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Showing 13281 – 13300 of 15962 publications

Suffrage and Smoke: The UK Parliamentary Archives’ Challenges in Caring for Collections Housed in the Palace of Westminster

Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church — 2020 — WHE469B841BE5

Managing collections within high-risk, heritage-designated buildings like the Palace of Westminster presents unique challenges for conservation and archival practices. This study highlights the complexities faced by the UK Parliamentary Archives during two significant projects: a temporary exhibition in UNESCO-listed Westminster Hall and legislatively mandated upgrades to storage spaces in Victoria Tower. The research reveals the necessity for tailored emergency planning, collaborative efforts between heritage teams and service departments, and the impact of building environments on collections. These projects underscore the delicate balance required when working within operational, ceremonial, and conservationally sensitive spaces, offering insights into the intersection of built heritage and collection management.

Suivi des déformations du massif rocheux sous la fondation de la pile VII du Pont du Gard

Pont du Gard (Roman Aqueduct) — 2020 — WHE3C480C8D08

A long-term monitoring study of the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct in France, reveals that seasonal temperature fluctuations significantly influence rock deformations beneath its foundations. Using instrumented bolts and temperature probes installed in the rocky support of Pile VII, researchers observed daily and seasonal variations linked to atmospheric conditions and river floods. These findings were corroborated by analytical simulations, explaining the magnitude of observed deformations. The study highlights the interplay between thermal effects and geological stability, offering insights into the structural behavior of this UNESCO-listed site under environmental stress.

Summer diet selection of a rock specialist: the Wolffsohn´s viscacha (Lagidium wolffsohni) in protected natural area of Pinturas River, Cueva de las Manos, Patagonia, Argentina

Cueva de las Manos, Río Pinturas — 2020 — WHE2B0C407305

A study of the Wolffsohn’s viscacha (Lagidium wolffsohni) in Patagonia, Argentina, reveals that this rock-specialist herbivore exhibits a highly selective summer diet, favoring grasses and specific shrubs near rocky outcrops. The research found that the viscacha's diet is narrow (Bst = 0.31 ± 0.04), with 81% composed of high-quality grasses such as Festuca pallescens, Pappostipa spp., and Poa spp., alongside the shrub Berberis heterophyla. This selective feeding behavior, similar to that of the southern vizcacha, suggests an adaptation to maximize nutrient intake while minimizing foraging effort. The study used microhistological analysis of fecal pellets from 83 groups and vegetation cover estimates on three rocky outcrops to assess diet composition and trophic specialization. These findings highlight the viscacha's reliance on specific food sources in summer, which may have implications for its conservation status, currently listed as Data Deficient by the IUCN.

Surface and underground fluvial activity in the Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak

Gunung Mulu National Park — 2020 — WHEC9E84E00AB

Gunung Mulu National Park's limestone hills harbor extensive fossil and active cave systems, shaped by complex fluvial activity both above and below ground. The study reveals that the region's drainage pattern was initially influenced by northwest tilting of the sedimentary prism but was later modified by active uplift along a northeast-southwest axis, forming an elongate dome centered on Gunung Mulu. This geological evolution explains the distribution of cave systems and terraces in the Melinau valley. The research integrates sedimentary sequences with surface and underground hydrology to reconstruct the park's dynamic geomorphological history.

Surveying and High-Resolution Topography of the Ochtiná Aragonite Cave Based on TLS and Digital Photogrammetry

Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst — 2020 — WHE9AC31D75CC

A groundbreaking survey of the Ochtiná Aragonite Cave, a UNESCO-listed karst phenomenon, reveals its intricate labyrinthine structure through advanced terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and digital photogrammetry. The cave's unique morphology—characterized by parallel tectonic halls, phreatic passages, and small-scale solution features—was mapped with unprecedented accuracy, providing critical data on its morphometry, including ground plan area, surface volume, and spatial dimensions. TLS enabled rapid field surveys of complex areas, while digital photogrammetry delivered high-resolution models for detailed small-scale analysis. These findings not only advance the understanding of cave genesis but also offer a foundation for environmental protection and sustainable tourism management.

Survivorship after flowering and flowering synchronicity of three cultivated Strobilanthes flexicaulis individuals from Iriomote Island, Japan

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2020 — WHE1196D5C2C3

A study on Strobilanthes flexicaulis, a monocarpic perennial plant from Iriomote Island, Japan, reveals that cultivation may alter its reproductive traits, shifting it toward polycarpy. The research observed three cultivated individuals, finding synchronized flowering initiation but variable termination among them and between treatments involving disbudding (flower bud removal). While disbudding did not affect survivorship, individual variation in reproductive traits suggests an intermediate evolutionary state between polycarpic perennials and periodical mass-flowering plants. This study sheds light on how cultivation influences the reproductive strategies of this species.

Susa mint: 311-301 BC

Susa — 2020 — WHEBC8225A486

A synchronous event across Seleukos’s mints in Babylonia and Susiana, marked by the erasure of the anchor symbol on the last reverse dies of Group 7 coins, provides a precise chronological peg for the final issues of Alexandrine coinage from the Susa mint (311–304/3 BC). This discovery updates the dating of these coins by a decade relative to previous proposals. The study identifies three distinct groups of coinage issued during this period: Groups 5 and 6, which bear a laurel wreath symbol (with Group 6 featuring additional symbols) and were struck simultaneously during the Babylonian War (c. 311/0–309/8 BC), and Group 7, characterized by the anchor symbol that replaced the laurel wreath post-war. The research employs a die study approach to analyze these groups, revealing insights into the chronological and symbolic evolution of Seleukos’s early coinage.

Sustainability and Visitor Management in Tourist Historic Cities

Historic City of Toledo — 2020 — WHE251B4B576E

A Special Issue on ‘Sustainability and Visitor Management in Tourist Historic Cities’ presents innovative methods to assess tourism impacts, focusing on environmental, physical, cultural, and social effects. It highlights the use of big data technology for measuring these impacts and examines resident perceptions and conflicts arising from tourism activities. The collection includes case studies from historic cities such as Toledo (Spain), Venice (Italy), and Porto (Portugal), providing practical tools and policy recommendations for sustainable tourism management. By addressing emerging trends, this work offers actionable insights to mitigate negative social problems while promoting balanced visitor experiences.

Sustainability of the Dujiangyan Irrigation System for over 2000 Years–A Numerical Investigation of the Water and Sediment Dynamic Diversions

Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System — 2020 — WHE085AA24D7B

A numerical investigation reveals the hydrodynamic and topographical mechanisms that have sustained the Dujiangyan Irrigation System (DIS) for over 2300 years, allowing it to automatically divert water and sediment while mitigating flood risks. The study demonstrates how the system leverages natural features—such as river morphology and hydrology—to discharge excess sediment and floodwater downstream, ensuring environmental sustainability without human intervention. Researchers developed a two-phase flow model based on Shallow Water Equations (SWEs) and coupled it with a Sediment Mass (SM) model to simulate fluid and sediment dynamics under varying discharge conditions. Findings highlight the system's ability to harness natural forces for long-term resilience, offering insights into ancient engineering solutions that remain effective today.

Sustainable and Integrated Urban Planning and Governance in Metropolitan and Medium-Sized Cities

Historic Centre of Évora — 2020 — WHE8D4A97406F

Integrated Strategies for Sustainable Urban Development (ISUD) can drive sustainable strategic planning in both metropolitan and medium-sized cities, but their effectiveness is hindered by limited citizen and stakeholder involvement. A comparative study of Barcelona and Évora reveals that while ISUD provides a framework for addressing socioeconomic challenges—such as depopulation in Évora or neighborhood disparities in Barcelona—it struggles to fully engage local stakeholders during planning and implementation. The analysis highlights the need for stronger participatory approaches to align ISUD with broader policy goals, including territorial cohesion, raising questions about its potential to reverse depopulation trends in medium-sized towns.

Sustainable City Geometries: Sacred Geometry of Ritual Space, Architecture and City Landscape in Kandy, Sri Lanka

Sacred City of Kandy — 2020 — WHE5022BA86D3

A groundbreaking analysis of Kandy's Esala Perahera rituals reveals that the sacred city's geometry and architecture embody sustainable urban principles through intricate spatial relationships. The study demonstrates how 15-day ritual performances establish deeper dimensions of sacred geometries, linking people, temples, rivers, valleys, and mountains in a spiritually resonant landscape. By employing multidimensional geometrical analysis—spanning two, three, and higher dimensions—the research uncovers the spiritual and physical layers of Kandy's cityscape, contrasting traditional sacred geographies with modern developments. This approach strengthens phenomenological, anthropological, and ethnographical insights, offering new perspectives on how ritual spaces can inform sustainable urban design.

Sustainable Conservation of the Coal Mining Town: Ombilin Sawahlunto West Sumatra Indonesia Context

Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto — 2020 — WHEC3724F9BAB

Sawahlunto, a historic coal-mining town in West Sumatra, Indonesia, stands as a testament to Dutch colonial infrastructure from the late 19th century. Its well-preserved railway, mining structures, and harbor have become pivotal for historical tourism, drawing global attention. A qualitative observational study identifies sustainable conservation strategies to maintain its UNESCO World Heritage potential while integrating it into cultural heritage management frameworks. The research proposes a development plan that balances preservation with new functions as a tourism destination, ensuring long-term sustainability.

Sustainable Cultural Heritage Planning and Management of Overtourism in Art Cities: Lessons from Atlas World Heritage

Historic Centre of Florence — 2020 — WHEBACBDF202B

Overtourism poses significant threats to the sustainability of Art Cities, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Florence. A study, conducted as part of the Atlas Project in 2019, identified nine best practices for managing tourism flows and promoting residents' quality of life. These strategies focus on accommodation policies, monitoring tactics, and promotional offerings, addressing common management challenges faced by European Art Cities such as Edinburgh, Bordeaux, Porto, and Santiago de Compostela. The research highlights gaps in current strategies regarding environmental concerns, climate change impacts, crisis management, and cultural development plans, suggesting the need for further investigation to enhance heritage planning processes.

Sustainable Development Framework of Historical Cities. a Case Study: City of Soltaniyeh.Iran

Soltaniyeh — 2020 — WHEFB7734B1C9

A sustainable development framework for historical cities, exemplified by Soltaniyeh, Iran, reveals that integrating historical, cultural, social, natural, and climatic principles into architectural design can preserve the city's heritage while fostering modern urbanization. The study demonstrates how a research-based approach—analyzing past projects and synthesizing diverse data—can guide an integrated design process that aligns contemporary architecture with Soltaniyeh’s rich background. This methodology offers a replicable model for balancing development with historical integrity in small, culturally significant cities.

Sustainable Development of the Historic Centre of Naples: The Impact of Vehicular Traffic and Food Service Business on Air Quality

Historic Centre of Naples — 2020 — WHE958203C1E0

A four-week monitoring campaign in Naples' historic center revealed that vehicular traffic significantly elevates fine particle (FP) concentrations, with levels on streets allowing average traffic being twice those observed in comparable European cities. Pedestrian-only streets exhibited FP levels similar to other urban areas, while spatial analysis indicated minimal contribution from food service businesses to overall pollution, though emissions were not measured at rooftop level. The study also found a correlation between street aspect ratio (H/W) and FP concentration, suggesting that street geometry plays a critical role in air quality dynamics. These preliminary findings underscore the need for long-term monitoring to inform sustainable development strategies for this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sustainable Development of World Cultural Heritage Tourism——Take Yungang Grottoes as an Example

Yungang Grottoes — 2020 — WHE10B6B94C49

Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its intricate Buddhist carvings blending Chinese and Western artistic traditions, faces increasing pressure from rising tourism numbers. Research indicates that sustainable development of such cultural heritage sites requires balancing preservation with innovation while engaging stakeholders like governments, institutions, media, citizens, and tourists. The study suggests that integrating protection, utilization, inheritance, and innovation can enhance the site's appeal and promote long-term stability in China's tourism sector. This approach aims to alleviate environmental and operational pressures while improving visitor experiences.

Sustainable Peeling of Kapok Tree (Ceiba pentandra) Bark by the Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) of Comoé National Park, Ivory Coast

Comoé National Park — 2020 — WHEF93B96694E

Researchers discovered that chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) in Comoé National Park, Ivory Coast, sustainably peel the bark of kapok trees (Ceiba pentandra) to access the cambium beneath, a behavior observed across multiple communities and age/sex classes. This activity occurs primarily during late rainy and early dry seasons when other food sources are scarce, suggesting an adaptive strategy to avoid resource depletion. Unlike baboons (Papio anubis), which consume the bark itself, chimpanzees target the cambium, with most peeled trees healing within two years without permanent damage. Only 6% of trees were reexploited after a year, indicating a sustainable use pattern. The study highlights parallels between chimpanzee and human past resource exploitation in harsh environments, underscoring the ecological significance of such behaviors.

Sustainable Use and Conservation of the Environmental Resources of the Etna Park (UNESCO Heritage): Evaluation Model Supporting Sustainable Local Development Strategies

Mount Etna — 2020 — WHE18A62E9C8F

Mount Etna faces the challenge of balancing environmental protection with sustainable local development. A study published in Sustainability (2020) introduces an innovative approach using 'rough sets' theory to guide policy-making for Etna Park. This method helps formulate strategies that integrate traditional agro-silvo-pastoral activities and other human endeavors while ensuring environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The research demonstrates how active community participation can enhance specific territorial resources, mitigating the impacts of human activity in protected areas. By providing a framework to navigate the complexities of sustainable development, this model offers valuable insights for managing similar UNESCO sites globally.

Symbolic Use of Domestic Space in the Upper Svanetian (Georgia) Vernacular House

Upper Svaneti — 2020 — WHE6BDF170290

Upper Svaneti, a remote region in Georgia’s Caucasus Mountains, has preserved ancient cultural traditions and rituals, including those tied to gender-specific domestic spaces. Research reveals that the traditional Svanetian house (machubi), characterized by its single-volume design, uses its central fireplace as a symbolic axis dividing male and female spaces within the machub (ground floor). This study, part of the 3DPast project, employs architectonic survey and documentary analysis to interpret these spatial dynamics through space anthropology. The findings highlight how isolation and military settlement structures in Upper Svaneti contributed to the preservation of archaic practices, such as animal sacrifices and blood feuds, while also shaping gendered domestic rituals—particularly those performed by women. The machub’s design reflects a layered cultural history, blending practical living needs with deep-rooted symbolic meanings.

Synergy of High-Resolution Radar and Optical Images Satellite for Identification and Mapping of Wetland Macrophytes on the Danube Delta

Danube Delta — 2020 — WHEEB69973360

A combination of Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2, and Pleiades satellite data can accurately map wetland macrophytes in the Danube Delta, with reed (Phragmites australis) distinguishable from other aquatic plants at over 90% accuracy. The study found that time series analysis of Sentinel-1's backscatter coefficients effectively separates reed classes, while interferometric coherence aids in detecting cut reed. Random forest classification using optical and radar data, alongside in situ observations, successfully discriminated reed from submerged, emergent, floating broad-leaved, and floating vegetation. While the approach improves mapping accuracy for most macrophyte communities, Myriophyllum spicatum L. remained challenging to classify.