-66"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145527911","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-12-29DOI: 10.1016/j.culher.2025.10.017
T. Venkatachalam , J.C. Day , S. Jain , W. Megarry , C. Cameron , S.F. Heron
Climate change is ubiquitous and progressively more evident than other threats, affecting all types of World Heritage. However, comprehensive assessments of climate impacts upon all individual heritage properties are improbable given the extent and urgency of the challenge. Grouping properties by their similar values, common threats and/or geographic co-location is one approach to accelerate the evaluation of climate risk. This paper develops and demonstrates a thematic analysis methodology for grouping properties into themes and sub-themes based upon their similar cultural heritage characteristics. Defining thematically representative groups of properties can inform and facilitate assessments of climate vulnerability of properties with similar values, as well as enabling strategic networks of site managers whose responsibilities include managing similar threats. The Indian Subcontinent was selected for this analysis due to the variety of cultural World Heritage properties spread over a range of natural settings and climatic regions. The 49 properties analysed include some that are widely recognised (e.g., Taj Mahal, Red Fort Complex), as well as other lesser known but no less significant cultural locations. The framework developed here is a valuable standalone tool for decision making providing a practical management strategy that can aid policy and practice; however, it also contributes to a broader understanding of the climate vulnerability and risk to cultural heritage. Eight cultural thematic groups developed here were standardised and validated against existing international cultural heritage categories to ensure transferability to other geographical and heritage regions. Within these, 71 sub-themes were identified that reflect region-specific heritage aspects. Beyond climate-change applications, the thematic framework and outcomes have potential to influence heritage management more broadly.
{"title":"Thematic analysis and characterisation to support climate vulnerability assessments of cultural World Heritage","authors":"T. Venkatachalam , J.C. Day , S. Jain , W. Megarry , C. Cameron , S.F. Heron","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.10.017","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.10.017","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Climate change is ubiquitous and progressively more evident than other threats, affecting all types of World Heritage. However, comprehensive assessments of climate impacts upon all individual heritage properties are improbable given the extent and urgency of the challenge. Grouping properties by their similar values, common threats and/or geographic co-location is one approach to accelerate the evaluation of climate risk. This paper develops and demonstrates a thematic analysis methodology for grouping properties into themes and sub-themes based upon their similar cultural heritage characteristics. Defining thematically representative groups of properties can inform and facilitate assessments of climate vulnerability of properties with similar values, as well as enabling strategic networks of site managers whose responsibilities include managing similar threats. The Indian Subcontinent was selected for this analysis due to the variety of cultural World Heritage properties spread over a range of natural settings and climatic regions. The 49 properties analysed include some that are widely recognised (e.g., Taj Mahal, Red Fort Complex), as well as other lesser known but no less significant cultural locations. The framework developed here is a valuable standalone tool for decision making providing a practical management strategy that can aid policy and practice; however, it also contributes to a broader understanding of the climate vulnerability and risk to cultural heritage. Eight cultural thematic groups developed here were standardised and validated against existing international cultural heritage categories to ensure transferability to other geographical and heritage regions. Within these, 71 sub-themes were identified that reflect region-specific heritage aspects. Beyond climate-change applications, the thematic framework and outcomes have potential to influence heritage management more broadly.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"77 ","pages":"Pages 315-324"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145880453","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
扫码关注我们
求助内容：
应助结果提醒方式：
京公网安备 11010802042870号