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Publications

Showing 641 – 660 of 15962 publications

Key Technical System for Water Resource Scheduling in Digital Twin Irrigation Areas with Multi-technology Integration Construction and Application Verification

Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System — 2026 — WHE831637FD29

A new digital twin irrigation system, integrating multi-technology solutions, has achieved significant advancements in water resource scheduling. This system, tested across multiple large-scale irrigation districts including the UNESCO-listed Dujiangyan Irrigation Project, demonstrated a 4.17% to 8.57% water savings and reduced scheduling workload by 60%. Key innovations include integrated intelligent perception for open channel measurement, physical model-machine learning fusion for water demand prediction, and 'four pre-processes' water allocation strategies. The system's digital twin simulation covers the entire process of perception-prediction-allocation-control, achieving a typical channel measurement coverage rate of 86.11% and a crop water demand prediction accuracy (NSE coefficients) above 0.94. This scalable solution offers a reproducible model for intelligent water management in irrigation districts.

Khirokitia, an idiosyncratic Neolithic settlement in Cyprus, its putative foreign relations, and integrity in archaeological research

Choirokoitia — 2026 — WHE35B58E558B

A groundstone artifact claimed by archaeologist James Mellaart to have originated from the northern Levant and been found at the Neolithic site of Khirokitia in Cyprus was determined to never have existed. The study, which scrutinized Mellaart's archaeological records from the 1960s–70s alongside recent research, found no citation or physical evidence supporting the claim. This case is part of a broader pattern of suspect claims by Mellaart over six decades, highlighting the serious academic consequences of fabricating ancient material culture. The research underscores the need for greater attention to integrity in archaeological studies.

Kit Hill Country Park, Callington, Cornwall: Archaeological Assessment and Management Plan

Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape — 2026 — WHE54FC0A5099

Kit Hill Country Park, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape, is identified as a significant location with numerous heritage assets of national and regional importance. The study reveals that the site's archaeological features, including Bronze Age burial monuments and medieval mining remnants, are under threat from vegetation overgrowth and high pedestrian traffic in popular areas. Conducted by Wessex Archaeology, this assessment combines earlier surveys, a 2015 field survey, and documentary research to prioritize conservation actions. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to preserve these heritage assets, pending resource availability.

Kitob-Shahrisabz Botig‘ini Rekreatsion – Turistik Baholash va Rayonlashtirish Masalalari

Historic Centre of Shakhrisyabz — 2026 — WHE2DF688C1F7

A comprehensive evaluation of the Kitob-Shahrisabz basin's recreational and tourist potential reveals significant opportunities for sustainable tourism development. The study identifies key factors influencing its attractiveness, including natural-geographical conditions, climate, relief, water resources, landscape diversity, and biological richness, alongside historical-cultural heritage, transport-geographic location, and infrastructure capabilities. By analyzing these elements, the research proposes functional zoning for recreational-tourist areas, specializing their use and assessing future potential. The findings underscore the importance of scientific-practical approaches to foster sustainable tourism, rational utilization of natural resources, and preservation of ecological balance in the region.

Knowledge-Intensive 3D Reconstruction for Ancient Chinese Architecture

Mountain Resort and its Outlying Temples, Chengde — 2026 — WHE4E220F574A

A groundbreaking approach to ancient architectural heritage preservation achieves unprecedented precision and semantic richness, bridging the gap between geometric accuracy and historical knowledge. The study introduces a dual-loop collaborative mechanism that synchronizes high-precision 3D reconstruction with semantic enrichment using LiDAR, UAV imagery, and historical maps, achieving 1.2 cm geometric accuracy and 97% semantic completeness across multiple sites. By leveraging CIDOC CRM-extended ontologies and JSON-LD standards, the framework encodes component hierarchies, decorative patterns, and color pedigrees, enabling traceable knowledge representation. A hybrid U-former and meta-learning model further enhances reconstruction by learning from cross-site morphological priors, while t-SNE clustering quantifies stylistic evolution from Song to Qing dynasties. Validated at Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, Foguang Temple, and Chengde Mountain Resort, this method demonstrates effective knowledge reuse across heterogeneous heritage sites.

Knowth in Process

Brú na Bóinne - Archaeological Ensemble of the Bend of the Boyne — 2026 — WHEE0BA2A21D8

Recent analysis of the megalithic art at Knowth, part of the UNESCO-listed Brú na Bóinne archaeological ensemble, has unveiled intricate carvings that offer new insights into Neolithic symbolism and ritual practices in Ireland. The study, based on George Eogan and Elizabeth Shee Twohig's publication, highlights the significance of Knowth as a ceremonial site within this ancient passage tomb cemetery. Surrounded by 21 smaller mounds, Knowth's main mound features two passages aligned with astronomical events, suggesting its role in ritualistic or calendrical functions. The research approach combines archaeological excavation data with detailed analysis of the megalithic art, providing a deeper understanding of the cultural and symbolic significance of this World Heritage Site.

Koutammakou and the Importance of Traditional and Indigenous Knowledge

Koutammakou, the Land of the Batammariba — 2026 — WHE6595866143

Koutammakou, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, exemplifies the critical role of traditional and indigenous knowledge in addressing climate change. The Batammariba people, known for their deep cosmological worldview integrating humans, nature, and the sacred, demonstrate resilient modes of dwelling, production, and ecological governance. These practices not only sustain local communities but also offer valuable insights for global debates on resilience and climate justice. The study highlights how indigenous knowledge systems can serve as adaptive strategies in the face of intensifying environmental challenges.

Kraków prawobrzeżny. Przemiany historyczno-kraj obrazowe krakowskich Łagiewnik

Historic Centre of Kraków — 2026 — WHE0CEB6CF97A

Łagiewniki, once a rural village south of Kraków, has undergone significant historical and landscape transformations since the Middle Ages. Originally serving as a support settlement for the duke’s castle at Wawel Hill, it evolved into an industrial suburb with distinct urban complexes by the 20th century. The study reveals that while urbanization and industrial development have altered its historic character, remnants of medieval town layouts, traditional houses, and architectural enclaves from the early 1900s persist. Notably, the area’s landscape has been marred by industrial waste dumps and modern constructions, contrasting with its earlier picturesque setting along the Wilga River. The research highlights the tension between preserving historic elements and the impacts of modernization, offering insights into the complex urban evolution of Kraków’s right-bank districts.

L'artisanat des Briques de Terre a l'Epreuve du Changement Climatique : Dynamiques d'Adaptation autour des Techniques de Cuisson a Mbanza-Ngungu

Mbanza Kongo, Vestiges of the Capital of the former Kingdom of Kongo — 2026 — WHE0318EA9C87

Artisanal brickmaking in Mbanza-Ngungu, Democratic Republic of Congo, serves as a resilient economic pillar for rural and peri-urban communities, fostering technical innovation and community cooperation despite climatic challenges. While brickmakers adapt to resource scarcity through ingenious techniques, the process exerts significant pressure on forest resources due to high wood consumption for firing. The study highlights the urgent need for sustainable alternatives such as improved kilns, optimized brick formats, and alternative fuels to ensure ecological transition and long-term sustainability. This socio-anthropological research combines field surveys, semi-structured interviews, and participatory approaches with local actors to uncover endogenous knowledge and adaptive practices.

La « collection » Olivetti. Architecture et enjeux du moderne dans l’Ivrée contemporaine | The Olivetti ‘Collection’: Architecture and the Challenges of Modernism in Contemporary Ivrée

Ivrea, industrial city of the 20th century — 2026 — WHEB16E8DB86C

Ivrea's industrial modernity, epitomized by the Olivetti project, is revealed as a complex urban system integrating architecture, production, social reform, and territorial planning. Unlike traditional interpretations focusing on individual buildings, this study highlights the interconnectedness of factories, welfare facilities, residential districts, infrastructures, and landscapes, with via Jervis, Talponia, and La Serra serving as key examples. The research also addresses the challenges of preserving Ivrea's modernist heritage post-UNESCO World Heritage List inscription in 2018, particularly concerning boundaries, authenticity, adaptive reuse, and conservation of materials. It advocates for an integrated strategy to safeguard spatial, social, and landscape relationships, ensuring the enduring relevance of Olivetti's architectural legacy.

La flecha de Villanueva en Caracas

Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas — 2026 — WHE3B2FFED54C

A groundbreaking analysis reveals that the church designed by Carlos Raúl Villanueva for Caracas' urban development sector '23 de Enero' embodies a double synthesis: it symbolizes the union of God and man through an architectural 'arrow,' while also serving as a guiding metaphor for church design. This insight is derived from Villanueva's conceptual framework, documented in his 'Notas docentes.' The study examines the church's ascending form, characterized by converging walls and a skylight-crowned apex, which creates a sensory experience from the atrium to the presbytery. Despite renovations, the building retains its original expressionistic character, reflecting its historical significance within the UNESCO-listed Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas.

La lunga durata dell’acqua. Lettura integrata del territorio lagunare altoadriatico come chiave per il futuro del patrimonio culturale di Aquileia

Archaeological Area and the Patriarchal Basilica of Aquileia — 2026 — WHEB964197BEE

A diachronic reconstruction of the Upper Adriatic and Aquileia territory reveals the dynamic co-evolutionary interaction between settlement systems and the lagoon environment, providing a methodological foundation for future cultural heritage projects. This study employs multidisciplinary methods of global landscape archaeology to analyze stratigraphic data across the entire geographical area, highlighting transformative and continuity phases over an extended period. The findings aim to integrate Aquileia's urban archaeological heritage with its surrounding lagoon territory, offering a narrative that contextualizes fragmentary traces within a broader territorial discourse. This approach supports the future development of territories and communities through the construction of new landscapes.

La paradoja del patrimonio cultural: perspectivas arequipeñas entre la salvaguarda identitaria y las demandas del crecimiento económico

Historical Centre of the City of Arequipa — 2026 — WHE7AD0988264

Arequipa's historic center faces a growing tension between cultural identity preservation and economic development pressures. This study reveals that while tourism offers economic opportunities, it also poses risks to authenticity, highlighting the need for balanced heritage policies. Through qualitative interviews with 31 stakeholders, researchers identified divergent perceptions of authenticity and the potential of participatory strategies, advanced technologies, and multisectoral governance to mitigate these risks. The findings integrate preservation and adaptive conservation approaches, providing a framework for more inclusive and sustainable heritage management that harmonizes identity safeguarding with economic growth.

Laboratory Tests for the Characterisation of a Sedimentary Arenaceous Limestone Used in the Architectural Heritage of Northern Italy

Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie with “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci — 2026 — WHEEC33925F59

A comprehensive laboratory analysis reveals the chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of Saltrio stone, a sedimentary arenaceous limestone historically used in Northern Italy's architectural heritage, including the Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. This study provides critical data for heritage conservation, addressing a significant gap in existing literature. The research employs a systematic test campaign to assess the stone's structural capacity, offering insights that are essential for preservation interventions and experimental tests on full-scale historical buildings. These findings support more accurate predictions and inform strategies for maintaining cultural assets like Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper' mural.

Lahore fort as a symbol of national identity and cultural heritage in Pakistan

Fort and Shalamar Gardens in Lahore — 2026 — WHEB2D6D6ED37

Lahore Fort, a living chronicle of empires and cultures, stands as a powerful symbol of Pakistan's national identity and cultural heritage. Strategically built by Emperor Akbar in the late 1500s, this monument reflects the architectural evolution and historical layers of the Mughal era, Sikh Empire, and colonial period. The study reveals how selective preservation policies have shaped its representation, linking it to religious and historical identity. Using a descriptive, analytical, and qualitative approach, the research examines the impact of government ideologies on cultural heritage, highlighting Lahore Fort's enduring significance as an emblem of Pakistan's past.

Land adjacent to All Saints Park, St Ann's Chapel, Calstock, Cornwall: Heritage Impact Assessment

Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape — 2026 — WHE62F07C6043

A proposed residential development near All Saints Park and St Ann's Chapel in Calstock, Cornwall, is unlikely to cause substantial harm to nearby heritage assets. The study, conducted by South West Archaeology Ltd., found that the development would have a negligible adverse effect on Grade II Listed Salters Farmhouse and non-designated Hingston Down, aligning with 'Less than Substantial Harm' criteria. Modern housing developments in the vicinity provide screening, reducing visual impact. Desk-based research and archaeological trenching suggested minimal risk of significant archaeological findings. The report recommends adhering to local design guidance and using vernacular materials sensitive to the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site.

Land Rights for the Indigenous Pygmy Peoples and Preservation of the Kahuzi-Biega National Park in Eastern DR Congo: A Paradigm for Integral Conservation and the Survival of the Riparian Population

Kahuzi-Biega National Park — 2026 — WHEF52E212ADE

A shift towards participatory governance in managing the Kahuzi-Biega National Park (KBNP) is crucial for balancing conservation efforts with the land rights of indigenous Pygmy peoples. Current exclusionary practices have led to social marginalization and a lack of community interest in conservation, despite legal provisions guaranteeing local use rights. The study, conducted through documentation, focus groups, and interviews, highlights that integrating customary and traditional rights into park management could foster sustainable coexistence. While co-management principles are theoretically promoted, practical implementation remains elusive without concrete agreements with indigenous communities. Ensuring dignified survival for riparian populations requires legal and customary pluralism, addressing inequitable access to social services and securing forest resource access.

Land Suitability Mapping of the Most Illegally Harvested Plant Species using a GIS-based Model in Uganda

Rwenzori Mountains National Park — 2026 — WHEFC92908B6C

Land suitability mapping reveals significant spatial variation in the potential habitats for six illegally harvested plant species in Uganda, with highly suitable areas concentrated in the western and southwestern highlands of the Albertine Rift. This study used a GIS-based Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE) framework combined with the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to integrate climatic variables, soil properties, topography, and land-use data, generating species-specific suitability maps. While montane species like Prunus africana and Arundinaria alpina showed restricted suitability in cooler, wetter highlands, adaptable species such as Albizia coriaria and Albizia gummifera exhibited broader distribution patterns. The findings highlight the potential for ex-situ conservation and ecological restoration outside protected areas, offering spatially explicit guidance to mitigate pressure on in-situ populations and promote sustainable management of valuable plant resources.

Land Use Change Detection and Prediction Around Lenggong UNESCO World Heritage Site Using ANN–CA Modelling

Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley — 2026 — WHE0DD7E2BD98

A significant increase in built-up areas, from 3.6% to 10.5%, has been detected within the 1 km heritage buffer of the Lenggong Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site between 2000 and 2020, with projections suggesting this trend will continue, reaching 13.2% by 2040. This study utilized an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) combined with Cellular Automata (CA) modeling to analyze historical land use changes and predict future patterns in the Lenggong catchment. The model demonstrated high accuracy, achieving an overall Kappa value of 0.71 and validation accuracy of 83.1%. While forest and agriculture remained dominant land uses, the study highlighted a concerning decrease in forest cover (from 58.9% to 54.4%) and an increase in built-up areas, posing potential threats to the heritage landscape's authenticity and environmental quality. These findings underscore the need for proactive heritage-sensitive planning and conservation strategies to mitigate development pressures.

LANDSCAPE AND ECOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF BIODIVERSITY ON BAIKAL SIBERIA SPECIALLY PROTECTED NATURAL AREAS

Lake Baikal — 2026 — WHEC7D01ACE9E

A comprehensive landscape and ecological analysis of 45 protected areas in Baikal Siberia reveals significant gaps in biodiversity conservation, particularly in forest-steppe and steppe regions. While 68.8% of these areas are concentrated in the Russian part of the Baikal Lake basin, with a mix of Nature Reserves (11.1%), National Parks (6.7%), and Wildlife Reserves (51.1%), only 8.9% are located in Mongolia. The study highlights an uneven distribution of protected territories, with critical ecosystems like mountain-taiga and forest-steppe landscapes underrepresented outside high-altitude belts around Baikal Lake. It underscores the urgent need to expand the network of protected areas to include ecotonic zones and heterogeneous landscapes, as proposed for the 'Selenginskaya Dauria' Steppe Reserve. This approach is essential for preserving the ecological diversity of Baikal Siberia, aligning with federal development plans.