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.

Instance Segmentation of Characters Recognized in Palmyrene Aramaic Inscriptions

This study presents a single-class and multi-class instance segmentation approach applied to ancient Palmyrene inscriptions,employing two state-of-the-art deep learning algorithms,namely YOLOv8 and Roboflow 3.0.The goal is to contribute to the preservation and understanding of historical texts,showcasing the potential of modern deep learning methods in archaeological research.Our research culminates in several key findings and scientific contributions.We comprehensively compare the performance of YOLOv8 and Roboflow 3.0 in the context of Palmyrene character segmentation—this comparative analysis mainly focuses on the strengths and weaknesses of each algorithm in this context.We also created and annotated an extensive dataset of Palmyrene inscriptions,a crucial resource for further research in the field.The dataset serves for training and evaluating the segmentation models.We employ comparative evaluation metrics to quantitatively assess the segmentation results,ensuring the reliability and reproducibility of our findings and we present custom visualization tools for predicted segmentation masks.Our study advances the state of the art in semi-automatic reading of Palmyrene inscriptions and establishes a benchmark for future research.The availability of the Palmyrene dataset and the insights into algorithm performance contribute to the broader understanding of historical text analysis.

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.

An integrated north–south paleo-Dadu-Anning River: New insights from bulk major and trace element analyses of the Xigeda Formation

The Xianshuihe-Anninghe fault extends SE–S and constitutes the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau.However,the Dadu River which is associated with the fault does not flow following the path,but makes a 90ºturn within a distance of 1 km at Shimian,heading east,and joins the Yangtze River,finally flowing into the East China Sea.Adjacent to the abrupt turn,a low and wide pass near the Daqiao reservoir at Mianning separates the N–S course of the Dadu River from the headwater of the Anning River which then flows south into the Yunnan Province along the Anninghe fault.Therefore,many previous studies assumed southward flow of the paleo-Dadu River from the Shimian to the Anning River.However,evidences for the capture of the integrated N–S paleo-Dadu-Anning River,its timing,and causes are still insufficient.This study explored the paleo-drainage pattern of the Dadu and Anning Rivers based on bulk mineral and geochemical analyses of the large quantities of fluvial/lacustrine sediments along the trunk of the Dadu and Anning Rivers.Similar with sands in the modern Dadu River,the Xigeda sediments also exhibit a granitoid affinity with the bulk major mineral compositions of quartz(>50%),anorthite(about 10%),orthoclase(about 5%),muscovite(about 5%),and clinochlore(about 4%).Correspondingly,bulk major elements show high SiO_(2),with all samples>60%,and some of them>70%,low TiO_(2)(≤0.75%),P_(2)O_(5)(≤0.55%),FeO*(≤5%),and relatively high CaO(1.02%–8.51%),Na_(2)O(1.60%–2.52%),and K_(2)O(2.17%–2.71%),with a uniform REE patterns.Therefore,synthesizing all these results indicate that these lacustrine sediments have similar material sources,which are mainly derived from its course in the Songpan-Ganzi flysch block,implying that the paleo-Dadu originally flowed southward into the Anning River and provided materials to the Xigeda ancient lake.The rearrangement of the paleo-Dadu River appears to be closely related to the locally focused uplift driven by strong activities of the XianshuiheXiaojiang fault system.

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.

Mechanism of Tourists’Happiness in Traditional Village Tourism: A Perspective Grounded in Nostalgia and Cultural Attachment

In recent years,traditional villages have emerged as popular tourist destinations due to their distinctive resource value.Typically situated in remote and less developed areas,traditional villages boast primitive natural surroundings and rich historical and cultural heritage.These characteristics offer urban dwellers a temporary escape from the complexities of modern life,allowing them to experience physical and mental rejuvenation,mental relaxation,and overall happiness during their visit.By conducting a review of the existing literature concerning tourists’happiness in traditional villages,this study establishes a framework to understand tourists’happiness in traditional village tourism.Using the Qiangang ancient village in Conghua District,Guangzhou as a case study,the research examines the current state of rural characteristics,the establishment of cultural brands,and the promotion of the active utilization of ancient villages within the context of integrating culture,sports,tourism,and agriculture.Based on this analysis,the author proposes strategies to enhance tourists’happiness,including the preservation and development of rural characteristics,the promotion and preservation of local cultural attributes,and the collaborative advancement of culture,sports,tourism,and agriculture to engage key stakeholders actively.

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.

Pursuing Common Good for All under Heaven

Fairness,justice,and equality are long existing pursuits of Chinese philosophers from ancient times to today.AS a political ideal,the ancient Chinese saying“Tian Xia Wei Gong”,or“pursuing common good for all under heaven”has been influencing Chinese politics and collective mind of the Chinese people since the time Confucius proposed it.

Bringing New Life to the Ancient Grand Canal Celebrating the Tenth Anniversary of the Grand Canal'S Inscription on the World Heritage List

A Grand Canal,spanning ancient and modern times,traversing north and south,flows endlessly.The Grand Canal,stretching nearly 3,200 kilometers and with a history of over 2,500 years,is the world's largest,longest,and oldest canal.On June 22,2014,the Grand Canal was officially inscribed on the World Heritage List by the World Heritage Committee at its 38th session.

An Ancient Culture Fad Is Rising

In recent years,a new trend has emerged where an interest in museums and archaeology has hooked young people,allowing them to appreciate China’s rich history and be culturally enlightened,while simultaneously contributing to the spread of Chinese culture.

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.

Sipping Life With Shaoxing Wine

In the fall of 2019,I left home in Indonesia to study in China,my ancestral home a century ago according to my parents.I went to Shaoxing,the capital of Chinese yellow wine.Since the moment I arrived,I have learned many stories about this renowned beverage.Shaoxing locals joke that yellow wine flows through their veins,and the liquor dates back to the ancient Kingdom of Yue in the first millennium BC.

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.

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).

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.

Application Strategies of Spatial Refinement Design in Ancient Cities Supported by Digital Te-Zhaoyu Ancient City in Qixian County as an Example

Digital technology provides a method of quantitative investigation and data analysis for contemporary landscape spatial analysis,and related research is moving from image recognition to digital algorithmic analysis,providing a more scientific and macroscopic way of research.The key to refinement design is to refine the spatial design process and the spatial improvement strategy system.Taking the ancient city of Zhaoyu in Qixian County,Shanxi Province as an example,(1)based on obtaining the integrated data of the ancient city through the drone tilt photography,the style and landscape of the ancient city are modeled;(2)the point cloud data with spatial information is imported into the point cloud analysis platform and the data analysis is carried out from the overall macroscopic style of the ancient city to the refinement level,which results in the formation of a more intuitive landscape design scheme,thus improving the precision and practicability of the landscape design;(3)Based on spatial big data,it starts from the spatial aggregation level,spatial distribution characteristics and other evaluation index system to achieve the refinement analysis of the site.Digital technology and methods are used throughout the process to explore the refined design path.

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.

Ancient City of Pingyao

Within the towering walls surrounding the ancient city of Pingyao stand over 3,000 ancient buildings,designed in a typical traditional Chinese county style and presenting Chinese ritual traditions and recounting the tales of Shanxi merchants who once walked these streets.