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Publications

Showing 401 – 420 of 15962 publications

Evaluating Random Forest Model Performance for Cave and Sinkhole Prediction in the Cradle of Humankind, South Africa: Preliminary Analysis and Variable Importance Assessments

Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa — 2026 — WHED736FA5F47

A Random Forest model achieved 81.6% accuracy and an AUC of 0.912 in predicting cave and sinkhole locations in the Cradle of Humankind, South Africa, offering a promising tool for fossil site surveying in karst landscapes. The study analyzed multispectral imagery, DEMs, and geologic data to identify key predictive variables, with distance to faults, Chuniespoort Group location, dolomite/chert presence, and elevation proving most influential. Only three of 48 variables contributed less than random chance, highlighting their potential for refining models in future research and applications across similar regions.

Evaluating the Operational Performance of Community-Based Tourism Enterprises and their contribution to community Conservation outcomes around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park — 2026 — WHED9C288A6F2

Community-Based Tourism Enterprises (CBTEs) around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP) significantly enhance conservation outcomes and livelihoods, but their performance has been uneven across sectors. The study found a strong link between CBTE operations and positive socio-economic and environmental benefits, which bolster local support for biodiversity conservation. However, challenges such as market demand fluctuations, limited innovation in income generation, and over-reliance on tourism threaten long-term sustainability. To address these issues, strategic interventions—including increasing community-owned accommodation enterprises, capacity building, and digital marketing—are recommended to improve service quality, strengthen value chain collaborations, and boost tourist flow. The research highlights the potential of CBTEs as a sustainable development model but emphasizes the need for targeted support to maximize their impact on conservation and livelihoods.

Evaluating World Heritage Management through the Sustainable Development Goals: A Review of the Bursa 2021–2026 Management Plan

Bursa and Cumalıkızık: the Birth of the Ottoman Empire — 2026 — WHE891F33DEA9

A novel semi-quantitative SDG assessment model reveals that Bursa and Cumalıkızık's 2021–2026 World Heritage Management Plan strongly aligns with SDGs 11 (Sustainable Cities), 13 (Climate Action), and 17 (Partnerships), while underrepresenting SDGs 4 (Education) and 8 (Economic Growth). This first systematic application of such a framework to a Turkish heritage site highlights operational gaps in educational programming and community engagement, despite adherence to UNESCO's Historic Urban Landscape principles. The study introduces a replicable evaluation matrix for future sustainability planning.

Evaluation of fatigue properties using estimation methods for puddled iron (pre-1900) and mild steel (post-1900)

Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar — 2026 — WHE6021673EE4

Research identifies that Mitchell's, modified Mitchell's, and Manson's universal slopes methods provide the most accurate and robust estimates for predicting fatigue properties of historic metallic bridge materials—puddled iron (pre-1900) and mild steel (post-1900)—using monotonic tensile strength data. These findings are critical for assessing the structural integrity of heritage sites like Oporto's Luiz I Bridge, where experimental fatigue data is often unavailable. The study evaluated 10 estimation methods, revealing that while modified Park–Song's method performs well for puddled iron, it lacks general robustness. Conversely, modified four-point correlation and GP-symbolic regression showed poor agreement with experimental data, particularly in high- and low-cycle regimes. This work establishes reference fatigue properties for these materials, advancing conservation efforts by bridging known monotonic strength behaviors with fatigue resistance predictions.

Evaluation of geomorphological conditions in the dynamics of urban development evolution in the city of Gjirokastra

Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra — 2026 — WHE9FDD60F4DD

Gjirokastra's urban development over four centuries is intricately linked to its geomorphological conditions, with the city's expansion influenced by terrain vertical zoning and landform transformations. The study reveals that Ottoman-style houses dominate the hilly sectors, while apartment blocks cluster along the Drino valley, reflecting a dynamic interplay between natural relief elements and urban growth. To guide future urban planning, the research emphasizes the need for scientifically-based criteria to balance expansion with the preservation of cultural heritage, considering evolving landforms shaped by increasing urban pressure and tourism.

Evaluation of mechanical properties and durability of nanolime synthesized by an anion-exchange method for the consolidation of Dazu Rock Carvings

Dazu Rock Carvings — 2026 — WHEB6B7985C43

Nanolime synthesized via anion-exchange method significantly enhances the mechanical resistance of weathered sandstone at Dazu Rock Carvings while preserving its visual and hydro-physical properties. The treatment increased uniaxial compressive strength by approximately 26%, with negligible changes in color, porosity, or permeability. Accelerated aging tests demonstrated superior durability compared to traditional lime water treatments, retaining higher hardness and elastic modulus. Field monitoring showed rapid recovery of surface hardness within 24 hours, followed by continued strengthening over 100 days. The study highlights the potential of anion-exchange-derived nanolime as a mineral-compatible consolidation treatment for weathered sandstone, though further long-term field studies are needed to assess its durability and service-life performance.

Everyday Life and Activities of a Later Stone Age Community at Beefa Cave (Melka Kunture, Upper Awash, Ethiopia)

Melka Kunture and Balchit: Archaeological and Palaeontological Sites in the Highland Area of Ethiopia — 2026 — WHE14D496E7F5

A detailed analysis of lithic artifacts from Beefa Cave, part of the UNESCO-listed Melka Kunture archaeological complex in Ethiopia's Upper Awash Valley, reveals insights into the daily activities and subsistence strategies of a mid-Holocene Later Stone Age community. The study combines techno-typological analysis with use-wear and residue analysis, supplemented by archaeobotanical and archaeozoological data, to reconstruct occupation patterns and economic practices. Preliminary findings establish Beefa Cave as a key site for understanding Holocene settlement dynamics in the region, offering a diachronic perspective on human-environment interactions during this period.

Evidence for 2–3 BC as the Date of the Nativity and the Star of Bethlehem

Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem — 2026 — WHEF2E285E847

A comprehensive review challenges alternative proposals, reinforcing the traditional 2–3 BC date for Jesus’ birth. By scrutinizing historical records—such as Augustus’s census decree, Quirinius’s governorship, and Herod’s death—the study debunks claims suggesting earlier or later dates (e.g., 6–7 BC or AD 6–7). The research also interprets the Star of Bethlehem as a series of celestial events, including Jupiter-Venus conjunctions, aligning with astrological knowledge of the Magi. This conclusion supports the scientific credibility of the Gospels’ accounts by validating their historical and astronomical consistency.

Evidence from Buhais Rockshelter for human settlement in Arabia between 60,000 and 16,000 years ago

Faya Palaeolandscape — 2026 — WHE5786B090BB

New archaeological evidence from Buhais Rockshelter in the Faya Palaeolandscape, UAE, challenges the long-held belief that Arabia was uninhabited during the last glacial period. Stratified stone tool assemblages indicate repeated human occupation between 60,000 and 16,000 years ago, coinciding with periods of increased water availability in the region. This contradicts previous assumptions about human absence in southern Arabia during this critical timeframe for human evolution. The study combines archaeological excavations with paleoenvironmental analysis to reconstruct habitation patterns, extending known records from Jebel Faya and providing empirical data to test models of human adaptation and dispersal in desert landscapes.

Evidence-Driven Governance Framework for Forest Conservation and Economic Sustainability: A Systematic Knowledge Analysis of the Brazilian Amazon

Central Amazon Conservation Complex — 2026 — WHE8C7B1E1309

Effective forest conservation in the Brazilian Amazon requires synergistic governance combining land-use regulation, environmental policy, financial investment, and technological innovation. A systematic analysis of 18 years of research reveals that policy instruments serve as the central coordination layer, while financial support determines scalability and technological feasibility. Land-use strategies are most effective when supported by clear institutional frameworks and local stakeholder engagement. Key barriers to implementation include policy ambiguity, inefficient funding allocation, and limited stakeholder participation. This evidence-driven framework highlights the need for integrated, multi-strategy approaches to overcome fragmented governance challenges in large-scale environmental conservation.

Eviota niedenthali, a new dwarfgoby from Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands (Teleostei: Gobiidae)

Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site — 2026 — WHE4348AA8B9E

Researchers have identified and described Eviota niedenthali, a new species of dwarf goby from Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands. This discovery contributes to the biodiversity documentation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, particularly in regions with limited exploration like the Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site. The species is characterized by unique morphological traits, including a specific dorsal/anal-fin formula (8/8), branched pectoral-fin rays, absence of a fifth pelvic-fin ray, and distinctive black spots on the caudal peduncle and pectoral-fin base. The study employed detailed morphological analysis to distinguish this species from others in the Eviota genus, highlighting its significance for marine biodiversity research.

Evolution of Scientific Knowledge on the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve

Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve — 2026 — WHE7ABAA32561

Scientific research on the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (MBBR) has shown sustained growth and thematic diversity, with 106 unique articles published between 1997 and 2025. Mexico leads in scientific output, followed by the United States and Canada, with the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) as the most productive institution. The study identified six key research domains: conservation and environmental management, socioeconomic aspects and governance, forest ecology, research methodologies, monarch butterfly biology, and climatic and hydrological phenomena. Notably, 2020 was the most productive year, while 2014 saw the highest citation count. This bibliometric analysis provides critical insights to inform conservation policies and strengthen sustainable management of the MBBR.

Evolutionary history reveals spatial concentration of threatened evolutionary diversity in Agave across the Americas

Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley: originary habitat of Mesoamerica — 2026 — WHEE4B39DE330

A groundbreaking study reveals that the Tehuacán–Cuicatlán Valley and other arid regions in Mexico, the USA, and Guatemala are critical hotspots for threatened evolutionary diversity in Agave, hosting a disproportionate share of evolutionarily unique and endangered species. Using a time-calibrated phylogenomic framework analyzing 207 taxa and 286 nuclear genes, researchers traced Agave's origins to Aridoamerica during the late Miocene (∼7 Ma), highlighting how dispersal and macroevolutionary processes shaped its biodiversity. The study identifies 70 Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) taxa, with species like Agave montium-sancticaroli and A. aurea var. promontorii facing extreme conservation risks. These findings underscore the urgent need to prioritize spatial conservation efforts in these regions, where anthropogenic pressures exacerbate threats to unique evolutionary lineages.

Evoluzione Urbana e Cambiamenti Ambientali nel Settore Occidentale della Colonia di Aquileia

Archaeological Area and the Patriarchal Basilica of Aquileia — 2026 — WHE034E6889FA

A complex, non-linear interplay between urban development and environmental change is revealed in the western sector of the Latin colony of Aquileia. The study demonstrates that specific construction choices and patterns of urban growth escalated environmental transformations, while also highlighting adaptive and mitigation strategies employed by its inhabitants. Fresh archaeological and environmental data, including fill layers from sewer systems and the Roman theatre, along with new mechanical corings from the Canale Anfora—a critical hydraulic infrastructure—were integrated with radiometric analyses to establish a precise chronological framework. This approach uncovers nuanced dynamics that challenge linear narratives of urban and natural landscape evolution.

Examining Ozone Production in the Permian Oil and Gas Basin Using Carlsbad Caverns National Park Measurements and Satellite Data

Carlsbad Caverns National Park — 2026 — WHEA4EB9A0418

A study reveals that ozone production at Carlsbad Caverns National Park is highly sensitive to nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from the Permian Basin's oil and gas (O&G) activity, with satellite data confirming a parallel increase in regional NO2 levels. Analysis of 2021 measurements showed O&G emissions as the dominant source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), alongside aged biomass burning smoke. Modeling indicated that reducing NOx emissions would more effectively decrease ozone levels than targeting VOCs, though both measures could mitigate exceedances of the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). Satellite observations also highlighted a decline in the formaldehyde-to-NO2 ratio, further supporting NOx-sensitive ozone production linked to O&G activity.

Examining the Impact of Historical Place Regeneration and Sensory Marketing on Destination Brand Equity and Sustainable Creative Tourism in Isfahan (Case Study: Naqsh-e Jahan Square and Vank Cathedral)

Meidan Emam, Esfahan — 2026 — WHE8CD7FC0E8A

A study on Isfahan, Iran, reveals that regenerating historical sites and employing sensory marketing significantly enhances destination brand equity, which in turn fosters sustainable creative tourism. The research, conducted through a descriptive-correlational survey involving 384 domestic and international tourists visiting Isfahan's historical landmarks during spring, used structural equation modeling to analyze data. Findings indicate that combining physical regeneration of sites like Naqsh-e Jahan Square with sensory experiences can elevate urban identity, improve destination perception, and promote sustainable tourism development in historic cities.

Examining the impact of tourism on the local economy: A case study in sun temple Konark Puri Odisha

Sun Temple, Konârak — 2026 — WHE7F694A8F30

Tourism at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sun Temple of Konark, significantly boosts the local economy while posing challenges to cultural preservation. A mixed-method study involving surveys and stakeholder interviews revealed that tourism generates jobs, improves infrastructure, and enhances income levels, yet it also raises living costs and risks diluting local traditions. Despite these trade-offs, respondents overwhelmingly support continued tourism growth, with 80% advocating for government encouragement. The research highlights the need for sustainable development strategies to mitigate negative impacts while leveraging tourism’s economic benefits. Key recommendations focus on balancing cultural integrity with economic gains, ensuring long-term viability for both heritage conservation and local livelihoods.

Expedition Report: EX2501, Papahānaumokuākea Mapping 3

Papahānaumokuākea — 2026 — WHEF27D9F6294

A groundbreaking mapping expedition, EX2501, conducted by NOAA Ocean Exploration from October 19 to November 12, 2024, significantly advanced the understanding of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. The expedition mapped an extensive area of 44,264 square kilometers of seafloor within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone, all at depths greater than 200 meters. This comprehensive mapping effort provides critical data for scientific research and conservation efforts in one of the most remote and ecologically significant marine regions on Earth. The expedition utilized advanced oceanographic technologies to capture detailed seafloor topography, contributing valuable insights into the geological and biological characteristics of this unique World Heritage Site.

Expedition Report: Papahānaumokuākea ROV and Mapping (EX2503)

Papahānaumokuākea — 2026 — WHE0B5351AA95

A groundbreaking expedition in Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Monument mapped 48,219 sq. km of seafloor and conducted 16 ROV dives, significantly expanding our understanding of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The NOAA-led mission (April 8–May 5, 2025) utilized advanced mapping and remotely operated vehicles to explore previously uncharted deep-sea terrain within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. This unprecedented survey provides critical baseline data for marine conservation efforts, revealing complex seafloor topography and supporting biodiversity research in one of Earth's most remote and ecologically significant regions.

Experience marketing through authenticity and escapism: Drivers of revisit intention in Sumatra’s natural heritage tourism

Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra — 2026 — WHE16CB59CF4A

Tourists' emotional attachment to Sumatra's natural heritage destinations significantly drives their intention to revisit, according to new research. The study found that destination attributes, escapism, and authenticity positively influence place attachment and memorable tourism experiences, which in turn mediate the relationship between these factors and revisit intention. Conducted on 300 tourists visiting sites like the Toba Caldera Geopark and the Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra, the research used partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze survey data. These insights suggest that enhancing authenticity, experience quality, and emotional value in destination management can foster sustainable tourism. The findings also expand theoretical understanding of tourist psychological factors in nature and cultural tourism contexts.