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Publications

Showing 2021 – 2040 of 15962 publications

Ethiopia: Enhancing Landscape Connectivity Through Agroforests

The Gedeo Cultural Landscape — 2025 — WHE67009006BD

Agroforests in the Gedeo Cultural Landscape of Ethiopia serve as critical biodiversity havens and landscape connectors, mimicking natural forests to support sustainable agroforestry practices. These systems enhance on-farm conservation, environmental resilience, and livelihoods while acting as buffers against deforestation and fragmentation. They provide habitats for disturbance-sensitive species, conserve native tree gene pools, and facilitate ecological connectivity through corridors and stepping stones. Additionally, the diverse species composition in Gedeo agroforests significantly contributes to biomass and carbon storage, aiding climate change mitigation. Despite their ecological and socio-economic benefits, these agroforests face threats from land degradation, monoculture cash crops, climate change, market limitations, financial constraints, and insufficient technical knowledge.

Ethnic Appropriation of Folk Narratives and Architecture in the Post-Ottoman Balkans

Selimiye Mosque and its Social Complex — 2025 — WHE23DE581FB0

Nationalist movements in the Balkans appropriated Ottoman architectural heritage, including the Selimiye Mosque, by reinterpreting local folk narratives about master builders. These narratives, resembling the myth of Icarus, became tools for ethnic identity formation during interstate tensions in Thrace (1930s–1940s). The study reveals how transnational debates over these stories clashed with nationalist syncretism, exposing tensions between cultural continuity and national identity construction. Analyzing archival records and historical discourse, the research demonstrates the political instrumentalization of folklore in post-Ottoman heritage politics.

Ethnotourism In The Bukhara Oasis: Opportunities, Achievements and Problems

Historic Centre of Bukhara — 2025 — WHEFD7088AA1D

Bukhara's ethnotourism potential is highlighted as a key driver for global tourism, leveraging its rich historical and ethnographic heritage. The study reveals that the oasis, centered around the Zarafshan River, offers unique cultural experiences through its multiethnic communities, architecture, and culinary traditions. By analyzing Bukhara's aesthetic preferences and worldview, the research demonstrates how ethnotourism destinations such as Shirin, Sheykhon, Qorgon, and Borontepa actively promote national customs and folk arts. Challenges to ethnotourism growth are also identified, along with recommendations for sustainable development. The study positions Bukhara as an outdoor ethnographic museum, crucial for the expansion of global travel.

Ethnozoological Knowledge of Buffalo (Syncerus Caffer, Sperman, 1779) in the Garamba National Park (Haut-Uélé, DRC) for DOI 10.35759/JAnmPlSci.v64-1.4

Garamba National Park — 2025 — WHEAD7AF6C8A0

Local communities in Garamba National Park (DRC) hold deep ethnozoological knowledge about the African buffalo, highlighting its multifaceted role in their lives. The study reveals that buffalo are vital for food, medicine, and cultural practices, with meat serving as a primary protein source and by-products used in remedies. While 69% of participants view them as valuable tourist attractions, concerns about aggression were noted (24.5%), alongside recognition of their ecological role in seed dispersal (6.8%). Knowledge is predominantly transmitted orally (84%), underscoring its importance for conservation efforts. The research, based on surveys of 429 individuals using the Kobocollect app, emphasizes integrating local knowledge into sustainable biodiversity management strategies.

Euastacus vanderwerfi sp. nov., a new dwarf spiny freshwater crayfish (Crustacea: Decapoda: Parastacidae) from the Gondwana Rainforests, Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia

Gondwana Rainforests of Australia — 2025 — WHE3B8996975B

A new species of dwarf spiny freshwater crayfish, Euastacus vanderwerfi, has been discovered in the highland rainforests of Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia. This species is distinguished from its closest relatives by unique morphological features and exhibits specific burrowing behavior and ecological preferences. The discovery highlights the biodiversity of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Site and underscores the need for urgent conservation efforts, as Euastacus vanderwerfi is assessed as Critically Endangered due to significant population decline and habitat threats.

Evaluating Digital Tool’s Integration for the Preservation of XX century Architectures

The work of engineer Eladio Dieste: Church of Atlántida — 2025 — WHE969E5AF3EF

A robust, multi-tool digital documentation approach enhances the preservation of twentieth-century architectural landmarks, as demonstrated by a case study on Eladio Dieste's UNESCO-listed Church of Atlántida. The research reveals that while SLAM-based methods show greater deviation, they remain valuable for initial surveys or confined spaces, whereas photogrammetry excels in capturing unreachable features, complementing laser scanning's precision. By integrating these tools and aligning their data sets with scalar fields to trace reliability, the study proposes a replicable workflow that improves data quality and supports sustainable conservation practices.

Evaluating flood and landslide hazards to cultural heritage sites in Historic Cairo

Historic Cairo — 2025 — WHE6809C07C96

Historic Cairo faces significant vulnerability to natural disasters such as flooding and landslides. A recent study reveals that 54.1% of the area is at very low to moderate risk for floods, while 12.4% is classified as very high hazard, impacting 21 heritage sites. Additionally, 16% of the area is in high-threat zones for landslides, affecting 13 cultural sites. When considering both hazards, at least 30 sites are in high-risk areas, including 9 in very high-risk zones, particularly in central and eastern Historic Cairo. The research employed remote sensing and GIS methods, prioritizing key factors using the Analytic Hierarchy Process to generate hazard maps. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted risk mitigation strategies to protect Historic Cairo's cultural heritage. The study provides a valuable GIS-based database and hazard maps for urban planners, policymakers, and stakeholders.

Evaluating the Impact of Urban Encroachment and Land Cover Changes on World Cultural Heritage Site Taxila: A Spatio-Temporal Analysis from 1990 to 2024

Taxila — 2025 — WHE522447EA2F

Taxila faces significant threats from rapid urban expansion and land cover changes between 1990 and 2024. Research reveals a dramatic increase in built-up areas (from 23.68 km² to 78.5 km²) and bare land (from 8.56 km² to 26.5 km²), with notable conversions of cropland and vegetation into urban and barren zones. Spatial analysis using support vector machine techniques and Getis–Ord Gi methods identified high clustering patterns near Sarakhola and Bhir Mound sites, while high-resolution imagery documented a critical loss of the Sarakhola site's core zone (from 0.0168 km² to 0.0032 km²), endangering its Outstanding Universal Value (OUV). The study underscores urgent conservation challenges, advocating for stricter heritage law enforcement and policy revisions to safeguard Taxila's authenticity and integrity.

Evaluating Tour Boat Compliance With Dolphin‐Watching Guidelines in the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve

Sian Ka'an — 2025 — WHEABACDA6826

A striking 98% of dolphin-watching tour boats in Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve violated local guidelines, with proximity to dolphins being the most common infraction. The study, using boat observations and drone footage, also found that 95% of dolphin directional changes occurred away from boat trajectories, while 55% showed increased swimming speeds during interactions. These findings highlight the urgent need for stricter monitoring and enforcement of dolphin-watching guidelines to protect local bottlenose dolphin populations and ensure sustainable tourism practices.

Evaluating tourist importance-performance and support for development in Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park — 2025 — WHEEF3984CEBC

A strong preference for sustainable development practices emerged as the key finding from a study evaluating tourist support for proposed developments in Komodo National Park. Using Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) and regression models, researchers analyzed data from 600 tourists to assess discrepancies between visitor expectations and perceptions of current park management. The findings underscored significant concerns about carrying capacity and environmental impacts, highlighting the need for park management to prioritize conservation while enhancing visitor satisfaction. Recommendations included controlled access systems, expanded visitor education programs, and sustainable infrastructure improvements to align development strategies with ecological preservation.

Evaluation Index System for Thermokarst Lake Susceptibility: An Effective Tool for Disaster Warning on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, China

Qinghai Hoh Xil — 2025 — WHE9220434F74

Approximately 19.02% of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau's permafrost region is highly susceptible to thermokarst lake formation, a phenomenon accelerated by climate change and posing significant risks to infrastructure and ecosystems. This finding stems from an innovative evaluation index system developed using Landsat imagery and human-computer interaction, which improved the accuracy of thermokarst lake classification in remote, data-scarce areas. Key factors identified include lake density, soil moisture, slope, vegetation, snow cover, ground temperature, precipitation, and permafrost stability. The study highlights the most vulnerable regions—southwestern Qinghai, northeastern Tibet, and Hoh Xil—as critical zones for disaster warning and mitigation efforts.

Evaluation of a Subsequent Deposition of Human Bodies in a Funerary Site in Sardinia (Italy) Using Entomological Evidence

Funerary Tradition in the Prehistory of Sardinia – The domus de janas — 2025 — WHED9C5B9EA77

A rare entomological analysis of a Sardinian Neolithic tomb, the Domus de Janas at Filigosa, reveals new insights into prehistoric funerary practices. Mineralized remains of blow flies (Calliphora and Lucilia) and beetles (Necrobia) suggest that human bodies were exposed briefly before being deposited in the chamber, allowing initial colonization by flies. Subsequent primary burials occurred within the same space, with geological changes sealing the tomb shortly after use ceased. This study demonstrates how forensic entomology can reconstruct ancient burial sequences, bridging a gap in the application of this method to sites thousands of years old.

Evaluation of Runoff and Morphometric Analysis in Wadi Ked, Sinai, Egypt

Saint Catherine Area — 2025 — WHEF5C3325117

A study evaluating runoff and morphometric characteristics in Wadi Ked, Sinai, Egypt, reveals significant variations in effective rainfall (E.R.) and flood hazard potential based on return periods (R.P.). Using the Curve Number (CN) method and HEC-HMS hydrological modeling, researchers estimated storm depths ranging from 27.63 mm to 86.99 mm for R.P. of 5 to 200 years, with corresponding runoff volumes between 4.93 Mm³ and 48.45 Mm³. The analysis, supported by ArcGIS for spatial representation and rainfall data from Dahab, Sharm El-Sheikh, and Saint Catherine stations, provides critical insights for designing protective structures to mitigate flooding risks in this environmentally sensitive region.

Evaluation of sampling and sample preparation methodologies for determination of mercury concentrations and stable mercury isotopes in foliage samples

Heritage of Mercury. Almadén and Idrija — 2025 — WHE175E874DC5

A critical evaluation of sampling and preparation methodologies for mercury (Hg) analysis in foliage reveals significant biases that can distort our understanding of Hg cycling. The study found that rinsing samples removes 24–60% of Hg, particularly particulate-bound Hg enriched in heavier isotopes, underscoring its role in internal plant Hg dynamics but not total foliar Hg content. Vertical crown stratification also significantly influences Hg concentrations, with inner canopy foliage showing up to 50% higher Hg levels due to reduced solar exposure and enhanced throughfall deposition. The research validates the comparability of drying methods for low-Hg environments while highlighting the need for consistent rinsing protocols when studying surface-bound Hg fractions. These findings emphasize the importance of methodological rigor in foliar Hg studies, urging further investigation into inter-species differences, seasonal variability, and isotopic fractionation effects.

Evaluation of the Compatibility Between Poetic Expression and Spatial Form in Suzhou Classical Gardens Based on AHP–TOPSIS and Coupling-Coordination Analysis

Classical Gardens of Suzhou — 2025 — WHE1AAC2DE4B1

Suzhou classical gardens, renowned for their blend of spatial aesthetics and poetic expression, have been systematically evaluated using quantitative models. The study identified the Humble Administrator's Garden and Lingering Garden as exhibiting high coordination between spatial form and poetic imagery, with coupling-coordination degrees (D) of 0.351 and 0.329 respectively. In contrast, Lion Grove Garden and Canglang Pavilion showed weaker performance due to design or cultural symbolism deficiencies. The research employed AHP-TOPSIS for indicator weighting and evaluation, combined with questionnaire data from 450 respondents, alongside coupling-coordination analysis to assess subsystem compatibility. This approach provides a scientific framework for conserving and revitalizing these gardens, emphasizing the synergy between spatial and poetic elements. However, the study's focus on Suzhou limits broader applicability, suggesting future research should expand to diverse cultural contexts.

Evaluation of the contemporary cultural landscape based on multi-dimensional value coupling: Case study on the Grand Canal, Hangzhou section

West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou — 2025 — WHE01865B9B1E

A new framework for evaluating the multi-dimensional value of cultural landscapes, particularly along the Grand Canal in Hangzhou, has been developed. This approach integrates conservation and developmental values to assess how contemporary projects align with World Heritage standards while supporting urban development. Using coupling coordination degree theory, researchers analyzed 10 cultural landscape projects implemented post-World Heritage inscription, revealing insights into their synergistic potential for balancing heritage preservation and sustainable growth. The study provides a model for future 'city-river interdependence' projects along the Grand Canal, offering practical guidance for harmonizing land use control, urban planning, and conservation efforts.

Evaluation of the diagnostic reliability of the gill-based Ray’s fluid thioglycollate medium assay for Perkinsus olseni infections in Manila clams (Ruditapes philippinarum) across Korean tidal flats

Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats — 2025 — WHE6E1670C772

A study evaluating the diagnostic reliability of gill-based Ray’s fluid thioglycollate medium (RFTM) assays for detecting Perkinsus olseni infections in Manila clams across Korean tidal flats found that while gills are a strong proxy for whole-body infection in high-prevalence areas, their accuracy drops significantly in low-infection environments. The research analyzed six tissues from clams collected at six sites, revealing that the visceral mass consistently harbored the highest parasite loads (27.8%-49.0%), followed by the mantle and gills. At most sites, gill infection levels correlated strongly with whole-body infection intensity (r²=0.6-0.95), but at Padori—where infection prevalence was lowest—the gill assay's efficacy plummeted to 56%, leading to a 44% false negative rate. These findings highlight the limitations of relying solely on gill tissue for diagnostic purposes and advocate for a dual-tissue approach combining gill and whole-body samples to enhance accuracy in surveillance efforts.

Everyday Life in the Old City of Jerusalem

Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls — 2025 — WHEC974ED73C8

A groundbreaking exploration of the Old City of Jerusalem reveals how individuals and communities navigate complex realities of emplacement, challenging dominant narratives focused on political and religious significance. The study combines biographical narratives with spatial sociology to uncover diverse experiences of belonging, exclusion, and adaptation, tracing socio-political transformations since 1948. It highlights the intricate interplay between personal life stories, urban space, family ties, political occupation, religious identity, and social hierarchies, offering a nuanced account of daily life under occupation and intercommunal tension.

Evidence for HV peaks superposition leading to extreme horizontal ground motion amplification revealed by the Xochimilco ambient noise tomography

Historic Centre of Mexico City and Xochimilco — 2025 — WHE61369CEC84

Researchers have uncovered extreme horizontal ground motion amplification in Mexico City's Xochimilco region, attributed to the superposition of multiple resonance peaks. This phenomenon, revealed through ambient seismic noise tomography combining horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratios (HVSR) and multimodal dispersion curves, highlights the complex interaction between sedimentary layers with varying water content and lava intrusions. The study, involving 84 seismic stations, demonstrates that while surface wave energy is distributed across fundamental and higher modes, the spatially continuous decrease in dominant peak frequency toward the lake interior masks heterogeneous amplification patterns. These findings are crucial for seismic mitigation strategies in Mexico City and may apply to other cities built on sedimentary basins.

Evidence for proximal ejecta from the 2.02 Ga Vredefort impact event

Vredefort Dome — 2025 — WHE600E4F1E77

Researchers have discovered previously unrecognized ejecta from the world's largest known impact crater, the 2.02-billion-year-old Vredefort Dome in South Africa. The study identifies sediments of the Doornfontein Member in the Griqualand West Basin as proximal ejecta, located approximately 500 km west of the crater center. These sediments, dating between 1928 ± 4 million years and 2222 ± 13 million years, overlap with the Vredefort event's age (2019 ± 2 million years) and exhibit shock metamorphic features such as planar deformation in quartz grains and granular zircons. The discovery suggests that the crater was likely on land rather than underwater and highlights the potential for preserving massive Paleoproterozoic ejecta layers. This finding could represent the oldest described crater-ejecta pair, offering new insights into the preservation of impact-related materials.