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Publications

Showing 2981 – 3000 of 15962 publications

Stakeholder solutions to human-wildlife conflicts: Co-created adaptive impact management for wild red deer, Cervus elaphus, in the English Lake District

The English Lake District — 2025 — WHE17555AB441

A novel adaptive impact management framework for red deer (Cervus elaphus) in the English Lake District has been successfully co-created through stakeholder engagement, offering a model for resolving long-standing human-wildlife conflicts. The study employed a facilitated workshop as the culmination of a modified Delphi process to bring together key interested parties, achieving consensus on landscape management vision, objectives, monitoring actions, and deer population control methods. This collaborative approach not only addresses the ecological and economic impacts of red deer but also serves as a template for policy development in multi-user landscapes, demonstrating the potential for participatory methods to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts effectively.

Standardizing antisickling phenylalanine peptide derivatives from philippine cordillera rice terrace paddy bund weed extracts in ifugao heritage zones

Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras — 2025 — WHEEC0593C701

Researchers have identified and standardized phenylalanine peptide derivatives from paddy bund weeds in the UNESCO-listed Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras as potent antisickling agents. These compounds, derived from mixed weed biomass collected along Ifugao heritage zones, demonstrated significant sickling inhibition (72.4% at 200 µg/mL) with an IC50 of 52.3 µg/mL. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) revealed two specific phenylalanine-conjugated dipeptides alongside flavonoid glycosides, establishing a quality specification for consistent batch production. This study validates traditional Ifugao practices while providing a novel pharmacological foundation for managing hyperviscosity syndromes, including sickle cell disease.

Status and social structure of the critically endangered dama gazelle (Nanger dama) in the Aïr & Ténéré National Nature Reserve, Niger

Air and Ténéré Natural Reserves — 2025 — WHE125E71A97D

A critically endangered dama gazelle population in Niger's Aïr & Ténéré National Nature Reserve shows signs of stability but faces severe recruitment challenges. The study, spanning 2017–2023, reveals a phenotypically mixed population with limited juvenile presence, indicating low reproductive success. Using direct observations, indirect signs, and camera traps, researchers documented an increasing trend in indirect evidence and a stable capture rate (CTR: 1.59 events per 100 trap-days). Most individuals were solitary adults, with group sizes averaging 2–4, while calving occurred in two distinct seasons. Phenotypic diversity suggests a spectrum rather than distinct subspecies, but the low proportion of young individuals (<20%) underscores urgent conservation needs, including habitat protection and reduced disturbance.

Status quo or status faux

Wadden Sea — 2025 — WHEDFCFC60A39

Despite being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Wadden Sea's conservation efforts are insufficiently addressing its subtidal zones, which host critical yet understudied benthic communities. This study reveals that current protection measures fail to align with ecological hotspots in these submerged areas, creating an illusion of effective conservation while vulnerable regions remain unprotected. Analysis of long-term population trends shows a significant decline in biodiversity across the ecosystem, from algae to birds, threatening its functional integrity. The research combines field surveys, experiments, and novel analytical methods to map species distribution and their responses to disturbances, underscoring the need for adaptive, ecologically grounded management to restore resilience and biodiversity.

Stone Sculptures of Jetisu and Saryarka: Spatial Patterns, Iconography and the Concept of GIS-register

Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan — 2025 — WHEC717F27766

A systematic digital inventory of Turkic-period stone sculptures in Jetisu and Saryarka, Kazakhstan, reveals striking spatial patterns: most sculptures are concentrated at the foot of mountains and river valleys, with nearly all figures oriented eastward. This study proposes a GIS-based methodological model for a unified digital registry, incorporating geographic coordinates, typology, dimensions, iconography, archaeological context, and preservation status. The structured data scheme enables standardized documentation, facilitating cartographic visualizations and comparative analyses. The research contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage, supports interdisciplinary studies, and provides insights into the sacred geography and social-religious practices of ancient Turkic communities.

Stonehenge and its Altar Stone: the significance of distant stone sources

Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites — 2025 — WHEE2779FED2B

Stonehenge’s Altar Stone, weighing six tonnes and made of Old Red Sandstone from northern Scotland, has been traced back to its distant source over 700 km away. This discovery underscores the monument's significance as a symbol of island-wide unification in Neolithic Britain, with stones sourced from diverse regions including the Preseli Hills in Wales (225 km away) and the area north of Salisbury Plain (24 km away). Geochemical analysis confirmed the Altar Stone’s origin on the Scottish mainland, distinct from rocks in the Northern Isles. Its placement at Stonehenge mirrors recumbent stone circles found in northeast Scotland, further suggesting cultural connections between southern England and northern Scotland during the Late Neolithic period. Additionally, similarities in house floor layouts between Orkney and Durrington Walls near Stonehenge provide evidence of close ties between these regions.

Story Behind a Fortress

Hwaseong Fortress — 2025 — WHE7A09474BEB

Hwaseong Fortress, built during the reign of King Jeongjo (1752–1800) of the Joseon Dynasty, stands as a testament to the integration of Western military science and traditional Korean architecture. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, it reflects King Jeongjo's dual motivations: restoring his father's honor and bolstering royal authority. This fortress exemplifies how cultural heritage sites can embody both historical significance and universal value, offering insights into Korea's past while underscoring the enduring impact of Suwon as a pivotal city in Korean history. The study highlights the fortress's architectural innovation and its role in shaping cultural identity.

Strata

Caves and Ice Age Art in the Swabian Jura — 2025 — WHE66F2F8F1B6

The Swabian Jura's cave system, explored through the artistic lens of VestAndPage's film project 'STRATA,' reveals profound connections between human history and geological time. The poem excerpted from the film's text illustrates how artistic research can capture deep-time narratives, blending memory, emotion, and sensory perception within a queer ecological framework. By immersing themselves in the caves, the authors demonstrate the potential for creative expression to convey complex scientific and cultural themes, offering a unique perspective on transcendental imagination and its intersection with environmental studies.

Strategic Planning as a Pillar for Effective Zoning and Participatory Urban Governance, in Coro, Falcón, Venezuela

Coro and its Port — 2025 — WHE618FD23DAE

Strategic planning emerges as a critical tool for effective zoning and participatory urban governance in Coro, Venezuela. This approach goes beyond territorial division to analyze the city's unique heritage, resources, and socioeconomic dynamics, fostering a shared vision that optimizes infrastructure, economic activity, and environmental sustainability while addressing diverse community needs. By involving citizens, civil society organizations, the private sector, and academia in decision-making, strategic planning enhances policy legitimacy, transparency, and adaptability to local realities. While challenges such as economic instability and institutional capacity persist, this framework offers a path to a more organized, sustainable, and equitable Coro with improved quality of life for its inhabitants.

Structural and Value-Based Analysis of Niyāresh in the Soltaniyeh Dome Architecture: Evaluating Conservation Interventions Using Numerical Modeling and Finite Element Analysis

Soltaniyeh — 2025 — WHEB6BBCC20E1

Previous conservation interventions on the Soltaniyeh Dome, particularly the addition of a reinforced concrete ring, may have compromised its seismic performance despite improving gravitational stability. A study using numerical modeling and finite element analysis (ABAQUS) revealed that while the original Ilkhanid dome design effectively resists gravity loads, the concrete ring concentrates stresses under seismic conditions, disrupting the balance of meridional and hoop stresses. The research, based on laser scanning data and technical standards, underscores the risks of incompatible conservation practices and advocates for context-sensitive materials in future interventions to preserve both structural integrity and architectural values.

Structural Characteristics and Damage Analysis of Beijing Wanning Bridge Under the Coupling Effect of Dynamic Traffic and Subway Vibrations

Beijing Central Axis: A Building Ensemble Exhibiting the Ideal Order of the Chinese Capital — 2025 — WHE06A8D1DA32

A critical component of Beijing’s Central Axis World Heritage site, the Wanning Bridge, exhibits shear strain accumulation as its primary damage driver under dynamic traffic loads, with a maximum deformation of 0.26 mm and a natural frequency of 10.547 Hz. Subway-induced vibrations pose no risk to the stone structure, which remains compliant with Class-II highway load standards. This study employed non-destructive testing techniques—3D laser scanning, ground-penetrating radar, and ultrasonic testing—to accurately capture geometric and material parameters without compromising the bridge’s cultural relic status. Combining experimental tests (static, dynamic, and metro-induced vibrations) with numerical simulations, researchers revealed the bridge’s structural responses, offering insights to preserve this rare Yuan Dynasty heritage structure while ensuring urban transport safety.

Structural Study and Chemical Composition Analysis of the Historical Adobe from the Surviving Architectural Structures in the Borj-e Afghan Region of Sistan

Shahr-i Sokhta — 2025 — WHE4A3B1FCC01

Historical mudbricks from the Islamic period in Shahr-i Sokhta, Iran, exhibit complex chemical and mineralogical properties that significantly influence their stability. Analysis of samples from the Borj-e Afghan region revealed heterogeneous compositions dominated by clay-siliceous materials, with notable concentrations of calcium carbonate (9-40.5%) and calcium sulfate (0.26-1.4%), alongside phases like quartz, feldspars, calcite, dolomite, muscovite, and montmorillonite. These findings highlight the reactivity of the materials to moisture and salts, necessitating cautious conservation strategies. The study employed X-ray fluorescence, diffraction, titration, and gravimetric analysis to establish a scientific basis for assessing material conditions and guiding restoration efforts in earthen architecture.

Study of compositional and luminescence properties of calcite in lapis lazuli for provenance investigations of archaeological findings

Shahr-i Sokhta — 2025 — WHE869FE38F56

Archaeological findings from Shahr-i Sokhta (Iran) and Tanis (Egypt) suggest that lapis lazuli used in these historical sites likely originated from Afghanistan. This conclusion is based on a study analyzing the compositional and luminescence properties of calcite within 42 reference rocks from four distinct mining regions: Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Siberia, and Myanmar. Using non-destructive Ion Beam Analysis techniques—μ-Particle Induced X-rays Emission (μ-PIXE) and μ-Ion Beam Induced Luminescence (μ-IBIL)—researchers identified unique markers such as high Mg and Mn content in Afghan calcite and high Sr content in Siberian calcite. Principal Component Analysis further distinguished between the provenances, leveraging variability in Mg, Mn, Sr, and Y elements. Notably, luminescence intensity ratios also varied among regions, aiding in provenance discrimination. The study's findings imply that Afghan lapis lazuli was the most probable source for the archaeological materials examined.

Study of Kernel Oils Properties of Selected Plants from Kahuzi-Biega National Park and Surroundings, South-Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo

Kahuzi-Biega National Park — 2025 — WHE145511F04F

Eleven plant species from Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo, exhibit seed oil yields comparable to or exceeding those of major food crops like soybean and olive. Notably, Podocarpus usambarensis demonstrates a high unsaponifiable matter content, suggesting potential cosmetic applications, while five oils display melting points typical of edible oils. The study extracted oils using ethyl ether in a Soxhlet apparatus and analyzed physicochemical properties such as specific gravity (ranging from 0.8050 to 0.9854), melting point (-12 to 32°C), saponification values (182.5–260.9 mg KOH/g), acidity index (1.74–5.31 mg KOH/g), and unsaponifiable matter (0.54–2.25%). These findings highlight the park's biodiversity as a valuable resource for both nutritional and medicinal uses, reinforcing its ecological significance.

Study on architecture of caves and sculpture of different religion Hindu, Buddha and Jain

Elephanta Caves — 2025 — WHEB9B9C7A5C8

A groundbreaking study reveals that the Elephanta Caves, renowned for their religious artistry and architecture, also exhibit geological features akin to those formed by endogenous expansion in basaltic lava flows, such as pahoehoe flows in Hawaii and Iceland. Despite differences in flow volumes and environmental conditions, the caves' morphologies and internal structures mirror those of volcanic formations, suggesting a shared geological process. This finding highlights the dual significance of Elephanta Caves as both a cultural and geological landmark. The research employs field observations and computational analysis to uncover these parallels, offering new insights into the interplay between human craftsmanship and natural processes.

Study on deformation mechanism and reinforcement measures of flat‐top grotto roof

Dazu Rock Carvings — 2025 — WHED4133E6C98

Extreme rainfall exacerbates fissure propagation and structural instability in grotto roofs, as demonstrated by a study on the Dazu Rock Carvings. The research reveals that rainfall-induced water pressure and humidity increase tensile stress on roof plates, accelerating deformation caused by surrounding rock settlement and tensile-shear failure. A cavity on the southern side further destabilizes the structure, with rainfall intensifying sidewall instability near this feature. To address these challenges, a reinforcement strategy leverages the bearing capacity of overlying rock layers to support the roof while minimizing interference with internal sculptures. The study combines Rayleigh wave imaging, theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and multi-dimensional on-site monitoring to clarify damage evolution and guide targeted conservation measures.

Study on the gene mapping and formation mechanism of historical buildings influenced by multiculturalism: A case of Gulangyu, China

Kulangsu, a Historic International Settlement — 2025 — WHEB2F1C11CD4

A groundbreaking study on Kulangsu’s multicultural architecture reveals that historical building floor plans follow a gene mapping formula, V = L × X % + F × Y %, where local (L) and foreign (F) prototypes blend proportionally. The research identifies three generative mechanisms—'Imitation,' 'Compromise,' and 'Variation'—shaping spatial layouts, connectivity, and topological structures. Using advanced methods like space syntax, cluster analysis, and regression modeling, the study decodes how multicultural influences manifest in World Heritage buildings, offering a quantitative framework for understanding architectural evolution.

Study on the Spatial Distribution Patterns of National Parks on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau

Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs) — 2025 — WHE8C8EAD4DB3

National parks on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau exhibit a distinct spatial distribution pattern characterized by higher density and agglomeration in the southwest, particularly along the Pamir-Himalaya region, with fewer and more dispersed parks in the northeast. This study analyzed 51 national parks across eight countries, covering 28% of the plateau's area, revealing two development phases: initial growth followed by continuous prosperity. Using Geographic Concentration Index and Kernel Density Index, researchers found that while park quantity decreases from southwest to northeast, construction scale increases, likely influenced by policy. The findings highlight critical ecological nodes and biodiversity hotspots, offering actionable insights for policymakers to balance conservation efforts across the region.

Study on the statistical measure of tourism decision-making in the context of big data and artificial intelligence

Mount Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area — 2025 — WHE05D5061E86

A groundbreaking study demonstrates the feasibility of leveraging big data and artificial intelligence to optimize tourism decision-making, particularly for UNESCO World Heritage Sites. By employing ARIMA time series algorithms and CRITIC weight methods, researchers analyzed historical tourism data from Mount Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha, to predict future trends with high accuracy. The study validated these predictions against actual values, showcasing how AI-driven analytics can efficiently allocate limited resources in the tourism sector. This approach offers actionable insights for stakeholders, enhancing resource management and strategic planning in heritage conservation and tourism development.

Subsistence hunting impacts wildlife assemblages and functional ecology in tropical forests

Dja Faunal Reserve — 2025 — WHEF57807F3D0

Subsistence hunting by sedentarised Baka communities, even when spatially managed with no-take zones, significantly alters the abundance and composition of wildlife assemblages in tropical forests. While species richness remains relatively stable, the study found marked reductions in carnivores, seed dispersers, and granivores compared to non-hunted reference areas within the Dja Faunal Reserve. This suggests that spatial hunting management may not fully mitigate ecological impacts on key functional groups, raising concerns about the sustainability of Indigenous livelihoods and forest ecosystems. The research employed extensive camera trap surveys across 10 Baka hunting zones to assess species occupancy, abundance, and community dynamics.