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Socio-spatial vulnerability and dilapidated abandoned buildings (DABs) through the lens of spatial liminality: A case study in Iran

Historic City of Yazd — 2020 — WHE6E6FBC7097

A significant association exists between the extent of dilapidated-abandoned buildings (DABs) and socio-spatial vulnerability, particularly through spatial liminality, in historic Iranian cities. This condition is characterized by an influx of non-local disadvantaged residents seeking cheaper housing while remaining in a state of limbo. The study, conducted across twelve urban blocks in Yazd and Kashan, employed quantitative methods including questionnaire surveys and on-site observations. Findings reveal that DABs serve as liminal urban fabrics, often coinciding with refugee settlements, highlighting the need for their reutilization without compromising heritage value. This research provides a framework for practitioners, policymakers, and academicians to address urban regeneration in historic cities, moving them out of spatial liminality.

Socioeconomic Factors Influencing Local Community Perceptions Towards Lion Conservation: A Case of the Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania

Selous Game Reserve — 2020 — WHE18F381E159

A overwhelming majority (86%) of local communities near the Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania, hold negative perceptions towards lions, primarily driven by socioeconomic factors. Key influences include education level, occupation, livestock numbers and management, water source availability, and proximity to protected areas. The study, based on surveys and interviews with 384 households, highlights that higher education correlates with more positive attitudes (p=0.0016), while livestock-related challenges and distance from the reserve exacerbate negative sentiment (p<0.05). Compensation for lion attack victims is recommended to mitigate hostility towards the species.

Soil and slope development in the wet zone of Sri Lanka

Ancient City of Sigiriya — 2020 — WHE4B64822295

Research on the geomorphology of Sigiriya Rock, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka, reveals that its steep, convex rock slopes have remained largely unchanged for at least 2000 years. This longevity challenges expectations given their steepness and tropical weathering conditions, suggesting resilience in slope evolution under such environments. The study avoids detailed theoretical or measurement-based approaches due to the diversity of landforms in Sri Lanka, instead relying on field observations to draw tentative conclusions. Notably, overhung recesses housing ancient paintings (dating back to AD 485) show minimal weathering, indicating prolonged stability in these tropical rock formations.

Soil Enzyme Activity and Soil Nutrients Jointly Influence Post-Fire Habitat Models in Mixed-Conifer Forests of Yosemite National Park, USA

Yosemite National Park — 2020 — WHEBAE664DA21

In mixed-conifer forests of Yosemite National Park, soil enzyme activity and nutrient levels play a significant role in shaping species composition post-fire, often more so than topographic factors. A study analyzing 160 locations in the recently burned Yosemite Forest Dynamics Plot (YFDP) found that soil properties—including phosphatases and urease enzymes—defined habitat niches for 54.5% of species associations, compared to 45.4% defined by topography. Enzyme activity was particularly influential in explaining species abundance and basal area increment. While spatial factors explained more variation in stem abundance, mortality, and recruitment, the study underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of niche parameters beyond simple topographic data to fully grasp species habitat preferences.

Soil micromorphology at the Viking-Age ring-fortress of Borgring, Denmark: Analysis of samples from the East, North and South Gateways

Viking-Age Ring Fortresses — 2020 — WHE6C441DD5DF

Soil micromorphological analysis of the Viking-age ring-fortress Borgring, Denmark, reveals distinct microstratigraphic units at its gateways, indicating a sequence of human activity. The study identifies colluvial material mixed with anthropogenic waste predating rampart construction and the burning of wooden structures, suggesting rapid in-situ fires. A post-abandonment deposit shows minimal human influence, implying slow soil formation linked to animal and human presence after the fortress was deserted. This research provides new insights into Viking-era land use and environmental interactions through detailed examination of thin-section samples from the East, North, and South gateways.

Soils and sediments of Prošće Lake catchment as a possible terrigenous input in the lakes system

Plitvice Lakes National Park — 2020 — WHE38DEA2D0DC

Soils and sediments in the Prošće Lake catchment of Plitvice Lakes National Park play a significant role in purifying water before it reaches the phreatic zone, acting as both an accumulation and transformation zone for potential pollutants. The study found that quartz is the dominant mineral in these samples, with dolomite present in half and calcite as a dominant phase in one sample. Minor phases include feldspars, chlorites, and muscovite. Organic matter was also detected across all samples. This terrigenous input, primarily from surface waters like streams and overland flow during snow thawing or rain, is minimal but not negligible due to longstanding preservation efforts. The research used X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to analyze these minerals, providing insights into their potential influence on the lakes' water chemistry and contributing to understanding this natural phenomenon.

Solid Histories for Fragile Nations: Archaeology as Cultural Patrimony

Maya Site of Copan — 2020 — WHED5FAB21963

Archaeological interpretations of Copán, Hondurasrisk overlooking local Honduran perspectives by framing the site within an artificial 'Maya world' narrative. The study highlights a tension between globalized archaeological discourse and indigenous stakeholders' emphasis on multi-rooted national identity over claims of indigenous heritage. While proponents argue that shifting from rights-based to responsibility-based language could compromise authenticity, local scholars prioritize inclusive narratives that reflect Honduras' diverse cultural patrimony. This analysis critiques interpretive frameworks for their exclusionary tendencies, advocating instead for approaches that center multiple indigenous histories and stakeholder voices.

Some endemic representatives of Asteraceae family in the Kazakhstan part of the Western Tien Shan and Karatau

Western Tien-Shan — 2020 — WHE3FAB00830C

Research reveals significant endemism within the Asteraceae family in the Kazakhstan portion of the Western Tien-Shan and Karatau regions, highlighting five endemic species: Olgaea pectinata Iljin, Cousiniagrandifolia Kult., C. ugamensis Karmyscheva, C. mindshelkensis B. Fedtsch., and C. tianschanica Kult. The study quantifies the floral composition, endemism levels of plant communities involving these species, and estimates population density and size. These findings underscore the region's unique biodiversity, particularly within UNESCO-listed areas like the Western Tien-Shan, which harbors distinct flora adapted to its high-altitude environments.

Some Insights into the Theory and Practice of Heritage Ecology: Grasping the Bio-physical and Socio-historical Dynamism of the Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou

West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou — 2020 — WHE9B55BC6638

Heritage landscapes, such as Hangzhou's West Lake, are dynamic systems shaped by bio-physical and socio-historical processes. This study proposes a framework to analyze heritage ecology through four key coordinates: material originality, structural integrity, functional continuity, and representational value. It introduces three aesthetic levels—technical-ecological process, memory of urban ecology, and experience of ecological space—to deepen understanding of how heritage evolves and is perceived. The research applies this methodology to Hangzhou's hydrological restoration, demonstrating how heritage acts as an active spatial technique in cultural landscapes, bridging ecological and historical dimensions.

Some like it hot:Phallocryptus fahimiisp. n. (Crustacea: Anostraca: Thamnocephalidae) from the Lut desert, the hottest place on Earth

Lut Desert — 2020 — WHEA0F31CCB08

Scientists have discovered Phallocryptus fahimii, a new species of fairy shrimp endemic to the Lut Desert, recognized as the hottest place on Earth with surface temperatures reaching 78.2°C. This extreme habitat, characterized by shallow, ephemeral pools filled seasonally, harbors this resilient crustacean, which is closely related to its Mongolian counterpart, P. tserensodnomi. The species was identified through combined morphological and molecular genetic analyses, revealing distinctive male traits such as a long frontal organ and curved labral process. This discovery highlights the Lut Desert's unique biodiversity and contributes to our understanding of life in extreme environments.

Some Unpublished Lanterns in the Islamic Art Museum in Cairo "Analytical, Historical and Artistic Study"

Historic Cairo — 2020 — WHE1CA36C5939

A study of unpublished lanterns in the Islamic Art Museum, Cairo, reveals their significant historical and artistic value, often overlooked by researchers. These lanterns, typically oil lamps with bulbous bodies and flaming tops, were commonly used to illuminate mosques and architectural structures during Islamic times, often suspended in circular metal frames. The research employs a descriptive, historical, artistic, and analytical approach, examining the lanterns' structure, elements, and content through detailed interrogation. This methodology sheds light on their artistic styles and archaeological significance, contributing to the understanding of Islamic art and heritage preservation.

Sơn Truyền Thống trên Nghệ Thuật Trang Trí thời Nguyễn, Thực Trạng, Giải Pháp và Hướng Bảo Tồn

My Son Sanctuary — 2020 — WHEF5F454A910

Traditional lacquer art from the Nguyen Dynasty, used in decorative motifs at My Son Sanctuary and other imperial structures, retains its aesthetic and cultural significance despite over a century of use. This study reveals that these lacquered elements, characterized by their timeless hues and intricate designs, embody deep cultural values—Chân (truth), Thiện (kindness), and Mỹ (beauty)—while also serving spiritual purposes. Through field surveys, expert consultations, and archival research, the authors document the current state of traditional lacquer in historical sites like the Thai Hoa Palace and various mausoleums. They propose conservation strategies to preserve these artistic and cultural heritage elements, addressing both their material degradation and the need for sustainable restoration techniques.

Sorption and leaching characteristics of pesticides in volcanic ash soils of Jeju Island, Korea

Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes — 2020 — WHEA16B4F5222

Six pesticides, including alachlor and ethoprophos, were found to be highly mobile in volcanic ash soils of Jeju Island, posing a significant risk to groundwater contamination. This mobility was determined by their low distribution coefficients (Kd < 10 L kg−1) and high solubility (≥ 32 mg L−1), which distinguished them from other tested pesticides. The study used wick lysimeters to assess the leaching behavior of ten pesticides with varying physicochemical properties across three distinct soil types on Jeju Island, providing a predictive model for pesticide mobility in these unique volcanic soils. Strict control of pesticide use is recommended to mitigate environmental risks.

Sources of nitrous acid (HONO) in the upper boundary layer and lower free troposphere of the North China Plain: insights from the Mount Tai Observatory

Mount Taishan — 2020 — WHEFCB4A3AF0F

A study conducted at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Taishan (Mt. Tai), reveals that nitrous acid (HONO) acts as a significant source of atmospheric OH radicals, crucial for tropospheric chemistry, particularly in the upper boundary layer and lower free troposphere of the North China Plain (NCP). Unlike ground-level observations, HONO at Mt. Tai exhibited distinct diurnal patterns with broad noontime maxima and lower nighttime concentrations, attributed to planetary boundary layer evolution and valley breeze effects. The research identified a strong unknown daytime HONO source, with production rates of 0.45±0.25 ppb h⁻¹ in winter and 0.64±0.49 ppb h⁻¹ in spring, suggesting photo-enhanced heterogeneous conversion of NO₂ to HONO on aerosol surfaces as a dominant process. The findings highlight the critical role of HONO photolysis in OH radical production and atmospheric oxidation capacity, challenging models that rely solely on homogeneous sources.

Southern Ocean sentinels: demographic insights into the declining population of Southern elephant seals at Macquarie Island

Macquarie Island — 2020 — WHEAC02E4A1E0

A long-term decline in the Southern elephant seal population at Macquarie Island, unique among stable or growing populations globally, is driven by extreme reproductive costs that significantly reduce survival rates for both first-time and experienced breeders. This study, using an 18-year capture-recapture dataset of over 6,000 individually marked females, revealed that environmental conditions during the post-moult foraging trip—critical to pregnancy initiation—play a pivotal role in whether seals skip reproduction. Incorporating this finding into matrix population models confirmed and re-evaluated the population's decline, offering potential clues to its causes. The research highlights how evolutionary and ecological processes shape life histories in long-lived species, contributing to broader understanding of predator dynamics in the Southern Ocean.

Sovereignty after Slavery

National History Park – Citadel, Sans Souci, Ramiers — 2020 — WHE60675FE2BD

Archaeological research at the Sans-Souci Palace, royal residence of King Henry Christophe in post-revolutionary Haiti, reveals how political authority was creatively constructed through a blend of European material culture and Afro-Caribbean traditions. This study highlights a constellation of material practices that contributed to an emerging ideology of sovereignty after slavery, offering new insights into the complex nature of political authority during the Age of Revolutions.

Space structure features of the Couple’s retreat garden in the context of traditional private gardens of Suzhou

Classical Gardens of Suzhou — 2020 — WHE123D75DDA7

The Couple’s Retreat Garden in Suzhou stands out among classical private gardens due to its unique spatial structure, which diverges from the typical design of Qing Dynasty-era gardens. Unlike conventional layouts, it features three distinct sections—Western garden, central district, and Eastern garden—each centered around a stone mountain and designed for external observation rather than interactive exploration. This landscape garden was shaped significantly by Shen Bincheng, whose vision underpins its current form. The study meticulously analyzes its planning structure, revealing how it defies regional norms while embodying the aesthetic principles of the Jiangnan region.

Space Technology Facilitates the Preventive Monitoring and Preservation of the Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty: A Comparative Study of the Qingtongxia and Zhangjiakou Sections in China

The Great Wall — 2020 — WHE8A7E697218

A comparative analysis of two sections of the Great Wall—Qingtongxia and Zhangjiakou—reveals distinct degradation patterns driven by environmental factors. Using synthetic aperture radar interferometry, researchers found that surface deformation rates decreased from 2015 to 2018 along the observed corridor. In Qingtongxia, high winds and surface runoff significantly correlated with wall degradation (correlation coefficients: 0.582 for wind speed and 0.524 for elevation), while in Zhangjiakou, natural processes had negligible effects (coefficients near 0). This study underscores the potential of space technologies to enhance preventive monitoring and risk assessment for large-scale heritage sites like the Great Wall.

Spatial analysis on the recreation of wool retail spaces in Iranian markets (case study: Tabriz Grand Bazaar)

Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex — 2020 — WHE2B6FFDD250

A spatial analysis of wool retail spaces in the Tabriz Grand Bazaar reveals that leveraging past experiences can significantly enhance manufacturing activities within bazaar workshops, improving functional objectives. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating diverse institutions, precise planning for job creation and restoration, and organizing recreational spaces to boost public attraction. These steps contribute to the development of multifunctional spaces prioritizing production and reproduction, thereby reviving urban life. The research combines secondary data analysis with field observations, employing phenomenology and qualitative approaches to achieve its findings.

Spatial and temporal analysis of debris flow occurrence in three adjacent basins of the western margin of Grande River: Quebrada de Humahuaca, Jujuy, Argentina

Quebrada de Humahuaca — 2020 — WHE9EAD6E43AE

A catastrophic debris flow event on January 10, 2017, in the Los Filtros basin of Quebrada de Humahuaca, Argentina, resulted in severe damage and fatalities in the Volcán village, contrasting with minimal impacts in adjacent Coiruro and Del Medio basins. The study reveals that geological characteristics—such as Precambrian-age metaclastics, frost-weathered materials, and poorly consolidated Quaternary deposits—alongside basin morphometry (area, shape, relief, slope), were critical factors in the event's severity. The Melton ratio number was used to assess susceptibility to debris flows, highlighting spatial and temporal variations in landslide dynamics across the Central Andes. This research provides analytical methods for landslide prevention and risk management in similar arid mountainous regions.