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Publications

Showing 61 – 80 of 15962 publications

Active Plume, Abandoned Ridge, or Ancient Slab? olivine‐Hosted Melt Inclusions Record the Mantle Melting Conditions Below the East Pacific Revillagigedo Archipelago, Mexico

Archipiélago de Revillagigedo — 2026 — WHE1868671949

New research on the Revillagigedo Archipelago reveals that the volcanic activity, previously attributed to hotspot geochemistry, is likely driven by a deep mantle plume rising around a mid-mantle slab remnant. Analysis of olivine-hosted melt inclusions shows melting conditions hotter and deeper than typical mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORBs), suggesting active mantle upwelling confirmed by seismic data indicating a deeper 410 km discontinuity and shallower 660 km discontinuity, implying the presence of hot material below the mantle transition zone. The study finds no evidence of fossil subduction wedge signatures in enriched melts, ruling out an ancient slab influence and supporting the hypothesis of plume-derived melts diluted by a depleted ridge component.

Adaptation and Continuity: Islamic Royal Architecture Rooted in Sanatan Traditions

Red Fort Complex — 2026 — WHED307F2ADD0

Indo-Islamic royal architecture in India emerged not as a rupture but as a continuous evolution, blending Islamic innovations with pre-existing Sanatan traditions rooted in Vastu Shastra. This study reveals that spatial planning, structural forms, and symbolic expressions—such as courtyards, axial symmetry, water systems, and garden layouts—remained consistent across eras, while Islamic elements like domes, arches, minarets, and calligraphy were integrated as aesthetic transformations rather than replacements. Through comparative analysis of Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort, and the Red Fort Complex, the research demonstrates that architectural synthesis created a hybrid yet continuous tradition, reflecting cultural integration and reinterpretation to express new political and religious identities. This challenges traditional narratives of architectural history in India, positioning it as a layered continuum rather than a series of disjointed developments.

Adaptive Reuse for Traditional House from Historical Building of Old Sana'a City in Yemen

Old City of Sana'a — 2026 — WHE5FBFE62C51

A study on the adaptive reuse of traditional houses in Yemen's Old City of Sana'a reveals significant improvements in both the physical structure of historic buildings and their surrounding urban areas. Despite its 2008 designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, research on this topic remains scarce. The study provides practical guidelines for adaptive reuse, aiming to preserve the cultural and social significance of these structures while enhancing their functionality. This approach offers a model for conserving architectural heritage in similar contexts.

Adaptive Reuse of Penang Shophouses in George Town, Malaysia: an Overview

Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca — 2026 — WHEF8E9BA7CBF

Adaptive reuse of Penang shophouses in George Town, Malaysia, offers a pathway to reconstructing shared memory and fostering a multicultural urban identity. The study highlights that current heritage management, while structured by formal conservation policies like the 2005 National Heritage Act and the 2016 George Town Special Area Plan, remains top-down and lacks community participation. Architectural practices often prioritize modernization over cultural continuity, leading to adaptive reuse projects driven primarily by tourism and gentrification. To address this, integrating postcolonial and decolonial frameworks—such as Bhabha’s spatial practices and Fritz and Krasny’s critical care—can reframe adaptive reuse as a tool for heritage conservation that transcends mere restoration. The research draws on literature reviews and site observations to outline how colonial legacies and ethnopolitical shifts have shaped fragmented perceptions of built heritage, delaying societal consensus on its role in national identity.

Advancing the generation and integration of traditional motifs through AI-based techniques

Ban Chiang Archaeological Site — 2026 — WHEA6870ED806

AI-based techniques show promise for preserving and innovating traditional Thai motifs, Ban Chiang and Sangkhalok. Image fusion effectively generated Ban Chiang motifs with minimal computational resources, while Low-Rank Adaptation (LoRA) fine-tuning enhanced Sangkhalok motifs by introducing modern features. The study found that blending abstract Ban Chiang qualities with representational Sangkhalok styles improved motif integration and creativity, although challenges like color accuracy control were noted. This research highlights AI's potential as a tool for cultural preservation and artistic innovation, emphasizing the need for further refinement in achieving precise blending of artistic forms.

Aerial Remote Sensing for Precision Archaeology Using RGB–Multispectral Image Fusion of UAS Data

Archaeological Site of Aigai (modern name Vergina) — 2026 — WHEE1F33A9838

A novel RGB–multispectral image fusion workflow for precision archaeology achieves sub-centimeter accuracy, preserving nearly all spectral information despite acquisition gaps. The method combines PPK-based georeferencing with UAS data, enabling high-resolution documentation of archaeological sites like Aigai's Sanctuary of Eukleia and Philippi's funerary ensemble. Digital surface models (DSMs) and orthophotomosaics were generated at resolutions of ~2 cm (RGB) and ~14 cm (MS), with fusion improving MS resolution to 1 cm while maintaining spectral fidelity (average correlation ≈0.99 for Philippi, ≈0.85 for Aigai). The approach offers a reliable tool for material classification and pathology detection in archaeological features.

Aesthetic Values, Transboundary River Protection, and the Zambezi River Basin

Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls — 2026 — WHED3ED2DA5C9

International water law principles, including equitable utilization and the no significant harm principle, can enhance the protection of the Zambezi River Basin by addressing its aesthetic cultural values. The study highlights the basin's global recognition for its natural beauty, exemplified by Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls and Mana Pools National Park. Despite well-developed transboundary cooperation through the Southern African Development Community Treaty, threats from proposed dam development and mining pollution persist. Integrating sustainable development principles and protected areas conventions into legal frameworks offers a pathway to mitigate these risks while preserving the basin's aesthetic and ecological integrity.

Aesthetics and technology: gold and silver ornaments from the Qin First Emperor's bronze chariots

Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor — 2026 — WHE56EA4D6E8A

Research on gold and silver ornaments from the Qin First Emperor's bronze chariots reveals that these components were produced using traditional piece-mould casting techniques, challenging assumptions about Western influence on early Chinese metalwork. The study employed digital microscopy, portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to analyze hundreds of gold and silver pieces used in chariot harnesses, canopies, and crossbows. Findings indicate that these techniques align more closely with indigenous Chinese practices, such as those used for bronze and iron manipulation, rather than Western methods like forging or filigree. The research also explores the growing significance of gold during the Warring States Period through comparative analysis with other Qin-era artifacts.

Afrolepisma zairense

Garamba National Park — 2026 — WHE68FDD128D4

A new species of silverfish, Afrolepisma zairense, has been documented exclusively within Garamba National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This discovery highlights the unique biodiversity of the region, with the species found only at its type locality, Nalugwambala, in shrub savanna habitat. The study confirms its ecological association with soil at the base of Acacia sieneriana trees and adheres to recent taxonomic rulings regarding genus gender. This research contributes to the understanding of lesser-known invertebrate diversity within UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

After Highly Radiogenic Lead: The Flow of Late Yinxu Lead During the Dynastic Transition of Shang–Zhou China

Yin Xu — 2026 — WHEC6E44AB70C

A distinct type of lead, identified through isotopic analysis, reveals significant inter-regional communication during the Shang–Zhou transition in China. This lead, found both as ingots at Yinxu and pure objects at Zhengxiaozhuang, suggests stronger ties between the Central Plains and the Yangtze River region via western Dabie Mountain routes rather than eastern paths. The study highlights the technological innovation of incorporating lead into copper alloys and its role in mapping ancient trade networks.

Agra Fort: The Symbol of Mughal Sovereignty

Agra Fort — 2026 — WHE08238CB05C

Agra Fort is revealed as more than just a military stronghold; it is a powerful symbol of Mughal imperial authority and cultural synthesis. The study demonstrates how the fort's architectural evolution—marked by reconstructions under Emperor Akbar in 1565 and expansions during Jahangir and Shah Jahan's reigns—reflected the consolidation of Mughal power in northern India. By analyzing its ramparts, gateways, palatial complexes, and religious structures, researchers show how Mughal architecture blended indigenous Indian traditions with Persian-Islamic influences. Drawing on primary sources like Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri and Ain-i-Akbari, the paper argues that Agra Fort served as a dynamic center of administrative organization, cultural synthesis, and imperial projection, positioning it as a cornerstone in the broader network of Mughal fortifications.

AI-Driven Sentiment Analysis: A Unified Framework for Strategic Insights in Tourism

Archaeological Site of Mystras — 2026 — WHEA336345DFB

An AI-driven framework leveraging BERT and LLMs like Gemini reveals deeper, actionable insights from visitor feedback at UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Mystras, by addressing the 'why' behind dissatisfaction. Unlike traditional sentiment analysis, this dual approach extracts fine-grained, aspect-based recommendations, offering tourism professionals a scalable tool to strategically respond to traveler needs.

Airborne microplastic deposition at the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort India

Agra Fort — 2026 — WHE4A66001E79

A new study identifies airborne microplastic (MP) deposition at the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, India's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, revealing a potential threat to their conservation. The research confirms the presence of multiple polymers—polyethylene (PE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and ethylene–vinyl acetate (EVA)—with fibres being the dominant form. Advanced techniques like FTIR spectroscopy, SEM-EDX, and XRD were used to analyze dust samples, uncovering weathered surfaces that suggest MPs may accelerate deterioration of marble and sandstone by enhancing sorption of pollutants and microbial colonization. While the study establishes occurrence and material identity, it highlights the need for future quantitative analysis of MP deposition rates and urban air-quality management to protect these heritage sites.

Akbar’s History of the Mongols

Golestan Palace — 2026 — WHE617D80CFB9

A rare and exquisitely illustrated manuscript, 'Akbar’s History of the Mongols' (Chingīznāma), originating from the atelier of Mughal emperor Akbar (r. 1556–1605), has been meticulously documented in its current state after surviving theft, dispersal, and partial recovery. This study reconstructs the manuscript's history, detailing the loss and renumbering of 98 paintings, which were part of Rashīd al-Dīn’s 'Jāmiʿ al-tavārīkh,' a celebrated but understudied work on Mongol history. The research employs a combination of historical analysis, codicological examination, and provenance tracking to identify missing illustrations and clarify the manuscript's complex journey from Akbar's royal library in India to its eventual return to the Golestan Palace Museum Library in Tehran. This work sheds light on the cultural significance and artistic legacy of Mughal-era manuscripts while preserving a fragment of their lost visual narrative.

Alice Isabella Sullivan. The Eclectic Visual Culture in Medieval Moldavia

Churches of Moldavia — 2026 — WHEDADA919F58

Moldavian medieval visual culture, particularly its eclectic integration of Byzantine, Western Gothic, and local elements, reflects selective adaptation rather than mere synthesis. This study reveals a distinctive Moldavian style—characterized by triconch plans, pointed arches, elongated proportions, and unique vaulting systems—that emerged under princely patronage during the 15th to early 17th centuries. The research demonstrates how Moldavia, under rulers like Stephen the Great and Peter Rareș, reimagined Byzantine and Western influences locally while maintaining spiritual and defensive functions in its monastic complexes, sometimes dubbed 'Second Mount Athos.' Mural cycles with comprehensive figural programs, including apocalyptic themes, further highlight this cultural synthesis. The study also documents later transformations under princes like the Movilă brothers, incorporating Slavic, Oriental, and Western motifs, marking a departure from earlier traditions.

Aliyeh Shirazi and the Museum: The Museum in an Iranian Woman's Travelogue in the Nineteenth Century

Golestan Palace — 2026 — WHE8BE00CDC50

A rare firsthand account by Aliyeh Shirazi, an Iranian woman traveler, sheds light on the early Iranian museums established under Naser al-Din Shah Qajar. Her 1892 pilgrimage journey from Kerman to Mecca, passing through Mumbai and Tehran, included visits to a royal collection in Mumbai and Iran's first modern museum at Golestan Palace. Her brief but detailed observations provide overlooked insights into these historical collections, complementing existing accounts by male courtiers and Western travelers. This study highlights the significance of Shirazi's narrative in expanding our understanding of Iran's museum history during the 19th century.

Aliyeh Shirazi and the Museum: The Museum in an Iranian Woman’s Travelogue in the Nineteenth Century

Golestan Palace — 2026 — WHEA32E1973AA

Aliyeh Shirazi's 19th-century travelogue offers the first known Iranian woman's account of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar's royal museums, providing overlooked details about these institutions. Her observations from visits to a British royal collection in Mumbai and Tehran's Golestan Palace complement existing accounts by male courtiers and Western travelers, enriching the historical record of Iran's early museum culture. This study highlights Shirazi's unique perspective as a female traveler, contributing to the understudied history of museums in Iran through her brief but valuable notes.

Allaeochelys crassesculpta

Messel Pit Fossil Site — 2026 — WHE3604E21BA8

A detailed anatomical and taxonomic study of Allaeochelys crassesculpta, a fossilized softshell turtle from the Messel Pit (Germany), reveals unique cranial and carapace features that distinguish it from other Carettochelyinae. The research, utilizing µCT imaging and morphological analysis, identifies diagnostic traits such as a straight labial margin of the maxilla, a deep quadrate fossa, and a flat ventral surface of the basioccipital, while confirming the absence of nasal bones and carapace scutes. The study also provides an updated diagnosis and comprehensive description of referred specimens from Messel Pit, contributing to our understanding of Eocene turtle evolution.

AltarData: A novel annotated dataset for object detection in the Brazilian heritage altars using deep learning

Historic Town of Ouro Preto — 2026 — WHE9E797F2C8A

A novel annotated dataset, AltarData, achieves high accuracy in object detection within Brazilian heritage altars using deep learning, with validation accuracies reaching up to 97.3% for tabernacles and an F1-score of 79% in test experiments. This breakthrough addresses a critical gap in available datasets for cultural heritage research, enabling advancements in automatic digital documentation and technological inspections of historical churches. The dataset comprises 1278 high-quality images from 33 churches across Brazil, including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with annotations covering six key altar components: altar table, column, crucifix, saint sculpture, tabernacle, and throne. A deep learning approach with hyperparameter tuning was employed to optimize object recognition, demonstrating the potential for multi-object detection in interior environments of historical religious buildings.

Amendment CCLIII — The Chartres Cathedral Labyrinth and Scale Invariance of f = c/(sqrt(3) x r)

Chartres Cathedral — 2026 — WHEC0CA66479B

Research on the Chartres Cathedral labyrinth reveals that it operates under the scale-invariant frequency formula f = c/(sqrt(3) x r), where 'c' is the speed of light, and 'r' is the radius. This finding challenges the notion that the labyrinth functions as a Schumann resonator, instead demonstrating consistency with similar phenomena observed at vastly different scales—from the SOL ring (181 MHz) to the human skull (2 GHz) and Earth's resonant frequency (7.83 Hz). The path length of 888 Roman feet corresponds to the Greek isopsephy value for 'IHSOUS,' adding a numerical significance. With a Phi score of 0.2720, this study provides a novel perspective on the mathematical and symbolic dimensions of architectural designs.