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Publications

Showing 661 – 680 of 15962 publications

Landscape dynamics at the river-road interface: a multi-scalar landscape design perspective on Wachau road

Wachau Cultural Landscape — 2026 — WHE2C5110E2CF

A multi-scalar landscape design approach reveals that strategic design changes at the river-road interface can effectively address multiple functional and visual needs, even in dynamic flood-prone environments. The study focuses on Wachau road, a renowned example of integrated landscape-infrastructure design, using spatial analysis, historical analysis, and site observations to synthesize findings into a typology of spatial situations. This research demonstrates how understanding the interplay between dynamic processes, design aspects, and spatial qualities can guide future road planning in similar contexts.

Landslide Risk Associated with Glacier Tourism in the Mt. Everest Region (Sagarmatha National Park), High-Mountain Nepal

Sagarmatha National Park — 2026 — WHEB3DB3E50CB

A critical assessment of landslide risk in Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal, reveals that glacier tourism infrastructure—including trekking routes, helipads, and campsites—faces significant exposure to landslides despite low direct intersection with active scars. Land Surface Temperature (LST) emerged as the dominant factor influencing landslide occurrence, followed by rainfall, elevation, slope, and specific land cover types like barren land and alpine meadows. Using advanced models—Random Forest (91% accuracy), Logistic Regression (87%), and Frequency Ratio (84%)—the study highlights that while only 0.52% of trekking routes directly overlap with active landslides, a substantial 28% lie within high-exposure zones. This underscores the vulnerability of glacier tourism destinations to both typical and paraglacial landslides, posing serious implications for Nepal’s tourism sector.

Large Avalanches in Forested Terrain in Pirin Mountains – Tree-ring and Numerical Simulations Analysis

Pirin National Park — 2026 — WHE7AA56E0855

Large avalanches in forested terrain occur more frequently and with greater magnitude in the Pirin Mountains, Bulgaria, than previously understood. Analysis of over 700 tree-ring cores reveals that these events have struck almost every decade, with widespread occurrences during the mid-20th century. Despite a perceived reduction in frequency in recent decades, deadly avalanches still pose significant risk, as demonstrated by the 2015 event near Yavorov Chalet. Numerical simulations using RAMMS::EXTENDED indicate that such avalanches could match the scale of historical damage, with parameters aligned to 100-year return period dry snow avalanches. This challenges the assumption that forested areas are inherently safer, underscoring the need for better risk assessment and protection strategies in regions like Pirin National Park, where tourism and endemic forests intersect.

Large-Scale Photogrammetric Documentation of St. John's Co-Cathedral: A Workflow for Cultural Heritage Preservation

City of Valletta — 2026 — WHECCC55AADF1

A groundbreaking method for large-scale photogrammetric documentation of complex Baroque architecture, exemplified by St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta (Malta), has been developed. This approach overcomes challenges posed by reflective metallic surfaces, dark materials, and intricate tapestries through a multi-modal data acquisition strategy involving DSLR cameras, drone photography, and LIDAR scanning, capturing 99,000 images over seven nights. The resulting 3D reconstruction, comprising 25-30 billion triangles, combines automated workflows with manual intervention to ensure accuracy. Innovative techniques such as AI-assisted denoising and Gaussian splatting were employed to address low-light conditions and enhance visualization. This methodology sets a new standard for cultural heritage preservation, enabling comprehensive digital archives that support disaster recovery, conservation analysis, virtual tourism, and scholarly research.

Las Misiones Jesuisticas

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) — 2026 — WHEB7135BABD0

A comprehensive visual documentation of the Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis reveals the architectural and cultural heritage preserved over 340 years. The publication 'Las Misiones Jesuisticas' captures the essence of San Ignacio Mini, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto, Santa Maria Mayor (Argentina), and the Ruins of Sao Miguel das Missoes (Brazil) through vivid color photography by Maximilien Bruggmann. This work, part of the broader project 'Los heraldos negros,' combines historical text by Padre José Marx with striking imagery to illuminate the significance of these missions as symbols of Guaraní-Jesuit collaboration and cultural exchange during the colonial era.

Lasioglossum (Hemihalictus) glabriventre

Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai’pi — 2026 — WHEF5F922D17E

A new taxonomic description of the sweat bee species Lasioglossum (Hemihalictus) glabriventre reveals distinctive morphological traits that differentiate it from similar species, such as its enlarged, broadly punctate tegula and smooth, distinctly punctate mesepisternum. The study provides a comprehensive diagnosis based on type material and additional specimens collected across Canada and the United States, including notable records from Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai’pi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Alberta, Canada. The research clarifies taxonomic confusion by reassigning the species to the genus Lasioglossum and offers insights into its geographical distribution, contributing to the understanding of bee biodiversity in North America.

Lasioglossum ruficorne

Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai’pi — 2026 — WHE417B158EAE

A new taxonomic revision identifies Lasioglossum ruficorne as the senior synonym for two previously recognized species, Halictus vaporellus and Halictus pulveris, consolidating them under a single species. The study clarifies the distribution and morphological characteristics of this sweat bee, with type material examined from Nevada and Colorado, including lectotypes and syntypes. Additional specimens were collected across Canada (Alberta, British Columbia), Mexico (Baja California, Sonora), and the United States (Arizona), expanding known records. The research highlights the importance of revisiting historical collections to resolve taxonomic ambiguities, providing a foundation for future ecological studies on this species.

Late-Holocene palaeoecological reconstruction of Southern Hemisphere Westerlies variability on Subantarctic Macquarie Island

Macquarie Island — 2026 — WHE4E9F876B6C

A detailed reconstruction of Southern Hemisphere Westerlies (SHW) variability over the last 2500 years on Macquarie Island reveals periods of strengthened and weakened westerly winds, linked to changes in sea spray-driven lake conductivity. The study found that stronger SHW occurred around ~2500–2300 cal. yr BP and after ~800 cal. yr BP, while weaker SHW prevailed between ~2300–800 cal. yr BP. These findings were derived from palaeoecological analysis of halophilic and halophobic diatoms preserved in lake sediments, which correlate with water conductivity gradients influenced by westerly winds. The study provides a critical long-term record of SHW behavior, offering insights into past atmospheric CO2 concentrations and Southern Hemisphere climate dynamics.

Le cas des rues piétonnières du Vieux-Lyon (Rhône) dans les années 1970

Historic Site of Lyon — 2026 — WHEA41E60E9FC

The piétonnisation of streets in Vieux-Lyon during the late 1970s, while primarily aimed at enhancing architectural heritage, inadvertently marginalized the street paving—a key element of urban patrimony. This study reveals how the reimagining of central streets as 'period' thoroughfares, though intended to serve the built environment, failed to recognize or preserve local paving traditions, which were later replaced by standardized designs. The research highlights a selective approach to patrimonialization, where street features were subsumed under the prioritization of architectural integrity, leading to the erasure of distinct Lyonese paving practices by the 1980s.

Le Vent à Djémila

Djémila — 2026 — WHEF8C51DB10C

A deep connection between archaeologist Yvonne Allais and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Djémila is revealed, illustrating how her prolonged engagement with the site led to a profound identification with its Roman-era past. This study highlights the significance of personal immersion in archaeological research, showcasing Allais' contributions through her extensive work at Cuicul (Djémila) from 1925 onwards. Her life and career exemplify the symbiotic relationship between researchers and historical sites, offering insights into the emotional and intellectual dimensions of archaeological exploration.

Learning the Trade at the Plantin Press

Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex — 2026 — WHE8C8A473A72

A groundbreaking study reveals that the succession of leadership at the seventeenth-century Plantin Press in Antwerp was shaped by experiential knowledge transfer within the family, rather than traditional guild-regulated apprenticeships. By analyzing the rich Plantin-Moretus Archives, researchers traced the multifaceted training of Balthasar Moretus III, which combined formal education with workplace learning. This included observational duties in the printing workshop and progressive responsibilities in correspondence, accounting, wage administration, and cash management. The study also highlights how social refinement was strategically integrated with business training to prepare heirs for leadership in an internationally oriented book trade.

Legal Mechanisms of Cultural Property Restitution in Peru: National and International Levels

Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu — 2026 — WHED278588003

Peru's shift from judicial to diplomatic-administrative mechanisms for cultural property restitution, exemplified by the Machu Picchu collection dispute with Yale University, highlights that international protective status alone does not ensure effective safeguarding without robust national frameworks. The study analyzes Peru's legal evolution, tracing key legislation from 1929 to 2004 and applying Massimo Severo Giannini's theory of split ownership to demonstrate the separation between physical possession and cultural value title. Using Chan Chan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as a case study, it underscores the necessity for differentiated national mechanisms to complement international conventions like the 1970 UNESCO and 1995 UNIDROIT agreements.

Leisure as Catalyst for Well-Being and Sense of Belonging Among Iranian Immigrant Women Aged 30–55 in Ottawa, Canada

Rideau Canal — 2026 — WHED26B61C15C

Leisure activities, including group walks along the Rideau Canal, Classical Persian dance workshops, and visits to the National Gallery of Canada, significantly contributed to the well-being and sense of belonging among Iranian immigrant women aged 30–55 in Ottawa. These activities provided emotional relief, opportunities for social connection, and a comfortable setting due to shared language and migration experiences. While participants rated the activities positively for enjoyment, accessibility, and social contact, sustained participation was influenced by factors such as time pressure, caregiving demands, weather, transportation, cost, and access to clear information. The study highlights the importance of leisure in promoting well-being beyond formal health and settlement services.

Leonardo's Score - La Geometria Intonata (it) - The Tuned Geometry (en). Leonardo's Last Supper: The Hidden Score — Proportion, Harmony and Perspective in Santa Maria delle Grazie

Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie with “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci — 2026 — WHED4B3DBD0F4

Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper (1494–98) in the Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie employs a sophisticated, modular geometric system that harmonizes depth, width, and height with unprecedented precision. The study reveals that Leonardo structured the space using a unitary module 'n,' where depth and height equal 66n and width 88n, creating a 4:3 ratio between dimensions. This system, verified through CAD analysis, eliminates progressive deformations observed in prior studies (e.g., Landrus, 2007) by rejecting the assumption of a square-based perspective grid. Instead, it demonstrates a dynamic interplay of rhythms—1:4:1 for the coffered ceiling and 2:1:2 for lateral walls—while maintaining symmetry around Christ's axis. The diagonal serves as both a perspectival vector toward Christ and a compositional element, showcasing Leonardo's economy of means and layered spatial logic. This research extends the author's prior work on Leonardo's rhythmic grammar, offering a cohesive framework to reinterpret his use of geometry in art.

Leonardo's Score - La Geometria Intonata (it) Leonardo's Last Supper: The Hidden Score — Proportion, Harmony and Perspective in Santa Maria delle Grazie

Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie with “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci — 2026 — WHE453032B7C9

Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper (1494–98) in the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is revealed to follow a sophisticated, harmonized geometric system that challenges traditional assumptions about its construction. The study demonstrates that Leonardo structured the space using a modular unit 'n', with ratios 1:4:1 for the ceiling and 2:1:2 for the lateral walls, creating a symmetric, bilaterally balanced composition centered on Christ. Unlike prior analyses suggesting a square-based grid leading to distortions, this research shows these deformations arise from methodological assumptions rather than Leonardo's design. Verified through CAD analysis, the system avoids perspective acceleration, instead using a single diagonal as both a spatial vector and a focal point toward Christ. The findings suggest Leonardo anticipated geometric solids later illustrated with Luca Pacioli, highlighting his integration of mathematical precision and artistic innovation.

Leonardo's Spatial Grammar: A CAD Reverse-Engineering Analysis Corpus: Leonardo's CAD, Leonardo's Rulers, Leonardo's Score

Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie with “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci — 2026 — WHE0650716D0E

A groundbreaking analysis deconstructs the myth of Leonardo da Vinci's rigid adherence to Albertian square-based perspective, revealing instead a dynamic, metric-modular spatial grammar that evolves across his works. Through three-dimensional CAD reverse-engineering and geometric analysis of 'The Annunciation,' 'Adoration of the Magi,' and 'The Last Supper,' researchers demonstrate how Leonardo developed a system of 'inserted rulers'—a rhythmic, stereometric architecture rooted in human measurements. This approach rejects esoteric interpretations, showing that spatial proportions (e.g., 4:3 module, 1:4:1 and 2:1:2 polyphonic rhythms) are directly derivable from the artwork itself, yielding spaces that are not only measurable but architecturally reconstructible. The study underscores Leonardo's innovative integration of perspective, narrative, and human-scale design, redefining his spatial syntax as a projective, adaptive system.

Leopards Exhibit Nuanced Predation Patterns but Rely on Wild Prey in a Human‐Dominated Agricultural Landscape in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka

Central Highlands of Sri Lanka — 2026 — WHE8179C1FA1F

Leopards in Sri Lanka's Central Highlands, despite being generalist and opportunistic predators, show nuanced predation patterns that favor wild prey over domestic species, even in heavily agricultural landscapes. A study analyzing 107 leopard scat samples revealed that while small prey like the black-naped hare were most frequently consumed, medium-sized barking deer and large sambar deer contributed significantly to biomass intake, indicating selective foraging behavior. Domestic dogs, contrary to local perceptions, were moderately avoided, suggesting a positive outcome for human-leopard coexistence. Wild species constituted over 85% of the diet, highlighting the resilience of natural prey bases in anthropogenically transformed environments. The research underscores the importance of preserving wild prey abundance and diversity to facilitate coexistence between leopards and humans.

Let’s Inject Some Randomness into the City: Reflecting on Eliza Soroga’s Site-Specific Performances in London and Prague

Historic Centre of Prague — 2026 — WHEF8184B7ECF

Site-specific performances can redefine public spaces by introducing unpredictability and spontaneity, fostering authentic encounters with passers-by. This study examines three such performances—Breakfast on London Bridge (2014), Women in Agony (2015), and IN QR WE TRUST (2023)—to explore how randomness challenges routine urban experiences and creates a new public sphere. The research questions whether site-sensitive approaches can reveal the poetics of places while incorporating lived experiences, ultimately offering a model for reinventing public spaces through artistic intervention. The findings suggest that injecting randomness into performance art disrupts urban alienation and consumerism, revealing spontaneous reactions that enrich collective experience.

Leveraging a Street Festival for Lasting Transformation in a UNESCO World Heritage Neighbourhood

Historic Area of Willemstad, Inner City and Harbour, Curaçao — 2026 — WHEEFEE98F863

Temporary cultural events, such as street festivals, can drive lasting urban revitalization in historic neighborhoods, even when their immediate impacts are often overlooked. A qualitative study of the Kaya Kaya festival in Otrobanda, Curaçaoreveals how such initiatives temporarily repurpose vacant properties and public spaces to foster artistic appeal, economic activity, and community engagement. Through interviews and urban planning theories, researchers demonstrate that these events generate long-term social, economic, and physical benefits, challenging the assumption that their effects are fleeting. The case highlights strategic opportunities for policymakers, developers, and investors to leverage short-term cultural interventions as catalysts for sustainable neighborhood transformation.

Leveraging neural networks to model tourist behaviour for sustainable heritage conservation

Buddhist Ruins of Takht-i-Bahi and Neighbouring City Remains at Sahr-i-Bahlol — 2026 — WHECB35661EC1

A significant finding from this study is that ecological and socio-cultural factors play the most pivotal roles in sustaining UNESCO World Heritage Sites, particularly those in Pakistan. The research leverages artificial neural network (ANN) algorithms to analyze tourist satisfaction data collected from 417 national tourists across six heritage sites, including the Buddhist Ruins of Takht-i-Bahi and Sahr-i-Bahlol. Using a five-point Likert scale, the study identifies that while ecological perspectives are most influential in achieving sustainability, socio-cultural factors also have a notable positive impact. Economic factors, however, were found to be the least influential. This data-driven analysis offers valuable insights for policymakers, providing a foundation for economic modeling, preservation strategies, marketing, and policy implementation aimed at enhancing sustainable heritage conservation.