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Treści chrystocentryczne i angelologiczne modlitw Gertrudy Mieszkówny na tle ówczesnej ikonosfery

Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra — 2026 — WHE1D4AAEAFFF

A rare intersection of Eastern and Western artistic traditions is revealed through the Latin prayers of Gertrude, 11th-century Polish princess and wife of Kyiv's Prince Iziaslav. Her Codex Gertrudianus, preserved in Italy, contains five Byzantine-Ruthenian miniatures and reflects the iconographic influences she encountered during her education in Rhineland and her later life in Kyiv. The study identifies striking parallels between these miniatures—such as a crucifixion scene and Christ's Maiestas Domini—and contemporary artworks from Cologne, Essen, and Tyniec, as well as the monumental mosaics of Saint-Sophia Cathedral, including its central dome depicting the Pantocrator. Gertrude’s prayers, steeped in Christocentric and angelological themes, thus serve as a unique lens to explore the dynamic exchange between Latin and Eastern Orthodox visual cultures during the 11th century.

Tři stylové proměny v tvorbě Mistra Pavla z Levoče .......... 477

Levoča, Spišský Hrad and the Associated Cultural Monuments — 2026 — WHE9679CE4F30

Master Paul of Levoča's artistic evolution, spanning three distinct stylistic phases, reveals a synthesis of late Gothic and Renaissance influences. The study identifies his early Nuremberg works, such as 'Christ on a Donkey,' as foundational, dated to the 1480s through comparisons with local art. His later works, including the Nativity group in Levoča and the main altar, demonstrate a creative response to Gerhaert of Leyden and Veit Stoss, blending 'gerhaertism' with an idealized divine form. A notable shift toward Renaissance motifs, like dolphins, emerges around 1516, suggesting exposure to Italianizing trends in Hungary or Venice. This transformation underscores Paul's role as a regional pioneer, influencing altarpieces in Levoča, Spišská Sobota, and Sabinov.

Tsetse flies, trypanosomes, hosts and microbiome diversity at agricultural–conservation interfaces in Mozambique

iSimangaliso Wetland Park – Maputo National Park — 2026 — WHE8A0845C200

A comprehensive molecular analysis of tsetse flies, trypanosomes, and their hosts at the agricultural–conservation interface in Mozambique reveals complex diversity patterns shaping African animal trypanosomosis (AAT) transmission. Four tsetse species were identified, with trypanosome prevalence ranging from 65% to 90%, dominated by Trypanosoma brucei and T. godfreyi. Wildlife hosts, particularly warthogs, and humans emerged as key contributors to parasite cycles, while microbiome profiling highlighted dominant symbionts like Wigglesworthia and Wolbachia. The study demonstrates that tsetse species strongly influence trypanosome diversity and host selection, with location playing a secondary role. These findings underscore the intricate dynamics of AAT transmission at human–wildlife–livestock interfaces, providing critical insights for One Health control strategies.

Turning Brackish: Salinity-Driven Mangrove and Fisheries Decline in the Bangladesh Sundarbans.

The Sundarbans — 2026 — WHE371E82B910

Reduced freshwater inflow from the Ganges, driven by upstream abstraction and regulation, has intensified salinity intrusion into the Bangladesh Sundarbans, threatening its biodiversity and livelihoods. This study quantifies how salinity exceeds physiological tolerance thresholds for high-value mangrove species like Heritiera fomes (Sundri), causing a 40% decline in suitable habitat while salt-tolerant but lower-value Excoecaria agallocha expands. Analysis of hydrological records, forest cover data, and fisheries statistics from 1996 to 2016 reveals a 54% drop in fish species richness at Mongla market and accelerating ecosystem degradation. Climate projections to 2050 confirm irreversible losses under current trends unless institutional reforms address Ganges water-sharing. The findings underscore the critical need for upstream freshwater management to sustain biodiversity and the livelihoods of 2.7 million dependent communities.

Two new Cochlostoma species from the Durmitor and Komarnica regions of northern Montenegro (Caenogastropoda, Cochlostomatidae)

Durmitor National Park — 2026 — WHE411D9F8142

Two new species of the gastropod genus Cochlostoma, C. (Turritus) dobrido sp. nov. and C. (Turritus) komarnica sp. nov., were discovered in Durmitor National Park and Komarnica Canyon, Montenegro. These findings highlight the hidden diversity within this widespread Mediterranean genus, challenging the assumption of uniform shell morphology. The species were identified through citizen-science expeditions, revealing sympatric and syntopic distributions with Cochlostoma scalariniforme and each other. This research underscores the importance of slow-migrating gastropods as indicators of long-term ecological stability in karst environments.

Two new species of the genus Nothopsyche Banks 1906 (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae) from Mt. Fanjingshan, China

Fanjingshan — 2026 — WHE6665AE807A

Scientists have identified two new species of caddisflies, Nothopsyche trigonophylla and Nothopsyche horrida, from Mount Fanjingshan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Guizhou Province, China. These discoveries expand the known biodiversity of the genus Nothopsyche (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae) and contribute to our understanding of aquatic insect diversity in this ecologically significant region. The species were distinguished based on morphological traits such as the shape of external branches, inferior appendages, and aedeagal structures. The study employed detailed taxonomic analysis, including live habitus photography, to document these new findings.

Un oasis de vida: la cultura y el paisaje del agua en Elche

Palmeral of Elche — 2026 — WHEEACCCE8F52

Water has been the cornerstone of Elche's cultural identity and landscape, shaping its heritage through centuries. This study reveals how historical hydraulic infrastructures from Roman and Andalusian periods have left a lasting imprint on local traditions, topography, and even gastronomy. The research identifies water as a defining element in the city's toponymy, festivals, and agricultural practices, with the UNESCO-listed Palmeral of Elche serving as a prime example of its enduring influence. By analyzing primary sources and specialized literature through a cultural and social history lens, the study underscores the need to preserve not only physical structures but also the intangible knowledge and collective memory tied to water, ensuring its role in sustaining both heritage and identity.

Unbuilding psychological ownership: heritage governance and affective dispossession in rural China

Fujian Tulou — 2026 — WHE10A1E4C6D1

World Heritage governance, when focused on material preservation and tourist experiences, can unintentionally weaken the living relationships that give heritage its meaning. This study reveals how residents of Hongkeng Tulou Village—a UNESCO World Heritage site in Fujian, China—experience affective dispossession through six interconnected mechanisms: restricted spatial autonomy, displacement of local storytelling, formalization of rituals, access control, commercialization, and ineffective communication. While psychological ownership persists in fragmented forms, such as attachment and resistance, these mechanisms highlight the relational and cultural dimensions of dispossession beyond material or legal aspects. The research combines ethnographic fieldwork with qualitative analysis to uncover how everyday institutional arrangements erode residents' sense of belonging without formal property transfers.

Uncovering genetic population structure in the Endangered northern rockhopper penguin (Eudyptes moseleyi) across islands in the Southern Atlantic and Indian oceans

Gough and Inaccessible Islands — 2026 — WHEFA39608278

Northern rockhopper penguins (Eudyptes moseleyi), classified as Endangered by the IUCN, exhibit distinct genetic populations across the Southern Atlantic and Indian oceans with minimal migration between these regions. This study, the first comprehensive analysis of its kind, reveals that while penguin populations on islands within each ocean basin show no significant substructure, low but sufficient gene flow exists to prevent differentiation among them. However, variations in genetic diversity and inbreeding suggest some island populations may face higher risks of inbreeding depression. The findings underscore the need for two distinct conservation management units—one for each ocean basin—to preserve genetic diversity and address region-specific threats, including climate-driven changes. This research provides critical insights to enhance resilience strategies for this vulnerable species.

Uncovering the First Reforestation Project in the 19th-Century Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest: Insights from Wood Anatomy and Historical Analysis

Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea — 2026 — WHEF43D5206BE

A groundbreaking study has uncovered the first large-scale reforestation project in 19th-century Brazil, mapping trees planted as early as 1862 in Rio de Janeiro's Tijuca Forest. Using tree-ring dating, wood anatomy, and historical analysis, researchers identified Cedrela odorata, Copaifera lucens, and Lafoensia glyptocarpa as key species employed in this pioneering effort to restore the Atlantic Rainforest. This approach not only sheds light on one of the world's earliest successful urban reforestation programs but also provides critical insights for modern forest management and climate change research. The findings underscore the importance of ecological restoration in Brazilian ecosystems, offering a historical blueprint for addressing today's environmental challenges.

Understanding active commuting to school: a participatory Photovoice project at a Secondary School in Toledo, Spain

Historic City of Toledo — 2026 — WHE1D131E888E

Adolescents' school commuting experiences in Toledo, Spain, reveal that while geographical distance is the primary barrier to active commuting, students also value social interactions, route autonomy, and environmental appreciation as key facilitators. This study used a participatory Photovoice methodology to capture 12 students' perspectives on their commute, identifying five main categories of transport-related themes: school bus, urban bus, private car, walking, and sunrises. The findings highlight the importance of integrating adolescent voices into mobility policy design to create context-sensitive interventions that promote health and wellbeing.

Understanding the multidimensionality of the Kilimanjaro social-ecological system: insights for building desirable futures

Kilimanjaro National Park — 2026 — WHE871E51A4A2

This interdisciplinary study reveals that enhancing access to Kilimanjaro National Park for local actors and integrating traditional agroforestry can significantly increase multifunctionality, defined as the balance between Nature's Contributions to People (NCP) supply and demand. The research demonstrates that desirable futures for the Kilimanjaro social-ecological system require local agency and polycentric governance, combining national commitments like land-use planning with local collective actions such as restoration programs. By integrating multiple forms of knowledge—scientific, local, and experiential—the study provides a quantitative, holistic approach to addressing trade-offs between human needs and ecosystem functions, offering actionable insights for sustainability in complex social-ecological systems.

Understanding Tourist Emotions to Foster Sustainable Development

Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid region — 2026 — WHE13B6DEE59C

A predominantly positive emotional response from tourists at the Monastery of Saint Naum, the most visited site in North Macedonia's Lake Ohrid Region, underscores the significance of balancing visitor access with conservation efforts. Sentiment analysis of TripAdvisor reviews revealed strong admiration for the site's natural beauty, historical and spiritual importance, and leisure activities like boat rides and local dining. However, crowding and long queues slightly diminished satisfaction, highlighting critical areas for sustainable tourism management. The study advocates for strategies such as controlling peak-time visits, preserving architectural heritage, promoting eco-friendly transport, and supporting local businesses to enhance visitor services while safeguarding the site's cultural and environmental integrity. These insights provide actionable guidance for aligning tourist experiences with sustainability goals, ensuring the long-term preservation of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Understanding Tourist Experiences at Prambanan Temple Through User-Generated Content

Prambanan Temple Compounds — 2026 — WHE518BDE50C1

Large Language Models (LLMs) effectively capture the dual dimensions of tourist experiences at Prambanan Temple, distinguishing between passive and active engagement. Passive experiences emphasize visual elements like architectural beauty, while active ones focus on educational involvement. This study leverages TripAdvisor's User-Generated Content (UGC) to analyze digital footprints using Natural Language Processing (NLP), offering new insights into tourist behavior at cultural heritage sites. The findings contribute to the understanding of how LLMs can extract meaningful textual data in complex cultural contexts, advancing research on digital tourism.

Unearthing Collocations of Keywords in News Coverage on the Ancient Town of Si Thep, Thailand’s Seventh UNESCO World Heritage Site: A Corpus-based Study

The Ancient Town of Si Thep and its Associated Dvaravati Monuments — 2026 — WHEFB27018BFD

A corpus-based analysis of English-language news coverage on Si Thep, Thailand's seventh UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals distinct collocational patterns for key terms related to the site. The study identified 172 lexical collocations, with 'local,' 'cultural,' 'ancient,' 'UNESCO,' and 'Dvaravati' being the most frequently associated keywords. These patterns reflect nine recurring topics in media reports, including overtourism and environmental threats like oil drilling. The research offers insights for language instruction and methodological guidelines for UNESCO sites, leveraging authentic discourse to enhance teaching materials.

UNESCO World Heritage

Old and New Towns of Edinburgh — 2026 — WHE9CFC48FD97

A critical reassessment of the 'Old and New Towns of Edinburgh' UNESCO World Heritage Site reveals long-overlooked local community values that have been marginalized within institutional heritage frameworks. This study challenges conventional notions of 'community' in World Heritage theory by integrating insights from critical heritage studies, cultural anthropology, social science, architectural history, and systems thinking. Through a historical-critical examination of archival, institutional, and secondary sources, the research demonstrates how the concept of community can be redefined to better reflect living urban communities—both human and more-than-human—and suggests its transformative potential for future-making heritage instruments like the UNESCO World Heritage system.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Crimea Under the Conditions of Russian Occupation (2014–2021)

Ancient City of Tauric Chersonese and its Chora — 2026 — WHEEB51E1776E

Russia's occupation of Crimea has led to the systematic destruction and ideological appropriation of Ukraine's UNESCO-protected cultural heritage sites, including the Ancient City of Tauric Chersonese. The study reveals that under Russian control, these sites face irreversible damage through theft, illegal excavations, and rushed 'restorations' prioritizing military infrastructure over authenticity. Despite limited physical access, Ukraine's proactive engagement with international organizations like UNESCO ensures the issue remains on the global agenda, creating a legal framework for future accountability. The research highlights the criminal nature of Russia's actions, which disregard international conventions and exploit these sites to promote a false historical narrative.

Unlocking Sinan’s Architectural Language: Modular Design Through Geometric Recursion

Selimiye Mosque and its Social Complex — 2026 — WHEE0B28083BA

Research reveals that Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan likely employed a recursive geometric modulation system, rooted in circles and squares, to design his architectural masterpieces. This methodology, evident in the Privy Chamber of Sultan Murad III and the Selimiye Mosque, demonstrates a deliberate and consistent application of modular geometry that underpins both aesthetic and structural elements. The study, which also examines Sinan’s early work, Haseki Hürrem Bath, suggests this approach was not coincidental but rather a foundational design tool. By focusing on geometric discipline over speculative symbolism, the research proposes Sinan’s mastery lay in a refined system of modulation, offering new insights into his architectural language.

Unraveling the microbiomes contributing to biodeterioration dynamics of limestone heritage at the Longmen Grottoes archeological site

Longmen Grottoes — 2026 — WHE5958CC8E27

Nitrification emerges as the dominant process driving biodeterioration divergence in limestone heritage at the Longmen Grottoes. This study reveals that microbial communities, particularly cyanobacteria acting as primary organic carbon producers, fuel biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur, leading to mineral corrosion through microbial acid production during ammonia oxidation and nitrification. By comparing physicochemical characteristics between low and high biodeterioration caves, the research identifies keystone microbial functions shaping these dynamics. The findings highlight the critical role of nitrification in stone degradation, providing a foundation for sustainable conservation strategies against microbially induced damage.

Unraveling the Volcanic Structure of Oceanic Islands—Gravity Survey of Socorro Island, Revillagigedo Archipelago, Mathematician Ridge, Pacific Plate

Archipiélago de Revillagigedo — 2026 — WHEC5B55785C8

A gravity survey of Socorro Island, part of the UNESCO-listed Revillagigedo Archipelago, reveals the volcanic structure beneath one of the most active oceanic islands in the Eastern Pacific. The study identifies a subsidence depth of approximately 100 meters within the island's caldera, correlating with an erupted volume of around 2 cubic kilometers and a caldera size of roughly 4.5 by 3.8 kilometers. This finding sheds light on the post-caldera volcanic activity and stratigraphy, including basaltic and pyroclastic sequences that form the shield edifice. The research employs Bouguer anomaly analysis, upward and downward analytical continuations, vertical derivatives, and 2.5-D forward modeling to constrain subsurface structures and density contrasts, providing a detailed understanding of Socorro Island's volcanic evolution.