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Publications

Showing 13661 – 13680 of 15962 publications

Venice and Overtourism: Simulating Sustainable Development Scenarios through a Tourism Carrying Capacity Model

Venice and its Lagoon — 2020 — WHE819F1A9D0F

A fuzzy linear programming model offers a nuanced approach to balancing tourism's economic benefits and its negative impacts on destinations, as demonstrated by its application to Venice. This methodology addresses data uncertainty by incorporating fuzzy numbers derived from surveys of both tourists and residents, providing a more flexible framework than traditional 'crisp' models. The study highlights that such an approach can help destinations like Venice better understand the challenges of sustainable tourism development, evaluate policy impacts on sustainability, and design strategies for managing tourist flows more effectively. By simulating scenarios that maximize monetary gains while controlling undesirable tourism effects, this model presents a practical tool for policymakers to navigate the complexities of overtourism.

Vers une approche psychoacoustique et qualitative des paysages sonores de la commune de Sidi Bou Saïd

Village of Sidi Bou Saïd — 2020 — WHE72D781D561

A novel psychoacoustical and qualitative approach to assessing urban soundscapes has been successfully demonstrated in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sidi Bou Saïd. This study highlights the feasibility of combining quantitative acoustic measurements with subjective perceptions from local stakeholders, revealing that such an integrated method can effectively capture the complexity of sound environments in dense urban settings. The findings underscore the importance of blending objective data with qualitative insights to fully understand and preserve the auditory character of heritage landscapes.

Victor Horta’s Hôtel Tassel: The symbolism of the glasshouse and vegetal life

Major Town Houses of the Architect Victor Horta (Brussels) — 2020 — WHE85D1B6E71F

Victor Horta’s Hôtel Tassel (1893–1895) stands as a pioneering work in architecture, blending symbolic depth with innovative design. The study reveals that the building’s interior—particularly its sky-lit staircase and vegetal motifs—encapsulates a broader 19th-century environmental consciousness, drawing from glasshouse aesthetics, evolving scientific views of nature, and masonic symbolism. While Horta contributed his architectural expertise, client Émile Tassel, a scientist, anchored the design in contemporary biological theories and artistic interpretations of nature, especially those inspired by 'Far Eastern' influences. This interplay between architecture, science, and art underscores how the Hôtel Tassel transcends its time, embodying poetic communion with natural forces.

Vie Francigene for All?

Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France — 2020 — WHE3ACDF905F3

Over 60 million European citizens and more than 300 million international tourists with specific needs face barriers to accessing cultural heritage sites, including the Via Francigena—a historic pilgrimage route. Despite Italy's advanced legal framework for accessibility (e.g., Plans to Remove Architectural Barriers), persistent gaps remain, particularly in touristic practices. This study highlights how solutions designed for those with disabilities often benefit the broader community, as seen with voice-activated phones or remote controls. By analyzing Italian and European good practices, it argues that inclusive design can transform the Via Francigena into a model for universal tourism, akin to France's Santiago de Compostela route, which attracts 300,000+ pilgrims annually. The research evaluates physical and cultural barriers to propose sustainable, resilient solutions for all.

Villages with Fortified Churches in Transylvania: Architecture, History and Intangible Culture

Villages with Fortified Churches in Transylvania — 2020 — WHEDD9C6670AB

A unique and well-preserved German (Saxon) heritage exists in southern Transylvania, Romania, where seven fortified villages—Biertan, Câlnic, Dârjiu, Prejmer, Saschiz, Valea Viilor, and Viscri—stand as a testament to nearly nine centuries of cultural and architectural influence. These UNESCO-listed sites, studied under the project '3d Past, Living & virtual visiting European World Heritage,' offer an unparalleled example of European medieval craftsmanship and feudal autonomy. The research analyzes conservation strategies to ensure the authenticity and integrity of these sites, contributing to their long-term preservation.

Virtual Avebury: exploring sense of place in a virtual archaeology simulation

Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites — 2020 — WHE08DA38AD3A

A virtual reality simulation of Avebury Stone Circle and Henge, dating to circa 2300 BCE, revealed that believability significantly enhances the sense of place experienced by visitors. The study involved over 1200 public participants, who interacted with the simulation through exploration, sensory stimulation, and communication. Analysis of questionnaire data from 388 visitors showed that personal characteristics such as age, gender, or familiarity with technology had minimal impact on enjoyment or learning outcomes. This suggests that immersive simulations could broaden accessibility to heritage sites, appealing to diverse audiences regardless of demographic factors.

Visitor Management in World Heritage Destinations before and after Covid-19, Angkor

Angkor — 2020 — WHEE2DEF3A995

Visitor management at UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Angkor, must now integrate public health goals alongside traditional sustainability objectives. This study reveals that COVID-19 has introduced a new dimension to visitor strategies, requiring collaboration among tourism authorities and health agencies. While pre-pandemic approaches focused on balancing economic, social, and environmental factors, post-COVID-19 management demands proactive risk mitigation. The research employed qualitative methods, including participant observation for pre-COVID-19 data and expert recommendations for post-pandemic strategies, using grounded theory and Atlas.ti software for analysis. Findings highlight potential conflicts between public health measures and other sustainability goals, particularly economic and social objectives, while emphasizing the need to adapt to a 'risk society' paradigm.

Visitor Perception and Expectation of Heritage Tourism at Mahabalipuram Monuments

Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram — 2020 — WHE7D95AEAC70

A significant gap exists between visitors' expectations and their perceived experience at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram, highlighting challenges for sustainable heritage tourism. The study assessed tourist motives, expectations, and post-visit perceptions using structured questionnaires, focusing on five key aspects (5A's) to evaluate destination competitiveness. Findings reveal discrepancies in visitor experiences that could inform better positioning and planning strategies for the site. This research underscores the importance of aligning visitor expectations with actual heritage tourism offerings to enhance satisfaction and preservation efforts.

Visitors' experience at Angkor Wat, Cambodia: evidence from sentiment and topic analysis

Angkor — 2020 — WHE635A43C88E

A comprehensive analysis of visitor experiences at Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and top-rated global landmark, reveals overwhelmingly positive sentiments among travelers. Using big data analytics on 32,394 TripAdvisor reviews from 2015 to 2019, researchers found that themes like sunset/sunrise views, temple structures, guided tours, and immersive experiences correlated with high ratings (four or five stars). Conversely, negative sentiments were tied to crowding, persistent selling, clothing restrictions, and expenses. These insights provide actionable data for site managers to enhance visitor satisfaction through targeted marketing and operational adjustments.

Visual performances of power in the period of the Danish crusades

Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem — 2020 — WHE5E568F057D

A notable finding in the Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem, reveals how visual art served as a tool for asserting power during the Danish crusades. Marble columns depicting biblical figures and early Christian saints, including a Norwegian king adorned with Byzantine regalia but bearing Norman insignia, illustrate the fusion of warrior imagery with ecclesiastical authority. This artistic adaptation reflects contemporary ideals of rulership, blending crusade contexts with the aspirations of emerging Christian elites, such as those in Gniezno (Poland) and Schleswig (Denmark). The study analyzes architectural and iconographic elements to demonstrate how visual performances reinforced political ambitions within a limited elite circle during this period.

Visualising folk religion and ancestor worship at A-Ma temple in Macau, China

Historic Centre of Macao — 2020 — WHE463A8E4446

A-Ma Temple in Macau, China, serves as a focal point for folk religion and ancestor worship practices, offering a visual and reflective exploration of these traditions. Through seven images captured during a visit to the temple, the essay delves into the historical significance and religious adherence associated with this coastal region. It highlights the lore behind A-Ma Temple, particularly its role in ancestor worship, providing insights into cultural and spiritual practices that have persisted over centuries. The approach combines visual documentation with historical context, offering a unique perspective on how these traditions are maintained and expressed in contemporary Macau.

Visualization of the metaphor of "Church Year" in art decoration of Venets Khrystov by Antoniy Radyvylovskyi

Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra — 2020 — WHE483FFF9DF4

A study reveals that the Venets Khrystov (1688) by Antoniy Radyvylovskyi, produced at Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra's printing house, employs Baroque aesthetics to transform traditional sermon illustrations into a metaphorical representation of the Church Year. Through a structural and semiotic analysis, researchers found that 53 narrative engravings—previously used in homiletic collections—were repurposed to symbolize the annual cycle of church services as a 'rose crown' gifted to the Savior. This innovation in Ukrainian book culture of the 17th century demonstrates the influence of Baroque style on visual metaphorization, blending graphic and verbal elements to create a cohesive artistic device. The research highlights a previously understudied aspect of Ukrainian typography, offering new insights into how Baroque aesthetics reshaped religious literature.

Vittorio De Sica e La porta del cielo. Un pellegrinaggio a Loreto ricostruito nella basilica di San Paolo fuori le Mura nel clima dell’occupazione di Roma del 1944 / Vittorio De Sica and La porta del cielo. A pilgrimage to Loreto staged in the basilica of San Paolo fuori le Mura in the atmosphere of the occupied Rome in 1944

Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura — 2020 — WHEA275779396

Vittorio De Sica's film La porta del cielo (1944) offers a unique lens into the intersection of religious pilgrimage, wartime survival, and cinematic innovation. Shot entirely within Rome during its 1944 occupation, the film reconstructs a journey to Loreto's Holy House within the extraterritorial confines of San Paolo fuori le Mura Basilica, circumventing dangerous external filming due to war. De Sica's work anticipates neorealism by focusing on the daily struggles of sick pilgrims and their companions, while also providing refuge for over 400 marginalized individuals—including Jews, political dissidents, and draft dodgers—who used the film production as a means to evade Nazi round-ups. The study highlights how cultural production during conflict can serve both artistic innovation and survival, blending historical documentation with narrative experimentation.

Vocal convergence in a multi-level primate society: insights into the evolution of vocal learning

Niokolo-Koba National Park — 2020 — WHECB2C047212

Research on Guinea baboons (Papio papio) in Niokolo-Koba National Park reveals that vocal convergence—where males within the same social groups produce more acoustically similar grunts—is driven by increased social interactions rather than genetic relatedness. This implicit form of vocal learning, observed across multi-level societies with nested units and gangs, suggests a shared sensory-motor integration mechanism between these primates and humans, distinct from the explicit, goal-directed vocal learning unique to human speech. The study analyzed 351 dyads within and between gangs and 169 dyads within and between parties, finding small but significant effects of social structure on grunt similarity, which did not correlate with genetic relatedness.

Volcano Crisis Management at Piton de la Fournaise (La Réunion) during the COVID-19 Lockdown

Pitons Management Area — 2020 — WHEE647DCE01E

During the COVID-19 lockdown, Piton de la Fournaise volcano's eruption (2–6 April 2020) demonstrated the feasibility of managing volcanic crises entirely through remote monitoring. The Observatoire Volcanologique du Piton de la Fournaise (OVPF) successfully maintained real-time data collection and stakeholder communication using teleworking, satellite observations, and field instruments without physical access to the site. This validated the robustness of its monitoring networks during a double crisis—volcanic activity and pandemic restrictions—highlighting the potential for remote volcanic surveillance in future emergencies.

Volodymyr the Great and Anna Porphyrogenita as “New Constantine and Helena” in the Fresco Paintings of St. Sophia of Kyiv

Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra — 2020 — WHE4FAE496B4F

A new analysis of the fresco paintings in St. Sophia Cathedral, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, reveals that Prince Volodymyr the Great and his consort Anna Porphyrogenita were symbolically linked to Emperor Constantine the Great and his mother Helena, reflecting their roles as Christian baptizers and founders of a new Christian capital. This study identifies Anna's image within the cathedral's iconography, emphasizing the pairing of Volodymyr and Anna with the Byzantine saints. The frescoes demonstrate an organic synthesis of universal and national symbolism, likely created during Volodymyr's reign, and suggest active preparation for their canonization. The research leverages scholarly authorities' accepted identifications to trace this consistent church and political concept.

VR technologies as an extension to the museum exhibition: A case study of the Silk Road museums in Samarkand

Samarkand – Crossroad of Cultures — 2020 — WHEB91E736B8C

Virtual reality (VR) technologies show significant promise as a complementary tool for Silk Road museums, enhancing traditional exhibitions and addressing the challenges posed by the geographical dispersion of Silk Road heritage. A collaborative study between Lublin University of Technology and Samarkand's museums developed a virtual exhibition to test this concept, employing 3D digitization and dissemination techniques. Survey results indicated that VR is widely accepted by visitors and effectively supplements conventional museum experiences, offering an innovative way to preserve and present the cultural legacy of the Silk Road.

Vuestra atención, por favor ‘your attention, please’. Some remarks on the usage and history of plural vuestro/a in Cusco Spanish (Peru)

City of Cuzco — 2020 — WHE2030A879DD

Research on the usage of the possessive form 'vuestro/a' in Cusco Spanish reveals its dual function: as a formulaic phrase (e.g., 'vuestra atención, por favor') and a strategic tool to contrast actions or states between plural addressees and the speaker's group. This phenomenon, previously overlooked in American Spanish, is analyzed through three hypotheses linking it to colonial and early post-independence Spanish influences, with consideration of potential notional transfer from Quechua to Spanish. The study contextualizes this linguistic development within Cusqueno society, highlighting its role in shaping an idiosyncratic mestizo identity.

Vulnerabilidad climática y resiliencia de comunidades: una aproximación educativa

Historic Monuments Zone of Tlacotalpan — 2020 — WHEFC440E6C3B

A study reveals the significant climate vulnerability and resilience of communities within the Historic Monuments Zone of Tlacotalpan, Veracruz, following severe impacts from hurricanes Karl and Matthew in 2010. The research highlights how these communities adapted to climate-related challenges, emphasizing the role of educational approaches in enhancing resilience. Investigators analyzed data from three localities—Cardel, Tlacotalpan, and Cotaxtla—to assess vulnerability factors such as infrastructure, socioeconomic conditions, and community preparedness. Findings underscore the importance of integrating climate education into disaster risk reduction strategies to strengthen community adaptability.

Vulnerability Assessment of a Heritage Structure Subjected to Blast-Induced Ground Motions

Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana — 2020 — WHEFBFBA85585

Research at Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana, revealed that the temple's structure is resilient to blast-induced ground motions. The study found that high-frequency vibrations from nearby blasting at the Devadula Lift Irrigation Project were significantly filtered by the soft clay bed beneath the temple, resulting in minimal shaking within the heritage site. This suggests that such structures may be less vulnerable to damage from controlled blasting than previously assumed. The investigation employed velocity meters and accelerometers to measure subsurface and ground vibrations, providing quantitative data on vibration intensities and their impact on the temple's stability.