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Showing 1881 – 1900 of 15962 publications

Detection of Hidden Voids in the Giza Pyramids

Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur — 2025 — WHE02A1EA43E5

Groundbreaking discoveries within the Great Pyramid of Giza reveal two previously hidden structures: the ScanPyramids Big Void (SP-BV), identified in 2017, and the ScanPyramids North Face Corridor (SP-NFC), uncovered in 2023. The latter was visualized for the first time after 4500 years using a 6 mm diameter endoscope inserted into block joints. Non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, including muography, ground-penetrating radar, ultrasound tomography, and electrical resistivity tomography, were employed to investigate the pyramid's internal structure without causing damage. These techniques, supported by numerical simulations and data fusion, also detected air anomalies behind the Eastern wall of the Menkaure Pyramid. The findings advance our understanding of ancient construction techniques and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Determining the mammal fauna in the Doropo gold project area (north-east Côte d’Ivoire) using camera-traps

Comoé National Park — 2025 — WHEAA4BFB29AF

A study conducted near Comoé National Park, Côte d'Ivoire, identified 23 mammal species using camera-traps over 10 months, with a notable detection of the Near Threatened patas monkey (Erythrocebus patas). The research highlights the ecological sensitivity of the area, which is adjacent to a gold mining project. Camera-trapping proved effective in capturing cryptic and nocturnal species, providing critical data for conservation efforts. Low relative abundance indices (RAIs) for detected species underscore the need for proactive conservation measures to mitigate potential impacts from mining activities on wildlife.

Deutsch-Israelischer Wissenstransfer und Begegnungsgeschichte

Incense Route - Desert Cities in the Negev — 2025 — WHEC161B4ABF3

A two-decade German-Israeli academic exchange program, centered in Beer Sheva's desert edge, successfully fostered cross-cultural knowledge transfer and interdisciplinary learning. This initiative, documented in a volume of academic articles, essays, experience reports, and obituaries, demonstrated the profound impact of immersive educational experiences on participants' understanding of Jewish and Israel Studies, archaeology, history, geology, anthropology, and sociology. The program's unique blend of Hebrew language instruction, German-language lectures, and regular study visits to significant sites in the Negev desert highlighted the region's cultural and scientific significance, contributing valuable insights into the encounter between German and Israeli academic traditions.

Developing a cultural heritage taxonomy for an Indonesian world heritage site

Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto — 2025 — WHE458AAB0272

A novel taxonomy, 'Pusako Ombilin,' bridges institutional silos by integrating 445 unique Indonesian terms from diverse sources to unify cultural heritage resources at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto (OCMHS). This framework demonstrates that cross-domain resource discovery is achievable through aspectual classification and ontology mapping, offering a standardized system for memory institutions. The study highlights its effectiveness in providing a cohesive overview of heritage materials regardless of origin, addressing gaps in existing knowledge organization systems.

Developing a localized resilience assessment framework for historical districts: A case study of Yazd, Iran

Historic City of Yazd — 2025 — WHEF32A64941D

A localized resilience assessment framework for historical districts, applied to Yazd, Iran—a UNESCO World Heritage site—reveals that social dimensions and housing infrastructure are the most critical factors for urban resilience. This study adapted and downscaled indicators from established DROP and BRIC models, evaluating seven key dimensions across 17 criteria using advanced multi-criteria decision-making methods like Delphi, Fuzzy DEMATEL, Fuzzy ANP, and VIKOR. The analysis identified specific districts with lower adaptability, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to enhance resilience in culturally significant urban areas. These findings offer a robust, context-specific approach for policymakers and urban planners.

Developing a Multi-Criteria Decision Model to Unlock Sustainable Heritage Tourism Potential

The Persian Caravanserai — 2025 — WHE84C17AB53D

A significant portion (34%) of Isfahan Province's Persian caravanserais, newly inscribed UNESCO World Heritage Sites, exhibits very high potential for sustainable heritage tourism development. This finding emerges from a multi-criteria decision-making model, the BMW-WLC framework, which evaluated 39 criteria across eight sites—including network connectivity, tourist attractions, facilities, climate, geomorphology, and hazards. The analysis revealed that while Gaz and Gaba Abad rank highest overall, they require tailored climate adaptation strategies to mitigate risks. This study demonstrates a data-driven approach to assessing tourism potential in heritage contexts, offering actionable insights for balancing preservation with development.

Development of a Cultural Heritage Digital Repository for the Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto

Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto — 2025 — WHE87FB3E1BD1

Researchers have developed 'Pusako Ombilin,' a digital repository prototype for the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto (OCMHS). This open-source tool aims to modernize cultural heritage management by integrating data from libraries, archives, and museums (LAMs) into an accessible format. The study employed qualitative methods, including observations, interviews, document analysis, and focus groups, to assess the prototype's potential. While promising, significant challenges remain in optimizing data integration and creating standardized guidebooks. The researchers recommend further development of 'Pusako Ombilin' with a clear implementation guideline to enhance its usability and effectiveness.

Development of a Mathematical Model for the Prediction of Organic Carbon Loss Due to Water Erosion in the Upper Andean Micro-Watersheds of Sangay National Park

Sangay National Park — 2025 — WHEC3A01C9EF2

A robust mathematical model has been developed to predict organic carbon loss due to water erosion in the high Andean micro-watersheds of Sangay National Park, Ecuador. The model, based on soil physicochemical variables such as carbon content and the carbon-nitrogen (C_N) ratio, reveals that nutrient-rich soils exhibit greater resistance to erosion while compaction negatively impacts carbon storage capacity. Notably, deeper soil layers (60 cm) show more stability against surface erosion compared to shallower depths (30 cm). The model effectively accounts for variability in carbon dynamics under different conditions, providing a reliable tool for monitoring and mitigating erosion in vulnerable high-altitude ecosystems. This research addresses critical gaps in understanding soil organic carbon dynamics in remote Andean environments, offering practical insights for conservation efforts.

Development of Byzantine Musical Notation and the Role of the New Method of 1814 in Bulgarian Church Music

Rila Monastery — 2025 — WHE760CF9293F

A significant reform in Byzantine musical notation, introduced by Chrysanthos of Madytos and colleagues in 1814, revolutionized church music pedagogy and liturgical practice in the Bulgarian lands. This New Method simplified and systematized the traditional neumatic notation, drastically reducing training time and enabling broader participation in church singing. The study highlights Rila Monastery's pivotal role in adopting and disseminating this reform, which not only streamlined musical education but also supported national awakening and preserved Orthodox identity. By synthesizing Byzantine musical heritage with Bulgarian linguistic and folk traditions, the New Method established a distinct national style that remains integral to the spiritual life of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.

DFG-Projekt Abschlussbericht "Wasser und Kult im Heraion von Samos"

Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos — 2025 — WHE11FC7B16A7

A resilient water supply system at the Heraion of Samos, one of the largest ancient Greek temple complexes, has been revealed through interdisciplinary research. The study demonstrates that the site's strategic location—situated at the convergence of surface water catchments and a cascade of groundwater aquifers—enabled sustainable water access even during prolonged droughts. Isotope analyses further traced the origins of this water, linking it to ancient, sulfur-rich sources tied to the temple's sacred significance. Sediment core data also reconstructed the Imbrasos River's historical shifts, explaining the need for western temple fortifications and illustrating how groundwater wells, predecessors to modern horizontal drains, mitigated salinization risks. This research underscores the Heraion's hydrological resilience and the synergy between archaeological evidence and environmental hydrology.

di Lernia Savino, Gallinaro Marina (eds), Atlas of Tadrart Acacus Rock Art. A Unesco Wold Heritage Site in Southwestern Libya

Rock-Art Sites of Tadrart Acacus — 2025 — WHEF26E55D412

The Atlas of Tadrart Acacus Rock Art, a monumental three-volume work spanning nearly 1,000 pages, reveals the intricate and diverse rock art traditions of the Tadrart Acacus massif in southwestern Libya. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, characterized by its extensive sandstone formations reaching up to 1,100 meters in altitude, hosts one of the most significant concentrations of prehistoric and historic rock art in North Africa. The atlas synthesizes contributions from ten authors, integrating institutional, historical, and archaeological perspectives to contextualize over 2,500 documented rock art panels. Through detailed analyses of motifs, styles, and chronological sequences, the work sheds light on the cultural and social dynamics of past societies, spanning from the Paleolithic to medieval periods. The research approach combines field documentation with archival studies, offering a comprehensive framework for understanding the artistic and symbolic expressions embedded in this unique landscape.

Di sản Vịnh Hạ Long trong tầm nhìn liên giá trị

Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago — 2025 — WHEC9B7117A86

Ha Long Bay, recognized for its outstanding natural landscape and geological significance since 1994, has expanded its global heritage status to include the Cat Ba Archipelago in 2023. This study proposes a developmental orientation for Ha Long Bay by examining its inter-value relationships within the broader cultural context of Quang Ninh Province. Through an integrated approach, it explores the potential additional values beyond tourism, offering insights into sustainable socio-economic development and heritage conservation. The research employs an inter-value perspective to assess Ha Long Bay's multifaceted contributions to global heritage systems.

Die 301. Greifenprotome aus dem Heraion von Samos

Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos — 2025 — WHE50088318F3

A nearly complete griffin protome, the 301st such artifact discovered at the Heraion of Samos, was unearthed during archaeological excavations led by W.-D. Niemeier in 2009. This rare find provides critical insights into the technical production process and chronological placement of griffin sculptures from the archaic period. The study cross-references U. Gehrig's established chronology system with new absolute dating evidence, offering a reconstruction of the multi-step casting process. Additionally, it proposes an alternative scenario for the 'Stirnstachel-Werkstatt' workshop, based on examples of unfinished raw casts and refined griffin sculptures.

Die bronzezeitlichen Außensiedlungen von Troia

Archaeological Site of Troy — 2025 — WHEE88C0A8AE8

Recent excavations of the lower city at Troy, particularly during Tübingen-led campaigns (1987–2015), have revealed that Troy was a substantial proto-urban center, not just a minor fortified settlement. This challenges earlier assumptions about its size and role. The extensive settlement structures, fortification systems, and spatial organization outside the citadel indicate Troy's integration into broader economic and political networks during the Late Bronze Age (second millennium BCE). Its strategic location at the Dardanelles entrance facilitated long-distance trade and cultural exchange, positioning Troy as a 'contact zone' for Anatolian, Aegean, and Near Eastern traditions. The findings suggest Troy was an active participant in complex socio-political systems, rather than a peripheral observer, offering critical insights into Bronze Age connectivity and cultural dynamics.

Die neue Hera: Ein Tempel für Livia auf Samos

Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos — 2025 — WHECFCEC2C737

A newly deciphered inscription reveals that a small temple, the 'Prostylos,' built during the early Roman Imperial period at the Heraion of Samos, was dedicated to the deified Empress Livia, wife of Emperor Augustus. This discovery clarifies the identity of the temple's patron but leaves questions about its exact dating and the function of two adjacent structures, which appear to form a cohesive architectural ensemble with the Livia Temple. The study combines archaeological analysis with epigraphic evidence, suggesting that the site experienced significant development during both the Augustan and Claudian dynasties, though precise chronological distinctions remain challenging.

Die sogenannte Nordhalle im Heraion von Samos – eine Spurensuche

Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos — 2025 — WHEAC3FFAE1F9

A long-standing assumption about the Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos—specifically, the existence of a 'North Hall' as part of its sacred precinct—has been debunked. Analysis of architectural remains reveals no evidence supporting this structure; instead, the remnants belong to a dam and adjacent wall designed to divert the Imbrasos river away from the sanctuary. This challenges prior reconstructions and underscores the importance of re-evaluating foundational interpretations in archaeological studies.

Diel movement patterns and abundance of the sea urchin Tripneustes gratilla with comparisons to Echinometra mathaei and their associated ecology at Ningaloo Reef, north-western Australia

Ningaloo Coast — 2025 — WHE6A64B3141A

A study on the Ningaloo Coast reveals that the sea urchin Tripneustes gratilla exhibits higher movement patterns and feeding activity at night, with significant grazing impact on macroalgal communities. Researchers found that most T. gratilla were in the 60-70 mm size range, showing gut content peaks in the morning, suggesting nocturnal feeding behavior. Compared to Echinometra mathaei, T. gratilla displayed greater movement regardless of site or time, with both species peaking in activity at night or evening. The study recommends regular monitoring of urchin and macroalgal populations due to T. gratilla's potential localized pressure on reef ecosystems.

Dietary drivers of gut microbiota diversity and function in wildlife of Wolong Nature Reserve: a metagenomic study

Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries - Wolong, Mt Siguniang and Jiajin Mountains — 2025 — WHE1EA67530A5

A metagenomic study reveals significant differences in gut microbiota composition and function between herbivores and carnivores in the Wolong Nature Reserve, with diet acting as a primary driver. Herbivores exhibited higher microbial diversity and were enriched in cellulose-degrading bacteria like Ruminococcus champanellensis, while carnivores showed higher lipid metabolism and protein degradation, with an abundance of Rhodococcus and Pediococcus. The study also identified potential health risks from pathogens such as Escherichia and Listeria, which were more prevalent in carnivores and positively correlated with niche width. Noninvasive sampling methods were used to analyze the gut microbiomes of 10 protected wild animals, providing insights into the intricate linkages between diet, microbiota composition, and host ecology. These findings offer valuable theoretical and practical implications for ecological conservation, species restoration, and environmental management in high-altitude environments.

Dificultades de la Gestión Participativa del Patrimonio Mundial. El Caso de Santa Ana de Cuenca

Historic Centre of Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca — 2025 — WHEEADA4A2040

Despite UNESCO's promotion of participatory management for the Historic Centre of Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca, Ecuadorthis study reveals that such practices remain largely ineffective. Analysis of three cases between 2021 and 2025 shows that the absence of a comprehensive management plan, incentives, or technical tools has led to violations of cultural rights, housing rights, and usufruct for property owners. While Ecuadorian law mandates full participation, it is reduced to consultative processes with no tangible impact. The 2010 ordinance governing historic zones focuses on restrictive architectural criteria, lacks updated inventories, and shifts legal and financial burdens onto property owners. International comparisons suggest that effective incentives and collaboration mechanisms could address these challenges, but urgent reform is needed to establish direct communication between UNESCO and local communities to foster inclusive and just heritage policies.

Digital Approach to Slow Fashion

Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar — 2025 — WHEBF4754BFB3

A mobile app, 'I finded,' is designed to map and promote second-hand clothing stores within Porto's historic center, addressing the environmental impact of the fashion industry. The app aims to make sustainable shopping more accessible by providing consistent store information, including summaries, images, style descriptions, customer reviews, locations, and contact details. Developed through a master's thesis at the University of Porto in 2023, the project employed research methods such as questionnaires, interviews, visual analysis, and observation, with a focus on inclusivity, diversity, and usability. Two test cases, 'Kilo' and 'Com Sotaque,' showcased unique aesthetics within the second-hand market. The app represents a step toward integrating sustainability into design and encouraging eco-conscious consumer behavior, with potential for future collaborations to bring it to life.