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Showing 3321 – 3340 of 15962 publications

Urban soundscapes: bridging human perception, ecological patterns, and planning in urban environments

Kulangsu, a Historic International Settlement — 2025 — WHE7C912348E1

Urban soundscapes significantly influence both human well-being and ecological health, with distinct patterns of place attachment linked to soundscape characteristics. Residents on Kulangsu Island exhibit stronger attachment to natural sounds, while tourists favor artificial and mechanical sounds, reflecting differing perspectives. The study also reveals that pleasant soundscapes amplify the positive impact of visual landscape satisfaction on place attachment, whereas eventful soundscapes intensify this effect when visual satisfaction is low. Ecologically, urban bird dynamics vary seasonally and by habitat, with machine learning identifying four key patterns indicating ecosystem health or disturbance. These findings underscore the need for multisensory, ecologically informed urban planning to balance human well-being and biodiversity conservation.

Uses and Meanings of the Jesuit Missions of Paraguay

Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis: San Ignacio Mini, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto and Santa Maria Mayor (Argentina), Ruins of Sao Miguel das Missoes (Brazil) — 2025 — WHE86F5E040EF

The Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis in Argentina and Brazil, recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, serve as a focal point for examining the complex interplay between cultural heritage preservation, local communities, and institutional agendas. This study reveals that the restoration and reappraisal of these missions—including their buildings, ruins, and colonial-era artworks—are not neutral processes but are shaped by competing values and objectives from key stakeholders: local populations, the Catholic Church, and national tourism bodies. The research highlights how these actors influence the meanings and uses of the heritage, often reflecting their distinct cultural and political priorities. By synthesizing the restoration efforts since the 1970s, primarily led by the German Catholic Church, the study underscores the underlying tensions and cultural narratives that define the missions' legacy today.

Using Artificial Intelligence to Mitigate Monkey-Human Conflicts in Hospitality Spaces in Zambia

Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls — 2025 — WHEB8E373533F

An AI-based deterrent system significantly reduced monkey incursions at a hospitality establishment near Mosi-oa-Tunya, Zambia, altering monkey behavior from habituated aggression to avoidance. The intervention improved staff morale, reduced workplace stress, and enhanced guest satisfaction, demonstrating the potential of intelligent technologies to mitigate human-wildlife conflict in hospitality settings. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative behavioral observations with qualitative interviews, revealing positive operational and experiential outcomes despite some concerns about long-term adaptation.

Using Satellite Remote Sensing to Estimate Rangeland Carrying Capacity for Sustainable Management of the Marismeño Horse in Doñana National Park, Spain

Doñana National Park — 2025 — WHEADE55B4B79

A six-year satellite-based study reveals critical seasonal patterns in vegetation productivity and grazing suitability within Doñana National Park, essential for the sustainable management of the endangered Marismeño horse. The research, utilizing Landsat 8 and Sentinel-2 data, identified strong seasonal cycles with peak biomass and nutritive value in spring, followed by sharp declines in summer. Ecotonal zones like La Vera y Sotos served as vital refuges during drought-induced resource shortages, highlighting their importance for the horse's survival. The study demonstrates the reliability of a multi-sensor approach for fine-scale mapping of forage dynamics, offering a scalable tool to support biodiversity conservation and the resilience of Mediterranean rangeland ecosystems under increasing climate variability.

Usus, Fructus, Abusus

Major Town Houses of the Architect Victor Horta (Brussels) — 2025 — WHE74BAF0EEE0

A significant legal and cultural turning point emerged from the theft of pieces from Victor Horta's Maison du Peuple (Brussels, 1896–99) in 1983. The case revealed dubious ownership practices and highlighted how crises—such as the building's demolition and the subsequent theft—reshaped its reputation and secured its future stability. While the theft was a disaster for the stolen artifacts, it galvanized local outrage and cultural interest, ensuring the preservation of remaining elements. This study unravels the complex provenance of Maison du Peuple, demonstrating how legal scrutiny during moments of crisis reconfigured public perception and safeguarded this Art Nouveau icon.

Út az örökségturizmusig: faluszemináriumi kutatások Hollókőn

Old Village of Hollókő and its Surroundings — 2025 — WHEE0AA5D0C6E

Research on Hollókő, a renowned Hungarian village and UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals the complex interplay between societal transformations and economic shifts in rural areas. This study stands out for its comprehensive approach, integrating layered social and economic analyses to map the village's evolution. Unlike other studies focusing on specific aspects of Hollókő, this research provides a holistic view by tracking long-term changes through repeated site visits since 2015. The methodology combines problem-oriented inquiry with intricate analytical techniques, offering valuable insights into the dynamics shaping rural heritage sites like Hollókő.

Utilizing Remote Sensing for the Investigation of North Korean Cultural Heritage: A Case of Unregistered Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty in North Korea

Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty — 2025 — WHE080CF8C720

Remote sensing, particularly through Google Earth's high-resolution satellite imagery, proves effective for preliminary surveys of North Korean cultural heritage sites, including the unregistered royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty. While detailed structures remain challenging to discern, key elements such as burial mounds and platforms are identifiable, offering a non-invasive method for studying inaccessible sites. The study highlights Google Earth's potential as a cost-effective tool but suggests integrating AI-based methods like Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to enhance automated detection capabilities in future research.

Utilizing Wadi Rum Silica Sands for Solar Thermal Energy and Heat Storage: A Sustainable Solution for Domestic Use

Wadi Rum Protected Area — 2025 — WHE0FD3A11B44

Research demonstrates that Wadi Rum's high-purity silica sand (SiO₂ > 99%) can serve as an effective and sustainable thermal energy storage (TES) material for domestic-scale concentrated solar power (CSP) systems. Testing over three days showed the system achieved a peak heat transfer rate of 18.7 kW, heating water by 27°C with outlet temperatures reaching 54.9°C while maintaining internal sand temperatures between 67°C and 69°C. The setup generated an average of 11.2 kWh of thermal energy daily with a 50.2% efficiency, reducing CO₂ emissions by approximately 2.07 kg per day. Economically, the system had a payback period of just 1.49 years, which decreased to 1.04 years with a 30% subsidy, highlighting its financial viability and potential to support Jordan's transition toward cleaner, self-reliant energy solutions.

Uzbekistan- A Land of Rich Cultural Heritage

Historic Centre of Bukhara — 2025 — WHE0501F6DFE1

Uzbekistan's rich cultural heritage, shaped by its strategic location along ancient trade routes and its prominence on the Silk Road, is highlighted through its architectural marvels like Samarkand’s Registan Square and Bukhara’s Historic Centre. The study reveals how traditional craftsmanship, music, dance, oral storytelling, and cuisine continue to influence national identity, underscoring their enduring significance in modern times. Modern preservation efforts, including restoration projects, educational programs, and sustainable tourism strategies, are also emphasized as key initiatives ensuring the long-term safeguarding of this legacy. These findings underscore Uzbekistan’s proactive role in maintaining its historical narrative for global appreciation.

V Summary

Dougga / Thugga — 2025 — WHEEEB1994C5B

A fortified landscape characterized by urban, rural, and agricultural structures emerged in the Dougga region during the 6th and 7th centuries, reflecting adaptive strategies of local populations, elites, military forces, and provincial administrations amid social and military transformations. This study reveals that fortifications, including military fortresses, town walls, and smaller rural strongholds, were integral to the region's geopolitical significance as a transit route, serving multifunctional roles such as refuge, protection, communication, and agricultural processing. Built primarily with reused Roman Imperial materials, these structures underscore the economic power of urban centers in Byzantine times and highlight the heterogeneous distribution of fortifications, particularly in remote rural settlements. The research draws on systematic landscape analysis, combining data from the Rus Africum Survey, archaeological mapping, and field campaigns conducted between 2022 and 2023.

Valongo Wharf

Valongo Wharf Archaeological Site — 2025 — WHEC1D8718169

Valongo Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage site tied to the transatlantic slave trade, serves as a contested space for public memory. While it celebrates African heritage and cultural expressions, its memorialization process risks domesticating Black culture within dominant ideologies, overlooking its potential to address racism in contemporary Brazil. The study analyzes how local, national, and international actors—including Black movements, intellectuals, and officials—shape the site's narrative, highlighting power dynamics that influence who controls access to resources and narratives. Federal neglect in developing an interpretation center further limits public understanding of the site’s significance. This research underscores the need for equitable recognition of racial histories to prevent the recurrence of racism.

Valongo Wharf and Gadsden’s Wharf: A Comparative Approach to Two Sites of Memory of Atlantic Slavery (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Charleston, South Carolina)

Valongo Wharf Archaeological Site — 2025 — WHEFE49B53F02

Valongo Wharf in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Gadsden’s Wharf in Charleston, South Carolina, serve as pivotal sites of memory for the Atlantic slave trade, revealing how past atrocities shape contemporary racism. A comparative analysis shows that both wharves, part of UNESCO's 'Routes of Enslaved Peoples' project, are contested spaces where narratives of slavery and its legacies are constructed through the influences of Black movements, scholars, and public authorities. The study highlights the tension between privileged and silenced memories, demonstrating how these sites reflect ambiguities in remembering slavery while reinforcing its enduring impact on society.

Valorización del paisaje agavero y su influencia sobre la imagen turística de Tequila, Jalisco

Agave Landscape and Ancient Industrial Facilities of Tequila — 2025 — WHEB02CB4343F

Research reveals that the valorization of Tequila's agave landscape significantly shapes its tourist image, enhancing emotional connections and promoting economic and social well-being. The study, involving 387 national tourists, found that natural, social, and economic aspects of the agave landscape influence tourists' cognitive, affective, and conative perceptions of the destination. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), it demonstrated that these factors contribute to job creation, commerce growth, and cultural richness, indirectly fostering stronger tourist attachment. These insights offer actionable strategies for boosting tourism in the region.

Valorization of palm residues coupled with solar desalination for oasis agriculture in Al-Ahsa

Al-Ahsa Oasis, an Evolving Cultural Landscape — 2025 — WHE343F74FB4A

A novel approach combining palm residue valorization with solar desalination significantly enhances water reliability for oasis agriculture in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. The study identifies photovoltaic-thermal powered reverse osmosis as the most efficient method, maximizing freshwater yield and minimizing costs while maintaining water quality suitable for perennial crops. Hybrid forward osmosis with evaporation offers a balanced solution, while enhanced solar distillation is optimal for low-maintenance settings. By leveraging palm residues as absorbents or fuel inputs, this portfolio approach reduces reliance on fossil fuels and improves irrigation scheduling, contributing to sustainable oasis management.

Valuation of the Trang An karst system using contingent valuation method and choice experiment

Trang An Landscape Complex — 2025 — WHE0B776B0876

A new valuation of the Trang An karst system reveals its economic worth to be between 125 and 133 million USD annually, with potential to increase fivefold under improved conservation scenarios. The study combines Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) and Choice Experiment (CE) to assess the site's value while considering threats like urbanization. Findings highlight the critical role of sustainable development in preservation, emphasizing green planning and smart models using big data to mitigate environmental impacts. This approach sets a precedent for evaluating heritage sites by integrating economic, cultural, and ecological factors.

Vanishing giants: Assessing forest elephant status and conservation strategies in Cameroon's Dja-Ngoyla Complex

Dja Faunal Reserve — 2025 — WHE93BA180D34

A recent study estimates that the forest elephant population in Cameroon's Dja-Ngoyla Complex, a critical UNESCO World Heritage Site, has declined to approximately 509 individuals (95% CI: 352–736), with densities similar to other threatened Central African sites. Using standing-crop dung counts across 1,096.64 km of line transects in 2021, researchers found elephants are increasingly restricted to core areas far from boundaries and anthropogenic development, particularly within the World Heritage-listed Dja Faunal Reserve (5260 km²), where the population remained stable at 230 individuals (95% CI: 144–368). The study underscores the urgent risk of isolation for this population and calls for forest management certification to protect wildlife and habitats across logging concessions, ensuring both conservation success and community benefits. These findings highlight the vulnerability of Central African forest elephants and the need for transboundary conservation strategies in the 178,000 km² TRIDOM landscape.

Varias observaciones sobre el yacimiento arqueológico conocido como "Maison des/aux Banquettes" en Susa (Túnez)

Medina of Sousse — 2025 — WHED674C50E57

Archaeological research on the 'Maison des/aux Banquettes' site in Sousse, Tunisia, reveals critical insights into its unique spatial arrangement and significance within the ancient city of Hadrumetum. Despite being discovered in 1968, this site remains understudied and overlooked, both by the public and authorities, exacerbating its deteriorating condition. The study highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts, as the site is located in the buffer zone of the UNESCO-listed Medina of Sousse. It also underscores the broader threat posed by urban expansion and globalization to the city's archaeological heritage, emphasizing the lack of governmental response to these pressures.

Variation of carbonate buffer and air- water (CO(_{2})) flux in Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago — 2025 — WHEDA4FC99038

Ha Long Bay consistently acts as a sink for atmospheric CO₂, absorbing carbon dioxide at rates that vary between seasons. During the dry season (2023–2024), the bay's carbonate buffer system—comprising bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻), carbonate (CO₃²⁻), and dissolved CO₂—showed higher pH, salinity, and temperature compared to the rainy season, with HCO₃⁻ dominating (85.97–88.02%) while CO₃²⁻ and CO₂ accounted for smaller fractions. The partial pressure of CO₂ in water (pCO₂) was lower and more stable in the dry season (average 99.16 µatm), contrasting with higher variability in the rainy season (average 164.78 µatm). CO₂ flux measurements revealed stronger absorption during the dry season (-12.9 ± 0.8 mmol/m²/day) than the rainy season (-10.2 ± 1.0 mmol/m²/day), with spatial and diurnal patterns further influencing exchange rates. These findings highlight Ha Long Bay's dynamic role in regional carbon cycling, underscoring seasonal influences on its capacity to mitigate atmospheric CO₂.

Vāstu Śāstra and Water: The Geometry of Resilience

Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi — 2025 — WHE494F4ECD90

A groundbreaking analysis reveals that the ancient Indian architectural system, Vāstu Śāstra, encodes a sophisticated hydrological wisdom that persists across dynasties and faiths. The study demonstrates how the cosmological principle of water (jala tattva) in sacred geometry—particularly its alignment with the northeastern Ishanā kona—serves as an enduring framework for sustainable design, resilience, and civic planning. By examining landscapes like the Kakatiya temple-scape and Qutb Shahi baoli complex, the research traces how this principle translates into practical governance, balancing elemental forces (pañcabhūtas) to harmonize with climate, ritual, and celestial rhythms. The findings position Vāstu Śāstra as a proactive cosmogram for resilience, aligning with modern Sustainable Development Goals (6, 11, and 13) by integrating water as both a life-sustaining element and a structural law. This work bridges ancient cosmography with contemporary sustainability, offering a timeless model for sustainable urban planning.

Vatican City

Vatican City — 2025 — WHE8B45AD0351

Vatican City, the world's smallest sovereign state, wields significant global influence despite its minuscule size of 0.44 square kilometers and a population of 618 citizens (as of 2019). A key finding is the distinct separation between Vatican City and the Holy See under international law, where the latter governs the Catholic Church worldwide rather than the state itself. The study highlights recent reforms implemented by Pope Francis in 2022, which restructured the Roman Curia, dicasteries, and financial institutions, offering a detailed description of these changes to provide insight into their implications for global Catholicism.