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The Power of Publishing in Early Modern Tibetan Buddhism

Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, Lhasa — 2025 — WHE1C5441E0D0

Tibetan woodblock publishing flourished during the late seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, marking a 'golden age' that significantly influenced Tibetan Buddhist culture, religion, and politics across Tibet, Mongolia, and China. This study reveals how the publication and dissemination of Tibetan books, initiated under the Fifth Dalai Lama's Potala Palace in Lhasa, played a pivotal role in shaping religious and political landscapes well into the twentieth century. The research traces the circulation of these texts through cosmopolitan Qing Beijing and monastic colleges along the Sino-Tibetan borderlands, demonstrating their multifaceted use in scholarship, ritual, and various reading practices. Mahāyāna Buddhist ideas are identified as a key driver behind this publishing boom, highlighting the profound impact of textual exchange on early modern Tibetan Buddhist societies.

The Presence and Infection Rate of Strongyloides sp. in Banteng (Bos javanicus) in Ujung Kulon National Park (UKNP)

Ujung Kulon National Park — 2025 — WHE17B665C509

Researchers have identified a moderate infection rate of Strongyloides sp. in banteng (Bos javanicus) within Ujung Kulon National Park, with egg counts reaching 1600 per gram of feces. This finding suggests an active parasite life cycle that could lead to mild to moderate physiological disturbances in the host. The study employed native, sedimentation, and flotation methods to analyze fecal samples, revealing oval-shaped eggs measuring approximately 54×41 µm. Environmental conditions, particularly high humidity, were noted as potential contributors to reinfection risks in wildlife habitats. The results underscore the need for continuous monitoring, environmental management, and parasite control measures in conservation areas like Ujung Kulon National Park.

The Primordial Palette: Global Reverberations of Symbolic Cognition in Deep Time Art

Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka — 2025 — WHEB934B0DCF1

A global analysis of deep time art reveals shared cognitive underpinnings in human symbolic thought, transcending geographical and temporal barriers. The study synthesizes archaeological evidence from sites like Chauvet, Lascaux, Blombos Cave, Sulawesi, and Bhimbetka with insights from cognitive science and anthropology to identify recurring themes, motifs, and techniques across the Paleolithic to early Holocene epochs. By employing a comparative framework, researchers argue that complex symbolic art reflects universal cognitive architectures, suggesting parallel evolutionary trajectories in abstract thinking worldwide. This work challenges region-specific narratives by highlighting the interconnectedness of early human artistic endeavors, offering a holistic perspective on the origins of cultural diversity and the enduring role of art in shaping human cognition.

The Principle of Automatic Control in Ancient Hydraulic Engineering Works: A Comparative Study of the Dutch Beemster Polder and China's Dujiangyan Irrigation System

Droogmakerij de Beemster (Beemster Polder) — 2025 — WHE2DCA99996F

A comparative analysis of the Beemster Polder and China's Dujiangyan Irrigation System reveals two distinct yet universal control paradigms in ancient hydraulic engineering. The study identifies a 'natural guidance type' system in Dujiangyan, which leverages terrain reshaping to activate natural forces for self-sustaining water and sediment balance, reflecting Oriental philosophical principles. Conversely, the Beemster Polder employs a 'mechanical intervention type' system, utilizing a hierarchical canal network and windmill-driven mechanisms to dynamically regulate hydrological fluctuations, embodying Heraclitus' concept of flux. This research demonstrates that both systems, despite their differences, share a universal control logic applicable to modern ecological engineering.

The production and consumption of tradition: a comparative spatial analysis of Bukchon Hanok village and Yangdong village in South Korea

Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong — 2025 — WHE0E376CE07C

Tradition in Korean heritage sites is not static but dynamically shaped by spatial practices, policies, and tourist consumption. A comparative analysis of Bukchon Hanok Village and Yangdong Village reveals contrasting approaches to preserving tradition: Bukchon commodifies tradition through urban-style hanoks repurposed for tourism, while Yangdong adheres strictly to UNESCO conservation norms, often at odds with contemporary residential needs. This study highlights the tension between authenticity and livability in heritage management, advocating for a balanced approach that accommodates national narratives, global frameworks, and local adaptability.

The Protection and Development Utilization of Architectural Paintings in Beijing's Imperial Gardens

Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing — 2025 — WHE2F2A8C74D7

Architectural paintings in Beijing's imperial gardens, particularly those from the Ming and Qing dynasties, are revealed as pivotal elements that enhance both aesthetic appeal and structural longevity of wooden buildings. These paintings, characterized by their diversity and craftsmanship, hold significant cultural and social value. The study analyzes the intricate relationship between these paintings and garden structures, offering insights into their preservation challenges and providing recommendations for revitalizing this cultural heritage. By examining past achievements and issues in preservation, the research aims to guide future efforts in protecting and utilizing these artistic elements effectively.

The Putorana Plateau: Tectonics, Morphotectonics, and Exodynamics

Putorana Plateau — 2025 — WHE02501A75EB

The Putorana Plateau, a vast and elevated region in northern Siberia, exhibits a unique geological structure shaped by tectonic inversion and prolonged denudation. Its surface, covered by extensive basalt lava flows from the Permian and Triassic periods, forms a 'layer cake' of volcanogenic layers with varying resistance to erosion. Tectonic uplift driven by mantle plume activity in the late Mesozoic era created deep canyons and steep slopes, while Pleistocene glaciation further sculpted its topography. The study reveals that the plateau's relief inversion and radial valley pattern are a result of inherited tectonic fractures and selective river erosion, with modern geomorphological processes varying significantly across different elevations. Cryogenic processes and relict glaciers add to the plateau's complex landscape.

The Question of Wine Consumption in Early Bronze Age Troy: Organic Residue Analysis and the Depas amphikypellon

Archaeological Site of Troy — 2025 — WHE9A3C3DD513

Recent organic residue analysis confirms that the depas amphikypellon, a cylindrical goblet with two curved handles from Early Bronze Age Troy, was indeed used for wine consumption. The study, conducted by researchers at the Institute of Prehistory, Early History, and Medieval Archaeology in Tübingen, identified high concentrations of fruit acids indicative of regular wine use in these vessels. Surprisingly, similar residues were also found in cups and beakers, suggesting that wine consumption may have been more widespread than previously assumed, challenging the notion that it was an exclusive emblem of the elite. This finding could potentially reshape our understanding of the distribution and consumption patterns of wine during the third millennium BCE if further examinations at other sites reveal similar trends.

The record of Ediacaran Basin transformation from the deepwater Mistaken Point Formation, Avalon Terrane, Newfoundland

Mistaken Point — 2025 — WHE07872F7F21

A significant transition in the Mistaken Point Formation, a deepwater Ediacaran fossil-bearing unit in Newfoundland, marks the transformation from a backarc to a foreland basin. This shift, occurring around 565–557 million years ago, is characterized by changes in sediment provenance and paleoflow patterns. The study identifies two distinct submarine fan systems: the Middle Cove Member, fed transversely by a west-facing slope, and the Hibbs Cove Member, dominated by south-southeast flow on a structurally confined slope. Detrital-zircon geochronology reveals increased erosion of West Avalonian cover successions and basement, alongside synsedimentary igneous activity. The diachronous transition in sediment supply contrasts with synchronous structural transformation, providing insights into the tectonic and paleoenvironmental context of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The REFRESH Project: historical water management at Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace — 2025 — WHE1EB4CFECA7

Historical water management at Blenheim Palace reveals a dynamic interplay between engineering, landscape design, and environmental adaptation over 300 years. Preliminary findings from the REFRESH project suggest that traditional hydraulic systems, shaped by climatic conditions such as aridity, drought, and floods, offer valuable insights for contemporary conservation and sustainability strategies. The study combines extensive archival research with oral histories to reconstruct past water management practices, demonstrating their potential to inform future climate adaptation solutions while aligning with conservation principles.

The Regulation of Adventure Tourism in Jordan Legislatively and Its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Wadi Rum Protected Area — 2025 — WHEDF3AA6A8D4

Jordan's adventure tourism sector, while rich in diverse landscapes including Wadi Rum and Aqaba, faces challenges in aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Current regulations, such as the 2019 'Instructions for Organizing Adventure Tourism Trips,' primarily focus on safety, insurance, and age restrictions but lack comprehensive coverage for marine and aerial tourism or inclusive practices. The study identifies critical gaps, including the absence of a centralized digital platform and inadequate community engagement, which hinder transparency and sustainable development. Recommendations include expanding legislative frameworks to cover all adventure tourism types, establishing an inter-agency regulatory body, and enhancing collaboration with local communities. By addressing these issues, Jordan can position itself as a global model for sustainable and legally governed adventure tourism in the Middle East.

The Relentless Tide of History

The Sundarbans — 2025 — WHE09BAF59091

Historical analysis reveals that the Sundarbans, initially perceived as a hostile environment by colonial powers, transitioned into a structured conservation and forest administration system between 1862 and 1943. The study highlights how land leases for agriculture and timber extraction were formalized during this period, culminating in the designation of the entire area as a reserved forest. This transformation underscores the intersection of colonial governance and environmental management, providing insights into the early stages of conservation efforts in one of the world's most significant mangrove ecosystems.

The Renovation of the Former Zamość Academy Building in Zamość in the Context of Renovation and Research Challenges

Old City of Zamość — 2025 — WHEA7AF2EFE1C

During the renovation of the former Zamość Academy building, completed in 2024, significant historical discoveries were made that shed light on the building's complex architectural history. These included 18th-century illusionistic wall paintings in the chapel and Jan Kanty Hall, floors from various periods, foundations of older structures, and remarkably preserved 18th-century recessed latrines with wooden seating elements. The findings also revealed attempts to address high wall moisture and early heating systems from the 19th century. These discoveries expanded beyond the original renovation scope, providing valuable insights into the building's evolution, the city's history, and regional architectural practices.

The roads of power and the paths of the people: Reconfiguring communities and territories from pre-Hispanic Andean roads to modern Peruvian highways

Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System — 2025 — WHE027D1CD974

A new perspective challenges the long-held belief that the Inca road system, Qhapaq Ñan, was solely designed for state administration. Research reveals that local populations played a pivotal role in shaping these networks, introducing concepts like 'trace' and 'route' to illustrate how roads reflect both short-term adjustments and long-term territorial dynamics. The study argues against viewing road networks as mere products of centralized policies, instead emphasizing the dynamic negotiations involving multiple actors. By advocating for a systemic approach, it highlights the multifaceted factors influencing road development and underscores the role of local communities in constructing cultural landscapes over time.

The role of barrier reef protection to storm surge during tropical cyclones in a narrow lagoon, New Caledonia, south west Pacific

Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems — 2025 — WHE721A952D7D

Storm surge in the narrow, shallow lagoon of Poe, New Caledonia, is primarily driven by wave setup—accounting for 70% to 90% of extreme water levels during tropical cyclones. This finding, derived from a coupled numerical model and synthetic cyclone tracks, reveals that irregular reef structures can mitigate wave setup intensity while tidal variations over the reef crest further influence surge dynamics. The study highlights the critical role of reef morphology in coastal hazard prediction, offering insights for climate-resilient land use planning in reef island environments.

The role of English in the linguistic landscape of Luang Prabang

Town of Luang Prabang — 2025 — WHE120B4BB944

English plays a pivotal role in the linguistic landscape of Luang Prabang, acting as a bridge between cultural heritage and economic development. The study reveals that English is predominantly used alongside Lao in bilingual or multilingual signs, especially in consumer-heavy areas, to enhance tourism and economic opportunities. It serves multiple functions, including carrying cultural heritage, providing tourism information, facilitating cultural exchange, creating economic opportunities, serving as an educational resource, and broadcasting Luang Prabang's international image. While merchants and consumers generally view English positively for its contributions to development and brand establishment, concerns about traditional culture and inclusivity for non-native speakers were also noted. This research offers valuable insights for policymakers in shaping language policies and tourism management strategies.

The role of fringing mangroves in supporting macroinvertebrate fauna in an arid, macrotidal region of Australia

Murujuga Cultural Landscape — 2025 — WHE2FF0ECA050

In arid, macrotidal mangrove systems like those in the Dampier Archipelago, infaunal invertebrate communities are more influenced by physical environmental conditions—such as sediment grain size and particulate organic matter (POM)—than by the presence of mangroves themselves. Research found that infaunal abundance and diversity were three times higher during the dry season compared to the wet season, with optimal conditions occurring at intermediate sediment grain sizes and POM levels. Stable isotope analysis further revealed that while mangrove-derived nutrients play a significant role in food web dynamics, their contribution varies widely among species, from ~70% in herbivorous Mangrove whelks to as low as 5% in filter-feeding Rock oysters. This study highlights the complex interplay between local and external nutrient sources in sustaining these ecosystems, providing critical baseline data for evidence-based conservation efforts—particularly relevant for the Murujuga Cultural Landscape, a candidate UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Role of Gastronomy as a Cultural and Touristic Identity in Quito’s Historic Center

City of Quito — 2025 — WHE334BB96272

Quito's historic center, renowned for its exceptional preservation and cultural significance, leverages gastronomy as a pivotal element of its identity, attracting both domestic and international tourists. This study reveals that the city's culinary heritage, rooted in ancestral knowledge and diverse local products, plays a crucial role in shaping its tourist appeal. Through a bibliographic review, the research identifies key characteristics of Quito's gastronomic tourism, highlighting its integration with cultural, historical, and sensory elements. The findings underscore the need for diversification in both the tourist market and gastronomic offerings to further solidify Quito's position as a cultural reference point within Ecuador.

The Role of Graphic Design and Visual Communication in Natural Heritage Sites of Jordan

Wadi Rum Protected Area — 2025 — WHE72F52E7DEB

Graphic design and visual communication significantly enhance tourist experiences, preserve natural heritage, and elevate cultural value at UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A study conducted across Jordan’s Wadi Rum, Petra, Dead Sea, and Dana Biosphere Reserve demonstrated that integrating regional art, culture, and technology—such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual tours—boosts authenticity and visitor engagement while respecting local traditions. The research highlights the potential of immersive experiences to transform heritage sites into interactive learning environments. By collaborating with local craftsmen and incorporating traditional narratives, designers can create more compelling and culturally resonant visual tools.

The Role of Mythology in Architectural Identity: The Case of the Temple of Heaven

Temple of Heaven: an Imperial Sacrificial Altar in Beijing — 2025 — WHE47081A7F34

Mythology significantly shapes architectural identity, as demonstrated by the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. This study reveals that the temple's design—encompassing spatial organization, semantic structure, and contextual relationships—embodies rich mythological symbolism, translating cultural narratives into architectural language. Unlike mere physical structures, such sites become incarnations of sacred order, blending form with symbolic meaning. The research compares the Temple of Heaven to other globally influenced architectures, highlighting its unique role in contemporary design. By analyzing criteria like spatial and semantic organization, the study underscores mythology's enduring impact on architectural identity, offering insights into how cultural narratives can inspire modern design principles.