Old City of Dubrovnik
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2023 —
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A seismic performance assessment of the 18th-century Jesuit College in Dubrovnik’s Old City reveals significant vulnerabilities to earthquake damage, particularly due to stress concentration and out-of-plane bending in structural components. The study, conducted as part of a broader research project on cultural heritage seismic risk, used field surveys, finite element modeling calibrated with ambient vibration data, and Eurocode 8 guidelines to evaluate the building's response to seismic demand. Findings highlight critical zones requiring retrofitting to mitigate risks, underscoring the fragility of unreinforced masonry structures built before modern seismic design standards.
Historic Cairo
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2023 —
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A seismic vulnerability assessment of eight historic masonry minarets in Old Cairo revealed concerning susceptibility to earthquake damage, with vulnerability index values ranging from 10.3 to 26.1. The study utilized empirical methods and ambient vibration tests (AVTs) to evaluate the minarets' dynamic characteristics and develop vulnerability curves based on the EMS-98 intensity scale. These findings highlight the need for prioritized interventions to protect vulnerable structures, while also introducing a novel empirical period equation to estimate the fundamental period of minarets. The research underscores the importance of tailored seismic retrofitting strategies to preserve these cultural heritage assets for future generations.
Western Tien-Shan
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2023 —
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A refined mathematical model of the stress–strain state in the Western Tien Shan's crust reveals significant corrections to regional stress distribution, linking seismic activity to dynamic fault zones and GPS-measured displacement patterns. The study identifies highly stressed tectonic nodes—intersections of fault movements—as critical hotspots for strong earthquakes, comparing these zones to historical seismic clusters. By integrating active fault mapping with Stokes equations and analyzing velocity fields, researchers pinpoint the South Ferghana and North Ferghana faults as key drivers of the region's persistent high seismic potential.
Göbekli Tepe
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2023 —
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Göbekli Tepe's T-shaped pillars, previously interpreted as mythological ancestors or supernatural beings, are reimagined as phallic representations of ancestors, embodying their enduring presence in the 'now' and 'this world.' This groundbreaking interpretation suggests that Neolithic people constructed a complex mythological narrative to explain themselves, with human head and phallus themes central to this symbolic framework. The study proposes that these pillars are material manifestations of ancestor cult practices and initiation rites, contributing significantly to archaeology, anthropology, sociology, and the history of religions. By positioning anthropomorphic statues and reliefs as markers of societal status attainment, the research initiates a broader discussion on the main mythological narrative of this enigmatic culture.
Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura
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2023 —
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An AI-driven methodological framework successfully maps the cultural significance perceived by online communities, offering valuable insights for socially inclusive heritage management. This approach leverages artificial intelligence to analyze massive, unstructured multi-modal user-generated data from social media, distinguishing between baseline and activated scenarios triggered by radical events. The study, tested across multiple cities including Rome, integrates interdisciplinary methods from heritage studies, computer science, and spatial analysis, demonstrating AI's potential to enhance the involvement of diverse participants in heritage-related discussions. This framework aligns with UNESCO's Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) recommendations, providing a systematic way to collect and analyze community knowledge for future heritage management processes.
Chitwan National Park
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2023 —
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A high seroprevalence of canine distemper virus (CDV) at 80% was detected in free-roaming dogs around Chitwan National Park, Nepal, indicating widespread past exposure to the pathogen. The study, conducted on 100 dogs in November 2019, found that adult dogs were significantly more likely to have been exposed to CDV than juveniles, with an odds ratio of 9.00 (95% CI: 1.03-192.75). While sex showed a positive association at the univariable level, this effect was not significant in multivariable analysis. No spatial patterns were observed relative to the park's buffer zone or boundary. The findings underscore the potential for free-roaming dogs to serve as a disease reservoir, posing risks to endangered wildlife such as Bengal tigers. Neutering and vaccination programs are recommended as tools to monitor and mitigate CDV threats in this ecologically significant region.
Erbil Citadel
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2023 —
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Excessive urbanization in Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, has significantly altered the city's landscape and increased its susceptibility to geomorphological hazards, particularly floods. The study reveals that human activities, including road construction and the development of residential and industrial areas since the 1950s, have obliterated the pristine fluvial network, leading to a shift from agricultural to urban land use. This transformation has reached a tipping point during the Anthropocene, where unchecked urban growth exacerbates natural processes, posing risks to the city's stability. The research combines satellite and historical aerial images with field data to reconstruct changes in land use over time, highlighting the profound impact of human agency on the region's geomorphology.
Maulbronn Monastery Complex
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2023 —
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Researchers have developed a novel setup for choir recordings in virtual recreations of historic churches, specifically focusing on the Maulbronn Monastery Complex and the Maior Ecclesia in Cluny. This approach leverages binaural room impulse responses to simulate real singing conditions within an anechoic environment, allowing singers to perceive reflections via open headphones while being recorded with a headset microphone. The study highlights the influence of room acoustics on both performance and perception of singing, providing insights into how virtual spaces can be used to recreate historic auditory experiences. While the current setup is static, the research also discusses potential improvements and initial steps toward analyzing the recordings, offering a promising method for future studies in sacred sound and space.
Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church
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2023 —
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The New Palace of Westminster, home to the UK's Houses of Parliament, embodies 'Shakespearean' aesthetics that theatricalize political and artistic goals while projecting a unified sense of British national history. Through three case studies spanning 1840s–1920s, this study reveals how artists leveraged Shakespeare—both explicitly and implicitly—to shape constitutional expressions of British identity during a pivotal imperial era. By integrating print, theatrical, art history, architecture, and archival analysis, the research offers an interdisciplinary lens to understand Shakespeare's evolving role in national conception at the seat of parliamentary power.
Göbekli Tepe
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2023 —
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A new methodological framework for identifying shamanism in the archaeological record emerges from Göbekli Tepe, one of the most studied Early Neolithic sites (9600–7000 BCE) in southeastern Turkey. The study challenges the use of a universal 'one-size-fits-all' approach to interpreting early belief systems by analyzing iconographical evidence with cultural context. It argues for a more nuanced understanding of shamanism, avoiding oversimplified explanations while acknowledging its potential presence in Early Neolithic societies. The research contributes to broader debates on the archaeology of belief, emphasizing the need for rigorous contextual analysis when applying anthropological concepts like shamanism to ancient sites.
Göbekli Tepe
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2023 —
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Archaeological evidence from Göbekli Tepe, Nevali Çori, Çatal Höyük, Kaneš, and Hittite texts reveals a profound continuity in the representation of deities across millennia. At Göbekli Tepe, monolithic pillars adorned with stylized humans and animals depict an animist cosmos where animals and plants personify divine beings. This concept evolves at Çatal Höyük, where specific animals—like the bull (Storm-god) and stag (god of wild fauna)—and female figurines symbolize deities that persist into Classical antiquity. In Egypt, zoomorphic representations of gods maintain continuity until Christian influence disrupts this tradition. Hittite texts from Kaneš further document this pattern, detailing rituals where deities are invoked through shared communion with bread and wine, reinforcing the syncretism observed across cultures.
Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape
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2023 —
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A reappraisal of epigraphic records reveals that the dual role of Pergamon as both a city and dynastic residence under the Attalid dynasty (Eumenes I to Attalos III) shaped its elite through intricate interactions between royal, courtly, and civic institutions. This study highlights how priesthoods and religious liturgies served as key mechanisms for consolidating power among social groups, with tenure, appointment privileges, and social dynamics playing pivotal roles in elite formation. By analyzing these epigraphic dossiers, the research offers new insights into the political and social strategies of the Attalids, demonstrating their sophisticated approach to integrating civic and royal authority.
City of Graz – Historic Centre and Schloss Eggenberg
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2023 —
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Sustainable urban mobility agendas in Graz, Austria, and Hangzhou, China, exhibit both global similarities and local divergences despite shared conceptual and technological frameworks. Over a 30-year period, the study reveals how these cities adapted their approaches to sustainable mobility, transitioning from 'livable' to 'smart city' paradigms. Using multi-level governance theory, the research identifies key differences in policy framing and implementation, offering insights for future comparative studies. The findings underscore the dynamic nature of urban sustainability efforts, shaped by local contexts and global influences.
Ancient City of Qalhat
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2023 —
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A groundbreaking analysis of ship timbers from the Islamic sites of al-Balid and Qalhat, Oman, reveals advanced sewn-plank technology used in Indian Ocean maritime trade between the 10th and 16th centuries. This study challenges long-standing Orientalist narratives by demonstrating that medieval shipbuilding in the region was sophisticated and independent, debunking the myth of European technological superiority. Using a multidisciplinary approach—combining material analysis with textual, iconographic, ethnographic, archaeological, and experimental evidence—the research reconstructs the design and operation of these sewn-plank ships, providing new insights into their role in connecting East Africa, Arabia, India, and China. The findings enrich our understanding of medieval maritime communities and their technological achievements.
Greater Blue Mountains Area
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2023 —
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Urban exotic plants exhibit significantly lower flammability compared to wildland and urban native species in the fire-prone Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, Australia. This finding suggests that low-flammability plantings at the wildland–urban interface (WUI) should prioritize native species to mitigate ecological risks posed by exotics. Researchers analyzed 44 plant species, quantifying relationships between shoot traits—such as moisture content, bulk density, and volume—and flammability metrics like ignition speed, burning duration, maximum temperature, and biomass consumption. Their novel flammability scoring system effectively distinguished low-flammable species (e.g., <em>Lophostemon confertus</em>) from highly flammable ones (e.g., <em>Callistemon citrinus</em>). The study underscores the potential for native species to serve as fire-resistant alternatives in urban landscapes while advocating further exploration of broader suites of low-flammability natives.
Central Sikhote-Alin
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2023 —
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Sikhote-Alin, a unique mountain territory in Russia, presents significant potential for green development by integrating sustainable practices with regional ecological and economic conditions. The study proposes dividing Sikhote-Alin into three distinct zones—Northern, Central, and Southern—based on natural resource structures and economic activities, each to be granted special status to foster environmentally friendly growth while preserving high biodiversity. This approach aims to minimize anthropogenic impacts, ensuring rational nature management through environmental restrictions and monitoring frameworks. The research emphasizes that green development at the regional level is a critical stage of sustainable development, offering localized assessments of resource potential and ecological consequences. By prioritizing green economy principles, Sikhote-Alin could serve as a model for balancing economic growth with biodiversity conservation in mountainous regions.
Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor
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2023 —
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Heritage diplomacy practices have shifted with China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which, since its launch in 2013, offers financial support and coordination for transboundary heritage conservation efforts. While UNESCO remains the primary authority in managing cultural heritage, the BRI introduces a new dynamic that challenges the 'western-dominated' approach to heritage diplomacy. The successful inscription of the Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor as World Cultural Heritage in 2014 highlights this shift, contrasting with unsuccessful nominations in South Asia. This study examines how the BRI's involvement in cultural exchange initiatives and transboundary nominations may balance existing heritage governance structures, while also outlining the challenges and prospects ahead for such cooperation.
Historic Area of Willemstad, Inner City and Harbour, Curaçao
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2023 —
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Willemstad, Curaçao's UNESCO-listed historic area, faces a growing erosion of its multicultural architectural heritage due to modern developments that prioritize Dutch contributions over its diverse past. The study reveals how the city's unique blend of Dutch-gabled townhouses, classicizing villas, and Curaçaoan aesthetics—rooted in its mixed population of Dutch settlers, Iberian Jews, and enslaved Africans—has been selectively preserved, often overshadowing its global influences. By analyzing architectural trends from the 20th and 21st centuries, the research highlights how the townhouse form, once emblematic of this multiculturalism, is increasingly framed as solely Dutch vernacular architecture. The findings challenge the narrative simplification that undermines Willemstad's rich, layered history.
Khajuraho Group of Monuments
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2023 —
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A study assessing the Simpson’s Diversity Index of macroflora at the Khajuraho Group of Monuments reveals significant biodiversity on monumental surfaces, with plant species contributing to the deterioration and damage of these heritage structures. The research highlights climate as a pivotal factor influencing the growth of macro organisms, which in turn accelerates the degradation process. This finding underscores the urgent need for long-term preservation strategies that account for both cultural and ecological factors. The study employed a quantitative approach to analyze floral diversity, providing insights into the biological pressures affecting these UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park
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2023 —
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During the flood seasons of 2020–21, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park experienced significant landslide activity, with the largest event displacing over 130 meters of soil and measuring 2.1 million cubic meters—a figure corroborated by remote sensing data (2.4 million m³). These events, occurring in both core and buffer zones, threatened the park's integrity and aesthetic value, despite its overall stability (gravity displacement coefficients Kg: 0.0006 for core, 0.0033 for buffer). The study identified 60+ landslide points across 81.19 hectares, with volumes ranging from 1,000 to 2.4 million m³, using field monitoring and simulation models. Such findings underscore the vulnerability of this UNESCO World Heritage Site to extreme weather, necessitating further research on mitigation strategies.
Mantua and Sabbioneta
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2023 —
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A novel automated method for segmenting individual building units within urban point clouds has been developed, enabling direct linkage to map databases. This approach enhances urban data modeling and management by integrating geometric surveys with existing cartographic information. The technique was successfully applied in Sabbioneta, Italy, using point clouds generated from Mobile Mapping Systems and Unmanned Aerial System photogrammetry, paired with both open-source (OpenStreetMap) and regional cartographic databases. By assigning unique identifiers to segmented points, the resulting dataset becomes a rich container of urban information, serving as a foundation for advanced city modeling.
Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks
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2023 —
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A study identifies potential zones for sustainable ecotourism in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, leveraging the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Geographic Information System (GIS). The research maps suitable areas by analyzing factors like slope, elevation, road proximity, river closeness, and distance to protected sites, including Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks. This approach offers a data-driven strategy for balancing tourism development with ecological conservation, particularly in disaster-prone regions such as Chamoli, which faces risks like landslides and floods. The resulting ecotourism potential map serves as a tool for guiding sustainable resource management and minimizing anthropogenic impacts on fragile Himalayan ecosystems.
Fanjingshan
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2023 —
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Researchers have identified six new species of orb-weaver spiders belonging to the genus Araneus from Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve, Guizhou Province, China. These include Araneus chenjingis, A. yubois, A. lihaibois, A. shiis, A. wanghuais, and A. yangchuandongis, which are categorized into two groups: the A. diadematus group and the A. sturmi group. Additionally, the study redescribes Araneus colubrinus and proposes a new synonym for it, Araneus octodentalis. The findings contribute to the biodiversity documentation of Fanjingshan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich biological diversity.
Island of Saint-Louis
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2023 —
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A comprehensive study on the decapod brachyuran crab, Uca tangeri, reveals significant variations in size and density across Senegal's mangrove ecosystems. The research, conducted in the Senegal River delta, Saloum islands, and Casamance estuary, found that crabs in Saint-Louis exhibit a modal cephalothoracic length of 24–25 mm and weight of 31–32 mm, while those in the Saloum and Casamance regions are smaller, with lengths ranging from 16 to 19 mm and weights from 24 to 26 mm. The study also identified a negative allometric growth pattern (b = 0.8) for both length-weight and height-weight relationships. Notably, Uca tangeri demonstrates no preferential spatial distribution, with an average density of 1.3–1.6 crabs per square meter across the studied mangroves.
Moravian Church Settlements
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2023 —
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A new perspective on slavery within the Moravian Church Settlements reveals that, contrary to historical accounts, most enslaved Afro-Moravians arrived in Bethlehem through unmanaged processes rather than direct congregation purchases. Analysis of overlooked sources, including Northampton County’s 1780 Register of enslaved persons and personal narratives, demonstrates that racial differences significantly shaped the lives of both enslaved and free Afro-Moravians, challenging the Moravian claim of indifference toward legal status. This study underscores the importance of amplifying marginalized voices in historical research.
Macquarie Island
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2023 —
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Stream invertebrate communities on subantarctic Macquarie Island showed slow recovery following the eradication of invasive rabbits and subsequent vegetation regrowth, with taxon richness and composition remaining largely unchanged a decade after rabbit removal. Initial sampling in 1992 recorded an average of 11.6 taxa per site, but this declined to 7.4–8.4 taxa during peak rabbit grazing (2000–2011). Despite substantial vegetation recovery by 2016, resampling revealed minimal improvement in invertebrate diversity and structure, suggesting limited refuges hindered rebound. The study, which resampled 13 of the original 15 sites using kick sampling, found that climate and water quality changes did not significantly influence recovery. These findings imply that stream ecosystems may require decades to recover from severe anthropogenic disturbances.
Simien National Park
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2023 —
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Small mammal diversity and abundance in the Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, exhibit significant variation along altitudinal gradients. The study found that species composition, richness, and distribution of rodents and shrews were strongly correlated with altitude (p = 0.000), with the highest diversity recorded at 2,800 m a.s.l. (H’ = 1.82). Lophuromys simensis and Stenocephalemys albipes dominated across seasons, while Desmomys harringitoni, Dendromys lovati, and Mus imberbis were the least abundant. Species similarity between altitudes of 2,800 m and 3,200 m was high (Sij = 0.97363), contrasting with low similarity at 4,000 m (Sij = 0.15632). The research also identified six endemic rodent species, highlighting the park's unique biodiversity. Environmental disturbances like fires and agriculture pose threats to these small mammals, particularly endemic ones.
Socotra Archipelago
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2023 —
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Small-scale fisheries in the Socotra Archipelago, Yemen, have shown significant changes over seven decades. The study reveals that while official reports estimate catches at around 20% of the actual total, reconstructed data shows a peak of 12,000 tons in 2000 followed by a decline and slight recovery to 3,700 tons by 2019. Artisanal fishing, once dominant, now accounts for less than half of catches, with subsistence fishing increasing significantly since 2010. Fishing effort has surged over 1000% since 1950, while catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) has dropped by 78%, indicating resource overexploitation. This research highlights the need for sustainable management of fish stocks in the archipelago to support local food security, especially during crises like Yemen's political instability.
Konso Cultural Landscape
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2023 —
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Smallholder farmers in the UNESCO-listed Konso Cultural Landscape of Ethiopia perceive climate variability as a significant threat, with late-onset rains, shortened rainy seasons, and recurring droughts being the most pronounced manifestations. These changes are linked to increased weed and pest infestations, as well as heat-induced diseases. The study found that education, access to credit, extension services, and climate information positively influence farmers' perceptions and adaptation strategies, such as terracing, agroforestry, and irrigation. Policy interventions focusing on diversifying livelihoods and improving access to reliable climate data are recommended to enhance adaptive capacity and reduce vulnerability.
Old City of Dubrovnik
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2023 —
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Overtourism in Dubrovnik, despite not yet severely impacting infrastructure or environmental conditions, significantly affects residents' quality of life. A smart holistic model using 21 indicators from the HERIT-DATA project offers a data-driven approach to managing tourism flows sustainably. This model, applied in Dubrovnik's UNESCO-listed Old City, provides policy makers and destination managers with tools to anticipate and mitigate negative effects while balancing economic benefits. Existing applications for visitor prediction should be leveraged more effectively to optimize tourist distribution and protect cultural heritage.
Valongo Wharf Archaeological Site
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2023 —
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Valongo Wharf emerges as a pivotal site for Afro-Brazilian memory and identity, with its subjective perception by individuals fostering a sense of belonging, historical memory, and collective cultural identity. This study highlights the wharf's role in preserving sensitive memory and combating racism while advancing rights, positioning it as a critical resource within the Archaeological Historical Circuit for African Heritage celebration. Employing a humanistic-phenomenological approach, the research interviews participants to uncover diverse perspectives on this space, emphasizing its significance in cultural and social contexts.
Ibiza, Biodiversity and Culture
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2023 —
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Contrary to common narratives of 'dependent development' and 'social impoverishment,' Ibiza's society actively engaged with and adapted to its rapid 1960s tourist boom, transforming rather than being transformed by it. This study challenges the notion that mass tourism imposes external forces on host communities, demonstrating instead how Ibizans proactively reshaped their economy and social structure to overcome traditional limitations. By analyzing archival records, oral histories, and economic data, researchers reveal a nuanced process where locals accepted both the benefits and costs of tourism, integrating it as a vital component of their development. The findings highlight the agency of local communities in navigating rapid change, offering a counterpoint to dominant discourses on tourism's negative impacts.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
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2023 —
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Plitvice Lakes National Park emerged as the top performer among nine European national parks in terms of social media effectiveness, significantly influencing visitor numbers and educational outreach. The study introduced a new formula to measure Social Media Effectiveness, revealing that strategic marketing communication—focusing on pathos, ethos, and logos—enhances reputation, identity, and visitor behavior. While English language barriers and post frequency on Facebook posed challenges, effective communication positively impacted tourism and youth education. The research employed rhetorical and descriptive text analysis to assess communication strategies across platforms, highlighting the potential of social media in promoting environmental protection and sustainable tourism.
City of Quito
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2023 —
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A significant correlation was found between the use of social networks and enhanced emotional intelligence, specifically in recognizing and understanding emotions, among men in Quito. The study, which analyzed 306 participants using quantitative methods, revealed that while 41.2% exhibited medium to high levels of hegemonic masculinity, all participants engaged with platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Notably, attention to emotional factors was strong, but excellence in expressing emotions remained low. This suggests social networks may serve as de-territorialized spaces influencing emotional intelligence dynamics in urban contexts.
Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing
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2023 —
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A study on the Summer Palace, Beijing, reveals that cultural, historical, and aesthetic values are increasingly favored by visitors, with social value hotspots centered around architectural complexes and waters. Using public participation geographic information systems (PPGIS), researchers assessed ecosystem services' social value and its spatial distribution, finding three core hotspot areas. The research also highlights differences in perceptions between anthropocentrists and ecocentrists, with the latter showing higher overall social value indices. This analysis provides insights for urban ecological space planning and management, emphasizing the relationship between environmental landscape features and visitors' perceived social values.
Fort and Shalamar Gardens in Lahore
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2023 —
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Lahore, with its rich cultural heritage and architectural splendor, stands as the cultural capital of Pakistan. A study on the socio-cultural aspects of Lahore's identity formation reveals that despite centuries of change, the city has retained its genuine cultural values, evident even in its new generation. The research employed qualitative methods, utilizing historical and ethnographic approaches to analyze primary and secondary data. It highlights Lahore's unique blend of diverse influences from various sovereigns, reflected in its ancient gates, mosques, forts, temples, manor houses, and gardens. This enduring cultural identity, combined with its renowned food and artwork, solidifies Lahore's global recognition as a city of distinct individualities.
Dja Faunal Reserve
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2023 —
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A study on the Dja Faunal Reserve, Cameroon, reveals that reciprocal environmental agreements can significantly alter hunter behavior by reducing bushmeat offtake and shifting livelihoods away from natural resource dependence. Researchers found that hunters who participated in these agreements were older, had larger households, earned more income from cocoa sales, and spent less time hunting compared to non-participants. Additionally, signatory hunters used firearms less frequently, consumed more of their catches, and sold less bushmeat. The 15-month study, spanning three years, tracked socioeconomic changes in hunters alongside hunting effort parameters, demonstrating the potential of incentive-based conservation strategies to promote sustainable livelihoods and benefit wildlife conservation.
Doñana National Park
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2023 —
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Research reveals that the Navazo del Toro (NVT) wetland, one of Doñana National Park's largest temporary small-lakes, has undergone significant hydrological and pedological evolution since at least 4,255 years ago. The study identifies key processes shaping this ecosystem, including the translocation of silt and clay from dune slopes, sediment accumulation in the depression, and the development of tirsificated and vertic Luvisols. Hydromorphic conditions, marked by gleyic and stagnic features, have also incorporated organic materials like diatoms and sponge spicules, initiating incipient podzolization. The research employs a geopedological catena analysis along 230 meters with five soil profiles to unravel these processes, providing critical insights into the Middle-Upper Holocene hydrological dynamics of this unique wetland system.
Pantanal Conservation Area
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2023 —
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A novel approach to tackling wildfires in the Pantanal Wetlands demonstrates that integrated fire management (IFM) could be self-sustaining through carbon credits. The study reveals that preventing wildfires in indigenous lands within the Pantanal avoids annual carbon emissions equivalent to $100 million in carbon credits—a figure sufficient to finance IFM and additional conservation efforts like forest restoration. This economic incentive model, if implemented effectively, could drastically reduce burned areas and mitigate fire-related damage while addressing funding gaps for conservation initiatives.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
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2023 —
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A study identifies oil and gas (O&G) production activities as the major contributors to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at Carlsbad Caverns National Park, exceeding ground-level ozone limits. Using positive matrix factorization analysis of speciated VOCs during the 2019 Carlsbad Caverns Air Quality Study (CarCavAQS), researchers attributed three factors to O&G operations, with associated residence time analyses indicating increased contributions during transport from the Permian Basin. These O&G-related VOCs accounted for 62% of VOC reactivity with hydroxyl radicals, enhancing local ozone formation. Additionally, photochemically generated secondary VOCs suggested long-range transport of ozone from upwind shale formations like Eagle Ford and Barnett. The findings underscore the critical role of O&G emissions in regional air quality and emphasize the need for targeted emission reductions to mitigate elevated ozone levels.
Dorset and East Devon Coast
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2023 —
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Southern England stands as the birthplace of stratigraphy, geologic mapping, and paleontology, offering a unique geological tour that spans from Pleistocene glacial sediments near London to Precambrian granites at Land’s End. This region reveals rocks deformed by major mountain-building events, including the Variscan and Alpine orogenies, while also showcasing rare ophiolites at Lizard Point. The study highlights fossil-rich sites along the Jurassic Coast, explaining their significance in paleontological research, and delves into the origin of iconic white chalk cliffs in Dover and Southdown National Park. By examining 12 Sites of Special Scientific Interest and 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this work provides a comprehensive geological exploration, integrating field observations from canyons, quarries, sea cliffs, and archaeological sites to unravel the region’s complex geologic history.
Macquarie Island
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2023 —
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A significant portion of low clouds over Macquarie Island, particularly those with cold tops (≤0°C), exhibit predominantly liquid-phase characteristics at cloud base, despite the potential for mixed or ice-phase precipitation below. This study, conducted during the Macquarie Island Cloud and Radiation Experiment (MICRE) from April 2016 to March 2017, found that around two-thirds of low clouds were cold-topped, with these clouds being thicker and having higher bases compared to warm-topped clouds. The research utilized ground-based ceilometer, depolarization lidar, and W-band radar measurements to characterize cloud macrophysics and precipitation phase. Notably, 83–88% of cold-topped clouds were liquid at the base, while small-particle (low-radar-reflectivity) precipitation was mostly liquid below-cloud, contrasting with large-particle precipitation that was predominantly mixed or ice-phase. This insight is crucial for understanding the radiative properties and climate impacts of Southern Ocean low clouds.
Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks
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2023 —
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A spatial analysis of soil erosion in the Formoso River basin, primarily within Emas National Park in Brazil's Cerrado, reveals that 29.12% of agricultural areas experience severe soil loss, with annual erosion rates reaching up to 8315 t ha-1 year-1. These losses are linked to high values of rainfall erosivity (R), soil erodibility (K), and topographic factors (LS) in dystrophic Red Latosol soils. The study highlights the critical need for proper land-use planning and sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate environmental degradation, particularly in water resource protection. Using remote sensing, geoprocessing tools, and the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE), researchers provide a data-driven basis for policy-making in this UNESCO-recognized Cerrado protected area.
Península Valdés
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2023 —
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Whalewatching in Península Valdés, Patagonia, Argentina, exhibits distinct spatial and temporal patterns that can enhance recreational experiences while supporting conservation efforts. The study found that sightings near Puerto Pirámides shift farther from the coast as the whale season progresses, with early trips focusing on varied groups like solitary whales, mating pairs, and mothers with calves, while later trips predominantly feature mother-calf pairs—the last to leave the area. This pattern suggests potential for tailored whalewatching experiences, balancing economic benefits with conservation goals, given that both gulfs of Península Valdés are critical calving grounds for southern right whales (Eubalaena australis). The research analyzed 1,816 trips over six reproductive seasons (2005–2008 and 2012–2013), tracking stopovers ('sightings') to identify these dynamics. Properly applied regulations could further improve conservation outcomes in this globally significant site.
Greater Blue Mountains Area
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2023 —
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A study comparing two local government areas (LGAs) in Greater Sydney, Australia—Campbelltown and the Blue Mountains—revealed that while free-roaming cat density was higher in Campbelltown (0.31 cats per hectare), the Blue Mountains had a significantly larger estimated abundance of roaming cats (3,365 vs. 361). Despite this, no significant difference was found in the number of cat or wildlife events captured via motion-capture cameras between the two areas. The study also identified distinct temporal patterns in cat activity, with peaks at different times in each LGA and overlaps in activity with native wildlife such as bandicoots, possums, and small mammals. These findings underscore the utility of camera monitoring on private properties and transect drives for quantifying roaming cat populations, providing critical data to inform management interventions.
Serengeti National Park
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2023 —
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Aardwolves and aardvarks, two ecologically similar nocturnal insectivores, exhibit high spatial and temporal niche overlap in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. Research using multispecies occupancy models with 105 remote camera detections (2016–2018) revealed a positive interaction between their occupancy probabilities, suggesting commensalism where aardwolves benefit from increased food accessibility due to aardvark presence. While slope, grassland proportion, and termite mound density did not influence occupancy, aardwolf occupancy increased with distance from permanent water sources, possibly to avoid predation risk. Both species showed high diel activity overlap during wet and dry seasons, remaining largely nocturnal. These findings enhance understanding of their ecological roles as termite consumers and potential ecosystem engineers.
Comoé National Park
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2023 —
WHE5A2F9578A1
A significant level of nocturnal anthropization, characterized by artificial light at night (ALAN), has been identified within the Comoé National Park (CNP) in Côte d’Ivoire. This finding highlights the growing threat to the park's biodiversity and environmental balance due to human activities. The study employed geospatial data from the VIIRS/DNB to assess nocturnal anthropization using three key indices: light reflectance density, which pinpoints nighttime light emission sources; the lighted area density index (LADI), which reveals the nature of nocturnal activities; and the light intensity index (LII), which quantifies the impact on biodiversity. The research underscores the urgent need for effective management strategies to mitigate these pressures and safeguard CNP's ecological integrity.
Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats
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2023 —
WHEC2A01DA7EB
A study on the tidal flats of Geum River (Getbol) in South Korea reveals that sediment-related variables and heavy metals are the primary environmental factors influencing the spatial distribution of macrofaunal and meiofaunal assemblages. While macrofauna, dominated by Annelida, were mainly affected by these factors, meiofauna, particularly Nematoda, showed additional sensitivity to sea surface temperature, dissolved oxygen, and salinity. This research provides critical ecological data for understanding the impacts of both natural and anthropogenic pressures on tidal flat ecosystems, offering a foundation for marine environmental management strategies in the region.
Mogao Caves
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2023 —
WHE45FC55B055
A novel approach to experiencing the Mogao Caves has been introduced through 'Spatial Dunhuang.' This method leverages spatial technologies to enhance the visitor's engagement with the caves' rich cultural and historical significance. The study highlights how immersive spatial experiences can deepen the understanding and appreciation of heritage sites by integrating digital elements with physical exploration. By focusing on the Mogao Caves, renowned for their Buddhist art and architecture, the research demonstrates the potential of spatial technologies to transform traditional tourism into a more interactive and educational journey.
Monastery of Alcobaça
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2023 —
WHE7A63DC5FD1
Research reveals distinct spatial patterns of visitor pauses within the Monastery of Alcobaça’s Cistercian church, highlighting differences between novice and experienced architecture students. Using geostatistical methods like ordinary kriging, the study estimated stopping times for two groups—first-year and fifth-year students—during a guided visit. Findings show that expert students (fifth-year) tend to pause longer at specific architectural features compared to novices (first-year), suggesting that familiarity with design elements influences contemplation behavior. This insight contributes to understanding how visitors engage with heritage sites, offering implications for interpretive strategies in cultural tourism.
