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Showing 2641 – 2660 of 15962 publications

Optimization and validation of ELISAs for interferon-gamma determination in bison

Wood Buffalo National Park — 2025 — WHEC66F9FFE4D

Two commercial ELISAs, Mabtech bovine Flex and Pro kits, were successfully optimized and partially validated for detecting interferon-gamma (IFNγ) in bison, offering a sensitive and reliable method to diagnose bovine tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium bovis. The assays demonstrated linear responses to both recombinant bovine and endogenous bison IFNγ across a range of 1–125 pg/mL, with high linearity (R² = 0.99), good recovery, fair reproducibility, and a low limit of quantification at 1 pg/mL. These findings provide a flexible diagnostic tool for monitoring M. bovis infection in wood bison, a threatened species within Wood Buffalo National Park, potentially mitigating zoonotic risks and supporting conservation efforts.

Optimization of multi-element geochemical anomaly recognition in the Takht-e Soleyman area of northwestern Iran using swarm-intelligence support vector machine

Takht-e Soleyman — 2025 — WHEEE82A5D9C1

A groundbreaking approach using the grasshopper optimization algorithm combined with support vector machine (SVM) has achieved over 95% accuracy in detecting multi-element geochemical anomalies at Takht-e Soleyman, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northwestern Iran. This method eliminates the need for trial-and-error hyperparameter tuning, significantly reducing training time while maintaining high precision. The optimized SVM model, utilizing polynomial and radial basis kernel functions, not only advances mineral exploration under barren cover but also sets a precedent for applying swarm-intelligence techniques in geoscientific applications. This innovation could revolutionize the identification of undiscovered mineral deposits, addressing a critical challenge in industrial progress.

Optimization of Natural Ventilation via Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation and Hybrid Beetle Antennae Search and Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm for Yungang Grottoes, China

Yungang Grottoes — 2025 — WHE3C2B1FFBE8

Researchers have identified an optimal natural ventilation strategy for the Yungang Grottoes, China, using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and a hybrid optimization algorithm. The study found that a configuration with a maximum total heat transfer rate (Qmax) of 5746.74 W significantly enhances ventilation efficiency in Cave 9 and Cave 10, mitigating weathering and environmental erosion. The approach combined CFD hygrothermal modeling with the beetle antennae search and particle swarm optimization algorithm (BAS–PSO), validated by eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) fitting and on-site measurements. This strategy offers an energy-efficient solution for preserving the grottoes, demonstrating the potential of hybrid algorithms in optimizing environmental conditions for heritage sites.

Orally administered live BCG and heat-inactivated Mycobacterium bovis protect bison against experimental bovine tuberculosis

Wood Buffalo National Park — 2025 — WHE975E422B2B

Oral administration of live BCG and heat-inactivated Mycobacterium bovis (HIMB) effectively protects wood bison against bovine tuberculosis (BTB), with BCG providing superior protection. The study, conducted in Wood Buffalo National Park (WBNP), demonstrated that both vaccines reduced lung lesions and M. bovis burden, while BCG-treated bison showed fewer adverse effects and lower tuberculin sensitivity, making it a promising Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals (DIVA) vaccine candidate. Researchers aerosol-challenged young bison with virulent M. bovis to confirm BTB establishment before assessing vaccine efficacy in a homologous prime-boost regimen. This breakthrough offers a potential solution for controlling BTB in this ecologically and culturally significant species, mitigating risks to wildlife, livestock, and human health.

Orange’s Antique Theatre: Ongoing Research on Medieval and Modern Woods

Roman Theatre and its Surroundings and the "Triumphal Arch" of Orange — 2025 — WHE319783B2C1

Ongoing research at the UNESCO-listed Roman Theatre of Orange reveals that 511 wooden elements, previously hidden within stone blocks, were integral to the structure and its medieval and modern adaptations. Radiocarbon dating of these woods has uncovered undocumented phases of development in the 13th, 15th, and 16th centuries, shedding light on periods poorly recorded in historical texts. The study employed a collaborative protocol integrating restoration work with archaeological analysis, while dendrochronological methods yielded no dates, suggesting complex timber sourcing from diverse environments. Future research will leverage Historic Building Information Modelling to further explore the theatre's adaptive reuse and preservation.

Order and Disorder through the Eyes of Scribes and Illuminators in the Kingdom of Pamplona c. 970–c. 1000

San Millán Yuso and Suso Monasteries — 2025 — WHE66463496B3

Scribes and illuminators in the Kingdom of Pamplona (c. 970–1000) crafted illuminated manuscripts that reflected a deliberate imposition of order amid political instability, particularly during Córdoba's frequent attacks. Two notable legal codices—Codex Albeldensis (976) and Codex Aemilianensis (c. 992)—alongside exegetical works like the Beatus Apocalypse and Expositio psalmorum, embodied a neo-Visigothic identity through structured visual and textual elements. The study reveals that representations of natural order, such as cosmographical maps, contrasted with serpentine or hybrid creatures, interpreted as transgressions. These transgressions likely stemmed from deliberate distortions, symbolizing disorder. The analysis also explores divergent illumination styles—ranging from plastic to abstract—through the lens of Cassiodorus' textual framework, offering insights into how visual art and textual authority interacted in this turbulent period.

Origin and Development of Contortion in the Qin and Han Dynasties: Insights from Pit K9901 of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor

Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor — 2025 — WHEDDAFFC4B6E

A figurine from Pit K9901 of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor provides new evidence for the origin and development of contortion in ancient China. The study reveals that Western acrobatic traditions influenced Qin-Han contortion techniques, which were later adapted to local cultural contexts through continuous innovation. This challenges existing assumptions about the evolution of Chinese acrobatics and offers fresh insights into early East-West cultural exchange during this period.

Origin of the intensely negative magnetic anomalies in Witwatersrand strata, Vredefort impact structure, South Africa

Vredefort Dome — 2025 — WHE35B2480F5D

A groundbreaking study reveals that intensely negative magnetic anomalies surrounding the Vredefort impact structure, South Africa, are primarily caused by metamorphosed banded iron formations (BIFs) at the base of the Witwatersrand Supergroup. These BIFs, rich in magnetite and garnet crystals, were rapidly exhumed during the 2019 ± 2 Ma impact event, cooling below the Curie temperature to acquire a thermal remanence aligned with Earth's 2.02 Ga paleomagnetic field. The research utilized bicycle-mounted magnetometer surveys along 340 km of transects and paleomagnetic analyses, distinguishing lightning-affected samples from those preserving the original paleodirection. Thermoremanent magnetization experiments estimated a post-impact paleofield intensity of 52 μT, providing critical insights into the structure's magnetic signature formation and the role of Bushveld-related metamorphism in magnetite crystallization.

Orophea phouphamarnensis (Annonaceae), a new species from limestone karst in central Laos

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park — 2025 — WHE17DC45D9D9

Researchers have discovered Orophea phouphamarnensis, a new species of plant belonging to the Annonaceae family, within the limestone karst landscapes of central Laos. This finding highlights the region's rich biodiversity, particularly in Khammouane Province, which is part of two significant protected areas: Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area and Hin Nam No National Park. The discovery underscores the ecological importance of these sites, which cover approximately 30,000 km² of limestone in Laos, contributing to the global understanding of plant diversity in fragmented limestone habitats.

Osogbo profile: An insight into urban developments à longue durée

Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove — 2025 — WHE059631F01E

Osogbo, Nigeria, stands out as the only city with a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, blending traditional and modern urban development. A retrospective analysis reveals that while post-colonial infrastructure projects have bolstered its economic significance, unplanned growth threatens sustainability. The study highlights the decisive role of indigenous agencies in shaping urbanity and emphasizes the need for inclusive, participatory planning policies to combat urban sprawl. Synchronization among planning agencies is crucial, along with a master plan, to ensure Osogbo's sustainable future. Fieldwork data from 2024 supports these findings, offering operational policies to mitigate challenges posed by rapid population growth.

Osservazioni sui racconti di guarigione dalle malattie nelle raccolte di miracoli di san Mena (BHG 1256-1269) e di Mena καλλικέλαδος (BHG 1254m)

Abu Mena — 2025 — WHE210E69AA64

Abu Mena, a significant late antique pilgrimage site near Alexandria, Egypt, is renowned for its association with the martyr Saint Mena and a collection of miraculous tales attributed to him. This study focuses on 13 Greek miracle narratives (BHG 1256–1269), particularly those detailing miraculous healings from illnesses, while also considering an additional collection linked to another saint named Mena καλλικέλαδος (BHG 1254m). The research reveals that these accounts not only highlight the spiritual significance of Abu Mena but also provide valuable insights into the development and spread of its cult, especially in Constantinople from the 9th century onward. By analyzing these narratives, the study offers a deeper understanding of the cultural and religious dynamics surrounding this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Out of Africa: Learning from Teaching in the Cradle of Humankind

Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa — 2025 — WHE668EC2D63B

A decade-long teaching experience in the Cradle of Humankind, South Africa's Fossil Hominid Sites, reveals that integrating architectural heritage with sustainable development requires a recalibrated mindset and adaptive pedagogy. The study highlights the need to balance the preservation of local architectural memory with future-oriented sustainability, using autoethnographic methodology to intertwine personal observations, academic experiences in DR Congo and Rwanda, and literature reviews. This approach fosters inclusive learning that transcends boundaries, addressing renewed challenges for architects while enhancing students' awareness of their potential.

Overcoming complexities in urban tunneling: Mitigation strategies and successful execution of Mumbai metro project

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) — 2025 — WHEC551E9192B

Successful urban tunneling in heritage-rich Mumbai was achieved through strategic mitigation of complex challenges. The study highlights that comprehensive geotechnical investigations and pre-construction surveys can effectively address construction-induced settlements, vibrations, and structural impacts on dilapidated buildings and holy sites. The UGC02 Project of the Mumbai Metro Line 3, involving twin-tube bored tunnels (Vaitarna-1 and Vaitarna-2), demonstrated that proactive monitoring, structural audits, and legal resolutions can mitigate frivolous claims and ensure project completion without significant disruptions to urban infrastructure or heritage sites. This approach sets a precedent for future urban tunneling projects in congested, historically sensitive areas.

Overtourism: An Emerging issue in Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh

Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago — 2025 — WHE3F83105BA1

Overtourism in Ha Long Bay is severely straining the region's natural and cultural resources, threatening its long-term sustainability. The study identifies critical challenges including environmental degradation, sociocultural disruptions, and diminished visitor satisfaction due to overcrowding and inadequate tourism management. Key contributing factors include exceeded carrying capacity, localized overload, and insufficient public awareness of responsible tourism practices. Solutions proposed involve stricter visitor number controls, diversification of tourism products, promotion of eco-tourism, enhanced governance, stricter environmental regulations, and widespread awareness campaigns. A coordinated approach is deemed essential to balance tourism growth with the preservation of Ha Long Bay's unique heritage status.

Paesaggi e capitali imperiali della Mesopotamia preclassica: ricognizioni di superficie nell’Iraq centro-meridionale e gli scavi di Ninive e Dur-Kurigalzu

Samarra Archaeological City — 2025 — WHE15597A6C6D

A groundbreaking archaeological project, spanning from 2016 to 2024, has uncovered 120 previously unknown sites in Iraq, shedding light on the landscapes and urbanization cycles of Mesopotamia from the fourth millennium BC to modern times. The QADIS project, led by the University of Bologna in collaboration with the State Board of Antiquities and Heritage, employed a multifaceted approach combining surface surveys, remote sensing, geoarchaeology, and machine-learning algorithms for site detection. Excavations at the imperial capitals of Nineveh and Aqar Quf/Dur-Kurigalzu have revealed new monumental structures, city gates, administrative buildings, and cuneiform libraries. This research not only advances our understanding of the earliest Mesopotamian cities but also contributes to the protection and enhancement of Iraq's endangered archaeological heritage.

Palmyra Revisited from Space – High-Resolution Satellite Prospection of a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Site of Palmyra — 2025 — WHE756F106112

High-resolution satellite prospection, leveraging Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) from the TerraSAR-X mission, has revolutionized archaeological research at UNESCO World Heritage Site Palmyra. This integrated approach combines ground-based geophysical methods like magnetometry and resistivity with space-borne techniques such as optical satellite imagery and radar to provide both detailed and broad-scale insights into the ancient city's layout and buried structures. While ground-based methods confirmed the existence of a Hellenistic town south of Wadi el Kubur, mapping its intricate layout, space-borne surveys revealed upstanding remains and uncovered new buried archaeological features, significantly advancing our understanding of Palmyra's cultural landscape.

Palmyra, the Mediterranean and Beyond

Site of Palmyra — 2025 — WHEB15319A558

Palmyra emerges as a pivotal crossroads between the Mediterranean and Eastern trade routes, showcasing its strategic significance during antiquity. This study reveals Palmyra's dynamic interplay with the Roman Empire, highlighting how it leveraged its unique position to assert influence despite being on the empire's fringes. The research examines Palmyrene society's multifaceted roles—ranging from traders and contractors to political and military leaders—and their ability to navigate and capitalize on the complexities of a rapidly evolving world. By integrating archaeological and historical evidence, the study underscores Palmyra's dual identity: deeply rooted in its local context while simultaneously engaging with broader global networks.

Panicum fluviicola Steudel 1854

Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park — 2025 — WHE4EC67E87B7

Scientific clarification of Panicum fluviicola's taxonomic identity and distribution. This study resolves long-standing ambiguity by designating lectotypes for P. fluviicola and its synonyms, confirming the species' widespread presence across tropical Africa from marshes to cultivated rice fields at 60–1600 m elevation. It also clarifies nomenclature conflicts (e.g., P. purpurascens, P. radicosum) by designating lectotypes for these taxa, ensuring stable identification. The research relies on herbarium specimen analysis and protologue alignment, providing a foundation for future ecological or agronomic studies.

Pantalica Ricerche su un sito pluristratificato, I. Indagini nei depositi.

Syracuse and the Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica — 2025 — WHEEA8F1121BD

A critical reassessment of Pantalica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Syracuse, Sicily, challenges traditional mythologized narratives by grounding its historical reconstruction in archaeological data and scientific research. The study, conducted over three years through field surveys, material analysis at the Paolo Orsi Regional Archaeological Museum, and archaeometric techniques, reveals a stratified landscape of human occupation spanning from prehistory (1250–750 BC) to the Greek period and Middle Ages. Key findings include the site's complex topographical features and regional connections, explored under the CHANGES project's theme of 'extra-urban stratified landscapes.' The research also emphasizes the potential of digital communication for heritage dissemination, offering a robust interdisciplinary framework for understanding Pantalica's significance.

Pantheon Role of the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi

Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi — 2025 — WHEAD59CCA479

The mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi serves as a significant pantheon for the Kazakh people, playing a crucial role in their funeral rites and preserving nomadic traditions. This study reveals that the mausoleum is not only a burial site for revered figures like Khans, bi-sheshens (lawyers), and batyrs but also reflects the nomadic worldview through rituals such as 'put in trust,' which temporarily preserves corpses. By integrating ethnographic and archaeological materials, the research sheds light on the historical practices of early nomads and their enduring influence on Kazakh burial customs.