Dunhuang Research Academy

Global increasing emission and deposition of reactive nitrogen (Nr) species poses an alarming threat to the cultural heritage and infrastructure. Specifically, this triggers acid rain, abiotic corrosion, and accelerated biodegradation. Given the insufficient information on the intricate mechanisms driving these deterioration processes, we proposes a conceptual framework that links anthropogenic disturbances to the degradation to provide evidence-based insights for conservation strategies and management.

Abstract. This paper explores the application of AI technology in cultural heritage data management, focusing on wall paintings’ condition assessment data from Mogao Grottoes, and constructs a framework integrating graph data structures with an AI model. The method integrates multi-source data from Mogao Grottoes wall paintings surveys, such as handwritten records and digital archives, to facilitate efficient analysis and rapid query of deterioration and spatio-temporal information. Leveraging this novel technical framework, the study enhances the intelligence of cultural heritage data management, offering valuable approaches for the conservation of similar heritage sites. The findings effectively advance the digital and intelligent transformation of cultural heritage conservation, aligning with the focus on data-driven diagnosis for conservation decision-making.

Orpiment (As2S3), a yellow mineral pigment widely used in historical artworks, undergoes degradation that seriously threatens the integrity of Dunhuang murals. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) exist widely in air, which may be one reason for the color change of pigments. This study aims to investigate the degradation effects and mechanisms of four ROS-hydroxyl radical (·OH), singlet oxygen (1O2), peroxynitrite anion (ONOO-), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-on orpiment. By simulating chemical reaction systems, the interaction processes between different ROS and orpiment were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed, and the degradation capacities of each ROS on orpiment were evaluated. The experiments show that all ROS can induce orpiment degradation, among which ·OH exhibits the strongest degradation capacity due to its high oxidation potential, while 1O2, ONOO-, and H2O2 have relatively minor impacts on orpiment aging. It is the first time that a study has confirmed that ROS (especially ·OH) may drive orpiment degradation in environments, contributing to the increasing number of conservation strategies for artworks.

ABSTRACT This study investigates the deterioration risks affecting the Helankou rock paintings, with a focus on the segment extending from Shanhu to Shuiguan in Helankou Town. A quantitative analysis of fissure distribution characteristics — covering ten key parameters such as orientation, number of fissure sets, and spacing — was conducted using the statistical window method. To address the challenge of rapid and accurate risk evaluation, a hybrid machine learning model was developed by integrating Random Forest (RF), Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), and the Sine-Cosine Algorithm (SCA). The resulting SCA-optimized MLP-RF model achieved a prediction accuracy of 92%, outperforming the standalone MLP (76%) and RF (84%) models. The model serves as the core of a rapid risk assessment framework informed by the vulnerability evaluation of disaster-bearing entities. A risk classification matrix was further employed to integrate risk and vulnerability outcomes, enabling efficient spatial zoning of risk levels across the study area. The vulnerability assessment revealed that 47.4% of the rock paintings are already damaged, with deterioration concentrated in the core heritage zones. Risk zoning results indicate that high-risk areas account for 13.1%, and medium-risk areas for 10.8%, primarily located on the rock painting surfaces and within a 5 cm radius. These findings provide valuable insights into the spatial progression of fissure-related deterioration and offer a scientific basis for localized risk management and targeted conservation strategies. The proposed assessment framework enhances the precision and efficiency of heritage risk evaluation and contributes to the long-term preservation of rock art under environmental and structural stressors.

BackgroundSmall airway function naturally declines with aging. However, the precise age this decline begins in healthy Chinese individuals remains unclear. This study aimed to identify the chronological age at which small airway dysfunction (SAD) initiates and its predictors within a healthy Chinese population.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional, multicenter analysis of 462 adults undergoing routine health checkups. The participants underwent standard spirometry and completed questionnaires. The onset age of SAD was determined using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs). Univariate and multivariate analyses identified relationships between variables and SAD.ResultsHealthy individuals aged 55 years or older demonstrated SAD. Age was an important independent predictor for SAD (odds ratio, 1.107; P < 0.001). The AUC of age for predicting SAD was 0.771 (95% CI: 0.730–0.808), which significantly increased to 0.790 (95% CI: 0.750–0.826; P = 0.0347) after adjusting for covariates (body mass index and sex).ConclusionWe identified SAD predictors in a healthy Chinese population with environmental exposure. An age of 55 years or older was the threshold for predicting SAD in these healthy participants.

Abstract The study of Dunhuang art began in the 1940s and flourished during China’s reform and opening-up period. Over the decades, a wealth of research has emerged across a wide range of disciplines. Previously unsolved questions about China’s art and culture, constrained by a lack of physical or visual evidence, have been clarified thanks to the wealth of materials preserved in Dunhuang. These findings have filled critical gaps in art history, driving advancements in the study of Chinese architecture, sculpture, painting, calligraphy, and Buddhist art archaeology, as well as the histories of music, dance, and clothing and textiles. The rich content and artistic materials of the Dunhuang caves serve as an invaluable resource for modern artistic innovation. Contemporary creators frequently draw inspiration from Dunhuang, integrating its cultural elements into diverse forms of modern art, including fashion design, digital media, animation, film, and documentaries. As internet technology evolves, the preservation and study of Dunhuang art remain an ongoing and vital endeavor to foster cultural development in the new era with Chinese characteristics.

The conservation of cultural heritage requires advanced analytical tools to assess historic materials. In the context of the IPERION-CH project, a mobile multi-spectroscopic characterisation system for the analysis of cultural heritage materials, designated SYSPECTRAL, has been developed. This system integrates Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), Laser-Induced Fluorescence, Raman spectroscopy, and reflectance spectroscopy. The first application of SYSPECTRAL in a real-world setting was carried out at Müstair Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983) for wall paintings. In this study, stratigraphic analysis using LIBS revealed lead- and iron-based pigments in black and red hues, suggesting pigment degradation and restoration interventions. The presence of titanium in white hues indicated possible retouching. Furthermore, the presence of Egyptian blue in blue hues was identified through a combination of elemental and reflectance spectral analysis, underscoring the potential of SYSPECTRAL for heritage conservation. This approach offers comprehensive material characterization with minimal impact, a finding that is of particular significance in the context of heritage conservation. The subsequent phase of research will extend the application of SYSPECTRAL to a wider range of heritage sites, with the objective of enhancing the spectral databases and refining the analytical techniques for the purpose of improving cultural heritage conservation.