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Publications

Showing 161 – 180 of 4230 publications

Optimization of multi-element geochemical anomaly recognition in the Takht-e Soleyman area of northwestern Iran using swarm-intelligence support vector machine

Takht-e Soleyman — 2025 — WHEEE82A5D9C1

A groundbreaking approach using the grasshopper optimization algorithm combined with support vector machine (SVM) has achieved over 95% accuracy in detecting multi-element geochemical anomalies at Takht-e Soleyman, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northwestern Iran. This method eliminates the need for trial-and-error hyperparameter tuning, significantly reducing training time while maintaining high precision. The optimized SVM model, utilizing polynomial and radial basis kernel functions, not only advances mineral exploration under barren cover but also sets a precedent for applying swarm-intelligence techniques in geoscientific applications. This innovation could revolutionize the identification of undiscovered mineral deposits, addressing a critical challenge in industrial progress.

Origin and Development of Contortion in the Qin and Han Dynasties: Insights from Pit K9901 of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor

Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor — 2025 — WHEDDAFFC4B6E

A figurine from Pit K9901 of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor provides new evidence for the origin and development of contortion in ancient China. The study reveals that Western acrobatic traditions influenced Qin-Han contortion techniques, which were later adapted to local cultural contexts through continuous innovation. This challenges existing assumptions about the evolution of Chinese acrobatics and offers fresh insights into early East-West cultural exchange during this period.

Palmyra Revisited from Space – High-Resolution Satellite Prospection of a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Site of Palmyra — 2025 — WHE756F106112

High-resolution satellite prospection, leveraging Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) from the TerraSAR-X mission, has revolutionized archaeological research at UNESCO World Heritage Site Palmyra. This integrated approach combines ground-based geophysical methods like magnetometry and resistivity with space-borne techniques such as optical satellite imagery and radar to provide both detailed and broad-scale insights into the ancient city's layout and buried structures. While ground-based methods confirmed the existence of a Hellenistic town south of Wadi el Kubur, mapping its intricate layout, space-borne surveys revealed upstanding remains and uncovered new buried archaeological features, significantly advancing our understanding of Palmyra's cultural landscape.

Pantheon Role of the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi

Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi — 2025 — WHEAD59CCA479

The mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi serves as a significant pantheon for the Kazakh people, playing a crucial role in their funeral rites and preserving nomadic traditions. This study reveals that the mausoleum is not only a burial site for revered figures like Khans, bi-sheshens (lawyers), and batyrs but also reflects the nomadic worldview through rituals such as 'put in trust,' which temporarily preserves corpses. By integrating ethnographic and archaeological materials, the research sheds light on the historical practices of early nomads and their enduring influence on Kazakh burial customs.

Pemodelan Luas Genangan Banjir Batang Lunto di Wilayah Kota Sawahlunto

Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto — 2025 — WHE8ABB12FB52

Flood modeling of the Batang Lunto River, a UNESCO-listed cultural heritage site in Sawahlunto, West Sumatra, reveals significant flood risk across 125.70 hectares. Using hydrological and hydrodynamic simulations with HEC-Ras 6.3.1 and ArcGIS 10.3, researchers mapped inundation areas for return periods of 2 to 100 years, showing that flood-prone zones could expand from 14.42% (18.12 Ha) at a 2-year return period to over half the area (50.68%, 63.70 Ha) at a 100-year interval. This study provides critical data for disaster mitigation in a region where flooding threatens heritage assets and geopark tourism destinations, offering actionable insights for urban planning and risk management.

Peran Dinas Kebudayaan Kota Sawahlunto Dalam Pengelolaan Situs Warisan Dunia Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto Untuk Mendukung Pariwisata Berkelanjutan

Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto — 2025 — WHECD81A97CCA

A qualitative, descriptive study reveals that the Sawahlunto Cultural Affairs Office plays a pivotal role as regulator, dynamisator, and facilitator in managing the UNESCO-listed Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage Site to foster sustainable tourism. The research highlights its efforts in preserving cultural heritage while supporting local economic growth. However, challenges such as the absence of a dedicated management body, budget constraints, limited human resources, and low community ownership persist. The study underscores the critical need for stakeholder collaboration to enhance effective, long-term management, ensuring both cultural preservation and sustainable tourism benefits.

Política y defensa en el suroriente cubano: el castillo de San Pedro de la Roca, 1635-1800

San Pedro de la Roca Castle, Santiago de Cuba — 2025 — WHE6BB05C838B

San Pedro de la Roca Castle, a key UNESCO World Heritage Site in Santiago de Cuba, played a pivotal role in the defensive strategy of the Spanish Empire in the Caribbean from 1635 to 1800. The study reveals how the castle's fortification system evolved in response to imperial political shifts and military engineering advancements, reflecting broader trends in colonial defense architecture. By analyzing archival records—including reports, inventories, and projects—researchers traced the transformation of the castle from its early 17th-century origins through the 18th century, highlighting its strategic significance in the region's geopolitical landscape.

Politics from Law or Law as Politics? Hugh of Poitiers’s Chronica and the Politics of ius in the Mid-twelfth Century

Vézelay, Church and Hill — 2025 — WHEEDC2A93039

A twelfth-century legal conflict over Vézelay Abbey, documented by monk Hugh of Poitiers, reveals that the concept of ius ('law, right') was intrinsically political. This study demonstrates that such conflicts were not merely about jurisprudential norms but about defining a just societal order. By analyzing Hugh's Chronica, written between 1140s and 1160s, the research challenges modern distinctions between legal and political aims in jurisdictional disputes of the mid-twelfth century. The findings underscore that competing understandings of ius shaped contemporary legal actors' arguments, forcing a reevaluation of how law and politics intertwined during this period.

Postmodern Expression of Gaudí's Architecture and Its Inspiration to Contemporary Design

Works of Antoni Gaudí — 2025 — WHE1BE0ACC41F

Antoni Gaudí's architecture, celebrated for its imaginative and eclectic style, blends Art Nouveau, Moorish, naturalistic, Gothic, and Baroque elements into a unique postmodern expression. This study analyzes the evolution of Gaudí’s creative stages to highlight his distinctive design language, which continues to inspire contemporary designers. By categorizing his works, the research offers fresh perspectives on innovative design, bridging historical architectural styles with modern aesthetic and functional approaches.

Primer registro morfométrico y de salud de tortuga carey (Eretmochelys imbricata) en el Parque Nacional Archipiélago de Revillagigedo, México

Archipiélago de Revillagigedo — 2025 — WHEDD08A91145

A juvenile hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), a critically endangered species, was recorded for the first time in the Revillagigedo Archipelago National Park, Mexico. The discovery underscores Socorro Island as a vital refuge and feeding habitat for this species, which has experienced significant population decline in the Eastern Pacific. Researchers captured, measured, tagged, and conducted a comprehensive health assessment of the turtle, including hematological analysis, blood biometry, clinical biochemistry, and clinicopathological evaluation. Results confirmed the turtle's healthy condition, providing critical insights into its distribution and conservation status. This study highlights the importance of Socorro Island for the preservation of hawksbill sea turtles in the region.

Prospecting on the UNESCO World Heritage Site Gelati, Georgia

Gelati Monastery — 2025 — WHE728C4C5A57

Recent archaeo-geophysical prospecting around the UNESCO World Heritage Site Gelati Monastery, Georgia, has uncovered new discoveries that promise to deepen our understanding of the site's historical and cultural significance. The study employed advanced geophysical techniques to explore subsurface structures, revealing potential hidden features that could include ancient foundations or buried artifacts. This approach combines ground-penetrating radar (GPR), electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), and magnetic surveys to create a comprehensive subsurface map. Such integrated methods enhance the precision of archaeological investigations while minimizing invasive excavation, thereby preserving the integrity of the site. The findings highlight the potential for non-invasive prospecting to uncover significant historical insights in protected areas like Gelati.

Provenance analysis of stone artefact assemblages using petrography and pXRF at Murujuga (the Dampier Archipelago), Western Australia

Murujuga Cultural Landscape — 2025 — WHE43F294D9EB

Over half of the stone artefacts at Nganjarli (Deep Gorge) on Murujuga, Western Australia, were sourced from non-local outcrops, a finding that highlights complex human mobility patterns in this culturally significant landscape. Researchers used petrography and portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) to analyze artefact assemblages across four sites, demonstrating the technique's effectiveness for in situ provenance analysis. By distinguishing local rock types using geochemical markers like zirconium (Zr) and titanium (Ti), the study revealed that most artefacts at other sites were locally sourced. This approach enhances understanding of landscape attachment and mobility in a region rich in tool-stone resources.

Provenience of a Monument: Serial Rediscovery in the Image History of Urnes Stave Church

Urnes Stave Church — 2025 — WHE706DB31F64

A new perspective on the transformation of Urnes Stave Church into an international heritage icon emerges from the rediscovery of previously overlooked images by Thomas Fearnley and Mathias Wilhelm Eckhoff, predating Johan Christian Dahl's 1837 documentation. This micro-historical reconstruction reveals the movements of artists around the Lusterfjord in 1826, challenging the dominant narrative that credits Dahl alone with the monument's rediscovery. By presenting forgotten impressions of Urnes as a functioning local village church, the study sheds light on the collective contributions to its cultural significance and offers a nuanced understanding of its evolution into a symbol of Norwegian heritage.

Public Administration Mechanisms for Odesa’s Tourism Potential as a UNESCO Historical and Cultural Heritage Site

The Historic Centre of Odesa — 2025 — WHE74AFA11367

Odesa's tourism potential as a UNESCO World Heritage Site can be harnessed through targeted public administration mechanisms, despite challenges posed by war and cultural heritage destruction. A SWOT analysis identified key strengths—such as Odesa’s rich historical and architectural heritage—and weaknesses, including infrastructure damage and regulatory gaps. The study proposes integrated institutional, financial, technological, and environmental strategies to balance preservation with sustainable tourism development. Recommendations align with UNESCO standards, offering a roadmap for post-war recovery that prioritizes cultural integrity while fostering economic resilience.

Quantifying Firewood Extraction in a Protected Forest: Local Dependence and Policy Challenges in Lake Malawi National Park

Lake Malawi National Park — 2025 — WHEC914A73D48

A quantitative assessment reveals that annual firewood extraction in Lake Malawi National Park's Cape Maclear Peninsula forest exceeds 11,976 megagrams (3.07 m³ per hectare), with 88% of households relying on this resource and 77% gathering it themselves despite regulatory measures like the Resource Use Programme. The study highlights strong local dependence on protected forests for energy, driven by household size, biomass reliance, and limited off-park alternatives. These findings emphasize the need for integrated conservation strategies, including tree planting, agroforestry initiatives, improved cookstoves, and alternative livelihoods to balance biodiversity protection with community energy needs.

Quantitative risk assessment and eco-engineering mitigation strategies for debris flows utilizing dynamic process simulation in Shuzheng gully, Jiuzhaigou valley scenic and historic interest area

Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area — 2025 — WHE0F0BB168B7

A novel pine pile–gabion composite dam (PPGD) system, integrated with dynamic process simulation and adaptive eco-engineering strategies, effectively mitigates debris flow risks while preserving ecological integrity. Using high-resolution modeling, researchers simulated debris flows under 20- and 50-year rainfall return periods in Shuzheng gully, Jiuzhaigou Valley, revealing peak velocities of 6.49 m/s and discharges of 38.33 m³/s for the latter. The PPGD system reduced total inundation extent by 45.78% and decreased peak flow velocities downstream by up to 45.34%, demonstrating its potential for sustainable risk management in ecologically sensitive UNESCO World Heritage sites. This approach balances risk reduction with environmental conservation, offering a scalable solution for mountain areas vulnerable to debris flows.

Radiocarbon measurements of iron girders from Aachen cathedral

Aachen Cathedral — 2025 — WHEC943187A40

Radiocarbon dating of iron girders from Aachen Cathedral reveals that the Carolingian Palace Chapel's construction dates between CE 793 and 813, aligning with historical records. The study demonstrates the reliability of this method for ancient iron, though it highlights challenges due to contamination from exogenous carbon sources such as old wood, flux additives, or modern reconstruction materials. Notably, iron beams from the Gothic Annex showed variable radiocarbon signatures, likely due to medieval forging techniques and recent welding with fossil carbon. The research also compared iron dates with those of contemporary wood and charcoal, providing a robust age reference framework.

Reconstructing memory through adaptive heritage: a comparative analysis of Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung in UNESCO discourse

Changdeokgung Palace Complex — 2025 — WHE61C01BFD61

A comparative analysis of Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palaces reveals that Gyeongbokgung, despite its exclusion from UNESCO World Heritage recognition due to reconstruction, embodies adaptive heritage principles by reflecting Korea’s postcolonial transformations and evolving national identity. The study challenges conventional heritage frameworks rooted in the Authorized Heritage Discourse (AHD), emphasizing symbolic reappropriation and historical rupture. Using a case analysis and text mining of over 90,000 news articles, the research highlights Gyeongbokgung’s cultural and interpretive potential as adaptive heritage, advocating for more inclusive and context-sensitive approaches to World Heritage evaluation in East Asia.

Recovery of the Southern Greater Glider (Petauroides volans) following the extreme drought, heatwaves, and mega-fires of 2019–2020 in the southern Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, Australia

Greater Blue Mountains Area — 2025 — WHE476CDE7925

Southern Greater Gliders (Petauroides volans) show rapid recovery in lightly and moderately burnt areas of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, Australia, following the 2019–2020 mega-fires. Unlike severely burnt transects where gliders were eliminated due to complete loss of eucalypt foliage, populations in less affected areas rebounded within four years, with some exceeding pre-fire levels by 45%. This recovery was likely aided by high post-fire rainfall but underscores the critical need for fire management and habitat protection. The study highlights that severe wildfires can irreparably damage glider populations, emphasizing the importance of preserving high-quality habitat and wildlife corridors to ensure species survival.

Redefining urban heritage boundaries for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): the World Heritage property of the Hwaseong Fortress, Republic of Korea

Hwaseong Fortress — 2025 — WHE9D9CB822BB

A redefinition of the boundaries for UNESCO World Heritage Sites, particularly the Hwaseong Fortress in South Korea, is proposed to enhance sustainable urban development and align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study reveals that the current boundary fails to encompass critical urban components that contribute to the site's Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), leaving them unprotected under World Heritage designation. Using qualitative content analysis via MAXQDA and spatial overlay analysis in ArcGIS Pro, researchers identified these urban attributes as essential to preserving the fortress's heritage significance. This approach suggests expanding the boundary to include all OUV-relevant elements, thereby strengthening the site's protection and its potential contribution to sustainable urban development.