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Showing 801 – 820 of 15962 publications

Occurrence and Characteristics of Rock Glaciers in Western Tien Shan

Western Tien-Shan — 2026 — WHE6046288C60

Researchers have identified 741 rock glaciers in the Western Tien Shan, covering over 70.5 km², with a significant concentration on north-facing slopes due to reduced solar radiation. These rock glaciers, acting as resilient water reservoirs in arid mountains, exhibit varying kinematic activity influenced by elevation, slope, aspect, and local topography. The study, the first of its kind in this region, reveals that while most are active or transitional with mean seasonal displacement rates of ~15 cm/year, their distribution and behavior suggest a lower permafrost boundary at approximately 1922 m above sea level. This inventory not only establishes a benchmark dataset for global permafrost models but also highlights the importance of rock glaciers in permafrost monitoring and water resource assessment in data-scarce mountain regions.

Occurrence of Pharmaceuticals in the Seawater Samples of the Port of Cartagena (Murcia, Spain): A Pilot Study

Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena — 2026 — WHE9CC879CF3B

A pilot study reveals significant pharmaceutical contamination in the seawater of Cartagena's port, with diclofenac and multiple antibiotics detected at concentrations exceeding environmental safety thresholds. The research analyzed 15 pharmaceuticals across nine sites, identifying hotspots near high human activity areas and even within a Special Area of Conservation, suggesting diffuse pollution likely linked to inadequate wastewater management in nearby informal settlements. These findings underscore the vulnerability of port environments to emerging contaminants and highlight the urgent need for continuous monitoring and improved environmental management to protect coastal ecosystems.

Odissi, the Cultural Crest of Odisha: A Historical Overview

Sun Temple, Konârak — 2026 — WHE769BC4883C

Odissi, the classical dance form of Odisha, has been recognized as a distinct and ancient tradition dating back over two thousand years, despite its contemporary form being less than a century old. Archaeological evidence confirms its deep-rooted history, contrasting with historical misconceptions that once dismissed it as a derivative of other Indian dance forms like Bharatanatyam or Kuchipudi. This study provides a comprehensive historical overview, tracing Odissi's evolution from ancient stone carvings at the Sun Temple in Konark to its prominence today, exemplified by the Konark International Dance Festival. The research bridges gaps in existing literature, offering credible accounts of Odissi's origin and development, thereby solidifying its status as a unique cultural heritage of Odisha.

Oenopia gonggarensis Jing 1992

Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries - Wolong, Mt Siguniang and Jiajin Mountains — 2026 — WHE0C6E9FD4AD

Researchers have documented the morphological characteristics and distribution of Oenopia gonggarensis, a beetle species endemic to China's Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, including its Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuary habitats. The study describes its distinct features: an oval body with variable elytral spotting patterns, black ventral surfaces (except for yellowish-white hypomeron and epipleura), and unique male genitalia. Observations from Jiajin Mountain (2330 m) and Yunnan's Lanping region reveal this species' ecological presence in panda sanctuaries, contributing to biodiversity inventories critical for conservation efforts.

Oenopia lanpingensis Jing 1992

Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries - Wolong, Mt Siguniang and Jiajin Mountains — 2026 — WHEF1539EFDCC

A new morphological description of the beetle species Oenopia lanpingensis, previously documented from Yunnan and Sichuan provinces in China, reveals distinct coloration patterns, including a black pronotum with yellowish-white lateral margins, orange-red elytra with black sutural margins, and yellowish-brown ventral markings. The study, based on field collections from 2006 to 2007, provides detailed measurements (3.1–4.6 mm in length) and illustrations of the species' abdomen and female genitalia, confirming its distribution across high-altitude regions (2330–2600 m) within Sichuan's Jiajin Mountains. This work contributes to the taxonomic understanding of Oenopia beetles, with potential implications for biodiversity studies in these ecologically significant areas.

Oʻzbekiston Tarixiy-Madaniy Merosini Asrashda Yuneskoning Oʻrni: Restavratsiya va Konservatsiya Masalalari

Historic Centre of Shakhrisyabz — 2026 — WHE27C155457D

UNESCO's role in preserving Uzbekistan's rich cultural heritage, particularly at World Heritage Sites like Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and Shakhrisyabz, is critically examined through the lens of restoration and conservation practices. The study reveals that while international collaboration has led to significant efforts to maintain authenticity and integrity, challenges persist due to varying standards and methodologies. It evaluates the impact of modern restoration technologies against UNESCO's guidelines, such as the 1964 Venice Charter and the 1972 World Heritage Convention, highlighting both successes and drawbacks in preserving these sites. The research offers recommendations for addressing existing issues while adhering to global conservation standards.

On the Ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) fauna of Central Sikhote Alin, Mount Ko

Central Sikhote-Alin — 2026 — WHED4A03B3EB4

A detailed annotated list of 31 ground beetle species (Coleoptera: Carabidae) from the Central Sikhote-Alin, specifically around Mount Ko in the Khabarovsk Territory, has been compiled. The study identifies species across 14 genera and 11 tribes, providing critical distribution data for this understudied region. This contribution enhances our understanding of the biodiversity of the Sikhote-Alin Range by documenting its carabid fauna with precision. The research relies on field collections and taxonomic analysis, offering a foundational dataset for future ecological and conservation studies in this ecologically significant area.

On the programs of monitoring studies of space weather based on radio astronomical and magnetometric observations

Struve Geodetic Arc — 2026 — WHE77911B515E

A comprehensive monitoring program has revealed significant variability in the fluxes of extragalactic radio sources, such as supernova remnants and radio galaxies, linked to space weather effects. Conducted since 1987 using advanced radio telescopes (URAN-4, RT-32, RT-16, LOFAR) and magnetometers across Ukraine, Latvia, Finland, and other regions, this study highlights the impact of solar activity on terrestrial ionospheric conditions. Observations during the 2025 solar eclipses further elucidated local space weather manifestations along the UNESCO-listed Struve Geodetic Arc. The research, supported by the Latvian Council of Science, underscores the importance of multi-national collaboration in characterizing extreme space weather events and their ionospheric effects.

On the variation, distribution and evolutionary history of Myotis armiensis (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae) along Neotropical mountain ranges

Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park — 2026 — WHEA1F7FD604E

A recent study reveals that the bat species Myotis armiensis, found in the Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves and other Neotropical mountain ranges, may comprise two distinct evolutionary lineages. Using a combination of morphological analysis, genetic sequencing (cytochrome b), and ecological niche modeling, researchers identified reciprocal monophyly between populations in Central America's Talamanca Cordillera and those in the South American Andes and Venezuela's Cordillera de La Costa. These populations exhibit significant genetic divergence (>3%) and morphometric variation, suggesting Pleistocene diversification driven by glacial cycles. While the findings hint at potential cryptic species, further research is needed to confirm their taxonomic status.

OP-394- Revisiting Subfossil Small-eared Shrews of the Genus Cryptotis Pomel, 1848 from Near Copán, Honduras, with the Description of a New Species (Mammalia: Eulipotyphla: Soricidae)

Maya Site of Copan — 2026 — WHECC81387A35

Researchers have identified a new species of small-eared shrew from subfossil remains unearthed near Copán, Honduras. This discovery challenges previous taxonomic classifications and reveals that the shrews, part of the Cryptotis goodwini clade, were significantly smaller than any known extant members of this group. The study revisits skeletal remains originally excavated in 1941–1942 from Gordon’s Cave #3, a site with extensive late Holocene bone deposits. By leveraging modern taxonomic revisions and detailed morphological analysis, the authors describe this new species, which likely persists today in the highlands north of Copán, highlighting the region's rich but understudied biodiversity.

Optimizing Off-Grid Residential Building in Mountainous Climates Using NSGA-II Multi-Objective Algorithm: A Case Study in Saint Catherine, Egypt

Saint Catherine Area — 2026 — WHE2FD0DD5180

A novel computational framework integrating Climate Consultant, Design Builder, PVSYST, and SketchUp with NSGA-II optimization has been developed to achieve minimal annual energy consumption (5710 kWh) and enhanced occupant comfort (315 discomfort hours) for off-grid residential buildings in the mountainous climate of Saint Catherine, Egypt. This approach co-optimized architectural parameters such as orientation, insulation, glazing ratios, and solar system design, incorporating passive strategies like Trombe walls and double low-E glazing with smart operational controls. The optimized solar microgrid demonstrated a performance ratio of 72.5% and delivered a 77.4% cost saving over 20 years compared to grid electricity. This replicable workflow offers a sustainable solution for energy-independent housing in remote, high-irradiance areas, advancing design practices in Egypt.

Orang Rantai, Mbah Soero, and the Moral Politics of Labor in the Ombilin Coal Mines

Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto — 2026 — WHEAC68E12857

Colonial labor classifications in the Ombilin coal mines, particularly the term 'orang rantai' (chained laborers), were not neutral but served to legitimize coercive labor practices within a broader system of extraction. This study reveals how these classifications obscured the political and social contexts of forced labor while simultaneously shaping collective memory around figures like Mbah Soero, who came to symbolize ethical leadership rooted in solidarity. Through qualitative historical analysis—including scholarly literature, institutional heritage documents, and public narratives—the research challenges simplistic interpretations of colonial labor history by intertwining coercion, memory, and moral politics. Rather than reconstructing individual experiences, it offers an interpretive framework that recontextualizes the Ombilin mines as a site where legal labels, power dynamics, and ethical resistance converged.

Oriental marbles in Castel del Monte in Andria (Puglia, Italy)

Castel del Monte — 2026 — WHEC8C446742D

Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Andria, Italy, is revealed as a monumental reuse of ancient Mediterranean marbles, primarily from Roman-era spolia. These materials, sourced from nearby archaeological sites like Luceria and Sypontum, were strategically repurposed by medieval rulers—Charles I of Anjou and Frederick II—to convey prestige and imperial symbolism. The study highlights that the preservation and placement of these spoils reflect deliberate functional and symbolic criteria, reinforcing the political and cultural significance of the structure. This approach underscores the continuity of marble reuse across classical to medieval periods, with implications for understanding architectural heritage and material culture in the Mediterranean.

Origin of woman

Palace and Park of Fontainebleau — 2026 — WHE0988FFB4EB

A significant shift in the depiction of the female nude occurred during the French Renaissance, particularly at the Palace and Park of Fontainebleau. Initially confined to private religious texts, such as Jean Fouquet’s 1452 Melun Diptych, the female nude evolved into monumental mythological forms under King François I’s patronage, brought in by Italian artists. By the mid-16th century, French artists at Fontainebleau introduced large-scale oil paintings featuring secular nudes, categorized into heroic nudes, women at their toilettes, and women at their baths. This transition, analyzed through historical art analysis, marks a pivotal development in Renaissance iconography, blending religious, mythological, and secular themes.

Originality and Alteration: The Repair and Restoration of Sŏkkuram Grotto During the Park Chung-hee Era

Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple — 2026 — WHE35D821F6D4

The restoration of Sŏkkuram Grotto during the Park Chung-hee era fundamentally altered its structure and public perception, shifting its narrative from a single Buddhist hall to an enclosed dual-chamber temple resembling Indian cave temples. Key modifications included adding a concrete double-dome and realigning the entrance, which reinforced a specific historical interpretation as both a state-protecting temple and a royal prayer hall. This study re-examines these 1960s interventions, combining modern and pre-modern techniques, to analyze their lasting impact on heritage management and public understanding of Sŏkkuram's original design.

Origins of Mongolian Urbanization and the Role of Towns in the Golden Horde

Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape — 2026 — WHE9633CAF892

Mongolian urbanization in the 13th century, driven by strategic and economic needs, laid the foundation for the Golden Horde's rise as a global trade hub. The study reveals that towns like Karakorum and Sarai-Batu emerged not from existing settlements but were purpose-built to centralize wealth, facilitate governance, and integrate into international trade networks. Avarga, an early Mongol residence, served as a fortress for wealth protection, while Karakorum's location in the Orkhon Valley optimized communication, trade, and craft production. The Golden Horde's urban centers thrived by leveraging their economic potential, connecting Central Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean, but faced decline due to internal conflicts and Timur's invasions. This research combines archaeological evidence with written sources to trace the evolution of Mongolian urbanization and its global impact.

Osteology, paleoecology, and phylogenetic relationships of the carettochelyid turtle Allaeochelys crassesculpta from the middle Eocene Konservat-Lagerstätte of Messel, Germany

Messel Pit Fossil Site — 2026 — WHE53D9583F5E

A detailed osteological analysis of the carettochelyid turtle Allaeochelys crassesculpta from the middle Eocene Messel Pit reveals a unique combination of primitive and advanced traits, providing new insights into the evolutionary history of this group. Using micro-computed laminography and tomography, researchers reconstructed high-resolution 3D models of its skull, shell, and limbs, uncovering features such as an enlarged antrum postoticum and maxilla-quadratojugal contact. The study suggests that Allaeochelys crassesculpta possessed the ability for 'synchronous rowing,' a locomotor mode shared with the extant pig-nosed turtle, hinting at its origins in the Late Cretaceous to Paleocene transition. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis incorporating recent anatomical findings refines our understanding of carettochelyid evolution.

Osun Osogbo Festival

Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove — 2026 — WHEDE9C764DA6

The Osun-Osogbo festival, held annually in August for two weeks, serves as a renewal of the covenant between the people of Osogbo and the river deity Osun. This global festival, while attracting international participation, maintains its internal structure under the guidance of an indigenous custodial priesthood. The festival begins with communal ritual cleansing, symbolizing the transition from ordinary to sacred time, followed by key rites such as the lighting of a sixteen-point sacred lamp and homage to royal ancestors. A climactic procession to the Osun Sacred Grove features the Arugba, a virgin votary maiden representing ritual purity. The custodial priesthood directs sacrificial proceedings, reinforcing spatial hierarchy and spiritual boundaries within the grove. Through sacrifice, procession, and regulated participation, the festival renews both sacred space and social order, underscoring the deep integration of political authority and sacred obligation in Yoruba religious culture.

Outbreaks of human respiratory syncytial virus in wild gorillas highlight the importance of prevention measures and integrated surveillance for risk mitigation

Sangha Trinational — 2026 — WHE0847C32EFE

Researchers documented three outbreaks of respiratory disease in human-habituated western lowland gorillas within the Sangha Trinational Protected Area Network, identifying human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) as the causative agent. Genomic analyses revealed two distinct viral types, indicating independent introductions rather than intergroup transmission. All symptomatic individuals recovered, underscoring the effectiveness of stringent prevention measures and integrated surveillance. The study highlights the need for continued vigilance in great ape research sites and emphasizes the broader implications for public health in neighboring human communities. This work supports the evolving One Health approach, which integrates conservation efforts with human health initiatives to mitigate risks and preserve biodiversity.

Outland exploitation and resource colonisation in early Medieval Scandinavia

Archaeological Border complex of Hedeby and the Danevirke — 2026 — WHEBF8280D141

New archaeological evidence reveals that the exploitation of marginal zones, or outlands, played a central and dynamic role in early medieval Scandinavian societies, predating and extending beyond the Viking Age. Contrary to traditional views, resource extraction—such as iron and furs—in forests, wetlands, and mountainous regions was not merely supplementary but a core economic strategy shaping settlement patterns, social organization, and long-distance trade networks. This study challenges the notion that outland activities were peripheral, demonstrating their significance in economic intensification and regional interaction from at least the 4th–7th centuries. The findings are supported by advanced analytical methods and expanded datasets, offering a reinterpretation of marginal zones as integral to the emergence of complex socio-economic systems in early medieval Scandinavia.