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Publications

Showing 41 – 60 of 15962 publications

A Reexamination of the Temporal and Spatial Dimensions of Royal Ancestral Shrine Rites (Jongmyo) in Silla

Jongmyo Shrine — 2026 — WHE2E6D841439

Silla's royal ancestral rites, particularly those conducted at Jongmyo Shrine, were found to differ significantly from Chinese practices, with their scheduling and spatial organization reflecting indigenous Silla traditions. Unlike the Chinese system of four-season sacrifices, Silla's rites incorporated both regular and irregular ancestral sacrifices aligned with seasonal worship and local temporal concepts. The study also revealed distinct ritual functions for the Founder’s Shrine (Sijomyo), the Sacred Palace (Singung), and Jongmyo Shrine, which coexisted within the royal ancestral cult. Notably, the Singung retained its ritual significance even after the full establishment of the Jongmyo system. This reexamination, based on analyses of the Samguk Sagi and related sources, shifts focus from political lineage to the practical operation of these rites, offering new insights into their temporal and spatial dimensions.

A regional-scale mobility model for the early hominin occupation of the Lower Omo Valley (Ethiopia)

Lower Valley of the Omo — 2026 — WHE04659E0929

A regional-scale mobility model for early hominin occupation in the Lower Omo Valley (Ethiopia) reveals a sophisticated adaptive strategy that facilitated dispersal into new ecological niches. This study identifies a 'Shungura exception' in the Early Pleistocene record, where highly mobile foraging activities were concentrated along the meandering paleo-Omo River, despite its scarcity of lithic resources. Early hominins, some 2.3 million years ago, transported partially transformed products from distant sources to exploit biotic-rich margins, indicating a tipping point in their capacity for environment-specific adaptations. The research integrates environmental, spatial, and technological analyses to reconstruct this mobility-subsistence system, shedding light on the behavioral and cognitive prerequisites underlying hominin adaptability.

A Spatio-Temporal Machine Learning Benchmark for Forest-Habitat Disturbance Prediction around Salonga National Park

Salonga National Park — 2026 — WHEB5D1079441

Forest-habitat disturbance around Salonga National Park exhibits strong spatial clustering and temporal persistence. Machine learning models, particularly Random Forest, achieved high predictive accuracy (ROC-AUC: 0.980, PR-AUC: 0.980) for one-year-ahead disturbance prediction, outperforming simpler baselines like persistence and historical hotspot models. The study leveraged open geospatial data and a grid-cell-year dataset to classify disturbances based on forest loss thresholds. While tree-based models demonstrated superior performance, the findings underscore the reproducibility of machine learning benchmarks in tropical protected areas and their potential for biodiversity management support.

A Standardized Field-Survey Protocol for Visitor Conservation Willingness and Self-Reported Responsible Travel Behavior at Longmen Grottoes

Longmen Grottoes — 2026 — WHEFC421511EE

A standardized field-survey protocol for measuring visitor conservation willingness and responsible travel behavior at the Longmen Grottoes has been developed to generate robust behavioral data without disrupting site operations. The protocol integrates rigorous methodologies including public-area visitor interception, anonymous electronic questionnaires, eligibility screening, attention checks, daily raw-data locking, predefined exclusion rules, construct scoring, reliability testing, confirmatory factor analysis, regression and path-model diagnostics, sensitivity checks, and reproducibility archiving. It assesses multiple constructs such as heritage knowledge, perceived value, place attachment, pro-environmental message quality, crowding perceptions, facility support, conservation attitudes, and responsible travel behavior. Implementation demonstrated the protocol's effectiveness in producing analyzable datasets with auditable exclusions, acceptable measurement diagnostics, and interpretable model outputs. This approach is adaptable to other heritage settings, providing a transparent framework for collecting visitor-behavior evidence that supports conservation priorities.

A Study on the Analysis of the Headdress Types of Goguryeo Anak No. 3 and Deokheung-ri Ancient Tombs

Complex of Koguryo Tombs — 2026 — WHE6829A7BB37

A detailed analysis of headdress types in Goguryeo tomb murals reveals distinct gender-based patterns and social hierarchies. The study found that men's headdresses, such as ragwan, chaek, geon, tugu, ssangsangtu meori, and mukeun jeongbal meori, exhibit clear class distinctions, reflecting a structured social stratification. In contrast, women's headdresses, including jangsikgogye, eonjeun meori, ssangsangtangtu meori, and samsangtu meori, show less formal development but demonstrate intricate detailing, suggesting a high level of aesthetic refinement. The research examined 39 tomb murals from Deokheung-ri, Goguryeo, to investigate hair shapes and their cultural significance, providing insights into the gender dynamics and social organization of ancient Korea.

A Study on the Dongdari and Jeonbok Excavated from Kim I-gyo’s Tomb

Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty — 2026 — WHE9B40191DAC

A rare discovery of well-preserved dongdari and jeonbok military garments from Kim I-gyo’s tomb (1764–1832) reveals unique textile techniques and color schemes. The artifacts, featuring double-layered construction with distinctive roundel designs of confronting dragons on yeongchodan and twill weave fabrics, challenge existing assumptions about Joseon-era military attire. Analysis of surviving artifacts and pictorial materials confirmed the garments' structural integrity, despite partial deterioration, while historical records and comparisons with later-period examples proposed two possible color schemes: yellow or green for the dongdari’s body (with red cuffs) and purple or dark blue for the jeonbok. The study also identified an integrated garment form combining both elements, providing new insights into Joseon military costume evolution.

A Study on the Significance and Outcomes of the National Gugak Center’s Overseas Performances of Royal Ancestral Shrine Music -Focusing on Global Expansion and Re-contextualization of Court Sacrificial Ritual Music-

Jongmyo Shrine — 2026 — WHE7DC403421B

Overseas performances of Jongmyo Jeryeak, led by the National Gugak Center, transcend traditional revival efforts to symbolize diplomacy, cultural exchange, and global solidarity. These performances re-contextualize Joseon dynasty ritual music as a 'living site,' acquiring multifaceted significance—diplomatic gestures, universally appreciated classical music, and prayers for peace. They catalyze cross-cultural knowledge transfer, inspire local artists, and foster Asian cultural heritage pride while preserving individual national legacies. The study reveals that such performances deepen musicians' artistic understanding and responsibility, enhancing the ritual's symbolic and artistic value. By analyzing these performances across diverse regions, the research highlights their role in redefining Jongmyo Jeryeak's global relevance.

A Study on Urban Platycladus orientalis Species Identification Using an Enhanced YOLO Model and High-Resolution Satellite Imagery

Temple of Heaven: an Imperial Sacrificial Altar in Beijing — 2026 — WHE60A79C9CB2

An enhanced YOLOv8s model achieves high accuracy (precision 81.39%, recall 78.70%) for detecting highly allergenic Platycladus orientalis trees in Beijing's Temple of Heaven area using high-resolution satellite imagery, providing critical data on their spatial distribution. This approach combines three lightweight modules to improve species identification in urban greening contexts, addressing public health risks while supporting ecological biodiversity goals. The model identified 118,723 instances, offering decision support for urban plant management and planning.

A Study to Analyze Nutritional, Chemical and Microbiological Properties of Senilia senilis and Crassostrea tulipa from the Saloum Delta (Senegal)

Saloum Delta — 2026 — WHEC45647240D

Processed bivalves from the Saloum Delta, including bloody cockles (Senilia senilis) and oysters (Crassostrea tulipa), exhibit high nutritional density with protein contents reaching up to 65 g/100 g dry matter for bloody cockle and significant zinc levels (up to 90 mg/100 g dry matter in oysters). However, certain artisanal processing methods result in excessive sodium concentrations (30 g/100 g dry matter), while microbiological analyses reveal high E. coli contamination at some sites, notably Niodior, even in products processed using 'improved' methods. Heavy metal levels remain generally low and below regulatory thresholds. The study highlights the potential of these bivalves as functional and nutraceutical foods but underscores the need for standardized processing methods to ensure food safety and enhance the value of local resources sustainably.

A Summary of Practices in the Conservation and Management of the Zhoukoudian Site in the New Era

Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian — 2026 — WHEEA5EA23A48

A strategic shift towards 'preventive conservation' has significantly enhanced the preservation of the Zhoukoudian Site, a UNESCO World Heritage property. This approach, involving round-the-clock monitoring, protective shelters like the Peking Man Cave structure, 3D digital archiving, and ecosystem restoration, effectively safeguards the site from natural weathering and historical legacies. The integration of legal frameworks and a new museum complex further supports scientific research, education, and cultural tourism. However, sustained efforts in securing continuous funding, relocating residents, and advancing technological applications remain critical for long-term preservation.

A Surprising Diversity of Aquatic Oligochaetes (Annelida: Clitellata) on Campbell Island/Motu Ihupuku (New Zealand), With a Checklist of Sub‐Antarctic and Antarctic Microdrile Oligochaetes

New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands — 2026 — WHE84C034B0AB

A surprising diversity of aquatic oligochaetes (Annelida: Clitellata) has been discovered on Campbell Island/Motu Ihupuku, New Zealand. The study, conducted during the 2010/11 austral summer as part of the Campbell Island Bicentennial Expedition, recorded 19 species, including six Naididae, nine Enchytraeidae, and four Phreodrilidae, bringing the total number of microdrile species known from the island to 20. At least nine species are endemic to Campbell Island, with two new genera and four new species described. The fauna exhibits biogeographic affinities with other Southern Ocean/sub-Antarctic islands and high-latitude regions of southern continents, such as Macquarie Island and Tasmania. Species richness on Campbell Island far exceeds that of Macquarie Island, where only six species have been documented. The study highlights the need for further research to better understand the origins of this diversity and compare it with other islands.

A Textual Research on Cui Yuan’s Alleged Water Management Merits to the Dujiangyan Irrigation System

Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System — 2026 — WHE22028A383B

Historical records suggest that the renowned Eastern Han dynasty official Cui Yuan served as Magistrate of Guan County and contributed significantly to the governance of the Dujiangyan Irrigation System. However, this study challenges that narrative by analyzing authoritative texts such as the History of the Later Han and the Sichuan General Gazetteer. The research concludes that there is no credible evidence supporting Cui Yuan's involvement in the system's maintenance or governance, thereby revising long-standing historical assumptions. This textual analysis relies on cross-referencing multiple historical sources to assess consistency and reliability, ultimately determining the improbability of Cui Yuan’s alleged contributions.

A UAV–3DGS–VR Workflow for Scenario-Comparable Immersive Review in Heritage Landscapes

Droogmakerij de Beemster (Beemster Polder) — 2026 — WHE6B4F93EF42

A novel, low-cost UAV-based workflow enables immersive comparison of alternative construction scenarios in heritage landscapes. By integrating multi-angle UAV imagery with 3D Gaussian Splatting (3DGS) and Unity-based virtual reality (VR), researchers reconstructed the Beemster Polder World Heritage site with high visual fidelity, as validated by PSNR and SSIM metrics. Behavioral data from eye-tracking and head-motion analysis further supported the subjective ranking of scenarios, revealing that one alternative (M1) was perceived as more compatible than others in this pilot study. This approach bridges reality capture, immersive scenario review, and behavioral evidence, offering a reusable framework for heritage landscape assessments.

A Value-Oriented Digital Twin Framework for Architectural Heritage Value Interpretation: Taking the Hegui Building of the Fujian Tulou as an Example

Fujian Tulou — 2026 — WHE3F528650C2

A novel value-oriented digital twin framework has been developed to interpret the heritage value of architectural sites, addressing limitations in current approaches that focus solely on geometric modeling and visual presentation. This framework integrates physical modeling, semantic organization, dynamic simulation, and interactive representation to systematically organize and interpret relationships among construction techniques, structural logic, social patterns, and environmental adaptation. Demonstrated through a case study of the Hegui Building, a Fujian Tulou World Heritage site, the framework effectively links fragmented heritage information into an interconnected value network, transforming static data into observable processes. This advancement enhances public understanding of heritage values by providing dynamic simulations and interactive visualizations, shifting the focus from object-oriented representation to value-oriented interpretation.

A Visual Analysis of the Map of Mount Wutai in Mogao Cave 61 and Its Significance

Mount Wutai — 2026 — WHE2CAD812B91

A visual analysis of the map of Mount Wutai in Mogao Cave 61 reveals its significance as both a sacred landscape reconstruction and a political narrative. The mural, the largest extant landscape depiction on the Silk Road, serves as a visual pilgrimage space for believers unable to visit Mount Wutai while also reflecting the Guiyijun regime's political aspirations of peace and stability. Through art historical and iconographic analysis, the study demonstrates that this map mirrors cross-regional pilgrimage networks and the ideal order of multi-ethnic coexistence, underscoring Dunhuang's role as a cultural crossroads on the Silk Road.

A YOLO-Based Workflow for Detecting and Mapping Archaeological Stone Cairns in Satellite Imagery: A Case Study from Western Ennedi, Chad

Ennedi Massif: Natural and Cultural Landscape — 2026 — WHE912C236E16

A deep learning framework using the YOLOv8 model achieves highly accurate detection of archaeological stone cairns in high-resolution satellite imagery, with precision and recall rates exceeding 83.5%. This non-invasive approach offers a scalable solution for documenting vulnerable heritage landscapes, such as those in the Ennedi Massif, where traditional field surveys are impractical due to remote terrain. The model, trained on GPS-verified cairns, demonstrated stable performance across diverse illumination conditions and outperformed YOLOv5n in localization accuracy while maintaining competitive precision and F1-scores. This workflow enables large-scale archaeological prospection and heritage monitoring, providing a critical tool for preserving and studying remote desert environments.

Abd Ṣāliḥ, Dhū'l-Qarnayn, and Monotheistic Agency in Achaemenid Iran: A Qurʾānic Perspective

Bisotun — 2026 — WHE7A5185BCE1

A groundbreaking analysis reveals that the Qurʾānic concept of ʿabd ṣāliḥ ('righteous servant') serves as a lens to interpret Achaemenid Iran's monotheistic agency, particularly through Cyrus II and Darius I. This study challenges conventional theological readings by positioning ʿabd ṣāliḥ at the intersection of divine authority, political power, and historical responsibility. By comparing ethical-monotheistic principles from the Gāthās with Achaemenid inscriptions—especially Darius’s Bisotun inscription—and Qurʾānic frameworks, the research uncovers structural affinities in ritual practices between pre-Islamic Zoroastrianism and Islam. It also situates the Magians within a broader monotheistic historical tradition, avoiding anachronistic or doctrinal judgments. This approach facilitates comparative dialogue between Achaemenid political ideology, Qurʾānic thought, and pre-Islamic Iranian religion, offering a novel methodological framework for understanding divinely guided agency in ancient Iran.

Accumulation of stranded plastic objects and other artefacts at Inaccessible Island, central South Atlantic Ocean

Gough and Inaccessible Islands — 2026 — WHEE9F20BD027

A significant increase of 47% in stranded artefacts, particularly plastic objects (65%), was observed at Inaccessible Island between 1984 and 1987, with distant-source artefacts rising by at least 120%. This suggests a recent surge in debris adrift in the South Atlantic Ocean. The study surveyed a 900 m boulder beach using a repeated sampling method to quantify macro-artefacts (>10 mm diameter), revealing minimum accumulation rates of 88 objects per km per year. Local fishery-related artefacts showed minimal increase, contrasting with the sharp rise in distant-source debris, highlighting broader oceanographic trends.

Achievements of the Inter-Korean Joint Excavation of Kaesong Manwoldae and Inter-Korean Exchange

Historic Monuments and Sites in Kaesong — 2026 — WHE03A2BF68D5

The Inter-Korean Joint Excavation of Kaesong Manwoldae, spanning 12 years from 2007 to 2018, uncovered groundbreaking archaeological and historical insights. The project identified the unique terraced structure of the Goryeo royal palace and significant building sites, including Kyungnyeongjeon Hall, while also discovering one of the world's oldest metal movable types, showcasing the excellence of Goryeo-era culture. Beyond academic contributions, the excavation played a pivotal role in securing UNESCO World Heritage status for Kaesong Historic Areas and Monuments, bolstering global cultural prestige. The study highlights a resilient governance model that combined authorities and private sectors, proving adaptable even during political challenges. However, recent inter-Korean tensions necessitate alternative cooperation strategies, such as non-face-to-face digital restoration and archiving, to sustain academic continuity. Urgent institutionalization and legalization are proposed to ensure long-term cultural heritage exchange, positioning the Manwoldae project as a catalyst for future Korean integration.

Acoustic Decipherment of the Nazca Lines: Evidence for Harmonic Encoding and Cross-Civilization Frequency Standardization

Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Palpa — 2026 — WHEC135215A8F

A groundbreaking acoustic analysis reveals that the Nazca Lines, ancient geoglyphs in southern Peru (200 BCE - 600 CE), encode specific musical frequencies through their physical dimensions. Researchers found that five zoomorphic geoglyphs—hummingbird, spider, monkey, condor, and whale—consistently resonate at F#6 (1478 Hz) with remarkable precision (±6 Hz or 0.4% error). Additionally, multiple structures align with the base frequency D#2 (77.78 Hz), previously linked to ancient scripts like Proto-Elamite and the Phaistos Disc. This discovery suggests a shared acoustic notation system across civilizations spanning 3,400 years and three continents, offering new insights into ancient communication and symbolic encoding.