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Showing 1401 – 1420 of 15962 publications

A Capela de Nossa Senhora das Verdades — A recuperação integral do espaço. O retábulo, esplendor e glória

Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar — 2025 — WHE67045A33F4

A comprehensive restoration of the Capela de Nossa Senhora das Verdades, a historic chapel within Porto’s UNESCO-listed centre, has transformed it into a functional Pilgrim Reception Centre. This 17th-century structure, long neglected and closed to worship, underwent structural and artistic rehabilitation as part of a broader initiative to revitalize the Portuguese Coastal Way of the Camino de Santiago. The restoration not only preserved its architectural integrity but also contextualized its altarpiece within Porto’s 17th- and 18th-century carving traditions, shedding light on the period's artistic practices and contributing to the understanding of local artists. Funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Norte 2020, this project exemplifies the integration of cultural heritage preservation with modern pilgrimage infrastructure.

A catalogue of calcite vein types in porous sandstone and their formation conditions (Huab Basin, Namibia)

Twyfelfontein or /Ui-//aes — 2025 — WHE87D06F42F0

A catalogue of calcite vein types in porous sandstone from the UNESCO World Heritage Site Twyfelfontein (Namibia) reveals insights into fluid flow dynamics and climatic shifts over millions of years. The study identifies distinct calcite vein formations, including blocky, radial, and micritic structures, some intergrown with kaolinite or preceded by dolomite and iron oxide precipitation. U-Pb dating indicates most veins formed between 31 million years ago (Ma) to the present, with one outlier at ~65 Ma, while clumped isotope analysis suggests shallow burial depths (< 1 km) during formation, except for a high-temperature outlier linked to the older vein. Carbonate δ13C values show a trend from -8.3‰ to -1.3‰, reflecting a shift from warm, humid to (semi-)arid conditions in the region. The research suggests this climatic change is responsible for many observed vein characteristics, providing a link between geological processes and environmental evolution.

A ceratopsid-dominated tracksite from the Dinosaur Park Formation (Campanian) at Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada

Dinosaur Provincial Park — 2025 — WHE4CA8AAAC0C

Researchers have uncovered the first multitaxic dinosaur footprint assemblage from the Dinosaur Park Formation at Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada. This rare find includes tracks from multiple ceratopsids, two tyrannosaurids, a possible ankylosaurian, and a small theropod-like taxon, with ceratopsid tracks dominating the site. The discovery suggests gregarious behavior among ceratopsids due to their regular spacing and parallel arrangement. Additionally, the tracks are the first natural moulds (concave epirelief) found in the park, providing new insights into ichnological studies. The identification of a possible ankylosaurian track is notable for its distinct pedal digits, differentiating it from other known ankylosaurian tracks. This study has already led to subsequent trackway discoveries and holds potential to transform our understanding of dinosaur behavior in badlands environments.

A Close Look at Dissolved Silica Dynamics in Disko Bay, West Greenland

Ilulissat Icefjord — 2025 — WHE48357FE8D8

Research reveals that subglacial discharge plumes significantly enrich dissolved silica (dSi) in the Ilulissat Icefjord, contributing 93 ± 51% of its dSi content. Unlike land-terminating glaciers, where dSi dynamics are conservative and driven by mixing, marine-terminating glaciers entrain saline waters rich in dSi, suggesting a complex interplay between glacial runoff and ocean biogeochemistry. The study also estimates minor but notable contributions from icebergs (0.25 ± 0.67 Gmol yr−1) and pelagic amorphous silica dissolution (~1.9 Gmol year−1). By analyzing macronutrient-salinity distributions across Disko Bay, the findings highlight the nuanced role of glaciers in supplying dSi to marine ecosystems, with implications for nutrient cycling in Greenland's coastal waters.

A cluster of the brachiopod Magas chitoniformis (von Schlotheim, 1813) represents settling of a single spatfall on a soft-bodied substrate, probably a sponge: instantaneous burial by a chalk ooze debris flow (Maastrichtian, Denmark).

Stevns Klint — 2025 — WHE4851213FB6

A remarkable discovery at Stevns Klint, Denmark, reveals a monospecific cluster of the brachiopod Magas chitoniformis preserved in uppermost Maastrichtian chalk. The 53 well-preserved specimens, exhibiting a unimodal size-frequency distribution, indicate they represent a single successful spatfall likely attached to a soft-bodied sponge. The absence of transport or winnowing suggests instantaneous burial by a chalk ooze debris flow, potentially triggered by a major earthquake in the tectonically active Sorgenfrei-Tornquist Zone. This finding provides exceptional evidence of brachiopod attachment to a soft-bodied organism, offering insights into paleoecological dynamics and sedimentary processes during the Late Cretaceous.

A comparative exploration of the solar cycle celestial alignments of Sajikdan and Templo Mayor

Jongmyo Shrine — 2025 — WHEB8A85EF041

A comparative analysis reveals that both Sajikdan (Jongmyo Shrine, Korea) and Templo Mayor (Tenochtitlan, Mexico) exhibit celestial alignments tied to solar cycles, despite their distinct cultural origins. While Templo Mayor's 7° south-of-east orientation marks the equinox sunrise between its twin temples—linking it to Tenochtitlan's urban layout—the cause of Sajikdan's 29° clockwise tilt remains undocumented. Inferential analysis suggests a possible alignment with the winter solstice, symbolizing the yin-yang transition in Joseon Dynasty cosmology. This study underscores how distant civilizations encoded astronomical, symbolic, and political dimensions into their ritual landscapes, offering new insights into the intersection of architecture, astronomy, and culture.

A Comparative Study of Soundscape Perception in Historic and Contemporary Urban Areas of Ghadames

Old Town of Ghadamès — 2025 — WHE12433EA7E0

Residents of Ghadames, Libya, perceive the historic old city as significantly quieter and more acoustically comfortable compared to the modern urban area, despite no overall difference in acoustic comfort. A survey of 32 local residents revealed a strong preference for leisure activities in the historic sector, highlighting its reputation for tranquility. Weather conditions were also found to influence acoustic experiences. These findings offer valuable insights for urban planning and heritage management, emphasizing the need to preserve unique acoustic identities in culturally significant cities undergoing modernization.

A comparison between marine and terrestrial samples for the creation of a radiocarbon Chinchorro culture sequence at Morro de Arica, south-central Andean coast, Chile

Settlement and Artificial Mummification of the Chinchorro Culture in the Arica and Parinacota Region — 2025 — WHE4C2D425AF5

A refined chronological sequence for the Chinchorro culture (∼7000−3000 cal BP) at Morro de Arica, Chile, has been established using radiocarbon dating of both marine and terrestrial samples. This study reveals a delta reservoir effect of up to 176±113 years, providing critical insights into the site's formation processes, including stratigraphic alterations and pottery fills. By comparing burial and domestic spaces, researchers have improved the understanding of temporal dynamics in this significant archaeological context. The findings highlight the importance of considering marine vs. terrestrial sample differences when constructing chronologies for coastal sites.

A comparison of dolmens in Ganghwa Island and Liaodong Peninsula

Gochang, Hwasun and Ganghwa Dolmen Sites — 2025 — WHECCB63545A8

Dolmens from Ganghwa Island and the Liaodong Peninsula share formal similarities, including table-like and flat-topped structures, despite geographical and cultural differences. These megalithic tombs, dating to the Bronze Age, symbolize sociopolitical authority in Northeast Asia. Ganghwa's dolmens, concentrated on the island's northern region, reflect the formation of chieftain societies during Korea's Bronze Age, while Liaodong's dolmens mark the cultural foundation for early Korean states like Gojoseon, Goguryeo, and Baekje. The study highlights Ganghwa's strategic position at the intersection of southern and northern Korean cultures, contrasting with Liaodong's dolmens, which are geographically bounded by the Yalu River to the west and the First Songhua River to the north. This comparative analysis underscores the significance of these sites in understanding the origins of political structures in early Korean history.

A comprehensive analysis of human and livestock attacks in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Northern, Tanzania: Patterns, determinants and management strategies

Ngorongoro Conservation Area — 2025 — WHE77E88057CF

Buffaloes (Syncerus caffer) are the primary species responsible for human attacks in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania, with attack likelihood influenced by proximity to forests and human age. Children are particularly vulnerable, while elephant attacks more frequently result in lethal outcomes. Lions, typically nocturnal predators, predominantly target livestock during daytime grazing, with sheep and goats being especially at risk due to their size and grazing practices. The study analyzed nine years of data (2015-2023) using zero-truncated negative binomial regression models to evaluate predictors of wildlife attacks. It highlights the need for tailored conservation strategies, including enhanced livestock management and community education, to mitigate risks associated with human-wildlife interactions.

A cross-cultural comparative study of Buddhist monumental art: the Borobudur Temple Complex (Indonesia) and the Dazu Rock Carvings (China)

Dazu Rock Carvings — 2025 — WHED2CC1FBBCB

A cross-cultural comparative analysis of Buddhist monumental art reveals that material and technical constraints critically shape sculptural form, viewing geometry, and ritual use. The study contrasts the Borobudur Temple Complex (Indonesia) with the Dazu Rock Carvings (China), demonstrating how volcanic andesite and prescribed circumambulatory routes in Borobudur favor shallow, sequential narrative modeling for didactic pilgrimage, while sandstone reliefs and near-full-round modeling in Dazu enable deeper undercutting, chiaroscuro effects, and syncretic iconography blending Buddhist, Daoist, and Confucian elements. These differences highlight the impact of material properties on artistic expression and ritual function, advocating for context-sensitive conservation approaches. The findings advance comparative understandings of Mahayana sculptural practice.

A Cultural Landscape Approach to Mining Heritage† - Focusing on UNESCO-Listed Mining Heritage Cases in the UK, Japan and France -

Blaenavon Industrial Landscape — 2025 — WHEBACBB75E1D

Mining heritage, when viewed as a cultural landscape, holds significant value beyond its industrial remnants, reflecting historical transformations in local communities and ecological environments. A study analyzing three UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Blaenavon Industrial Landscape (UK), Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine (Japan), and Nord-Pas de Calais Mining Basin (France)—reveals how industrial activities reshaped landscapes and fostered unique cultural identities. The research emphasizes a holistic approach to heritage management, integrating socio-cultural contexts for sustainable conservation and regional revitalization. By examining the interplay between industry, community, and environment, this study underscores the importance of recognizing mining heritage's multifaceted role in shaping cultural landscapes.

A Deep Learning Approach to Intelligent Detection of Shedthin Tile Pathology in Suzhou Classical Gardens

Classical Gardens of Suzhou — 2025 — WHE5E9336EDDE

A deep learning model, YOLO11-seg, achieved high accuracy in detecting four key pathologies—water stains, color aberration, surface scaling, and excessive gaps—in shedthin tiles from Suzhou Classical Gardens, with an overall accuracy of 74.38%. This approach significantly accelerates detection speed by an order of magnitude compared to traditional visual surveys, standardizes assessments across inspectors, and captures early-stage micro-pathologies often missed in manual inspections. The study provides a quantitative analysis of damage severity, offering critical references for scientific restoration strategies. This methodology sets a replicable template for preserving other fragile, repetition-rich historical materials in architectural heritage.

A Deep Learning Framework for the Classification of Indian Heritage Using Curated Datasets and CNN Models

Sun Temple, Konârak — 2025 — WHE7C347D1B68

A deep learning framework achieves highly accurate classification of Indian heritage monuments, including the Sun Temple at Konârak, with 98.7% test accuracy using a curated dataset and convolutional neural networks (CNNs). The model, trained on 1,600 labeled images and tested on 400, employed data augmentation techniques to enhance generalization and demonstrated minimal overfitting. By leveraging TensorFlow and Keras with an Adam optimizer, the framework sets a strong foundation for heritage preservation tools and educational applications.

A diminutive pterosaur from the uppermost Maastrichtian chalk of Denmark

Stevns Klint — 2025 — WHE8B27001642

A diminutive pterosaur, represented by a fragment of its finger bone, has been discovered in the uppermost Maastrichtian chalk at Stevns Klint, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Denmark. This finding marks the first record of a pterosaur from the chalk of Denmark and challenges previous hypotheses about Late Cretaceous niche partitioning between pterosaurs and birds. The specimen, identified as a proximal phalanx 1 of digit IV, indicates that small-bodied pterosaurs with wingspans under 50 cm persisted until the final 50,000–60,000 years of the Cretaceous period. Researchers compared the fragment to similar elements to determine its size and morphology, providing new insights into the evolutionary dynamics of these prehistoric creatures during a critical period of ecological transition.

A Discussion on A Portuguese Embassy at The Old Summer Palace

Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing — 2025 — WHEE139585BF3

A significant diplomatic encounter between China and Portugal during the 18th century is illuminated through a detailed analysis of historical documents, revealing the intricate dynamics of cultural exchange at the Old Summer Palace. The study highlights five key audiences between Emperor Qianlong of China and the Portuguese embassy led by Francisco Pacheco de Sampaio in 1752–1753, where both parties fulfilled their roles and aspirations, contributing to mutual understanding. By cross-referencing Chinese and Portuguese records, the research reconstructs this pivotal moment in Sino-Portuguese relations, underscoring its broader implications for historical diplomacy.

A Dual Measurement System: Standardization and Architectural Planning in Xochicalco

Archaeological Monuments Zone of Xochicalco — 2025 — WHECEC3EBA677

Research at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Xochicalco reveals a dual measurement system used during its Epiclassic period, featuring two primary units: U7 (1.47 m) and U8 (1.68 m). These units show striking similarities to the Mayan zapal and Nahua maitl, suggesting shared Mesoamerican measurement traditions. The study identified patterns in their application, linking them to structural orientation, functionality, and construction techniques, indicating meticulous planning with potential symbolic significance. Multiples of three, four, nine, and twelve times these base units imply the use of standardized tools, offering new insights into Mesoamerican architectural practices and cultural interactions.

A GIS-MCDA Based Evaluation of the Quality of Life Variations in Anuradhapura Municipal Council: A Policy Implication Road Map for Human Well-being

Sacred City of Anuradhapura — 2025 — WHE47B83D0DAF

A significant spatial disparity in quality of life (QoL) within Anuradhapura Municipal Council was identified, with only 10.6% of the area classified as having the highest QoL, primarily concentrated in the city center and northern regions. This study, utilizing a GIS-MCDA framework combined with AHP for criteria weighting, revealed that essential socio-economic resources are heavily centralized, leaving 39.7% and 10.4% of areas in low and least QoL categories, respectively. The analysis further showed that the highest QoL zone extends only 1.5 km from the city center, covering just 20% of the land area. These findings provide a critical roadmap for policy-makers to redistribute resources and foster balanced regional development, addressing human well-being disparities in Anuradhapura.

A Hand-axe from Lake Schmiechen, District Alb-Donau

Caves and Ice Age Art in the Swabian Jura — 2025 — WHE380ED966FB

A rare Middle Palaeolithic hand-axe, discovered near Lake Schmiechen in the Swabian Jura, sheds light on a previously underrepresented phase of prehistoric human activity in the region. The artifact, initially found around 1960 during ornithological studies but only recently identified through analysis at Museum Ulm, belongs to a later stage of the Middle Palaeolithic period—distinct from larger series typically associated with cave sites in the eastern Swabian Jura. This discovery is significant as it expands the known distribution of such tools, which are seldom found outside cave contexts in this area. The find spot's proximity to other notable Paleolithic sites, including the Kogelstein cave ruin and Hohle Fels, further underscores its archaeological importance. The study highlights the potential for additional Middle Palaeolithic findings in the region, particularly in non-cave environments.

A hidden history in the Burgos Cathedral (Spain): virtual reconstruction of the lighting effects generated in the 15th century Chapel of the Conception or Saint Anne

Burgos Cathedral — 2025 — WHE74FD9C3F32

Virtual reconstruction reveals that the 15th-century Chapel of the Conception in Burgos Cathedral (Spain) generated 'miracles of light'—special lighting effects visible at solstices or equinoxes—similar to those documented in nearby medieval churches. These phenomena, linked to the architectural style of the 'taller de los Colonia,' were likely obscured after the 18th-century construction of the Chapel of Santa Tecla. Using solar simulation software, researchers analyzed the chapel's design and methods behind these effects, offering new insights into the sophistication of medieval architectural engineering.