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Showing 2761 – 2780 of 15962 publications

Qin structural timbers and the First Emperor’s Mausoleum (Xi’an, China)

Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor — 2025 — WHECB889B55AD

Analysis of charred timbers from the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor reveals sophisticated logistical planning and labor organization during the Qin Dynasty. The study identified dark coniferous woods (fir, spruce, hemlock) sourced from rugged terrains, indicating advanced resource mobilization. A temporal shift toward higher-elevation species suggests ecological impacts from large-scale timber harvesting, aligning with historical records of Qin administrative dominance.

Quantifying Firewood Extraction in a Protected Forest: Local Dependence and Policy Challenges in Lake Malawi National Park

Lake Malawi National Park — 2025 — WHEC914A73D48

A quantitative assessment reveals that annual firewood extraction in Lake Malawi National Park's Cape Maclear Peninsula forest exceeds 11,976 megagrams (3.07 m³ per hectare), with 88% of households relying on this resource and 77% gathering it themselves despite regulatory measures like the Resource Use Programme. The study highlights strong local dependence on protected forests for energy, driven by household size, biomass reliance, and limited off-park alternatives. These findings emphasize the need for integrated conservation strategies, including tree planting, agroforestry initiatives, improved cookstoves, and alternative livelihoods to balance biodiversity protection with community energy needs.

Quantitative Analysis of Color Characteristics of the Buildings in the Streets and Alleys of Huizhou Based on Visual Perception: A Case Study of Hongcun

Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui – Xidi and Hongcun — 2025 — WHEE95A109F35

A quantitative analysis of the color characteristics of buildings in Hongcun, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern Anhui, reveals that Huizhou architecture predominantly features warm tones and low chroma, with brightness distribution enhancing color hierarchy. The study found that hue ranges from 0° to 60°, chroma from 0 to 33, and brightness is most prominent in medium to high ranges. Color harmony values remain stable between 0.6 and 0.9, indicating a high level of visual consistency. This research introduces objective metrics for analyzing color composition and distribution, offering scientific evidence for the preservation of traditional architecture and modern design strategies.

Quantitative risk assessment and eco-engineering mitigation strategies for debris flows utilizing dynamic process simulation in Shuzheng gully, Jiuzhaigou valley scenic and historic interest area

Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area — 2025 — WHE0F0BB168B7

A novel pine pile–gabion composite dam (PPGD) system, integrated with dynamic process simulation and adaptive eco-engineering strategies, effectively mitigates debris flow risks while preserving ecological integrity. Using high-resolution modeling, researchers simulated debris flows under 20- and 50-year rainfall return periods in Shuzheng gully, Jiuzhaigou Valley, revealing peak velocities of 6.49 m/s and discharges of 38.33 m³/s for the latter. The PPGD system reduced total inundation extent by 45.78% and decreased peak flow velocities downstream by up to 45.34%, demonstrating its potential for sustainable risk management in ecologically sensitive UNESCO World Heritage sites. This approach balances risk reduction with environmental conservation, offering a scalable solution for mountain areas vulnerable to debris flows.

Qufu City and Confucian Architecture

Temple and Cemetery of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion in Qufu — 2025 — WHE261D59A70A

Confucian architecture in Qufu, China, reflects the philosophical principle of Yin Yang balance and harmony, guiding its planning and design. The study examines Qufu, once the capital of the Lu state (1042–249 BCE), as a key example predating the Warring States period (475–221 BCE) that adheres to ancient Chinese city planning ideals outlined in the Record of Rites. The Temple of Confucius, along with the Kong Family Mansion and Cemetery—mostly dating from the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties—serves as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994. This research explores how these sites embody Confucian philosophy, particularly through architectural harmony, while also analyzing four modern Confucius-related structures: the Confucius Research Institute, Cultural Park, Six Arts City, and Museum.

Rabindranath’s Vision : Music and Santiniketan

Santiniketan — 2025 — WHE3FE69890E5

A post-colonial model of education, rooted in joy and holistic development, emerged from Rabindranath Tagore's vision for Santiniketan. Central to this approach was the integration of music into daily life—spanning prayer, festivals, drama, and seasonal celebrations—as both a medium of education and a catalyst for spiritual awakening. Unlike colonial systems, Santiniketan emphasized self-expression, simplicity, and creative engagement with nature, guided by the guru-shishya tradition where teachers acted as guides to knowledge. This innovative framework, modeled on ancient Indian tapovan principles, positioned education as a process of self-realization (ātmanam viddhi), blending song, dance, art, and nature study to foster inner growth. The study highlights Tagore's philosophy as a transformative alternative that prioritized human development, culture, and joyful learning.

Radial Growth of Dahurian Larch at the Upper Altitude Limit in the Western Part of the Putorana Plateau

Putorana Plateau — 2025 — WHEBB0D77DA3A

Research on the Putorana Plateau reveals that while climatic conditions have improved, adult Dahurian larch trees at higher altitudes show no increase in radial growth over recent decades. The study found that older trees exhibit greater sensitivity to climate factors, whereas young trees experience more significant intraspecific competition than climatic influence. Young trees at higher elevations and on eastern-facing slopes display larger morphometric characteristics and ring widths compared to those in denser, lower-slope stands. This suggests that competition dynamics play a crucial role in tree growth at the upper altitude limit of this Subarctic region.

Radiocarbon and luminescence age estimate database for the Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage Area: a reliability-assurance assessment

Willandra Lakes Region — 2025 — WHEC9DFAECA87

A reliability-assured chronostratigraphic framework for the Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage Area reveals distinct palaeoenvironmental phases spanning from 56.2 ± 3.0 to 17.2 ± 0.7 ka, based on high-confidence optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and radiocarbon age estimates. The study identified three lacustrine phases: a system-wide high-water period (~55–35 ka cal BP), a short pulse reaching Lake Outer Arumpo (~29–24 ka cal BP), and a final saline phase at Lake Mungo (~21–17 ka cal BP) while freshwater conditions persisted at Lake Mulurulu. Only 62 of 143 radiocarbon ages linked to archaeological features were deemed reliable, highlighting gaps in documenting land-use history. The research compiled and ranked 661 age estimates (radiocarbon, OSL, thermoluminescence), emphasizing the need for expanded, contextually diverse geochronological data to clarify both palaeoenvironmental change and human occupancy patterns.

Radiocarbon measurements of iron girders from Aachen cathedral

Aachen Cathedral — 2025 — WHEC943187A40

Radiocarbon dating of iron girders from Aachen Cathedral reveals that the Carolingian Palace Chapel's construction dates between CE 793 and 813, aligning with historical records. The study demonstrates the reliability of this method for ancient iron, though it highlights challenges due to contamination from exogenous carbon sources such as old wood, flux additives, or modern reconstruction materials. Notably, iron beams from the Gothic Annex showed variable radiocarbon signatures, likely due to medieval forging techniques and recent welding with fossil carbon. The research also compared iron dates with those of contemporary wood and charcoal, providing a robust age reference framework.

Radiogenic strontium isotope variability in the Valley of Oaxaca: A predictive isoscape for Mesoamerican paleomobility studies

Historic Centre of Oaxaca and Archaeological Site of Monte Albán — 2025 — WHE2CED72D7C8

A predictive isoscape model for radiogenic strontium (87Sr/86Sr) isotopes, developed using Bayesian Additive Regression Trees (BART), reveals distinct regional variability in the Valley of Oaxaca, enabling more precise tracking of human mobility within Mesoamerica. This study integrates modern plant samples, geological data, and environmental covariates to create a high-resolution model that outperforms previous approaches, demonstrating its potential for archaeological applications. By applying this model to Monte Albán's human 87Sr/86Sr data, researchers show how quantified uncertainty in local isotope ranges can refine interpretations of paleomobility, addressing gaps in baseline data that previously limited the method's broader use across Mesoamerica.

Radziwiłł the Orphan’s Book Journey to Jerusalem: Aspects of Book Art in the Braniewo (1601) and Antwerp (1614) Editions

Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex — 2025 — WHED85C88C441

A comparative analysis of two Latin editions of Mikołaj Krzysztof Radziwiłł the Orphan’s Journey to Jerusalem (1601 and 1614) reveals distinct artistic and typographical differences, offering insights into book production during the Plantin-Moretus era. The study leverages newly published correspondence between the patron, publisher, and agents to explore why this renowned printing house was chosen for publication despite existing Latin, Polish, and German versions. By contrasting local presses with Plantin-Moretus’ advanced techniques, the research sheds light on 17th-century book art, illustrating the interplay between patronage, craftsmanship, and technological innovation in European publishing.

Rammelsberg 1376 und andere

Mines of Rammelsberg, Historic Town of Goslar and Upper Harz Water Management System — 2025 — WHE99F827DF9E

The mining disaster at Rammelsberg in Goslar, Germany, in 1376, long dismissed as improbable, is reinterpreted as a 'super catastrophe'—a symbolic condensation of historical events and societal experiences. This study deciphers the disaster not merely as a historical incident but as a cultural narrative device that reflects collective trauma and processes of impoverishment. Unlike traditional legends, which anchor catastrophes in temporal indices, this work identifies a distinct form of storytelling—'punctualisation'—where disasters are processed through discrete, symbolic events. The analysis challenges conventional historical interpretations by framing the disaster as a cipher for broader societal resilience mechanisms.

Raptor Visitation to Natural and Artificial Water Sources in a Tropical Forest in Southern Mexico

Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche — 2025 — WHE001A7AD95A

Raptor visitation to water sources in Calakmul, Mexico, is significantly influenced by temperature and the type of water source. The study found that as daily maximum air temperatures rise, visits to artificial drinking troughs increase 4.5-fold, while those to natural sartenejas (rock cavities) increase 4-fold. Natural water sources, including waterholes and sartenejas, attract a higher diversity of raptor species compared to artificial ones, with notable dissimilarity in species composition between these habitats. The research highlights the critical role of both natural water conservation and managed drinking troughs in supporting raptor populations, particularly those classified as globally declining.

Re-appraisal of the seismic history of the city of Rome (Italy): new intensity assessments and unresolved issues

Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura — 2025 — WHE6E7107F7E3

A re-evaluation of Rome's seismic history reveals that the city has rarely experienced earthquake damage exceeding intensity degree 6 on both the EMS-98 and MCS scales, contrary to previous assessments. The study analyzed approximately 500 historical damage reports, georeferenced them onto maps of Rome, and found that nearly all seismic impacts were confined to the historic center, not the broader urban area. This suggests that Rome's seismic history is primarily representative of its ancient core rather than its current extent, which has expanded significantly over time. The research also highlights unresolved challenges in estimating intensities in large urban centers and assessing the homogeneity of seismic records in rapidly expanding cities.

Re-instating the Indigenous Ecology of Oman's Aflaj in Zahran Al Qasimi's Taghribat Al-Qafer or The Exile of the Water Diviner

Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman — 2025 — WHEA3B1243828

Zahran Al Qasimi's novel Taghribat Al-Qafer or The Exile of the Water Diviner (2022) challenges global hegemonic narratives on environmental sustainability by reaffirming the Indigenous ecological knowledge embedded in Oman’s aflaj irrigation systems. Through a syncretic narrative blending tribal history with contemporary themes, the work exposes and preserves the social and environmental dimensions of aflaj practices, which have sustained Omani communities for centuries. The study argues that Al Qasimi’s narrative transcends functional sustainability, instead framing aflaj as a cornerstone of Omani identity, relational epistemologies, and posthuman ecologies rooted in interconnectedness, resilience ('survivance'), and regenerative hope. By mobilizing Indigenous environmental advocacy, the novel counters epistemic monopolization while weaving local cosmologies and ethics into a broader framework of place-based sustainability.

Re-using Temples in the Contested Landscape of Vandal North Africa: The cella-Baptistery of Jebel Oust

Archaeological Site of Carthage — 2025 — WHEDF13F5C345

A temple built atop a hot spring at Jebel Oust, southwest of Carthage, was repurposed as a baptistery during the early fifth century, suggesting continuity between ancient healing cults and Christian practices. The study proposes that this site may have been 'arianized,' aligning Arian Christianity with local pre-Christian traditions amid Vandal anti-Nicene policies. By analyzing archaeological evidence—including temple statues of healing deities (Aesculapius and Hygea) and the placement of a baptismal font in the former cella—the research reinterprets Jebel Oust as a symbol of ecclesio-political contestation during Vandal rule (439–533 AD). The findings challenge assumptions about the strict separation between pagan and Christian religious practices, highlighting how Arianism could be strategically linked to enduring local cults.

Reappraisal of the Genetic Diversity Patterns in Puya raimondii—The Queen of the Andes: Insights from Molecular Marker Analysis Reveal an Inbreeding Reproductive Strategy

Huascarán National Park — 2025 — WHED1CD5C3445

Puya raimondii, known as the 'Queen of the Andes,' exhibits alarmingly low genetic diversity and high levels of inbreeding, suggesting it is a genetically fragile and endangered species. Molecular marker analysis revealed a fixation index of 0.740 and minimal gene flow (0.02–0.03), with most genetic variation occurring between populations rather than within them. Researchers hypothesize that this narrow genetic base stems from an inbreeding reproductive strategy, intense environmental selective pressures—such as extreme temperature fluctuations and prolonged dry periods—and a lengthy life cycle that limits recombination. These factors collectively point to P. raimondii's vulnerability, with implications for its conservation in Huascarán National Park, Peru.

Rebel Walls

Historic Centre of Naples — 2025 — WHE7D5153F659

Graffiti writing in Naples serves as a powerful visual form of protest, addressing pressing social issues such as the right to housing amid gentrification pressures. The study reveals how this practice transforms urban walls into spaces of resistance and sociocultural affirmation, creating a bottom-up urban discourse that challenges traditional narratives. By analyzing graffiti's role in expressing identity and critiquing transformational pressures, the research demonstrates its potential as an alternative tool for communication and struggle. The findings highlight graffiti's significance in preserving Naples' cultural identity while making visible conflicts often ignored by regulatory frameworks.

Recolonization dynamics of lichens after biocidal treatments: A limitation in the spreading of water-based solutions beneath thalli as species-specific influencing factor

Residences of the Royal House of Savoy — 2025 — WHE7296E0DE1E

Lichen recolonization on heritage surfaces, particularly for species with low propagule dispersal potential, begins immediately after biocidal treatments, challenging the assumption that these interventions fully devitalize lichens. Research on marble balustrades from two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy revealed that water-based biocides may not penetrate deeply enough beneath lichen thalli to affect their hyphal structures, leaving viable remnants that rapidly restart recolonization. This finding suggests a species-specific resilience linked to the depth of hyphal penetration and substrate properties, which could explain the frequent recurrence of Megasporaceae and Verrucariaceae on recently cleaned surfaces. The study used marble blocks to simulate biocide spread, confirming that lichen cover influences water absorption but does not prevent some hydrophobic volumes beneath thalli from acting as refuges for lichen survival.

Reconstructing and analyzing the Roman frontier landscape along the Lower Rhine in the Netherlands, Flanders and western Germany

Frontiers of the Roman Empire – The Lower German Limes — 2025 — WHE01B778ED88

A novel, large-scale reconstruction of the Roman frontier landscape along the Lower Rhine reveals that the traditional depiction of the limes as a rigid boundary between the Roman Empire and the 'non-Roman' north is misleading. Using quantitative analysis of natural and cultural landscapes from 12 BC to the 5th century AD, this study demonstrates that border dynamics were far more nuanced, with significant trade, migration, and settlement continuity across the frontier. The research integrates diverse datasets—including Roman-period archaeological sites (over 10,000) and geomorphological reconstructions—across modern borders (Netherlands, Flanders, western Germany), enabling unprecedented temporal and spatial analysis of habitation patterns. This challenges the binary narrative of border studies, offering a more accurate framework for understanding historical frontier systems.