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Publications

Showing 3581 – 3600 of 15962 publications

Ancient Gordion

Gordion — 2024 — WHE2247320370

Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) reveals that Phrygian ceramics from Gordion, modern Yassıhöyük, were produced in diverse workshops across a wide area rather than centralized at the site. This challenges the long-held view of a powerful, unified Phrygian state and suggests a decentralized sociopolitical structure with elite competition and incipient group identity formation, particularly during public feasts. The study synthesizes data from decades of excavations, including previously unpublished results, to trace ceramic provenance and exchange patterns across Anatolia, offering new insights into Iron Age group dynamics and power practices.

Ancient mitochondrial DNA extraction from Bison bison long bones from Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, UNESCO World Heritage site

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump — 2024 — WHE2F85A5A241

Researchers analyzing ancient mitochondrial DNA from bison long bones at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump uncovered novel haplotypes that suggest significant genetic diversity loss among American bison prior to European contact. The study, which sequenced the control region of mitochondrial DNA from 21 bison remains, also identified shared haplotypes between ancient and modern populations, offering new insights into the complex history of living bison herds. This genetic bottleneck, likely caused by 19th-century population decline, provides a rare glimpse into pre-contact bison genetics and their resilience or vulnerability to historical pressures.

Ancient residential Buildings in the northern Jordanian Badia, an archaeological and architectural study

Umm Al-Jimāl — 2024 — WHEBFB90615C4

Ancient residential buildings in the northern Jordanian Badia exhibit architectural features reminiscent of Islamic and Byzantine styles, revealing a distinct yet regionally consistent design. These structures, found across sites like Umm el-Jimal and Sama al-Sarhan, share common traits while maintaining unique individual characteristics. The research identifies similarities with Horan-area designs, suggesting cultural or functional parallels. Using a historical descriptive analytical approach, the study catalogs building materials, shapes, and architectural elements, providing insight into the region's historical settlement patterns.

Ancient Universities of Bharat: Centers of Knowledge and Learning

Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar — 2024 — WHEDDEA82106F

Ancient universities in Bharat (modern-day India), such as Nalanda, Takshashila, and Vikramshila, thrived from the 6th century BCE to the 12th century CE, serving as global hubs for intellectual exchange and innovation. These institutions advanced education, philosophy, science, and culture through interdisciplinary learning, fostering interactions between teachers and students. Despite their decline due to invasions and socio-political changes, their legacy persists in contemporary educational paradigms, emphasizing holistic development and scholarly collaboration. The study highlights their enduring influence on global higher education systems.

Anitta Text

Hattusha: the Hittite Capital — 2024 — WHE6EEF4E8B63

The Anitta text represents the earliest known example of Hittite propagandistic historiography, offering valuable insights into the political and cultural narratives of the Hittite Empire. This ancient text is written in cuneiform script, an adaptation of Mesopotamian writing, which the Hittites modified to suit their language. The discovery of over 30,000 cuneiform texts at Hattusha (modern-day Boğazkale) provides a rich corpus for studying Hittite and Akkadian languages, as well as international correspondence from the time. Additionally, the use of hieroglyphic script by Hittite monarchs to write Luwian dialects adds another layer to the linguistic and historical analysis of this period.

Another ghost of Gondwana—Progradungula barringtonensis Michalik & Smith, sp. nov., a new species of the relict spider genus Progradungula (Araneae: Gradungulidae) from a temperate rainforest in eastern Australia

Gondwana Rainforests of Australia — 2024 — WHE1C851AC440

Researchers have discovered a new species of relict spider, Progradungula barringtonensis, from the temperate rainforests of Barrington Tops National Park in eastern Australia. This finding expands the known diversity of the genus Progradungula, which includes only two other species, both considered 'living fossils.' The newly described species exhibits unique characteristics in its male genitalia and web structure, showing plasticity that may be influenced by food availability. The study combines morphological analysis with field observations to shed light on the evolutionary history and ecological adaptations of these rare spiders, contributing to our understanding of Gondwana's ancient biodiversity.

Another new species of Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1927 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) of the angularis group from the karstic landscape of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, central Vietnam

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park — 2024 — WHEE5C54DE2BF

Researchers have identified a new species of Cyrtodactylus, C. hangvaensis sp. nov., within the karstic landscape of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (PNKB) in central Vietnam. This discovery highlights the park's significance as a biodiversity hotspot and a critical area for conservation. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that C. hangvaensis is closely related to two other species, C. roesleri from PNKB and C. sommerladi from nearby Laos, but it occupies a distinct position in morphospace, distinguishable by unique morphological and color pattern characters. Genetic divergence data further supports its status as a separate species, with uncorrected pairwise sequence divergence ranging from 9.5% to 25.5%. This finding underscores the rich biodiversity of PNKB and the importance of continued exploration and conservation efforts in such unique ecosystems.

Antecedent bedrock control on the sediment-starved continental shelf of south/central Namibia

Namib Sand Sea — 2024 — WHE8B3AE85BA3

A sediment-starved continental shelf off south/central Namibia reveals persistent antecedent bedrock control over Pleistocene stratigraphy and geomorphology. The study, using high-resolution geophysical tools and drill cores, shows that the inner shelf's metamorphic basement and Eocene sandstones, shaped by a late Oligocene subaerial unconformity (H1), have dictated sediment accumulation patterns for millions of years. H1 acted as a backstop, influencing erosion and sedimentation during transgressive/regressive cycles, with limited Quaternary deposits preserved in lee depressions behind bedrock ridges. Notably, dolomite precipitation occurred during stable sea-level conditions around 37,000 cal BP, while the absence of thick sand cover suggests long-term onshore diversion of sediment—likely supplying the Namib Sand Sea—even during lower sea levels.

Anthropology and History in Local Wisdom

Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley — 2024 — WHE05C70C5F35

Anthropology and History in Local Wisdom highlights the profound contributions of indigenous knowledge systems to regional development, demonstrating how local wisdom has persisted across diverse fields. The book explores 15 interconnected themes, including nomadic traditions, socioeconomic changes, language dynamics, maritime technology, and cultural assimilation, all rooted in anthropological and historical research. A key insight is the resilience and adaptability of Malay and Orang Asli communities, showcasing their cognitive and psychological influences on cultural stability. Methodologically, the work synthesizes academic research across disciplines to reconstruct the epistemological foundations of Islamic Malay worldviews and other traditional practices. This synthesis underscores the enduring value of local knowledge in shaping societal structures, economic systems, and cultural identities in Southeast Asia.

Ants of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in arid Australia: Diversity, faunistic composition and habitat associations

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park — 2024 — WHE531714D9D6

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in arid Australia, supports an exceptionally diverse ant fauna, with estimates suggesting around 300 species, including many undescribed. The study recorded 154 ant species from 26 genera, with Melophorus, Monomorium, Iridomyrmex, and Camponotus being the most species-rich. Surprisingly, species richness was higher in structurally simple spinifex grasslands than in eucalypt woodlands, a pattern attributed to remoteness and small patch size. Ant composition varied significantly with vegetation type, distinguishing between grasslands and woodlands, while Iridomyrmex species dominated numerically, contributing 76% of the total ants collected. No exotic species were detected, highlighting the park's unique biodiversity. The study underscores the need for further surveys to better understand ant biodiversity patterns in Australia's central arid zone.

Application of computer vision technology in surface damage detection and analysis of shedthin tiles in China: a case study of the classical gardens of Suzhou

Classical Gardens of Suzhou — 2024 — WHEC6E07A6C03

A machine learning-based approach using the YOLOv4 model demonstrates high accuracy in detecting and classifying surface damage on shedthin tiles, a critical material in China's UNESCO-listed Classical Gardens of Suzhou. The model achieved comprehensive accuracy rates of 90.20%, with specific accuracies of 85.89% for water stains, 93.29% for surface scaling, 87.37% for color aberration, and 96.15% for gaps—exceeding basic testing requirements. This innovation overcomes traditional assessment limitations by automating damage detection, reducing time and labor costs while maintaining reliability in complex environments.

Application of Femtosecond Laser Processing Method in the Sustainable Conservation of Stone Cultural Relics: An Example of Green Schist in Wudang Mountain, China

Ancient Building Complex in the Wudang Mountains — 2024 — WHE659027221C

Researchers achieved significant breakthroughs in the sustainable conservation of stone cultural relics using femtosecond laser processing. By creating hierarchical micro-nano structures on green schist, a key material in Wudang Mountain's ancient building complex, they successfully modulated its wettability to achieve a water contact angle of up to 147°. This was accomplished by preparing grooves with an optimal spacing of 400 μm using femtosecond laser irradiation (238 fs, 100 kHz, 40 μJ, 33 μm, 500–40,000 pulses). The study systematically investigated the processing mechanism and performance, revealing that different compositions—quartz, chlorite, and muscovite—exhibit distinct responses to laser irradiation. These findings provide a novel approach for the sustainable conservation of ancient buildings and cultural relics, addressing challenges posed by environmental factors such as rain.

Application of Public Relations Strategies and Tactics in Promoting the Sustainable Development of Durmitor National Park

Durmitor National Park — 2024 — WHEA9426FC333

Strategic public relations can significantly enhance the sustainable development of Durmitor National Park, Montenegro. The study identifies key promotional messages and target audiences for mountain tourism while comparing local practices with global standards. Using SWOT analysis and comparative methods, it reveals that leveraging advanced promotional tactics—such as those employed in Europe—can overcome current limitations in communication and positioning. The research suggests tailored strategies to maximize the park's tourism potential, offering actionable insights for stakeholder organizations (OSJ) to improve media engagement and long-term conservation efforts.

Application of Response Surface-Corrected Finite Element Model and Bayesian Neural Networks to Predict the Dynamic Response of Forth Road Bridges under Strong Winds

The Forth Bridge — 2024 — WHEBA5012E05E

Bayesian Neural Networks (BNNs) outperform traditional Finite Element Models (FEMs) in predicting the dynamic response of large-span bridges under strong winds, offering higher accuracy and computational efficiency. A study on the Forth Road Bridge demonstrated that BNNs achieved R² values of 0.9073 for Y-displacement and 0.7969 for Z-displacement, significantly surpassing FEMs (0.6167 and 0.6283, respectively). While BNNs completed predictions in just 20 seconds, FEMs took five hours. However, FEMs provided superior interpretability and comprehensive structural response predictions. The research integrates machine learning with FEMs, leveraging response surface methodology (RSM) and genetic algorithms (GAs), to advance dual-driven approaches for large-scale bridge monitoring under extreme conditions.

Application of the MELTS program to the fractional crystallization of low-alumina alkaline magma on Jeju Volcanic Island, Korea

Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes — 2024 — WHE83BBA3AEA6

Research on Jeju Volcanic Island, Korea, reveals that the fractional crystallization of low-alumina alkaline magma most likely occurred at pressures between 0.2 and 0.1 GPa and under oxygen fugacities close to the FMQ buffer, with an H₂O content of 0.5 wt.% best matching natural rock evolution trends. The study applied MELTS, a computational tool for modeling magmatic processes, across varying pressures (2.0–0.1 GPa), oxygen fugacities (FMQ-3 to FMQ+3), and H₂O contents. While MELTS demonstrated effectiveness in predicting temperature, pressure, and other crystallization factors, its limitations—such as spinel overestimation and lack of hydrous mineral experiments—highlight the need for complementary analyses when assessing magmatic processes. This work provides critical insights into the volcanic evolution of Jeju Island.

Applying the Historic Urban Landscape approach to changing African contexts. The Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi at the heart of an integrated strategy for Kampala

Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi — 2024 — WHEA2CDEFFE76

A pilot project applying the Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) approach has successfully addressed urban development challenges at the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi' in Kampala, Uganda. The initiative, supported by UNESCO and the Government of Norway, focused on integrating heritage preservation with its urban context, as recommended by the 2011 HUL guidelines. This effort contributed to the site's removal from the World Heritage List in Danger (WHLD) in 2023 after extensive reconstruction, documentation, and capacity-building efforts following a devastating fire in 2010. The project also developed guidelines for the buffer zone, ensuring sustainable urban development while preserving the site's cultural significance.

Appunti sull’emigrazione bergamasca nelle città della terraferma veneta nel Quattrocento (con particolare riferimento a Verona)

City of Verona — 2024 — WHEE3EFAA71DB

Bergamo immigrants in 15th-century Venetian mainland cities, particularly Verona, demonstrated remarkable skill integration and long-term success across generations. Unlike previous studies that primarily focused on demographic patterns, this research highlights the adaptability and expertise of Bergamasque migrants, enabling them to establish lasting presence in these 'quasi-urban' centers. The study employs a nuanced approach, analyzing migration dynamics while emphasizing the role of professional know-how in facilitating social integration and economic stability over multiple generations.

AQY volume 98 issue 397 Cover and Front matter

Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture — 2024 — WHE9FBC231F8B

A special section in Antiquity (Volume 98, Issue 397) highlights the 'Geospatial Platform for Andean Culture, History and Archaeology' (GeoPACHA) initiative, which uses systematic imagery survey to expand our understanding of hillforts in the Andes. This approach reveals that many pukaras—hilltop fortresses—date to the Late Intermediate Period (c. AD 1000–1450), a time marked by conflict following the collapse of the Wari and Tiwanaku states. The initiative aims to provide a comprehensive view of these sites, contributing to broader archaeological knowledge of Andean history.

Arabic Poetry in Timbuktu during the 19th and 20th Centuries: A Model Study

Timbuktu — 2024 — WHE0B4B1472B9

A rich tradition of Arabic poetry, largely overlooked despite its significance, thrived in Timbuktu during the 19th and 20th centuries. This study highlights that poets from tribes such as the Tuareg, Ansar, and Kunta produced works of high literary value, incorporating diverse themes like love, praise, elegy, satire, and religious subjects, while employing sophisticated rhetorical devices. The research underscores Timbuktu's unique role in Arabic literature, challenging its marginalization in scholarly discourse. By analyzing these texts, the study reveals their cultural, historical, and scientific importance, offering a model for understanding Malian African literature written in Arabic.

Archaeoastronomy and Landscape Archaeology at Cahokia

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site — 2024 — WHE065A6D663D

New research reveals that Cahokia, the largest Native American city north of Mexico during the Mississippian era, features earthen mounds strategically aligned with astronomical phenomena and landscape markers. Specifically, Monks, Rattlesnake, Powell, and other mounds are found to be oriented toward solar, lunar, and Milky Way trajectories, intersecting prominent bluffs that likely served as horizon references. This discovery was achieved using LiDAR imagery, historic documents, ethnohistoric data, and archaeological evidence, providing unprecedented insight into the sophisticated spatial planning of this ancient civilization.