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Showing 3041 – 3060 of 15962 publications

The "Central Axis Sequence of Time and Season - Festivals and Seasons Study Tour in Beijing and China": An Exploration of the Innovative Practice and Effectiveness of the Festivals and Seasons Cultural Study Programme

Beijing Central Axis: A Building Ensemble Exhibiting the Ideal Order of the Chinese Capital — 2025 — WHE8C7EF9E86C

A novel cultural education program integrating Beijing's Central Axis heritage with traditional Chinese festival culture significantly boosted youth engagement and cultural confidence. The 'Central Axis Sequence - Festive Seasons Study Tour' combined customized routes, expert lectures, interactive experiences, and digital integration to deliver immersive learning, reaching over 10,000 participants across schools and communities. Analysis revealed the program's effectiveness in fostering cultural knowledge, innovation, and identity through a three-in-one model ('cultural identity - experiential learning - spatial production'), offering a scalable framework for heritage education. This approach bridges policy goals with practical implementation, demonstrating measurable impact on cultural preservation and youth development.

The “Gutâi-Maramureș” UNESCO Geopark Project Development and Heritage Values-Based Sustainable Tourism in the Gutâi Volcanic Zone, East Carpathians (Romania)

Wooden Churches of Maramureş — 2025 — WHEE2DDB09206

The Gutâi-Maramureș region, part of Romania's East Carpathians, holds significant geological and cultural heritage values that can sustainably support tourism. The proposed UNESCO Global Geopark project identifies key assets such as internationally recognized geosites, historic mining sites for precious metals, protected natural areas (including Natura 2000 sites), and five UNESCO-listed wooden churches. A SWOT analysis was conducted to define the optimal geopark territory, strengthen brand identity, and guide sustainable tourism development. The study combines geological synthesis, heritage site inventories, biodiversity assessments, and cultural documentation to inform geoeducation and geotourism strategies, leveraging local engagement and prior experiences in the region.

The “milpa-chichipera” ethno-agroforestry system as a buffer against land-use change impacting arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in a semiarid Mexican ecosystem

Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley: originary habitat of Mesoamerica — 2025 — WHEF0472154F6

Research reveals that the traditional 'milpa-chichipera' ethno-agroforestry system in Mexico's Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley acts as a critical buffer against land-use change, preserving arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) diversity and abundance. Unlike intensive monocropping agriculture, which significantly depletes AMF communities, this system—rooted in native plant conservation—mirrors the biodiversity hotspots found in preserved scrub lands. The study identified 58 AMF species across 17 genera, with higher spore abundance, richness, and diversity in vegetation patches within the 'milpa-chichipera' system compared to open areas or agricultural fields. Seasonal variations further shaped AMF composition, tied to native host plants and soil features. This suggests that integrating traditional agroforestry practices can mitigate the ecological impacts of land-use intensification on mycorrhizal fungi.

The 36 Cl Bomb‐Pulse in Ice at a High‐Accumulation Site in Antarctica

Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site — 2025 — WHEB04E0A216B

A global tracer for nuclear fallout, the radioisotope 36 Cl, has been used to deduce key atmospheric exchange times. Produced in large quantities during high-yield thermonuclear tests at Bikini and Enewetak Atolls in the 1950s, 36 Cl was dispersed worldwide via the stratosphere. Measurements from an Antarctic ice core reveal a one-way transport dominance, simplifying interpretation of its movement between the stratosphere and troposphere. The study estimates exchange times of 3.7 years for stratosphere-troposphere gaseous exchange and 4.2 years for interhemispheric stratospheric exchange, providing an independent constraint on ozone flux that aligns with other direct estimates.

The abduction of Lady Grange to St Kilda

St Kilda — 2025 — WHE83F88E8931

New evidence challenges long-standing inaccuracies surrounding the abduction of Lady Grange to St Kilda, revealing her true conditions of isolation and destitution. Contrary to claims that she was housed comfortably for protection, research establishes that Lady Grange endured eight years of imprisonment without basic comforts or mental support, reflecting the harsh realities faced by women in such circumstances during the dying days of the Highland clan system. The study also reconstructs her likely route through the Highlands, providing a more precise account than previous narratives. This work relies on extensive historical research and critical analysis of existing accounts to correct misconceptions and illuminate the complexities of power dynamics among influential figures of the era.

The Absence of Christian Iconography and the Presence of Roman Cult and Culture in the Baptismal Complex of Cuicul, Numidia

Djémila — 2025 — WHEFA01CD235F

A study of the baptismal complex in Cuicul (Djémila, Algeria) reveals that the late Roman Christian community integrated Roman cultural and religious elements to strengthen its Nicene-Catholic identity during the Donatist conflict. The research finds that architectural features, such as a double church and baptistery, along with the use of Roman imagery and honorary titles, reflect a deliberate fusion of Roman tradition with Christian practice. This approach challenged theological strife by reinforcing communal unity through cultural continuity. The study also critiques allegorical interpretations, advocating for a nuanced understanding that incorporates literal, cultural, and socio-political dimensions.

The Age of Imperial Bishops II

Aachen Cathedral — 2025 — WHE7C45891A86

Aachen Cathedral emerged as a pivotal center of imperial power during the Salian dynasty, with the archbishops of Cologne securing three critical privileges that endured through the Middle Ages. These included an exclusive vote in royal elections, the right to crown newly elected kings within Aachen's cathedral, and the office of archchancellor of Italy. The study, part of a broader examination of the Imperial City of Cologne, traces how these bishops navigated political dynamics to solidify their authority, reshaping the balance of power in medieval Europe.

The Algorithmic Andes: Quipu, Roads, and the Logic of Inca Imperial Control

Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System — 2025 — WHE0FADA072D6

A novel framework reveals the Inca Empire's administrative genius through an 'algorithmic logic' integrating quipu knot-records and Qhapaq Ñan roads. The study demonstrates how these systems functioned as a non-literate data processing tool and logistical network, enabling precise resource management, census counts, and rapid information dissemination across diverse landscapes. Unlike traditional emphases on military power or monumental architecture, this research highlights the empire's procedural governance approach, offering deeper insights into pre-modern imperial control mechanisms.

The ambivalence of cultural heritage policies: creative cities and gentrification in Florence

Historic Centre of Florence — 2025 — WHEB2E98C9244

Florence's bid for UNESCO Creative Cities Network status in 2019 reveals the dual-edged nature of cultural heritage policies, where urban planning and gentrification often go hand-in-hand. The study demonstrates that Florence serves as a unique model blending artisanal traditions with digital innovation, embodying neoliberal ideals of uniqueness and replicability. Through a year-long ethnographic investigation, the research uncovers how discursive practices surrounding cultural heritage intersect with critical urban issues like historic city center reassessment, renewal, gentrification, and smartification. This analysis highlights the complex interplay between heritage preservation and contemporary urban development, offering insights into the broader implications of such policies on global cities.

The Anthropocene Waterscapes of Venice

Venice and its Lagoon — 2025 — WHE8FCA07FF44

Venice, Italy's iconic water city, serves as a paradigm for understanding the Anthropocene epoch, where human impact on Earth systems rivals natural forces. This interdisciplinary handbook examines the historical, political, and epistemological dimensions of this transformation, focusing on Venice's cultural-natural ecology. It integrates environmental humanities research, particularly hydrosociology, supported by UNESCO initiatives. The work explores the evolution of human-nature relationships from antiquity to modernity, comparing Venice with other water cities like Tenochtitlán and Bangkok. Key themes include the social underpinnings of science, eco-artistic movements, resistance to resource extractivism, and the fight for nature's rights against ecocide. Through comparative perspectives, it offers a nuanced view of humanity's ongoing geoanthropological influence on aquatic environments.

The Architecture of Imperial Mausoleums: Case Studies from the Early Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1848), Vietnam

Complex of Hué Monuments — 2025 — WHE8085568F42

Imperial mausoleums of the early Nguyen Dynasty (1802–1848) in Hue, Vietnam, reveal a structured architectural symbolism where three key components—Tomb area (A), Worship Temples area (B), and Stele Hall area (C)—embody kingship, theocracy, and civil rights. Unlike previous studies that focused on historical or cultural contexts, this research deciphers their spatial and compositional layouts through document analysis, site surveys, and architectural inventory, identifying distinct axial arrangements for Emperors Gia Long, Minh Mang, and Thieu Tri's mausoleums. The findings clarify how these structures convey messages of memory, soul, and body, bridging gaps in understanding the dynasty’s funerary architecture.

The Artistic and Architectural Marvels of Ajanta and Ellora Caves: A Scholarly Review

Ajanta Caves — 2025 — WHE98251A591F

Ajanta Caves stand as a monumental testament to India's cultural and artistic legacy, representing one of the world's most significant rock-cut constructions. This scholarly review reveals their evolution over time, highlighting their pivotal role in shaping Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain traditions through intricate rock carvings. It also explores stylistic differences between Ajanta and Bagh Caves, along with conservation efforts led by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). A key insight is that sustainable heritage management remains critical to preserving these ancient marvels amid ongoing challenges. The study underscores their enduring influence on global cultural heritage.

The Artistic Nature of the Chinchorro Mummies and the Archaeology of Grief

Settlement and Artificial Mummification of the Chinchorro Culture in the Arica and Parinacota Region — 2025 — WHE718D9255AB

Chinchorro mummies, created around 7000 years ago by a hunter-gatherer society in the Atacama Desert, represent one of the earliest and most elaborate forms of artificial mummification. This study reveals that these mummies were not merely preservative practices but intentional artistic expressions, reflecting emotional awareness and grief processing within ancient communities. By analyzing mortuary rituals through an art therapy model, researchers interpret them as multifaceted social and emotional processes. The use of pigments like manganese, while symbolically meaningful, posed health risks that may have contributed to the decline of these elaborate funerary practices. Additionally, the study highlights the enduring cultural significance of Chinchorro society in shaping contemporary identity, particularly in the Arica region.

The Background and Patterns in the Acceptance of Koguryo Mural Tombs in the 4th–5th Centuries

Complex of Koguryo Tombs — 2025 — WHEF787EA5562

Koguryo mural tombs, unique to the 4th–5th centuries, emerged as a distinct funerary art form through a selective adoption and adaptation of foreign cultural elements. These tombs, originating from China’s Han Dynasty, were initially introduced via corridor-type stone chamber tombs in western North Korea and transitional forms in Gungnaeseong (present-day Ji’an). Tomb No. 3319 at Usanha exemplifies this evolution, blending external stone-mound features with internal brick chamber structures. The study reveals that the adoption of mural tombs was driven by Chinese immigrants seeking refuge in Koguryeo, yet their integration into local practices occurred through diverse attempts rather than a uniform process. This selective adaptation highlights the dynamic interplay between foreign influence and indigenous innovation, shaping Koguryo’s funerary art. Research leveraged inscriptions, tomb structures, and excavated artifacts to reconstruct historical contexts and cultural narratives.

The benefits of inclusive conservation for connectivity of lions across the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania

Ngorongoro Conservation Area — 2025 — WHEDF7E265123

Inclusive conservation efforts in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), Tanzania, have significantly enhanced lion connectivity by fostering human-wildlife coexistence. The study, spanning 1962 to 2023 and using GPS collar data alongside long-term observations, found that proactive community involvement positively correlated with increased lion movement across human-occupied habitats and their settlement in such areas. While retaliatory killings and livestock attacks surged during the severe drought of 2022—despite prior reductions in negative interactions—the trend reversed in 2023, underscoring both the effectiveness of long-term conservation strategies and the need for adaptive, resilient approaches to sustain coexistence. This research highlights the critical role of inclusive conservation in mitigating fragmentation risks for large carnivores while addressing persistent challenges.

The Białowieża Forest as an example of the resilience of long-term studies in a changing world

Białowieża Forest — 2025 — WHE54C8184B15

Long-term studies (LTS) in the Białowieża Forest, Poland, demonstrate remarkable resilience against sociopolitical and geopolitical changes while providing critical insights into ecosystem dynamics. This research highlights how collaborative teams and dispersed leadership across institutions have sustained LTS continuity for up to nine decades, despite disruptions such as financial, political, and security vulnerabilities. The study reveals the forest's role as a benchmark for ecological restoration and evolutionary processes, offering lessons for global conservation strategies. However, challenges persist in centralizing data archiving and ensuring accessibility. The Białowieża experience underscores the importance of adaptability in LTS to exploit opportunities amid change, serving as a model for similar studies worldwide.

The Bioarchaeology of the Pithouse to Pueblo Transition in the Northern Rio Grande

Taos Pueblo — 2025 — WHE8AC69E8314

A bioarchaeological study of Ancestral Pueblo populations in the northern Rio Grande region, including Taos Pueblo, reveals distinct community profiles marked by similarities and local variations. These differences are linked to dietary resources, mobility patterns, population growth, and social stress during the Pithouse to Pueblo transition (AD 600-1600). Seasonal food shortages and subsistence practices significantly influenced population density and community integration, highlighting the complex interplay between environmental conditions and human adaptation.

The Biodiversity of the Dinosaur Provincial Park Ecosystem and its Vicinity in the Late Cretaceous (Campanian) of Western Canada Through Space, Time, and Energy Flow

Dinosaur Provincial Park — 2025 — WHE3F64F4D2E0

A groundbreaking analysis of the Dinosaur Provincial Park ecosystem reveals that tyrannosaurid dinosaures, once thought to resemble large mammalian predators, actually exhibited ontogenetic shifts in trophic levels akin to modern Komodo dragons. This study leverages high-resolution fossil records and 3D digital models of outcrops to refine stratigraphic boundaries, proposing a division of the Dinosaur Park Formation into three sedimentary units for more precise temporal analysis. Additionally, it extends the known paleogeographic range of two dinosaur species, providing insights into coastal paleoenvironments during a period of higher sea levels. By integrating spatial, temporal, and trophic dimensions, this research establishes the park as a model system for studying deep-time biodiversity at local and regional scales.

The Bodh Gaya Restoration Movement of Anagarika Dharmapala and the Japanese Buddhists

Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya — 2025 — WHE0A90B7D916

A key insight from this study is the pivotal role of Japanese Buddhists in shaping the Bodh Gaya restoration movement led by Anagarika Dharmapala between 1891 and 1910. The research divides this period into four distinct phases, highlighting the evolving dynamics among Dharmapala, local Hindu authorities (the Mahant), and colonial British governance. Initially, Japanese monks aided in land acquisition, but subsequent stages saw conflicts over religious artifacts, such as a gifted Amitābha Tathāgata image, which became central to disputes involving indigenous religious tensions and British neutrality efforts. The study reveals how transnational Buddhist collaborations influenced the preservation of UNESCO World Heritage Site status for Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya.

The borders of the adverbium between praepositio and coniunctio in Notker’s perspective

Abbey of St Gall — 2025 — WHE24D99AC765

A groundbreaking discovery reveals that the grammatical analysis of the eighth and ninth centuries was significantly influenced by Priscian’s Institutiones Grammaticae, which scholars had largely overlooked. This study highlights how Notker Labeo, a monk and teacher at the Abbey of St. Gall, integrated metalanguage and dialectical methods into his commentaries on Donatus and Priscian, shaping medieval grammatical theory. By examining glosses from St. Gall, researchers demonstrate the interplay between Latin metalinguistic definitions and Germanic languages, offering new insights into the didactic purpose behind Notker’s work. The findings underscore the importance of Priscian’s contributions to scholarly discussions during this period.