Editorial Commentary:The History of Controlling and Treating Infectious Diseases in Ancient China

I recently read the article by LIU et all entitled The History of Controlling and Treating Infectious Diseases in Ancient China with great interest.The paper comprehensively summarizes ancient Chinese approaches to combat epidemics,elucidating them through the lens of three key elements of infectious diseases.Summarizing thousands of years of records detailing major infectious disease occurrences across various dynasties is no small feat.

Ancient DNA unravels species identification from Laosicheng site,Hunan Province,China,and provides insights into maternal genetic history of East Asian leopards

DEAR EDITOR,The Laosicheng site in Yongshun County,Hunan Province,China,plays an important role in elucidating the animal population composition of the region prior to the middle Qing Dynasty(approximately 300 years ago).This site has yielded a substantial number of animal bones,11960 of which have been identified to the species level,serving as direct evidence of ancient animal populations(Hunan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology,2018).

Stability behavior of the Lanxi ancient flood control levee after reinforcement with upside-down hanging wells and grouting curtain

The stability of the ancient flood control levees is mainly influenced by water level fluctuations, groundwater concentration and rainfalls. This paper takes the Lanxi ancient levee as a research object to study the evolution laws of its seepage, displacement and stability before and after reinforcement with the upside-down hanging wells and grouting curtain through numerical simulation methods combined with experiments and observations. The study results indicate that the filled soil is less affected by water level fluctuations and groundwater concentration after reinforcement. A high groundwater level is detrimental to the levee's long-term stability, and the drainage issues need to be fully considered. The deformation of the reinforced levee is effectively controlled since the fill deformation is mainly borne by the upside-down hanging wells. The safety factors of the levee before reinforcement vary significantly with the water level. The minimum value of the safety factors is 0.886 during the water level decreasing period, indicating a very high risk of the instability. While it reached 1.478 after reinforcement, the stability of the ancient levee is improved by a large margin.

Sipping Ancient Tea in a Modern Cup

China’s Jingmai Mountain Ancient Tea Forest has gained fame and revitalized villagers’fortunes.“Big tea trees in Aileng Moutain are in bud.We cut the branches down,grow them in our village.They withstand winds,rains,and time.Precious as gold,they bring us fortune and happiness.”Yu Luo,an elderly woman dressed in a traditional costume of the Blang ethnic group,sat in an old village and sang this beautiful folk song,praising the ancient tea forest that has supported her village for generations.“For over a millennia,people here have been living with the tea forest.The small tea leaves are treasures that nature has given us,”she said.

Ink Splendor and Cultural Context Exhibition of Selected Ancient Paintings Collected by Jilin Provincial Museum

Continuing the theme of"ink Splendor and Cultural Context"to celebrate the 6Oth anniversary of the founding of the National Art Museum of China(NAMOC),the Exhibition of Selected Ancient Paintings Collectedby Jilin Provincial Museum was recently unveiled at NAMOC.

Research on Digital Protection Strategy of Ancient Village Buildings in Shanxi Province based on Realistic Experience

As a large province with the most cultural relics on the ground in China,Shanxi has a large proportion of ancient villages in the country.In recent years,the state has begun to attach importance to traditional villages,and the number of ancient villages in Shanxi has been on the rise every year.Due to the difficulty of protecting ancient village buildings and the imperfect and imperfect traditional protection methods,the use of digital protection data retention,display and dissemination can play an important role in the protection of ancient villages.Common digital protection can not provide certain experience for ancient villages,but in the process of digital protection,the sense of experience is not strong,and a technology with perfect visual and tactile interaction is urgently needed to realize the realistic cultural experience and realize the real sense of digital protection of ancient villages.

Huangyao Ancient Town

HUANGYAO Ancient Town is located in the northeast of Zhaoping County in Hezhou City,south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.Around 60 kilometers from downtown,the ancient town covers an area of over 3.2 square kilometers.It traces its origin to the early days of the Song Dynasty(960-1279).The town expanded during the Ming Dynasty(1368-1644)and flourished during the Qing Dynasty(1644-1911).

The Ancient Town of Nanxun

Built in 1252 during the Southern Song Dynasty(1127-1279),Nanxun boasts a rich cultural legacy that has accumulated throughout 700 years.THE ancient town of Nanxun is located in Nanxun District of Huzhou City,east China’s Zhejiang Province,nestled in the prosperous heart of the Yangtze River Delta region.

Spatial structural characteristics of the Deda ancient landslide in the eastern Tibetan Plateau:Insights from Audio-frequency Magnetotellurics and the Microtremor Survey Method

It is of crucial importance to investigate the spatial structures of ancient landslides in the eastern Tibetan Plateau’s alpine canyons as they could provide valuable insights into the evolutionary history of the landslides and indicate the potential for future reactivation.This study examines the Deda ancient landslide,situated in the Chalong-ranbu fault zone,where creep deformation suggests a complex underground structure.By integrating remote sensing,field surveys,Audio-frequency Magnetotellurics(AMT),and Microtremor Survey Method(MSM)techniques,along with engineering geological drilling for validation,to uncover the landslide’s spatial feature s.The research indicates that a fault is developed in the upper part of the Deda ancient landslide,and the gully divides it into Deda landslide accumulation zoneⅠand Deda landslide accumulation zoneⅡin space.The distinctive geological characteristics detectable by MSM in the shallow subsurface and by AMT in deeper layers.The findings include the identification of two sliding zones in the Deda I landslide,the shallow sliding zone(DD-I-S1)depth is approximately 20 m,and the deep sliding zone(DD-I-S2)depth is 36.2-49.9 m.The sliding zone(DD-Ⅱ-S1)depth of the DedaⅡlandslide is 37.6-43.1 m.A novel MSM-based method for sliding zone identification is proposed,achieving less than 5%discrepancy in depth determination when compared with drilling data.These results provide a valuable reference for the spatial structural analysis of large-deepseated landslides in geologically complex regions like the eastern Tibetan Plateau.

Spatial Protection and Development of Traditional Mountain Settlements from the Perspective of Self-organization : A Case Study of Anju Ancient Town in Tongliang District, Chongqing

Through literature research, field research and urban design analysis methods, based on the self-organization theory, the evolution characteristics of the settlement space of Anju Ancient Town with significant characteristics of traditional mountain settlements were analyzed, and then its internal and external influencing factors were summarized. Finally, appropriate protection and development strategies were proposed, such as reasonably planning functional zones, breaking through the single structure, and creating a good living cultural environment. The innovation of this study is that it integrates the self-organization theory into the cognition of traditional mountain settlement space, and discusses the connection between the mountain settlement space and the traditional regional context under the modern development concept, so as to seek the benign protection and reasonable development of traditional mountain settlement space.

Reanalysis on the Spectral Characteristics and Materials of Jade Jue Unearthed from Lijiashan Ancient Tomb in Yunnan Province, China

Jade ware Jue is one of the most fashionable ornament in ancient China from the Neolithic Age to the Han Dynasty.In this study,the remnants of jade ware Jue,from Lijiashan ancient tomb group have been tested and analyzed respectively.The samples through a light etch surface showing glass luster and those with a severe etch surface showing earthen luster.With the aid of X-ray fluorescence Spectrometer(X-ray Fluorescence)test and X-ray diffraction(XRD)detection,the results show that tremolite is not the main mineral of the sample.The main components of the tested samples with light erosion are antigorite and talc,although the main components of the samples with severe erosion are calcite containing calcium carbonate barium.Furthermore,the research on jade ware Jue in Yunnan culture has not only contributed to our further understanding of the jade objects from Yunnan culture and the variety of jade material located in the Yunnan Province.It also provides a basis for the trace of the history and culture through the distribution and evolution of burial hierarchy laws.At the same time,the microscopic observation of the tested samples manifested a residual trace of“string”at the perforation,which has played a critical role in restoring the wearing of jade ware Jue from the tombs of the ancient Yunnan State and the handicraft skills at that time.

Analysis of the Teaching of Ancient Chinese History in the Heritage Conservation Technology Major

Ancient Chinese history is an important part of the curriculum of the Heritage Conservation Technology major.Students can better understand the history of cultural relics and improve their humanistic literacy,which will help them in restoring cultural relics.At present,there are numerous challenges in teaching ancient Chinese history in the Heritage Conservation Technology major.These challenges necessitate the development of effective teaching reform strategies.This paper outlines these challenges and explores effective teaching reform strategies to provide a reference for educators.

Petrogenesis of the Late Eocene to Early Oligocene Yao'an Shoshonitic Complex,Southeastern Tibet:Partial Melting of an Ancient Continental Lithospheric Mantle beneath the Yangtze Block

Cenozoic potassic-ultrapotassic igneous rocks are widespread in the southeastern Tibetan Plateau.Their petrogenesis and magmatic processes remain subject to debate in spite of numerous publications.Almost all of the Cenozoic extrusive and intrusive rocks in the Yao’an area,western Yunnan Province,SW China,are geochemically shoshonitic,collectively termed here the Yao’an Shoshonitic Complex(YSC).The YSC is located in the(south)easternmost part of the ENE-WSW-trending,~550 km-long and~250 km-wide Cenozoic magmatic zone;the latter separates the orthogonal and oblique collision belts of the India-Eurasia collision orogen.Previously published geochronological and thermochronological data revealed that the rocks of the YSC were emplaced over a short timespan of 34-32 Ma.This and our new data suggest that the primary magma of the YSC likely was formed by partial melting of ancient continental lithospheric mantle beneath the Yangtze Block.This part of the continental lithospheric mantle had likely not been modified by any oceanic subduction.Fractionation crystallization of an Mg-and Ca-bearing mineral and TiFe oxides during the magmatic evolution probably account for the variable lithologies of the YSC.

Fractionation characteristics of magnesium isotope in the ancient weathering crust

Weathering has always been a concerned around the world,as the first and most important step in the global cycle of elements,which leads to the fractionation of isotopes on the scale of geological age.The Middle Ordovician Majiagou Formation in Daniudi area of the Ordos Basin had experienced weathering for>130 Myr.Through thin section observation,major and trace element analysis,carbon,oxygen,and magnesium isotopes composition analysis,the dolomitization modes and weathering of ancient dolo-mite in Daniudi area were analyzed in detail.The results showed that the Sabkha and brine-reflux dolomitization modes had developed,and the Mg isotopes in different layers of the karst crust were fractionated by various factors.The vertical vadose zone was affected by weathering,the Mg isotope of dolomite(δ^(26)Mgdol)showed a downward decreasing trend;the horizontal underflow zone was controlled by diagenesis and formation fluid,δ^(26)Mgdol showed a vertical invariance and negative;the main reason for Mg isotope fractionation in the deep slow-flow zone was the brine-reflux dolomitization mode during early burial period,which showed a vertical downward increase.Finally,the Mg isotope characteristic data of the ancient weathering crust were provided and the process of Mg isotope frac-tionationinthekarstcrust was explained.

Sedimentary characteristics and genetic mechanism of the giant ancient pockmarks in the Qiongdongnan Basin,northern South China Sea

In the late Miocene,giant ancient pockmarks,which are fairly rare globally,developed in the Qiongdongnan Basin.In this paper,to determine the sedimentary characteristics and genetic mechanism of these giant ancient pockmarks in the Yinggehai Formation of the Qiongdongnan Basin,based on high-resolution 3D seismic data and multiattribute fusion technologies,we analyzed the planar distribution and seismic facies of the ancient pockmarks and compared the characteristics of the ancient pockmarks with those of channels,craters,and hydrate pits.Moreover,we also discussed the implications of the fluid escape system and paleo-bottom current activity in the ancient pockmark development area and analyzed the influence of the ancient pockmarks on the paleoclimate in this region.Finally,an evolutionary model was proposed for the giant ancient pockmarks.This model shows that the giant ancient pockmarks in the southern Qiongdongnan Basin were affected by both deep fluid escape and lateral transformation of paleobottom currents.In addition,the giant ancient pockmarks contributed to the atmospheric CO_(2)concentration in the late Miocene and played a great role in the contemporary evaluation of deepwater petroleum exploration.

RESEARCH SURVEY: Space, Topography, and Cartography in the Ancient World, Part Ⅰ

Being a Review of Rathmann,M.2022.Tabula Peutingeriana.Die bedeutendste Weltkarte aus der Antike.4th fully rev.and augmented ed.Darmstadt:WBG.ISBN:978-3-8053-5350-2,pp.128 with 41 col.,33 b/w,and 33 col.ills.of parts of the Tabula Peutingeriana,∈100.00.

Dynamic Mechanical Behavior and Numerical Simulation of an Ancient Underground Rock Mass under Impact Loading

To study the dynamic mechanical properties of tuff under different environmental conditions,the tuff from an ancient quarry in Shepan Island was prepared.The impact damage to the rock was tested using a triaxial dynamic impact mechanical testing system(TDIMTS)with different ground stresses,temperatures,and groundwater pressures.The time-strain relationship,dynamic stress-strain relationship,energy dissipation law,energy-peak strain relationship,and the impact damage pattern of the tuff specimens under impact air pressures were investigated.The TDIMTS experiment on ancient underground rock mass under impact loading was also simulated using the finite element analysis software LS-DYNA based on the Holmquist-Johnson-Cook(HJC)material model.The dynamic failure process,failure pattern and peak stress of tuff specimen were calculated.The simulation results obtained using the above methods were in good agreement with the experimental results.The results of the dynamic experiment show that with the same local stress,groundwater pressure,and temperature,the damage to the tuff specimens caused by blasting and quarrying disturbances gradually increases as the impact pressure increases.Under the same local stress,groundwater pressure,and temperature,the energy required to rupture the tuffs in ancient underground caverns is relatively small if the impact pressure is low accordingly,but as the impact pressure increases,the damage to the tuff caused by quarrying disturbance gradually increases.The damage gradually increases and the degree of damage to the tuff and the strain energy exhibit asymptotic growth when the tuff specimens are subjected to the greater strain energy,increasing the degree of rupturing of the tuff.In addition,the average crushing size decreases with increasing strain energy.By comparing the simulation results with the experimental results,it was found that the HJC model reflected the dynamic impact performance of tuff specimen,and the simulation results showed an evident strain rate effect.These results of this study can offer some guidance and theoretical support for the stability evaluation,protection,and safe operation of the ancient underground caverns in future.

Development characteristics and failure modes of reactivated ancient landslides in the Sichuan–Tibet transportation corridor,China

The risk of reactivated ancient landslides in the Sichuan–Tibet transportation corridor in China is significantly increasing,primarily driven by the intensification of engineering activities and the increased frequency of extreme weather events.This escalation has resulted in a considerable number of fatalities and extensive damage to critical engineering infrastructure.However,the factors contributing to the reactivation and modes of destruction of ancient landslides remain unknown.Therefore,it is imperative to systematically analyze the developmental characteristics and failure modes of reactivated ancient landslides to effectively mitigate disaster risks.Based on a combination of data collection,remote sensing interpretation,and field investigations,we delineated the developmental attributes of typical ancient landslides within the study area.These attributes encompass morphological and topographic aspects,material composition,and spatial structure of ancient landslides.Subsequently,we identified the key triggers for the reactivation of ancient landslides,including water infiltration,reservoir hydrodynamics,slope erosion,and excavation,by analyzing representative cases in the study area.Reactivation of ancient landslides is sometimes the result of the cumulative effects of multiple predisposing factors.Furthermore,our investigations revealed that the reactivation of these ancient landslides primarily led to local failures.However,over extended periods of dynamic action,the entire zone may experience gradual creep.We categorized the reactivation modes of ancient landslides into three distinct types based on the reactivation sequences:progressive retreat,backward thrusting,and forward pulling–backward thrusting.This study is of great significance for us to identify ancient landslides,deepen our understanding of the failure modes and risks of reactivated ancient landslides on the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau,and formulate effective disaster prevention and mitigation measures.

Assessment of Contaminants Associated with Gold-standard Ancient DNA Protocols

Ancient DNA(aDNA)techniques have rapidly evolved in recent years,especially the application of single-stranded DNA library construction protocol and the automation of lab work using liquid handling robots that has greatly improved the efficiency of ancient DNA research.These techniques are widely used in the study of ancient DNA.

The Myth of Love and Beauty The Myth of Pompeii-Exhibition of Ancient Greek and Roman Treasures from the National Archaeological Museum of Naples,Italy

On September 25,2023,the opening ceremony of"The Myth of Pompeii-Exhibition of Ancient Greek and Roman Treasures from the National Archaeological Museum of Naples,Italy"was held at the National Museum of Classic Books.It was supported by the Italian Embassy in China and the Cultural Center of the Italian Embassy in China and co-hosted by Art Exhibitions China and the National Library of China(National Museum of Classic Books).