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Showing 2201 – 2220 of 15962 publications

Gully-ravine systems as unique habitats sustaining rare species of plants, fungi, and myxomycetes

Astronomical Observatories of Kazan Federal University — 2025 — WHEBF9DA07BD7

A comprehensive study of the gully-ravine system and buffer zone at the V. P. Engelhardt Astronomical Observatory of Kazan Federal University has revealed a rich biodiversity, including 94 vascular plant species, 17 mosses, 4 liverworts, 99 basidiomycete macrofungi, and 73 myxomycetes, with a significant presence of rare species. The habitats supporting these rare ferns and mosses exhibit distinct biotic and abiotic conditions compared to adjacent woodlands, characterized by higher air humidity (62-74%), reduced light availability, and cooler temperatures (2-3°C). Ordination analysis linked the distribution of rare plants to remnants of old-growth zonal spruce-broadleaf forest communities. Additionally, specific indicator species of fungi and myxomycetes were identified, demonstrating their host specificity for certain deadwood types.

Guy Beyond Borders: An Analysis of Guido de Warwick (ALC 414 MS)

Monastery of Alcobaça — 2025 — WHE604C978ED1

A rare medieval manuscript, Guido de Warwick (ALC 414 MS), preserved at the Monastery of Alcobaça, Portugal, reveals significant insights into the transborder reception of English romance beyond Arthurian legends. The text, part of a 12th-century homiletic collection, suggests local interest in the legend of Guy of Warwick and challenges conventional narratives about Crusade fantasies in post-Crusade England. By analyzing themes of English identity formation and crusading, this study demonstrates that Guido de Warwick offers a unique perspective on medieval heroism, diverging from earlier interpretations of frenzied Crusade-related productions.

Habitat Selection and Seed Dispersal by the Great Blue Turaco ( Corythaeola cristata ) in the Rainforests of Southern Cameroon

Dja Faunal Reserve — 2025 — WHEF36315F3B3

A first-of-its-kind study reveals significant individual variation in habitat selection and seed dispersal patterns among great blue turacos (Corythaeola cristata) in the Dja Faunal Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern Cameroon. Using GPS tracking and LiDAR-derived vegetation data, researchers found that while some individuals prefer tall canopy areas, others avoid swamps and complex vertical structures. Seed dispersal was predicted to be more diffuse for turacos with larger home ranges, with local maxima nearly ten times smaller than those with smaller territories. This research highlights the need for broader telemetry studies in central African forests, which face growing threats from hunting, logging, habitat loss, and climate change.

Habitat selection by an extraordinary savannah raptor: environmental factors driving abundance of the Secretarybird Sagittarius serpentarius in the Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)

Serengeti National Park — 2025 — WHE92A243FC23

A groundbreaking study reveals that Secretarybirds (Sagittarius serpentarius) thrive in the Serengeti National Park's transition zones, where extensive grasslands meet open woodlands or treed shrublands. Researchers estimated a population of 1,513 individuals with densities peaking at 2.3 birds per 10 km². Secretarybirds favor flat terrains with seasonal rivers and annual precipitation below 900 mm, avoiding areas with low vegetation cover or excessive prescribed burning (>60%). Pairs prefer closed treed shrublands, while single birds are more common in heterogeneous habitats. This research provides critical insights for long-term conservation efforts in Tanzania's Serengeti ecosystem.

Harmony Between Ritual and Residential Spaces in Traditional Chinese Courtyards: A Space Syntax Analysis of Prince Kung’s Mansion in Beijing

Beijing Central Axis: A Building Ensemble Exhibiting the Ideal Order of the Chinese Capital — 2025 — WHE1A0661C52B

A study of Prince Kung’s Mansion in Beijing reveals that ritual and residential spaces are designed with distinct spatial gradients, where ritual areas exhibit high visibility and connectivity while residential spaces prioritize introversion. Using Visibility Graph Analysis (VGA) and axial maps, researchers found a positive correlation between spatial visibility and ritual hierarchy, confirming that connectivity intensifies during rituals compared to daily life. This architectural design reflects Confucian ideological principles such as centrality, gender segregation, and hierarchy. The findings provide evidence-based insights for heritage conservation and offer a new perspective on the analysis of courtyard ritual spaces.

Harnessing GPS Spatiotemporal Big Data to Enhance Visitor Experience and Sustainable Management of UNESCO Heritage Sites: A Case Study of Mount Huangshan, China

Mount Huangshan — 2025 — WHEADCF73DAE0

A novel analysis of GPS and geo-tagged photo data from Mount Huangshan reveals distinct spatiotemporal patterns in tourist behavior that can inform sustainable management strategies. The study identifies a 'double-peak, double-trough' seasonal pattern and pronounced elevation-dependent visitor preferences, with hotspot detection techniques efficiently mapping hierarchical interest zones. These findings provide actionable insights for crowd diversion, spatial planning, and the optimization of secondary tour routes, offering a scientific foundation for alleviating pressure on core areas and advancing sustainable development in heritage sites.

Hellenistic and Roman Baalbek and the Bekaa

Baalbek — 2025 — WHE2A1CE65056

Recent archaeological surveys and excavations at Baalbek-Heliopolis challenge long-standing assumptions about the origins of the Temple of Jupiter Heliopolitanus, revealing that its construction began just before 15 BCE, coinciding with the establishment of the Roman colony centered on Berytus. This contradicts previous notions of deep antiquity linked to ancient Semitic deities. The study also provides insights into Roman life in the Bekaa Valley through excavations at Niha and Hosn Niha, offering a consistent picture with other Roman sites across the empire. Historical sources describe Seleucid and Ptolemaic competition for the region before the rise of the Ituraeans, contributing to a nuanced understanding of the area's Hellenistic period.

Heraion and some features of the cult of Hera on Samos

Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos — 2025 — WHE6DAC2D786E

Archaeological research at the Heraion of Samos reveals significant insights into the evolution and religious significance of one of ancient Greece's most important sanctuaries. The study highlights the temple's multi-phase construction, from its 8th-century BC origins to later reconstructions, addressing challenges like soil instability. Detailed analysis of the temple complex, including auxiliary structures and the Sacred Way linking Samos' city to the sanctuary, underscores its architectural ingenuity and adaptability. Excavations uncovered artifacts—such as sacrificial remains, seeds, and unique ceramics—shedding light on Hera's cult practices, particularly those tied to fertility symbols and rituals. The lygos tree emerges as a notable symbol of Hera's patronage over Samos, enriching our understanding of the island's religious landscape.

Herencias de la Esclavitud en Cartagena de Indias: los Lugares de Memoria

Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena — 2025 — WHE61BDC039A6

Cartagena de Indias' legacy of slavery is intricately linked to its urban and rural development, shaped by the slave trade's economic and demographic impact. The study reveals how the port city's growth was significantly influenced by the role of slave owners and the enslaved population, with a focus on historical figures that defined this era. It further explores the spatial dynamics of slavery in Cartagena, analyzing both the places occupied by victims and those constructed as sites of resistance by escaped slaves. This work bridges history, memory, and heritage to provide a nuanced understanding of the enduring effects of slavery on the region's landscape.

Heritage and Romantic Consumption in China

Old Town of Lijiang — 2025 — WHE7484EC0E7E

Heritage and tourism in Lijiang shape local identities and consumer values through staged traditions. The study reveals that romanticized ethnic performances, like Naxi weddings, serve as both heritage products and reflections of broader social-cultural shifts. These performances, designed for tourists, expose tensions between authenticity and commercialization while illustrating how tradition is redefined in a market-driven context. The research highlights the rise of 'romantic consumerism' in China, where urban disillusionment fuels demand for aestheticized, ethnic experiences. By analyzing daily practices—tourism and identity performance—the study demonstrates how heritage industries influence societal values, dreams, and expectations.

Heritage Assessment at Trevarthian Farm

Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape — 2025 — WHEAE861C0F27

A heritage assessment of the proposed Trevarthian Farm development in Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape found that its impact on nearby heritage assets, including Grade II-listed buildings and the World Heritage Site, would be minor. The study, conducted by B. Morris, F. Balmond, and A. Nock, used desk-based research and site inspections (January 15, 2024) following SWARCH HIA methodology. While visual effects on the Church of St Hilary (Grade I) and the broader landscape were noted, most designated assets were sufficiently distant or shielded by topography to mitigate harm. The assessment concluded that the scheme’s adverse impact would be no greater than minor, with negligible effects on most heritage resources.

Heritage Conservation Management and Inter-Institutional Relations at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Zanzibar Stone Town, Tanzania

Stone Town of Zanzibar — 2025 — WHE5251E756F2

A study of Zanzibar Stone Town challenges the assumption that conflict is inherent in inter-institutional heritage conservation management. Through documentary analysis and semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, researchers identified a spectrum of relationships—ranging from collaborative exchanges of expertise and resources to neglect and nascent conflicts—that significantly impact conservation outcomes. The findings highlight that positive inter-institutional relations, characterized by cooperation and shared efforts, are crucial for effective heritage management in historic urban settings. This research broadens the understanding of stakeholder dynamics in World Heritage conservation, offering insights with implications for both policy and future studies.

Heritage corridor construction of classical gardens of Suzhou using minimum cumulative resistance model

Classical Gardens of Suzhou — 2025 — WHEA5F442BDB2

Research on the Classical Gardens of Suzhou (CGS) reveals that heritage corridors exhibit a radial cluster pattern with center-high/edge-low grading, concentrated in the historic urban core. This study introduces a 'One Corridor-Three Zones-Four Nodes' framework, integrating hierarchical and categorical systems to reinforce city-garden integration within Suzhou's urban fabric. The approach utilizes ArcGIS Pro spatial analysis and the minimum cumulative resistance model to construct these corridors, offering a replicable conservation-tourism framework. The findings highlight significant spatial and functional variations among corridor types, providing insights into culturally-driven selection approaches for heritage corridor construction.

Heritage Education for Conservation: A New Perspective from the My Son Sanctuary, Vietnam

My Son Sanctuary — 2025 — WHE322F6A320E

A new 'Heritage Education for Conservation' model emerges as a promising strategy for sustainable preservation, demonstrated through the case of My Son Sanctuary, Vietnam. This approach integrates historical, cultural, and architectural education to address existing threats while fostering community engagement, individual responsibility, and deeper emotional connections to heritage. By combining knowledge dissemination with active participation, it aims to raise awareness, promote conservation behaviors, and cultivate a resilient local community dedicated to safeguarding cultural heritage. The model offers a practical framework for balancing educational outreach with tangible conservation outcomes.

Heritage Hospitality and Sustainable Tourism in Mountain Cultural Landscapes: The Case of Zagori Within the UNESCO Framework

Zagori Cultural Landscape — 2025 — WHE1BDE1D5AF7

Heritage hospitality, driven by public policy incentives rather than market forces, has emerged as a key strategy for sustainable tourism and population resilience in mountain cultural landscapes. A study of Zagori, Greecereveals that targeted development policies, particularly those promoting small-scale, high-altitude enterprises, can mitigate population decline while preserving built heritage. Unlike spontaneous growth models, this approach fosters a micro-network of hotels that integrate local entrepreneurship with cultural conservation. Spatial and quantitative analysis of Zagori’s evolution from 1982 to 2022 demonstrates that diversified tourism infrastructure, when aligned with heritage preservation, sustains vitality in remote settlements. Conversely, policy gaps or overconcentration lead to stagnation, highlighting the need for adaptive reuse frameworks to balance conservation, development, and demographic outcomes.

Heritage in Stone An Analytical Perspective on Gandharan Art and Archaeo-Tourism Potential at Taxila Museum

Taxila — 2025 — WHEC20699D563

Gandharan art, particularly the ornate stone sculptures at Taxila Museum, reflects a fusion of Hellenistic and Buddhist influences, with motifs like floral, geometric, and figurative designs conveying deep cultural and religious significance. This study reveals how these artistic elements, including lotus and pipal patterns, not only enhance aesthetic appeal but also symbolize philosophical and spiritual meanings. Drawing on archaeological data from key Gandharan sites such as Peshawar, Swat, Mardan, and eastern Afghanistan, the research underscores the enduring legacy of Gandharan art and its cross-cultural connections with regions like the Gangetic valley. It also highlights the urgent need for heritage conservation strategies in Pakistan to address existing challenges while advocating sustainable archaeo-tourism as a means to preserve cultural heritage and foster regional development.

Heritage Interpretation and First-Person Narratives

Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato — 2025 — WHEE68D76B6B8

First-person narratives can effectively challenge traditional heritage interpretations and promote gender-inclusive perspectives. A study of the UNESCO World Heritage vineyard landscape of Piedmont, Italy, reveals that women have played an agentic role in shaping the site's identity despite being marginalized in dominant narratives. Through interviews and analysis of Nuto Revelli's work, researchers demonstrate how oral history captures intimate aspects of women's lives, exposing material and symbolic constraints. These narratives can be translated into heritage interpretation practices, fostering critical understanding of gender diversity and advancing progressive social change through dynamic cultural policies.

Heritage Protection as Progressive Urbanism Defending the Legacies of the Welfare State

Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin — 2025 — WHE2706D76845

Berlin's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Palaces of Potsdam and Berlin and Museum Island, are often overshadowed by a lesser-known third site: the Berlin Modernism Housing Estates. Constructed between 1910 and 1933, these six housing estates represent innovative urban planning and architecture that significantly improved living conditions for low-income residents during Berlin's socially progressive Weimar Republic era. These estates introduced novel typologies that influenced global housing development, showcasing the city's forward-thinking approach to welfare state policies. The study highlights their exceptional architectural and urban design legacy, which continues to shape modern urbanism worldwide.

Heterarchical Urbanism: Rethinking Power and Polity in the Indus Valley Civilization

Dholavira: a Harappan City — 2025 — WHE9E92A4F8E8

A re-evaluation of the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) challenges conventional models by proposing heterarchical urbanism, where power and authority were distributed across multiple social institutions rather than centralized. This framework explains the civilization's complex urban planning, standardized measures, trade networks, and monumental public works without relying on evidence of a dominant elite or royal imagery. By synthesizing archaeological data from key sites like Mohenjo-Daro, Harappa, and Dholavira, the study argues that fluctuating influence among kin groups, craft guilds, mercantile associations, and religious practitioners better accounts for the IVC's stability and urban sophistication.

High Resolution Lidar Drone Imagery Assessment of the Rattlesnake Mound Complex at Cahokia, Illinois, USA

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site — 2025 — WHEFAB2B64FF3

A high-resolution lidar drone survey of the Rattlesnake Mound Complex at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site has revealed new details about a series of low mounds surrounding the primary structure, with only two previously documented. The study also assessed erosion damage caused by unfilled trenches from Moorehead’s 1927 excavation and uncovered new findings related to bundle burials and a 'spirit house' within Rattlesnake Mound. By combining lidar imagery with aerial photographs, researchers provided unprecedented insights into the site's structure and preservation challenges.