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Publications

Showing 2721 – 2740 of 15962 publications

Pots, People, Place : investigating the use of ceramics in Late Neolithic, Orkney

Heart of Neolithic Orkney — 2025 — WHE646FD30250

Remarkably well-preserved lipids from Grooved Ware ceramics at the Ness of Brodgar, Orkney, reveal intensified ruminant meat exploitation and dairy product processing during the Late Neolithic. This study combines organic residue analysis (ORA) with lipid biomarkers, isotopic measurements, Bayesian statistics, scanning electron microscopy, and ceramic technology to reconstruct vessel use, dietary practices, and subsistence strategies. Unlike previous limited analyses, this multidisciplinary approach demonstrates dynamic changes in site occupation over time, providing new insights into complex culinary practices and the evolution of Neolithic communities in Orkney.

Power of Publishing in Early Modern Tibetan Buddhism

Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, Lhasa — 2025 — WHEF7AD605370

Tibetan woodblock publishing reached its peak during the late seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, significantly shaping the religious and political landscapes of Tibet, Mongolia, and China. This 'golden age' of Tibetan printing was driven by Mahayana Buddhist ideas and facilitated the circulation of books for scholarship, exchange, ritual, and diverse reading practices. The study traces the publication and dissemination of Tibetan texts from the Potala Palace in Lhasa to cosmopolitan Qing Beijing and monastic colleges along the Sino-Tibetan borderlands, demonstrating its enduring influence into the twentieth century.

Predation of Endangered crowned river turtles Hardella thurjii by golden jackals Canis aureus in Keoladeo National Park, India

Keoladeo National Park — 2025 — WHE9DA9053CE4

Research at Keoladeo National Park reveals significant predation pressure on the endangered crowned river turtle (Hardella thurjii) by golden jackals (Canis aureus), with 48 documented instances over five months, particularly targeting gravid females during breeding season. The clustering of carcasses along turtle trails suggests localized hotspots that could pose demographic threats to the species. To mitigate these losses, the study proposes conservation strategies such as monitoring jackal movement patterns, installing physical barricades in high-risk areas, and implementing rescue protocols for injured turtles.

Predicting carbon storage in North American maritime boreal forests under combined disturbances

Gros Morne National Park — 2025 — WHEDE2D621865

A reduction of up to 13 megatonnes, or 40% of the predicted carbon storage, can occur in maritime boreal forests following disturbances like fire and moose herbivory. This finding comes from a study that combined field measurements with remotely sensed data to predict carbon stocks and identify open forest patches in Gros Morne and Terra Nova National Parks. The research highlights the significant impact of herbivory on post-disturbance forest recovery, emphasizing its role in limiting carbon storage potential. By integrating variables such as forest height and productivity, the study provides a robust framework for assessing disturbance effects and offers insights to optimize boreal forest management for enhanced carbon sequestration.

Predicting Landslide Susceptibility based on Naïve Bayes and Information Value Models in Shibam and AL-Taweelah District, Yemen

Old Walled City of Shibam — 2025 — WHE47C9F2EB4F

A study assessing landslide susceptibility in Shibam and Al-Taweelah districts, Yemen, reveals that the northern and northeastern regions are particularly vulnerable. Using machine learning (Naïve Bayes) and statistical models (Information Value), researchers analyzed 98 landslide events, achieving higher predictive accuracy with Naïve Bayes (AUC = 0.785) compared to Information Value (AUC = 0.674). This research provides critical insights for risk mitigation, construction planning, and disaster prevention in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Walled City of Shibam.

Prediction of moisture content of brick walls of historical buildings in southern Fujian based on neural network

Kulangsu, a Historic International Settlement — 2025 — WHEF7FE050B54

A high-accuracy neural network model successfully predicts moisture content in brick walls of historical buildings on Gulangsu Island. The model, trained and validated with field data from eight red-brick structures, demonstrated strong generalization (R² values) across training, testing, and verification phases. This approach offers a reliable method for assessing moisture levels in similar heritage sites in southern Fujian, aiding conservation efforts by providing precise predictions without destructive sampling.

Preliminary Fragility Assessment of a 19th-Century Baroque Church Bell Tower Using Multiple Time History Analyses

Baroque Churches of the Philippines — 2025 — WHE2AE457A87D

A preliminary fragility assessment reveals that the 19th-century Baroque bell tower of Pulilan, Bulacan’s Diocesan Shrine and Parish of San Isidro Labrador is highly vulnerable to seismic damage. Using Linear Time History Analysis (LTHA) with scaled ground motion records, researchers found that even moderate peak ground accelerations (PGAs) could lead to structural compromise, surpassing the 50% probability threshold at the Life Safety limit. The study integrated material properties of concrete and adobe into a 3D structural model in Midas Gen, providing critical insights for heritage preservation. These findings underscore the need for retrofitting measures to protect this UNESCO World Heritage Site from potential seismic threats.

Presence of Servals (Leptailurus serval) in a Mature, Closed‐Canopy Tropical Moist Montane Rainforest Ecosystem Challenges Conventional Range Maps

Nyungwe National Park — 2025 — WHE31B0FDF060

A groundbreaking study challenges conventional wisdom about the serval's habitat preferences, revealing that these elusive cats thrive in mature, closed-canopy tropical moist montane rainforests of Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda. This finding contradicts the long-held belief that servals are savanna specialists and absent from dense rainforest ecosystems (IUCN habitat class 1.9). Researchers used multi-year field observations to document serval presence in this understudied region, highlighting a significant gap in current IUCN range maps for Central and Western Africa. The study underscores the urgent need for increased research efforts in these areas to better understand species distribution and ecology, ensuring more accurate conservation strategies.

Preserving and Creating Urban Heritage in 20th-Century Lithuania

Vilnius Historic Centre — 2025 — WHE92C8E5A4EE

A significant shift in Lithuanian urban heritage protection occurred during the second half of the 20th century, transitioning from preserving historical sites to recognizing Soviet modernism as cultural heritage. The study highlights how post-1956 reconstruction efforts in Vilnius established a dual-tiered protection system and institutional framework, achieving both local and international recognition by the mid-1980s. However, the collapse of the Soviet state in the 1990s posed challenges, forcing a transition from state-controlled regeneration to private property regulations while questioning the long-term success of these efforts.

Preserving Historic Architecture, Mitigating Climate Change: Life Cycle Carbon Footprint and Sustainability Insights From World Heritage Fujian Tulou

Fujian Tulou — 2025 — WHE6FDC2672C1

A novel framework, HBIM-LCCO2e, quantifies the life cycle carbon performance of historic architecture, demonstrating that adaptive reuse can significantly reduce per capita emissions while preserving cultural heritage. Applied to Fujian Tulou this approach reveals the interplay between embodied and operational carbon, driven by material choice and wall thickness. The framework offers a robust, data-efficient method for sustainable decision-making in historic preservation, addressing climate action (SDG 13) and equitable conservation (SDG 10). It provides quantifiable guidance to mitigate irreversible damage from high-carbon modern replacements, bridging the gap between Eurocentric conservation paradigms and vernacular architecture in developing regions.

Preserving the Past to Shape the Future: The Evolution of Office Spaces Through Historic Building Adaptation

Erbil Citadel — 2025 — WHE225AA29639

Adaptive reuse of historic buildings into modern office spaces can successfully balance cultural heritage preservation with contemporary workplace needs, enhancing employee satisfaction and creativity. A study focusing on Erbil Citadel houses found that integrating historical features—such as aesthetics, natural light, and airflow—into office environments fosters a sustainable and functional work setting. Survey data from 60 respondents revealed strong preferences for spaces that blend tradition with modern functionality, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices and technological integration in shared areas. The research highlights the need for decision-makers to adopt culturally attuned strategies that align heritage conservation with community requirements, offering a framework for reconciling historical narratives with modern office demands.

Preserving Underground Premises of Architectural Monuments:The Castles of Špilberk in Brno and Oświęcim

Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra — 2025 — WHE8D183BFF29

A comparative analysis of underground spaces in architectural monuments—Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra (Ukraine), Špilberk Castle (Czech Republic), and Oświęcim Castle (Poland)—reveals common preservation challenges despite their distinct historical functions and regional contexts. The study identifies a set of measures to address structural deterioration and proposes sustainable solutions for modern reuse, ensuring the long-term viability of these heritage sites. By examining shared issues in conservation, restoration, and adaptive repurposing, the research offers actionable strategies to mitigate emergency conditions in underground premises while balancing historical integrity with contemporary utility.

Previously unnoticed depictions of Comets in Italian Renaissance Art of the Sixteenth century

Medici Villas and Gardens in Tuscany — 2025 — WHE93902CA277

A groundbreaking discovery reveals three previously unnoticed depictions of historical comets in Italian Renaissance art from the sixteenth century, highlighting artists' engagement with celestial phenomena during this period. The findings include a 1565 painting by Prospero Fontana, likely representing the Halley comet's 1531 passage; a fresco at Palazzo del Commendatore in Rome, depicting Tycho Brahe’s famous 1577 comet; and an eight-pointed star on the eastern façade of Villa Medici, possibly symbolizing the 1585 comet linked to astrological predictions of a new golden age for the Medici family. The study employs close analysis of visual artworks, contextual historical records, and astronomical data to identify these celestial representations, offering new insights into Renaissance artists' fascination with comets and their cultural significance.

Primates in Burrows: A Cause for Concern? Observations From a One Health Perspective at Niokolo Koba National Park, Senegal

Niokolo-Koba National Park — 2025 — WHE758F1A4E9F

A novel observation at Niokolo-Koba National Park, Senegal, reveals that three primate species frequently visit burrows, with some entering them, potentially increasing disease transmission risk. This behavior suggests burrows as critical 'One Health hotspots' where primates may interact with bats and other taxa known to carry zoonoses. The study highlights the need for monitoring these areas, particularly in regions frequented by rangers or tourists, to mitigate potential health risks. The research employs a descriptive approach, documenting primate-burrow interactions and their implications for disease dynamics.

Primer registro morfométrico y de salud de tortuga carey (Eretmochelys imbricata) en el Parque Nacional Archipiélago de Revillagigedo, México

Archipiélago de Revillagigedo — 2025 — WHEDD08A91145

A juvenile hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), a critically endangered species, was recorded for the first time in the Revillagigedo Archipelago National Park, Mexico. The discovery underscores Socorro Island as a vital refuge and feeding habitat for this species, which has experienced significant population decline in the Eastern Pacific. Researchers captured, measured, tagged, and conducted a comprehensive health assessment of the turtle, including hematological analysis, blood biometry, clinical biochemistry, and clinicopathological evaluation. Results confirmed the turtle's healthy condition, providing critical insights into its distribution and conservation status. This study highlights the importance of Socorro Island for the preservation of hawksbill sea turtles in the region.

Principles of Exterior Artificial Lighting of Architectural Heritage Facades

Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra — 2025 — WHE1B4382ACE0

Properly designed exterior artificial lighting of architectural heritage facades significantly enhances the aesthetic value, visibility, and integration of historic sites into modern urban environments while preserving their authenticity. The study identifies key principles for effective illumination, including energy-efficient technologies, dynamic lighting scenarios, and solutions that minimize harm to historical building materials from heat and ultraviolet radiation. It also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration among architects, engineers, historians, and conservation specialists. Global case studies—such as Notre-Dame Cathedral in France, the Colosseum in Italy, and the Brandenburg Gate in Germany—as well as successful Ukrainian projects like Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv, demonstrate innovative lighting designs that align with heritage conservation standards. The research emphasizes smart lighting control systems and their role in tourism and urban navigation infrastructure.

Prioritizing risk for cultural heritage through social value: a participatory framework

Historic Centre of Florence — 2025 — WHE58EA618F6E

A novel participatory framework reveals that social value significantly influences risk prioritization for cultural heritage, with UNESCO-listed sites in Florence assigned up to 30 times higher value than nationally listed buildings. Museums emerged as the highest-valued sites, strongly correlated with ticket price (r=0.68) and visitor numbers. Canonical correlation analysis (r=0.75) identified ticket price and museum status as key drivers of social value. This approach shifts flood risk mapping away from rivers, emphasizing the critical role of intangible cultural values in disaster risk assessment. The study combines pairwise comparison surveys with quantitative analysis to provide a robust method for integrating community perceptions into heritage conservation strategies.

Problems of the urban structure of small towns in the vicinity of Polish Warsaw and Ukrainian Lviv

Historic Centre of Warsaw — 2025 — WHED964DD708F

Small towns in Poland and Ukraine, often referred to as 'post-socialist,' share similar challenges in preserving their historical urban structures despite experiencing distinct political trajectories. Both regions have faced degradation of historic town centers, but many preserved elements of spatial arrangements offer potential for urban renewal. The study analyzed 9 Polish and 23 Ukrainian towns over the past 30 years, focusing on post-socialist transformations, EU accession impacts in Poland, and Ukraine's independence restoration. It highlights methods to assess what should be protected to maintain cultural identity while addressing spatial chaos and societal attitudes. Key findings emphasize the need for interpretative approaches to urban heritage conservation, leveraging remaining historical relics for sustainable renewal.

Procedural interplay of art and technology in Seljuk mausoleum across empire phases: a chronological and comparative analysis

Gonbad-e Qābus — 2025 — WHED5E74A7F90

Seljuk mausoleum architecture evolved through a dynamic interplay of art and technology, revealing distinct phases marked by material-driven ornamentation in the Early phase (1037–1063 CE), advanced craft-based techniques in the Middle phase (1063–1100 CE), and a complex synthesis of form and decoration in the Late phase (1100–1194 CE). This evolution, shaped by cross-cultural influences from Persian, Byzantine, Armenian, Central Asian, and Turkic traditions, defined Seljuk architectural innovation. The study's chronological and comparative analysis of key examples—including Gonbad-e Qabus, Kharāqan Towers, and Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar—demonstrates how ornamentation and structure were interdependent elements, offering a framework for analyzing integrated design in broader architectural contexts.

Processing of Pueraria montana var. lobata (kudzu bean) and Colocasia esculenta (Taro ) during the early holocene at kuk swamp in the papua new guinea highlands

Kuk Early Agricultural Site — 2025 — WHE0C7055C908

A groundbreaking analysis of stone artefacts from Kuk Swamp, Papua New Guinea, reveals the earliest use of kudzu bean (Pueraria montana var. lobata) and taro (Colocasia esculenta) in the highlands during the Early Holocene (c. 10,000 years ago). The study employed robust statistical methods, categorical attributes, and expert input to identify these plants from starch grains on a flaked stone tool (K/76/S29B), addressing long-standing challenges in attributing unknown residues to specific plant taxa. Notably, the research found that taro and Dioscorea esculenta share indistinguishable starch grain morphologies, necessitating additional distinguishing features such as cultural use, growing requirements, and sedimentary context for accurate identification. This work underscores the significance of integrating multiple lines of evidence in reconstructing ancient plant exploitation, offering new insights into the dietary practices of early highland communities.