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Showing 901 – 920 of 15962 publications

Quantitative Assessment of Social Stratification and Inequality in the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age South Korea

Gochang, Hwasun and Ganghwa Dolmen Sites — 2026 — WHE7F4E730128

A quantitative analysis of dolmen volume distributions in southeastern Gochang, South Korea, reveals moderate social stratification and inequality during the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age. The study found that dolmen sizes follow a power-law distribution with a scaling exponent (α) of approximately 3.26, indicating a relatively egalitarian structure where few large dolmens dominate without overwhelming disparity. Complementary measures—the Gini coefficient (~0.537) and the 20/80 rule (~57.9%)—support this finding. Spatial analysis further shows that while the southeastern cluster is internally cohesive, it remains loosely connected to the broader Gochang dolmen network, suggesting a peripheral social organization within a larger system.

Quantitative evaluation of spatial nodes in linear cultural heritage tourism routes: a case study of the Beijing Central Axis

Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing — 2026 — WHE6197A92CFB

A quantitative evaluation framework reveals significant disparities in cultural depth and service provision along the Beijing Central Axis. Imperial palace segments exhibit high historical value but lack adequate facilities, while traditional commercial areas thrive but risk losing their authentic atmosphere. The study applies entropy weight method (EWM) and TOPSIS model to assess 19 indicators across six dimensions, offering a data-driven approach for refining management strategies. This methodology provides a transferable paradigm for preserving linear cultural heritage sites globally.

Quotation and Glorification. Bethlehem’s Conciliar Texts in Local Context

Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem — 2026 — WHEA5BC0A4394

A re-evaluation of the Church of the Nativity’s mosaics challenges conventional views, revealing that local Arabic-speaking mosaicists played an active role in their design. Contrary to the typical interpretation as mere 'Crusader' art reflecting Mediterranean exchange, this study demonstrates that the conciliar representations in the nave were deeply rooted in a Palestinian epigraphic tradition. The Greek texts on the walls functioned as signs of identity and history for a multilingual audience, suggesting a more complex local context than previously understood.

Radiation Monitoring Handbook for Marine Environments: From Nuclear Test Legacies to Autonomous Robotic Surveillance

Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site — 2026 — WHE7055928D84

A comprehensive handbook reveals the enduring ecological consequences of oceanic nuclear weapons testing, highlighting long-term radionuclide contamination and bioaccumulation pathways in marine organisms. It integrates three key domains: the historical legacy of tests at Bikini Atoll (Marshall Islands), Mururoa Atoll (French Polynesia), Chernaya Bay (Novaya Zemlya), and Montebello Islands (Australia); autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) technologies for radiation detection; and strategic frameworks for global marine protection. The study documents immediate ecological destruction, persistent sediment contamination, and the paradoxical resilience of coral reef ecosystems, offering a systematic approach to monitoring and mitigating nuclear test legacies in marine environments.

Radio Surveys

Jodrell Bank Observatory — 2026 — WHEE5EF620C63

Radio astronomy surveys since the 1950s have significantly advanced our understanding of celestial objects and cosmic phenomena. These surveys, conducted by observatories worldwide—including Jodrell Bank, Green Bank, Parkes, Arecibo, VLA, Molonglo, GMRT, LOFAR, and SKA—have cataloged vast numbers of radio sources, pulsars, and neutral hydrogen regions across the electromagnetic spectrum. Key contributions include the 3C survey from Cambridge, the Drift-Scan Survey for pulsars at Green Bank, and the extensive HI Parkes All-Sky Survey. Advanced projects like LOFAR's LoTSS, LOTAAS, and MSSS programs, along with SKA precursors (ASKAP, MWA, MeerKAT, HERA), have pushed boundaries in low-frequency radio observations, revealing new insights into radio galaxies, pulsars, and the structure of the universe. These surveys utilize cutting-edge telescopes and synthesis techniques to map the sky with unprecedented sensitivity and resolution.

Radon exhalation of untreated and aged Modica stone building material: a case study

Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto (South-Eastern Sicily) — 2026 — WHE1E98BB5598

A study assessing radon exhalation from Modica stone, a material used in UNESCO-listed Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto, revealed that aging through salt crystallization does not significantly alter its radon release. Researchers employed the Closed Chamber Method (CCM) with Durridge Rad7 equipment to measure exhalation rates and applied the Markkanen room model to estimate indoor radon concentrations. Findings suggest potential for developing a systematic strategy to assess radon content in building materials, aiding decision-makers in identifying structures requiring protection measures.

Radon monitoring in the Harmanecká Cave, Slovakia

Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst — 2026 — WHE36972A8BD1

A study monitoring radon levels in Harmanecká Cave, Slovakia, revealed that annual average radon activity concentration inside the cave ranged from 930 to 2240 Bq/m³, significantly higher than the outdoor cavity measurement of 222.5 Bq/m³. Seasonal variations in radon levels were observed but showed no clear correlation with microclimate or meteorological parameters, suggesting that continuous measurements are necessary for a comprehensive assessment. The estimated annual effective dose for cave guides remained below the safety limit of 20 mSv. The research utilized Ramarn track detectors placed at multiple stations inside and outside the cave, with data collected over a year from December 2023 to November 2024.

Random Forest habitat suitability modeling for Acanthurus spp. in Philippine coral reefs: environmental drivers and climate projections

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park — 2026 — WHEB015239E49

Climate change threatens to reduce suitable habitat for six ecologically vital surgeonfish species (Acanthurus spp.) in Philippine coral reefs by 25.4–36.1% by 2100, with thermal-induced coral cover loss as the primary driver. Using a Random Forest machine learning model trained on over 700 geo-referenced occurrence records per species and ten environmental predictors—including coral cover, depth, and rugosity—researchers identified Verde Island Passage, Tubbataha Reef, and Apo Island as critical conservation nodes. The study also pinpointed three unprotected high-overlap zones for potential new marine protected areas (MPAs), providing a spatial foundation for climate-adaptive reef fisheries management in the Indo-Pacific.

Random walks in handaxe knapping before 1.2 million years ago in East Africa at Melka Kunture (Upper Awash, Ethiopia)

Melka Kunture and Balchit: Archaeological and Palaeontological Sites in the Highland Area of Ethiopia — 2026 — WHED379AEFF08

Acheulean handaxe production before 1.2 million years ago at Melka Kunture (Ethiopia) did not follow a linear path of standardisation, contrary to long-standing assumptions. Analysis of three geographically and chronologically proximate assemblages revealed significant variability in morphology, shaping strategies, and raw material selection, indicating hominins' adaptability to immediate constraints and needs. This flexibility challenges the notion of evolutionary trends in handaxe manufacture, suggesting instead a dynamic response to varying conditions over short timeframes.

Raoulia albosericea as a Facilitator in Tongariro National Park, North Island, New Zealand: Revised Version

Tongariro National Park — 2026 — WHEFC404FC6D8

Cushion plants like Raoulia albosericea can significantly facilitate the growth and survival of other plant species by mitigating harsh environmental conditions, but this phenomenon has been largely unexplored outside Northern Hemisphere contexts. A study in Tongariro National Park, New Zealand, found that R. albosericea lowered soil temperature and increased compaction under its canopy, leading to higher overall plant density and cover within its canopies compared to open areas. These effects were more pronounced at high elevations. Ten of the 14 species surveyed showed a significant spatial association with R. albosericea, suggesting it plays a key role in facilitating plant diversity in this unique alpine environment. The research provides new insights into how cushion plants influence biodiversity patterns under varying abiotic conditions.

Re-carving meanings: negotiating social value and conservation in southwest China’s rock carvings

Dazu Rock Carvings — 2026 — WHE74F3629D80

Heritage conservation of China’s rock carvings, such as the Thousand-Hand Guanyin at Dazu and grassroots repainting efforts at Anyue, actively reshapes social values tied to these sites. The study reveals that conservation practices—whether state-led or community-driven—are not neutral but dynamically redefine cultural meanings, blending religious devotion, aesthetic judgment, and institutional intervention. By analyzing fieldwork data, policy frameworks, and heritage theory, the research demonstrates how carved stone monuments retain 'living' significance, reflecting ongoing contestations over their ontological status and role in contemporary heritage regimes.

Reading The Cultural Landscape Through Place Names: A Micro-Toponymic Analysıs of Three Villages Around Safranbolu

City of Safranbolu — 2026 — WHE2D33A07EAE

Micro-toponyms in the cultural landscapes of three villages around Safranbolu reveal a multi-layered heritage that intertwines natural components, tangible and intangible values, and historical processes. The analysis of 210 place names shows that approximately 45% relate to geographical and biological features such as water resources, landforms, vegetation, and wildlife; 21% pertain to archaeological and tangible cultural heritage; and 22% reflect intangible values like production methods, ethnic origins, and beliefs. These toponyms serve as essential cultural heritage elements, carrying traditional land-use practices, historical processes, socio-economic values, and collective memory. The study underscores the importance of integrating micro-toponyms into holistic heritage management strategies to address conservation challenges driven by depopulation, human intervention, and natural disasters.

Recaptured ringed seals (Pusa hispida) in Greenland show diving patterns indicative of a behaviour related to daylight

Ilulissat Icefjord — 2026 — WHED7973ABAF1

Ringed seals (Pusa hispida) in Greenland exhibit diving patterns strongly influenced by daylight, with adult females showing distinct diurnal behavior. High-resolution depth data from satellite relay loggers revealed that one seal's dives closely mirrored those of capelin, a key prey species, suggesting behavioral adaptations for foraging efficiency. The study also highlighted limitations in satellite-based data transmission, missing nuanced dive patterns detectable only through high-frequency (4-second interval) recordings. This insight underscores the importance of fine-scale data in understanding marine predator behavior and its ecological implications.

Recent Archaeological Findings and New Interpretations of the Indus Valley Civilization

Dholavira: a Harappan City — 2026 — WHE4267943A73

Recent archaeological findings at UNESCO World Heritage Site Dholavira and other Indus Valley Civilization sites (c. 2600–1900 BCE) challenge long-standing assumptions about the civilization's political structure and decline, revealing instead a decentralized socio-political organization with indigenous cultural development. Using advanced techniques such as radiocarbon dating, ancient DNA analysis, satellite imagery, and paleo-environmental studies, researchers have redefined the civilization's trajectory, emphasizing gradual transformation influenced by environmental factors rather than sudden collapse due to external invasions. This interdisciplinary approach provides new insights into one of the world's earliest urban civilizations.

Recentring Peripheral Europe: Spatial Imaginaries and Regional Rescaling in the European Capital of Culture Programme

Hallstatt-Dachstein / Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape — 2026 — WHEADDCE72860

Peripheral European regions gain symbolic revaluation through the European Capital of Culture (ECoC) programme, but structural change remains limited. The study reveals that peripheral attributes—such as frontier, bridge, or cultural landscape—are institutionally recognized and rescaled into broader territorial platforms only when paired with programmatic materialization. Analysis of six ECoC sites (Matera/Basilicata 2019, Pafos 2017, Leeuwarden–Friesland 2018, Veszprém–Balaton 2023, Bad Ischl–Salzkammergut 2024, and Bodø/Nordland 2024) using bid documents, surveys, and evaluations shows that while symbolic de-peripheralization occurs, governance constraints and mobility issues persist. The findings highlight the programme's role in redistributing visibility without erasing peripherality.

Reclaiming Darajani Creek: colonial sanitation, urban transformation, conservation and heritage memory in Stone Town of Zanzibar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Stone Town of Zanzibar — 2026 — WHED13E3DF067

A study on Darajani Creek in Stone Town, Zanzibarreveals that its reclamation, driven by colonial sanitation narratives, led to social exclusion and cultural erasure while shaping the town's memory. The research advocates for the Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) approach to balance heritage conservation with urban growth, preserving both tangible and intangible values. Practical strategies, such as exhibitions and interpretive markers, are proposed to enhance public awareness, education, and economic benefits. By aligning environmental, social, and cultural objectives with sustainable development, this study aims to safeguard Darajani Creek's historical significance and reinforce Stone Town’s Outstanding Universal Value (OUV).

Recommendation of: New hominin cranial remains from the Shungura Formation, Lower Omo Valley (Ethiopia). Round#2

Lower Valley of the Omo — 2026 — WHE8D6F032E0C

New hominin cranial remains from the Shungura Formation in Ethiopia's Lower Omo Valley have been identified, offering significant insights into early human evolution. These fossils, analyzed through a combination of morphological and stratigraphic studies, provide evidence of diverse hominin species coexisting during the Pleistocene epoch. The research, led by Amélie Beaudet and colleagues, contributes to understanding the evolutionary dynamics of this critical region, known for its rich paleontological deposits. The findings are published in Peer Community in Paleontology and represent a pivotal addition to the scientific knowledge base on hominin evolution.

Reconnaissance hydrological studies of the Pityevoy Сanal on Bolshoy Solovetsky Island

Cultural and Historic Ensemble of the Solovetsky Islands — 2026 — WHE08C94142C1

A reconnaissance hydrological study of the Pityevoy Canal on Bolshoy Solovetsky Island, a vital watercourse supplying drinking water to residents and pilgrims, reveals significant variability in its hydrochemical and microbiological parameters. The research identifies natural factors—such as organic carbon content, color variations (including iron), and marsh water influx—as primary contributors to water quality changes from the canal’s source to its mouth. However, anthropogenic influences are linked to shifts in ion ratios and increased microbiological activity near the canal's outlet. Notably, ambient temperature was found to affect microbial dynamics. Prior to treatment, drinking water samples showed discrepancies only in color, organic matter, and iron content, underscoring the need for continuous monitoring due to the canal’s fluctuating conditions.

Reconsidering the Inscribed Ring-Pommel Sword Excavated from Tomb No. 11 at Gyodong, Changnyeong

Gaya Tumuli — 2026 — WHE2DBE23DD5F

A reassessment of the inscribed ring-pommel sword from Tomb No. 11 at Gyodong, Changnyeong (Gaya Tumuli), reveals that its inscription is not an auspicious formula but a marker of status and identity, suggesting the sword was produced in Daegaya under strong Baekje influence. The tomb occupant is identified as a high-ranking regional ruler who governed the Changnyeong area, maintaining connections with Goguryeo, and deliberately appropriated symbols of authority from the Three Kingdoms. This study advances understanding of inscribed sword culture by tracing its transmission from China to Korea and Japan, highlighting Baekje's role in distributing swords as symbols of royal authority. The research employs comparative analysis of East Asian inscribed swords and epigraphic evidence, offering new interpretations that challenge previous readings.

Reconstructing Prehistoric Cultural Landscapes: A Multidisciplinary and Technological Reassessment of Rock Art Heritage in Azerbaijan within the Eurasian Context

Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape — 2026 — WHEC8372E9EC8

Azerbaijani rock art, including the Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, reveals strong stylistic and thematic affinities with broader Eurasian prehistoric traditions. This suggests significant transregional cultural exchange, migration dynamics, and diffusion of symbolic systems from the Upper Paleolithic to the Bronze Age. The study employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating archaeology, iconographic analysis, and advanced digital documentation techniques like photogrammetry and 3D scanning. These methods enhance both analytical precision and preservation strategies, addressing environmental and anthropogenic threats. The research underscores Azerbaijan's rock art as a foundational element of national cultural identity and an integral component of global heritage discourse.