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Showing 13621 – 13640 of 15962 publications

Unrealised monumental sculpture as an architectural and artistic component of urban planning concepts on the example of the Bolshoy Moskvoretsky bridge

Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow — 2020 — WHECE944E41D5

The Bolshoy Moskvoretsky bridge, intended as a pivotal structure in Moscow's 1935 General Plan, was designed to symbolize the ideological hub of world communism and lead to Red Square. However, its artistic realization remained incomplete due to creative conflicts between architect A.V. Shchusev and sculptor V.I. Mukhina. This study reveals that unimplemented urban planning concepts can significantly impact the formation of a capital city by analyzing the bridge's design stages and the consequences of its non-implementation. Using methods such as graphical virtual reconstruction, system-structural analysis, and formal-logical research, the study provides insights into the potential effects of abandoned monumental projects on urban development.

Unusual silicate mineralization in fumarolic sublimates of the Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia – Part 1: Neso-, cyclo-, ino- and phyllosilicates

Volcanoes of Kamchatka — 2020 — WHE2A7E248DB9

Researchers have uncovered unusual arsenic-rich silicate mineralization within fumarolic sublimates of the Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, marking a significant advancement in understanding high-temperature volcanic processes. This study provides the first systematic data on fumarolic-origin silicates, including nesosilicates (e.g., forsterite, andradite), cyclosilicates (a Cu,Zn-rich roedderite analogue), inosilicates (e.g., enstatite, diopside, aegirine-augite), and phyllosilicates (e.g., fluorophlogopite, yanzhuminite). The findings highlight unique crystal-chemical features and the distribution of these minerals in active fumaroles, challenging conventional knowledge about their formation. The study also offers evidence supporting the fumarolic origin of such mineralization, contributing to broader insights into volcanic activity and mineral diversity.

Updating records of a threatened felid species of the Argentinian Patagonia: the Guigna Leopardus guigna (Molina, 1782) (Mammalia: Carnivora: Felidae) in Los Alerces National Park

Los Alerces National Park — 2020 — WHE36C6E1855B

Researchers have documented two new, reliable records of the Guigna (Leopardus guigna), a small, endangered felid native to Argentina and Chile's Valdivian Temperate Forests. These sightings occurred in Los Alerces National Park, Chubut Province, marking the southernmost confirmed presence of the species within a protected area. One individual was found dead near Amutui Quimei Lake, while another was captured in a trap near Menéndez Lake, both in Nothofagus-dominated forest habitats close to watercourses. The study underscores the critical need for habitat connectivity between protected areas, particularly in regions with significant human activity, to ensure long-term Guigna population viability. Further fieldwork is recommended to expand knowledge on its distribution, ecology, and habitat use.

Upland Peatlands of Eastern Australia as Important Water Storage Reservoirs

Greater Blue Mountains Area — 2020 — WHE290C7D3F99

Upland peatlands within the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area serve as critical water storage reservoirs, holding up to 60,600 ± 33,500 megaliters (ML) of water across the region. A detailed study of Lake Baraba in Thirlmere Lakes National Park revealed a local storage capacity of 150 ± 17.3 ML, underscoring their significance even during dry periods. The research quantified these systems' water-holding potential using peat depth measurements and water content calculations, providing empirical evidence for their role in maintaining water supply resilience. These findings highlight the urgent need to conserve peatlands amid climate change and anthropogenic threats, given their vital function in Sydney's water catchment.

Upper Elk Point subgroup paleogeography and evaporite distribution with implications for evaporite dissolution, karstification, and carbonate diagenesis in northeastern Alberta

Wood Buffalo National Park — 2020 — WHE3C712811AD

A new paleogeographic reconstruction of the Upper Elk Point subgroup in northeastern Alberta reveals critical insights into evaporite dissolution, karstification, and carbonate diagenesis. The study identifies the La Crete sub-basin as a hotspot for active gypsification—where anhydrite rehydrates to gypsum due to meteoric inflow—and links this process to the formation of porous dedolomite zones in carbonates. These zones act as aquifers, contributing high-salinity Devonian water inflows to oil sands mine pits. Detailed net-thickness mapping of halite, anhydrite, and gypsum shows that sulphate dissolution progresses top-down, with circular karst lakes serving as surface indicators of underlying meteoric conduits. This research provides a robust framework for understanding evaporite distribution, dissolution patterns, and their implications for both geological processes and economic impacts in the region.

Urban biocultural identity of Yorubas

Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove — 2020 — WHED594B9ACF4

A close connection exists between the sacred worship of the Osun goddess and nature within the UNESCO-listed Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, revealing a biocultural relationship that blends material and metaphysical elements. This study explores how Yoruba philosophy, rooted in mythology, influences urban dwellers' wellbeing through ecosystem services like provisioning and socio-cultural benefits. By analyzing qualitative data from the grove, researchers found that traditional beliefs and nature are intertwined, offering culturally driven strategies for sustaining biocultural identity amid urbanization.

Urban gentrification and its impacts on urban and architectural heritage appropriation: Marrakesh medina

Medina of Marrakesh — 2020 — WHE84FBA78AAD

Urban gentrification in Marrakesh's medina reshapes social and spatial dynamics while preserving its unique cultural identity. The study reveals that despite economic and social transformations, the medina retains a strong sense of belonging for inhabitants, a critical value that must be protected amid global urban changes. Researchers analyzed data from participatory observation and field interviews (2018–2019) alongside bibliographic sources to assess how gentrification affects architectural heritage appropriation. The findings underscore the need to balance cultural diversity with the preservation of the medina's distinct social, urban, and architectural specificities, ensuring its continued uniqueness as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Urban Geotourism in Poland

Historic Centre of Kraków — 2020 — WHE3F6E1D0AF0

Urban geotourism in Poland, particularly in cities with rich cultural heritage and geodiversity, has shown significant potential for tourism growth. A study highlights that while urban geotourism is gaining traction in large cities like Kraków, Kielce, and Wrocław, as well as in postindustrial regions such as Lower and Upper Silesia, its development remains largely spontaneous and often lacks strategic planning or management. The research emphasizes the untapped geoeducational potential of many Polish towns, which could be leveraged to boost tourism and economic benefits if properly recognized and managed by local governments.

Urban planning and tourism in European cities

Budapest, including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue — 2020 — WHEE7E84D3545

European capital cities, designed to represent nations both domestically and internationally, face growing challenges as tourism intensifies. This special issue reveals that while these cities boast monumental architecture and cultural heritage, they also grapple with questions of representation, social carrying capacity, and economic sustainability. Through nine case studies—spanning Berlin, Paris, Vienna, Barcelona, Lisbon, Prague, Budapest, Skopje, and other Macedonian cities—the research examines the evolving relationship between urban planning and tourism, highlighting regional disparities in Europe's geographic distribution. The findings underscore the need for balanced development that accommodates both heritage preservation and the increasing demands of modern tourism.

Urban planning objects of protection as a component of the system of protection of the world heritage object

Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments — 2020 — WHE70BDE59BE5

A comprehensive system for protecting urban planning objects within UNESCO World Heritage Sites has been developed, focusing on the historic center of Saint Petersburg. The study identifies key components such as individual cultural heritage objects and their ensembles, using notable examples like Kirov Department Store, G. F. Voldt’s Summer house, and the Estate of E. I. Lopukhina ('Aspen Grove') to illustrate its approach. By analyzing these sites, the research provides a methodological framework for defining and safeguarding complex heritage areas, ensuring their preservation while maintaining their cultural significance.

Urban Primacy; Historical Cities; Cultural Tourism; Rehabilitation; Historical City of Zabid.

Historic Town of Zabid — 2020 — WHED89E5404B4

Historical cities, such as Zabid—a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993—face significant urban challenges due to the dominance of larger metropolitan areas. This phenomenon, known as urban primacy, leads to deterioration in historical infrastructure, loss of cultural identity, and diminished economic benefits for local communities. The study proposes a development strategy to counteract these declines by preserving authenticity while enhancing tourism and cultural appeal. Using an analytical-descriptive approach, it examines Zabid's urban transformation through two frameworks: one descriptive, tracking historical features and changes, and another analytical, offering solutions to revitalize degraded environments. The research aims to restore Zabid's role as a vibrant cultural and tourist hub, addressing the broader issue of historical city preservation in the face of modern urban pressures.

Urban Reforms, Cultural Goods and the Valongo Wharf Circle: Understanding Intervention in Rio de Janeiro's Port Area

Valongo Wharf Archaeological Site — 2020 — WHE53018A59A6

A groundbreaking approach using capoeira as both a tool for engagement and analysis revealed the complex, enduring legacies of Rio de Janeiro’s Valongo Wharf, particularly its role in racial discrimination and urban redevelopment cycles. The study demonstrates how this cultural practice can disrupt everyday dynamics in the port area, offering new insights into the selective valorization of cultural goods and their impact on urban history. By analyzing 'products' from the 2012–2016 Valongo Wharf Circle project, researchers uncovered the contingencies and transformations that reshape our understanding of Rio’s port heritage.

Use and management of wild fauna by people of the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley and surrounding areas, Mexico

Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley: originary habitat of Mesoamerica — 2020 — WHE8965D12E1E

The Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley (TCV) in Mexico, recognized for its high biodiversity and ancient agricultural significance, supports 652 vertebrate species and 765 insect species. A study reveals that 107 wild animal species are used by local communities—primarily Nahua, Cuicatec, Popolocan, Ixcatec, Mazatec, and Mestizo—for food (65.42%), ornamental (27.52%), and medicinal (21.10%) purposes. These practices include manual capture, hunting, trapping, relocation, and captivity care, with some involving temporal or spatial planning and communal regulations. The research, based on a review of 38 documents and case studies from 1967 to 2018, highlights the valley's biocultural significance while identifying gaps in ethnozoological knowledge for Mixtec, Chinantec, and Chocholtec groups. Nearly 178 species used elsewhere in Mesoamerica remain undocumented in this region.

Use of public Earth observation data for tracking progress in sustainable management of coastal forest ecosystems in Belize, Central America

Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System — 2020 — WHED67ECFC6FC

A study using public Earth observation data reveals that the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System (BBRRS) experienced significantly lower mangrove loss compared to areas outside the reserve. Between 1996 and 2017, the BBRRS lost approximately 89 hectares of mangroves, while outside the BBRRS, the loss was 2703 hectares during the same period. Nationwide, Belize's overall mangrove cover declined by 5.4% over 36 years, from 76,250 hectares in 1980 to 72,169 hectares in 2017. The research highlights that almost 75% of the mangrove loss outside the BBRRS was concentrated in zones associated with tourism infrastructure. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of Earth observation systems in tracking progress toward Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Targets 15.2 and 14.2, providing a use case for monitoring changes in baseline data to support sustainable management of coastal ecosystems.

Using a Bayesian Multistate Occupancy Model to Assess Seabird and Shorebird Status in Glacier Bay, Alaska

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek — 2020 — WHED1AA69034C

A Bayesian multistate occupancy model revealed that seabird and shorebird occupancy probabilities vary significantly across species and habitats—such as islands versus glacial outwashes—in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska. The study found strong site persistence for most species, with occupancy more likely at sites previously occupied. While area closures showed weak evidence of impact on species occurrence, detection probability differed notably between survey methods (ground vs. vessel) and among states (occupancy, nesting, abundance). This approach optimized the use of existing survey data, offering insights to improve future monitoring efficiency by identifying preferred survey methods and sampling periods for specific waterbird species.

Using an expert judgment response matrix to assess the risk of groundwater discharges from remediated fuel spill sites to the marine environment at sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island, Australia

Macquarie Island — 2020 — WHE6F23282F22

Residual contamination from remediated fuel spill sites at Macquarie Island poses minimal risk to adjacent marine communities, according to a comprehensive toxicity assessment. The study, using an expert judgment response matrix, found that even under worst-case exposure conditions—undiluted and continuous—native marine invertebrates showed variable and slow responses, with some species exhibiting no adverse effects. Natural site dynamics, such as rapid dilution due to high rainfall and energetic receiving environments, further mitigate potential risks. While toxicity was observed in certain species over extended periods (up to 21 days), no consistent patterns linked to hydrocarbon concentrations were identified. This research provides robust evidence that residual groundwater contamination at remediated sites is unlikely to harm marine ecosystems, offering critical insights for environmental risk assessment in sub-Antarctic regions.

Using Flickr Geotagged Photos to Estimate Visitor Trajectories in World Heritage Cities

Historic City of Toledo — 2020 — WHE5C4FC8FB29

Research reveals that tourist spatial behavior in World Heritage Cities, such as Toledo (Spain), is significantly influenced by the location of attractions and mixed-use areas. Using thousands of geotagged Flickr photos, advanced GIS techniques reconstructed visitor trajectories, identifying overcrowded streets and underexplored 'shadow areas.' Findings underscore how urban environments shape tourist movement, offering new insights for managing heritage assets and mitigating overcrowding effects in touristified cities.

Using genetics to plan black rat (Rattus rattus) management in Fernando de Noronha archipelago, Brazil

Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves — 2020 — WHEFA1E77308F

Genetic analysis reveals that black rat populations on two islands within the Fernando de Noronha archipelago, Brazil, exhibit significant differentiation with minimal or no gene flow between them. This finding suggests that if rats were eradicated from Rata Island, reinvasion from the main island is unlikely. The study employed D-Loop sequences and 14 microsatellite markers to assess genetic connectivity, providing critical insights for targeted conservation efforts. These results support the implementation of a rat eradication program on Rata Island, following the success of a similar initiative on nearby Meio Island.

Using GIS and DANP in detecting potential areas for Sinkholes

Bisotun — 2020 — WHED513B8D099

A high-accuracy method combining GIS and DANP successfully identifies sinkholes and potential formation areas with 98.73% correctness, revealing vegetation (22.59%), elevation (12.12%), and lithology (11.94%) as critical factors in the Bisotun-Parav Karstic Basin—vital for water resources in Kermanshah. While completeness (79.86%) and quality (79%) metrics suggest some unaccounted areas, the approach remains robust for detecting both existing and potential sinkholes, offering a precise tool for karst management.

Using local actors’ perceptions to evaluate a conservation tool: the case of the Mexican compensation scheme for predation in Calakmul

Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche — 2020 — WHE0971EB2B8A

A compensation scheme for carnivore depredation on livestock in Calakmul, Mexico, shows that while three-quarters of livestock producers are aware of the scheme, only half understand its functionality. Satisfaction with the scheme's operation is linked to ease of contacting staff, whereas satisfaction with results depends on trust in staff. This insight was derived from a research-action approach involving 165 questionnaires and participatory workshops, which revealed key criteria for local actors' evaluations. Recommendations include targeting information to areas where awareness is low and vulnerability to predation is high.