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Publications

Showing 3501 – 3520 of 15962 publications

A very personal semblance of archaeoastronomy pioneer Professor Michael Hoskin, colleague, mentor and friend

Antequera Dolmens Site — 2024 — WHED6F911EDEA

This homage celebrates the pioneering contributions of Professor Michael Hoskin, a leading figure in archaeoastronomy and cultural astronomy. Hoskin's extensive research on megalithic monuments across the Mediterranean basin, including the dolmens of Antequera (Spain) and Talayotic Menorca, established their significance as World Heritage Sites. His work spanned over 2000 monuments, demonstrating the scientific value of archaeoastronomy in cultural heritage preservation. As editor of The Journal for the History of Astronomy for 45 years, Hoskin championed interdisciplinary collaboration, advocating for archaeoastronomy's role as a vital archaeometry tool. His legacy includes foundational texts like Tombs, temples and their orientations, which redefined our understanding of megalithic orientations and their cultural importance.

Abnormal surges and the effects of the Seto Inland Sea circulation in Hiroshima Bay, Japan

Itsukushima Shinto Shrine — 2024 — WHEECF79FF674

A significant sea level rise, or abnormal surge, occurred in Hiroshima Bay approximately 8 days after a typhoon passed through the Seto Inland Sea (SIS) in September 2011. This event led to flooding at Itsukushima Shinto Shrine. Researchers used a high-resolution numerical ocean circulation model with bias correction for sea surface heights to investigate this phenomenon and its relationship with SIS circulation. The study found that the Bungo Channel primarily influenced net flux into the SIS, while the Kii Channel played a more significant role in shaping circulation and local sea level variations. The Kanmon Strait had minor impacts. The abnormal tide in Hiroshima Bay was attributed to seawater flux input from outer seas combined with subtidal internal seiche dynamics within the bay. These findings enhance understanding of oceanic processes and provide evidence for developing safety plans to mitigate natural hazard damage.

About typical and anomalous modes of sea water cooling in a coastal zone of the Curonian spit

Curonian Spit — 2024 — WHEE0250236D5

Researchers have identified distinct cooling patterns of seawater along the Curonian Spit, revealing both typical and anomalous regimes influenced by coastal dynamics. The study highlights how wind-driven processes, such as upwelling and mixing, can lead to rapid temperature drops, particularly in shallow nearshore areas. Using a combination of field measurements, satellite data, and numerical modeling, the team analyzed thermal variability over multiple seasons, uncovering mechanisms that deviate from expected cooling trends. These findings contribute to understanding coastal climate resilience and may inform conservation strategies for this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Accessibility of Urban Tourism in Historical Areas: Analysis of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Safranbolu

City of Safranbolu — 2024 — WHE72E6170B51

A key finding from this study is that the street network's accessibility in Safranbolu significantly shapes its urban architecture and serves as crucial routes for sustainable tourism. Using space syntax analysis on Open Street Map data, researchers examined how high global integration streets influence traditional architecture and enhance experiential tourism. The study highlights the importance of spatial configuration in preserving historical areas while improving accessibility for visitors. This approach offers valuable insights for urban planners and local governments aiming to balance heritage conservation with sustainable development.

Acoustic Assaults on the Auschwitz-Birkenau Concourse

Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp (1940-1945) — 2024 — WHE49D666A406

Sonic violence was a deliberate and effective tactic used by SS guards at Auschwitz-Birkenau to instill fear, disorient prisoners, and ensure compliance during the deboarding process. The study reveals that amplified commands, antisemitic slurs, barking, beatings, and gunshots created a chaotic acoustic environment that inflicted both physical and psychological trauma on Jewish arrivals. Survivors' memoirs and interviews were analyzed using methods from sound and sensory studies to demonstrate how this sonic assault led to mental paralysis and lasting sensory memories of the genocide. The research underscores the profound impact of auditory violence in the perpetration of mass atrocities.

Acoustic Environment and Urban Sustainable Development in the City of Cáceres

Old Town of Cáceres — 2024 — WHE8A126FEEE2

Research on the Old Town of Cáceres reveals that acoustic environment significantly influences the perception and satisfaction of urban green spaces, despite noise levels being lower than other evaluated features. The study found a strong correlation between noise satisfaction—primarily from road traffic—and overall satisfaction with these areas. This insight underscores the importance of considering environmental noise in sustainable urban development projects, such as expanding green spaces like Parque del Príncipe and connecting them to the Old Town via Paseo de Canovas. The findings suggest that neglecting noise management could hinder achieving sustainable development goals, even in cities with high green area per capita and aesthetic value.

Acoustic habitat mapping in the German Wadden Sea – Comparison of hydro-acoustic devices

Wadden Sea — 2024 — WHE1BD3189297

Research comparing hydro-acoustic devices reveals that while all tested systems—singlebeam echosounder (200 kHz), multibeam echosounder (455 kHz), and sidescan sonar (380 kHz)—showed similar spatial patterns in mapping the German Wadden Sea, the singlebeam was more influenced by its lower frequency, limiting its resolution. Four major acoustic classes were identified, primarily distinguishing sand, broken shells, gravel, and muddy sediments, with Class 1 and Class 3 (medium sand with varying gravel/shell fragments) being the most consistent across devices. Surveys conducted in 2007 and 2008 highlighted higher variability in 2007, though current understanding of footprint-sediment interactions remains insufficient. This study underscores the potential and limitations of hydro-acoustic tools for sub-tidal habitat monitoring in UNESCO-listed areas.

Across Time and Stone: Evolution of Typography in Delhi's Historic Architectural Monuments

Humayun's Tomb, Delhi — 2024 — WHEA88A25E140

Delhi's historic monuments, including Humayun's Tomb, India Gate, and the Indian War Memorial, reveal a dynamic evolution of typography that reflects cultural influences and historical eras. This study documents how inscriptions on these structures, using diverse scripts and materials like different types of stones, adapt to convey messages of remembrance and loss. The findings highlight the resilience and adaptability of type design in urban landscapes, contributing to a deeper understanding of its role in shaping cultural heritage. By analyzing inscription methods, script styles, content presentation, and spatial integration, this research addresses a gap in literature while aligning with themes of civic engagement through art and design.

Actual Conditions of the Arctic Small Glaciers (on the Example of the Putorana Plateau)

Putorana Plateau — 2024 — WHEE10051BB26

Arctic small glaciers, covering tens of thousands of square kilometers, are primarily influenced by oroclimatic factors and exist below the climatic snow line. A study on the Putorana Plateau, conducted between 2002 and 2019, provides detailed glaciological characterization of these glaciers, building upon earlier catalogs that relied mainly on aerial photographs with limited ground studies. The research involved field expeditions by a team from Moscow State University's Faculty of Geography, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the region's glacial features.

Adaptation and Adversity Acceptance as Resilience to Flooding at World Heritage Sites: A Case Study of Hoi An Ancient Town, Vietnam

Hoi An Ancient Town — 2024 — WHEF8F038106D

Residents of Hoi An Ancient Town, Vietnam, have developed deep resilience to flooding through adaptation and adversity acceptance, fostering a harmonious relationship with their UNESCO-listed environment. This resilience stems from centuries of cohabitation with flood waters, blending traditional knowledge, local beliefs, and adaptive strategies—dubbed 'leaning into nature.' Modern flood prevention measures often trace back to historical practices, highlighting the enduring value of indigenous approaches in mitigating climate change impacts. The study, based on fieldwork, document reviews, and interviews, underscores the significance of integrating local wisdom with contemporary heritage and disaster management policies to sustain this balance.

Adaptation of Traditional Construction Methods for a Sustainable Transition of the Dwelling (Case of Riads in Fez and Hanoks in Seoul)

Medina of Fez — 2024 — WHE9D19015A39

A balanced approach to adapting traditional dwellings for modern needs can preserve cultural heritage while enhancing sustainability. This study identifies key similarities between Moroccan riads and Korean hanoks, focusing on construction methods and spatial arrangements that integrate green technology and natural materials. By analyzing behavioral, technical, and contextual factors, researchers propose a systemic comparative method to guide the rehabilitation of riads in Fez's medina, addressing material degradation and ensuring habitability without compromising traditional design legitimacy. The findings highlight the potential for adaptive reuse, offering a model for sustainable development that respects historical integrity while meeting contemporary demands.

Adaptive response of prokaryotic communities to extreme pollution flooding in a Paleolithic rock art cave (Pindal Cave, northern Spain)

Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain — 2024 — WHE03131B2708

A sudden flood event in Pindal Cave, part of the UNESCO-listed Altamira rock art complex, introduced significant pollution from nearby cattle farming, altering the cave's microbial community and biogeochemical dynamics. The study found that the flood triggered a rapid increase in methanogenic archaea and denitrifying bacteria, along with microorganisms linked to mammalian intestinal tracts, while also elevating ammonium and nitrate levels—a sign of ongoing nitrification. One year post-flood, microbial populations associated with the pollution began to decline, yet the cave's ecosystem remained fundamentally reshaped by persistent anthropogenic influence. This research highlights the resilience and adaptive capacity of cave microbes to environmental disturbances, offering critical insights for conservation efforts in culturally significant underground ecosystems.

Additional neighborhood effects following renovation of historical heritage: an empirical investigation of the case of Himeji Castle

Himeji-jo — 2024 — WHE7722DB7967

Renovating historical heritage sites, such as Himeji Castle, can trigger sustained increases in neighboring land prices. A study analyzing the 5.5-year renovation project (2009) found that while the upward trend in land prices accelerated during construction, its post-renovation momentum persisted in some areas—contrasting with a diminishing effect observed elsewhere. This 'neighborhood effect' suggests that heritage restoration may offer long-term economic benefits beyond immediate conservation goals. The research employed land price trends as key indicators to quantify these impacts.

Address to the Inhabitants of New Lanark

New Lanark — 2024 — WHE4C46B311AC

Robert Owen's innovative approach to worker welfare at New Lanark, Scotland, demonstrated that decent housing and education for children could significantly enhance productivity and community success. This social experiment, documented in his address to the inhabitants, showcased the potential benefits of humane labor conditions, influencing broader social reforms. Owen's success at New Lanark inspired him to scale his ideas, leading to the establishment of the socialist community of New Harmony, Indiana, though this latter endeavor ultimately faced challenges and collapse.

Addressing Harms and Restoring Dignity: Reparative, Restorative and Reconciliatory Justice in the Southern Kalahari

ǂKhomani Cultural Landscape — 2024 — WHE8E781D709E

Land restitution and the recognition of human dignity have been pivotal in addressing historical harms and enabling reconciliation for the ≠ Khomani San people. This study demonstrates that while South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) fell short in acknowledging the humanity of the San, the restoration of land rights provided a foundation for reparative, restorative, and reconciliatory justice. By reclaiming their narrative and cultural space, the ≠ Khomani San have begun to heal from deep structural harms caused during colonialism and apartheid, fostering broader emancipation. The research employs qualitative analysis within these justice frameworks to highlight the transformative potential of land rights in restoring relationships and identity.

Advanced machine learning for predicting groundwater decline and drought in the Rabat–Salé–Kénitra region, Morocco

Rabat, Modern Capital and Historic City: a Shared Heritage — 2024 — WHE17C977C1B7

Advanced machine learning models, particularly random forest (RF), demonstrate exceptional accuracy in predicting groundwater storage variations in the Rabat–Salé–Kénitra region of Morocco, with a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.981 and minimal prediction errors. This study highlights RF's superior performance over other models like ANN, GB, SVR, DT, and Prophet, which was integrated for handling seasonality in time-series data. The research emphasizes the urgent need to integrate these predictive models into groundwater management strategies to combat groundwater depletion caused by population growth, agricultural expansion, and climate change-induced droughts. These findings offer policymakers a robust toolkit to regulate water extraction, promote sustainable practices, and ensure the long-term viability of vital groundwater resources in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Advanced Multichannel Lighting Control Systems in Heritage Environments: Case Study of the Cathedral of Seville

Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville — 2024 — WHE1E9FB26B98

A novel multichannel lighting system for heritage environments, tested at the Cathedral of Seville, demonstrates superior color rendering and reduced photodegradation compared to standard LED systems. This approach minimizes short-wavelength light while maintaining daylight-like spectral distribution, as validated by subjective surveys (Farnsworth-Munsell and Natural Color System tests) in two key areas: the Museum of the Cathedral and the Evangelist Chapel. The findings highlight a multi-parameter strategy that balances color perception with preservation, offering a significant advancement for lighting technologies in architectural heritage conservation.

Advancing Augmented Reality at World Heritage Sites through an Affordance Lens: A Case Study of the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City

Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City — 2024 — WHE548BFF6AA1

A novel application of affordance theory enriches the understanding of Augmented Reality (AR) in tourism, particularly at World Heritage Sites (WHS). This study demonstrates that AR enhances human-environment interactions at two levels: individual engagement with AR and sequential interaction between humans and the physical environment. Using the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City as a case study, it reveals how AR can contribute to sustainable tourism development by fostering deeper connections between visitors and their surroundings. The research bridges theoretical gaps in AR adoption within tourism contexts, offering practical insights for balancing technological innovation with conservation efforts at WHS.

Aeolian Sands of the Temperate Boreal Zone (Northern Asia)

Landscapes of Dauria — 2024 — WHE8FC9756FDC

Aeolian sands in the temperate boreal zone of northern Asia, particularly in the Landscapes of Dauria (Western Transbaikalia), exhibit unique characteristics distinct from subtropical and tropical deserts. These sands, dominated by medium- and fine-grained, polymineral material with unstable minerals like feldspars and pyroxenes, form mini-deserts with active aeolian processes such as dunes and deflationary basins. The study reveals that the activation of these processes is driven by both natural factors—including neotectonic movements, semi-arid climate, and vegetation types—and anthropogenic activities like deforestation and land plowing. Radiocarbon dating indicates that aeolian activity has intensified during the Holocene, primarily sourced from river and lake beaches, floodplains, and terraces. Unlike tropical deserts, where sands are finer and monomineral, boreal zone sands are coarser and more diverse mineralogically, offering potential for ecotourism development.

Aesthetic of appropriation

Caliphate City of Medina Azahara — 2024 — WHE65C4A69C40

This study reveals how Christian Iberian rulers employed Umayyad spolia—such as basins and capitals—as a strategic visual tool to assert legitimacy, memory, and identity. By analyzing the reuse of these elements in buildings like San Isidoro de León and churches across Jaca, Valencia, Santander, and Tarragona (12th–13th centuries), it demonstrates that Christian territories adapted an 'Umayyad aesthetic of appropriation,' creating a shared visual language. The research adopts a comparative, interdisciplinary approach, tracing this phenomenon from Umayyad al-Andalus to later Taifa, Almoravid, Almohad, and Christian kingdoms, highlighting its continuity and cultural significance.