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Showing 2541 – 2560 of 15962 publications

Modern Water Management and the Challenges of Climate Change at the World Heritage Property Upper Harz Water Management System

Mines of Rammelsberg, Historic Town of Goslar and Upper Harz Water Management System — 2025 — WHE0A227F6D7A

Climate change and financial constraints are increasingly threatening the operational integrity of the UNESCO-listed Upper Harz Water Management System, a centuries-old multifunctional water management marvel. Despite continuous monitoring since its 2010 designation, rising pressures from hydraulic engineering challenges and environmental shifts risk undermining its ability to sustain public services and contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study underscores the critical need for adaptive management strategies that balance historic preservation with modern functionality, ensuring the system's resilience while maintaining its role as a cornerstone of regional water governance. Research highlights the dual dependency between World Heritage conservation and effective water management, advocating for integrated approaches to safeguard both heritage assets and essential public infrastructure.

Modernist architecture as part of contemporary urban identity: Plečnik and Ravnikar in Ljubljana, and Grabrijan and Neidhardt in Sarajevo

The works of Jože Plečnik in Ljubljana – Human Centred Urban Design — 2025 — WHE5CE1604BA3

Modernist architecture significantly shapes contemporary urban identity, particularly in post-Yugoslav cities like Ljubljana and Sarajevo. A comparative analysis reveals how key architects—Jože Plečnik and Edvard Ravnikar in Ljubljana, and Dušan Grabrijan and Juraj Neidhardt in Sarajevo—contributed to the urban fabric during the 20th century, reflecting shared socialist legacies while diverging after the 1990s. The study highlights modernism's role in sustainability, resilience, and evolving cultural identity, offering insights into how architectural heritage influences urban development and societal perceptions.

Moidam of Dasarath Bohikhowa Barphukan in Khowang, Dibrugarh, Assam

Moidams – the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty — 2025 — WHE2749FCA220

A notable mound-burial system, or 'Moidam,' of Dasarath Bohikhowa Barphukan in Khowang, Dibrugarh, Assam, sheds light on the Ahom dynasty's burial traditions and the contributions of a prominent official. This structure, part of the Tai-Ahom entombment practice known as the 'Pyramids of Assam,' reflects the cultural and historical significance of the region. The study, relying primarily on secondary data from published sources and supported by field observations and local interviews, provides insights into Ahom society's hierarchical structures through the lens of this official's legacy. Such findings contribute to a broader understanding of the Moidam system's role in preserving Ahom heritage.

Moisture Evolution over the Last 200 years Recorded from Sun Lake in Hoh Xil area of Northern Qinghai-Xizang Plateau

Qinghai Hoh Xil — 2025 — WHEDB06D4A1E1

A 200-year record of moisture evolution from Sun Lake in the Qinghai Hoh Xil region reveals distinct climate patterns on the northern Tibetan Plateau. The study, using radiometric dating (137Cs/210Pb) and high-resolution X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), shows that the lake experienced wet conditions during the late Little Ice Age and dry conditions during the modern warm period. These findings align with regional trends across the northern Tibetan Plateau. Comparison with the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index indicates that moisture variability in this region is strongly influenced by NAO phase changes, suggesting short-term climate control by large-scale atmospheric patterns.

Molecular and morphological evidence reveals a new lepidopteran genus, Micrometasia (Crambidae, Spilomelinae, Steniini), with implications for insular speciation of endemic moths in Japan

Ogasawara Islands — 2025 — WHE43B057CAF0

Researchers have uncovered a new genus of moth, Micrometasia, endemic to Japan, shedding light on the evolutionary and biogeographic patterns of insular speciation. This discovery, based on molecular and morphological evidence, includes two previously undescribed species: M. ryukyuensis from the Ryukyu Islands and M. melanatella from the Ogasawara Islands, along with a redescription of the female of M. bilineatella. Phylogenetic analysis using mitochondrial and nuclear genes places Micrometasia within the detritivorous tribe Steniini, hinting at potential undescribed diversity and multiple colonization routes into Japan's archipelago. The study also highlights small-scale radiation and morphological divergence on oceanic islands, offering new insights into the biodiversity of Japanese moths.

Molecular Characterization and Ex Situ Conservation of Wild Grapevines Grown in the Area Around the Neolithic Settlement of Dikili Tash, Greece

Archaeological Site of Philippi — 2025 — WHE63BBCB4519

A recent archaeological excavation at the Neolithic settlement of Dikili Tash, near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Philippi in Greece, has uncovered charred grapevine pips and pressings dating back to 4300 BC. The majority of these pips were identified as Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris, a wild grapevine species that still thrives in the surrounding valley, Mt Pangaion, and Mt Lekani. Microsatellite analysis of 51 modern samples revealed their genetic relationships, providing insights into the historical distribution and conservation potential of this ancient species. Cuttings from these vines are now being cultivated ex situ at ELGO-DIMITRA's greenhouse facilities in Athens, aiming to establish Greece's first V. sylvestris conservation site. This research bridges archaeology and genetics, offering a window into Neolithic agricultural practices while advancing efforts to preserve wild grapevine biodiversity.

Monarch butterfly biosphere reserve: antecedent dimensions of loyalty in an environment of co-creation of experiences

Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve — 2025 — WHE40ED0A0E62

A study on the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve reveals that visitor satisfaction and commitment to the destination are critical for fostering loyalty, with experience value playing a pivotal role in enhancing satisfaction. The research analyzed 316 questionnaires from tourists using SPSS 24 and IBM SPSS Amos 28, demonstrating that co-creation of experiences significantly influences behavioral intentions such as revisiting and recommending the site. This novel analysis bridges gaps in understanding visitor behavior in biosphere reserves, offering actionable insights for destination management and marketing strategies.

Monasstvo i Otadžbina: O Granicama Stvaralaštva i Predanja u Studeničkom Tipiku Svetoga Save

Studenica Monastery — 2025 — WHEDE7ADFA7ED

This study reveals that Saint Sava Nemanjić, archimandrite of Studenica Monastery, selectively integrated teachings from the Venerable Theodore the Studite into the Studenica Typikon while omitting others, such as instructions on contrite weeping and removal from kin. The research suggests this was a deliberate choice to adapt monastic tradition to the needs of his community and the historical context, reflecting Sava's dual role as a spiritual leader and diplomat. By analyzing the Typikon's content, the study highlights how Sava synthesized inherited elements to create a unique monastic ideology that aligned with his vision of Serbia as the New Israel. The approach involved comparative textual analysis and historical contextualization.

Monastic Estates in the Wachau Region: Nodes of Exchange in Past and Present Days

Wachau Cultural Landscape — 2025 — WHE169092F960

Monastic estates in the Wachau region, established from the ninth century onward by monasteries across Austria, Salzburg, Bavaria, and Bohemia, played a pivotal role in shaping viticulture and local economies. These distant properties, often located far from their parent monasteries, served as crucial nodes of exchange for both local and foreign actors, leaving a lasting legacy in surviving buildings and historical documents. A recent project cataloged these estates and their documents to establish an interdisciplinary foundation for analyzing this phenomenon, also aiming to support cultural tourism within the Wachau World Heritage region.

Monitoring Climate Change in Cultural Heritage Sites Through Enhanced Visualisation Experiences and Crowdsourcing 

Choirokoitia — 2025 — WHE512EEF9A86

Climate change poses significant threats to cultural heritage sites, necessitating innovative risk assessment and mitigation strategies. The TRIQUETRA project addresses this challenge by integrating advanced technologies such as remote sensing, laser-based spectroscopy, and crowdsourcing to monitor climate risks at UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Choirokoitia in Cyprus. This approach quantifies the severity of hazards, tracks their progression, and informs adaptive preservation measures. By leveraging a dynamic web and mobile platform, TRIQUETRA engages citizens and visitors to contribute real-time data through photo uploads, enhancing 3D models and providing stakeholders with actionable insights. Additionally, immersive Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) experiences enrich visitor engagement while raising awareness about climate-induced vulnerabilities. The project establishes a scalable framework that combines technological innovation with community participation to safeguard cultural heritage globally.

Monitoring cultural heritage sites at risk using citizen engagement through crowdsourcing

Choirokoitia — 2025 — WHEBCD6056B62

Climate change poses significant risks to cultural heritage sites, threatening their physical integrity and the socio-economic systems they support. The TRIQUETRA project addresses these challenges by integrating advanced technologies like remote sensing and laser-based spectroscopy with citizen engagement through crowdsourcing. This innovative approach enables visitors to actively participate in monitoring by capturing and uploading site photos, which complement existing 3D models and provide up-to-date imagery for authorities. The project also incorporates augmented reality (AR) experiences to raise awareness about at-risk features and structural vulnerabilities. Applied to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Choirokoitia in Cyprus, TRIQUETRA offers a replicable framework that enhances risk assessment and promotes active preservation efforts, benefiting cultural heritage sites globally.

Monitoring Hydrogeological Impact on Landscape Integrity within Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra

Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra — 2025 — WHED52AB54850

A comprehensive analysis of archaeological explorations within Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra reveals significant oversaturation of near-surface soil layers, which threatens the integrity of its landscape and cultural heritage. The study identified areas of slope deformation linked to disruptions in water supply routes, drainage systems, and thermal networks, particularly around the Dormition Cathedral and the Church of the Savior at Berestove. Using geoinformation systems and remote sensing, researchers generated a digital terrain model and mapped spatial-elevation correlations of vulnerable zones, enabling real-time monitoring for preventive measures. This approach supports timely intervention to mitigate risks to archaeological preservation.

Monitoring intelligibility changes of Kaunas interwar modernism buildings

Modernist Kaunas: Architecture of Optimism, 1919-1939 — 2025 — WHE8D5E802726

A novel methodology for assessing the legibility of immovable cultural heritage in urban environments has been proposed and validated, offering predictive capabilities without requiring physical alteration or destruction of heritage properties. This approach leverages space syntax or mathematical graph-based intelligibility models to monitor changes in architectural legibility due to urban transformations, even in the absence of visible damage. The study focuses on Kaunas' interwar modernist architecture, which was recently nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status under 'Modernist Kaunas: Architecture of Optimism, 1919-1939.' By analyzing these buildings, researchers aim to better understand their role in shaping urban landscape identity and provide a framework for preserving cultural heritage amid evolving urban landscapes. This methodology could be applied globally to monitor and protect significant architectural heritage.

Monitoring of Forest Changes in Mount Kenya National Park Based on Domestic High-Resolution Satellites

Mount Kenya National Park/Natural Forest — 2025 — WHEF55DCD67B6

Between 2019 and 2023, Mount Kenya National Park experienced significant forest changes, with a net loss of 2,425.91 hectares primarily driven by arable land expansion (1,613.41 ha) and illegal logging (408.34 ha), while artificial reforestation added 3,078.71 hectares. High-resolution domestic satellite imagery (2-meter resolution from Gaofen-1, Gaofen-6, and Ziyuan-3 constellations) combined with a deep learning-based semantic segmentation model (DeepLabv3+) enabled precise monitoring of these changes. Human activities were more constrained at higher altitudes, with most deforestation occurring below 2,600 meters above sea level. Effective environmental policies contributed to large-scale reforestation efforts, while land conversion and logging remained dominant threats to forest integrity.

Monitoring of hydrochemical parameters of Lake Pit’evoe on Bolshoy Solovetsky Island

Cultural and Historic Ensemble of the Solovetsky Islands — 2025 — WHE1FA214C364

A five-year study of Lake Pit’evoe on Bolshoy Solovetsky Island, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, revealed that hydrochemical parameters are primarily influenced by climatic variations rather than direct anthropogenic impacts. The research found that precipitation levels significantly affected color, electrical conductivity, dissolved iron, and pH, while water temperature impacted oxygen concentration, leading to anoxic conditions in deeper layers. Despite anaerobic processes increasing hydrocarbonates, hydrogen sulfide concentrations remained low (<5 μg/l). The findings underscore the importance of annual monitoring for drinking water sources, even in areas with minimal direct human influence.

Monitoring the dynamics of coastal wetlands ecosystems in Brittany (France) using LANDSAT time series and machine learning

Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay — 2025 — WHE06D80C08AD

Coastal wetlands in Brittany, France, exhibit contrasting dynamics between Mont-Saint-Michel Bay and Audierne Bay over the past 30 years. While salt marshes in Mont-Saint-Michel Bay expanded by 36%, Audierne Bay experienced significant urbanization (24% increase) and coastal erosion (1.63 m/year), with wetlands receding alongside the coastline. This study leverages Landsat time series satellite imagery, machine learning, and Random Forest algorithms to analyze these changes at both regional and local scales using the Corine Biotopes classification system. The findings provide critical spatial statistics on ecosystem dynamics, offering valuable insights for stakeholders managing coastal wetland conservation and resilience in the face of urbanization and climate change.

Monogenean infections in rabbitfish ( Siganus spp.) From the Cat Ba Archipelago Vietnam

Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago — 2025 — WHE2FCCF763D3

A comprehensive study of monogenean parasite infections in rabbitfish from the Cat Ba Archipelago, Vietnam, reveals high infection rates (>75%) and significant variability across species. The white-spotted spinefoot (Siganus canaliculatus) exhibited a higher mean intensity of infection (12.3 parasites per host) compared to the mottled spinefoot (Siganus fuscescens), which averaged 8.0. Six monogenean species were identified, including five shared between both fish species, marking the first confirmed records of these parasites in Vietnamese rabbitfish. The research employed morphological identification techniques, such as staining with carmin alum or trichome gomori, to analyze samples collected between 2009 and 2025.

More than just a dot: the enigmatic ‘large’ Punctidae of Lord Howe Island (Gastropoda: Stylommatophora)

Lord Howe Island Group — 2025 — WHE670AC4AD5F

A comprehensive taxonomic revision of the 'large' Punctidae snails on Lord Howe Island reveals that three nominal genera—Dignamoconcha, Pernastela, and Charopella—belong to a single radiation. The study, using morpho-anatomy and phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial (COI, 16S) and nuclear (ITS2, ELAVI8) DNA, synonymizes Pernastela and Charopella with Dignamoconcha, reducing the group to three accepted species: D. dulcissima, D. charon, and D. wilkinsoni. Additionally, it clarifies that Scelidoropa is not part of Cystopeltidae but is sister to (Charopidae + Punctidae), while other Charopidae species are reclassified as cystopeltids. Radular morphology aids in identifying higher-level groups like Punctidae and Scelidoropa but cannot distinguish between Cystopeltidae and Charopidae.

Morphogenesis of Fractofusus andersoni and the nature of early animal development

Mistaken Point — 2025 — WHEED93CC190C

A new model of growth for the biterminal rangeomorph Fractofusus andersoni, found at the Mistaken Point UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals complex developmental regulatory machinery in early eumetazoans. This study bridges gaps in understanding the evolution of bodyplans among rangeomorphs, including Charnia and Bradgatia, by analyzing a population from Newfoundland's Ediacaran period deposits. The findings suggest that sophisticated developmental processes were already present in the earliest-diverging animal taxa over 574 million years ago, offering insights into the origins of eumetazoan diversity.

Morphology and nutrient content of bamboo rhizomes: Responses to enclosure succession in a Phyllostachys edulis forest in Wuyi Mountains, China

Mount Wuyi — 2025 — WHE80FB1D11D1

Enclosure succession significantly enhances bamboo rhizome growth and nutrient content in Phyllostachys edulis forests of Mount Wuyi, China, with optimal conditions observed after 6 years. The study found that rhizome number, flagella count, weak buds, and bifurcated rhizomes peaked at this stage, while rhizome length, weight, and bamboo shoot buds were highest after 4 years. Nutrient analysis revealed that total nitrogen was highest without enclosure, while phosphorus, potassium, and soluble sugars peaked after 41 years. Organic carbon followed a similar trend to rhizome growth, peaking after 6 years. The research suggests that enclosure measures optimize rhizome structure but should not exceed a certain threshold to maintain growth efficiency.