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Integrative Management Planning Framework for Sustainable Development of Sub-Saharan African World Heritage Cultural Landscapes

Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape — 2019 — WHE78F037D411

A novel integrative management planning framework has been developed to address the complex challenges of balancing development pressures with conservation needs in Sub-Saharan African World Heritage cultural landscapes. This framework, derived from a comparative study of Mount Mulanje (Malawi) and Mapungubwe (South Africa), offers strategic solutions for long-term, holistic management by integrating land use planning, stakeholder collaboration, and resource management. It emphasizes the importance of collaborative approaches among key stakeholders to ensure sustainable development while preserving significant cultural and natural attributes. The framework provides a comprehensive technical tool to support decision-making in these vulnerable landscapes.

Intelligent Heterogeneous Transportation System in Quito city under the paradigm SWE-SOS standard and loT notifications

City of Quito — 2019 — WHE4F8F75600A

An Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) for Quito, Ecuador, leverages crowd-sensing and IoT to improve real-time traffic situational awareness by up to 30%. The system integrates Sensor Web Enablement (SWE-SOS) standards with MQTT-based notifications, utilizing smartphones as primary data sources alongside Arduino and Raspberry Pi modules. This approach enhances communication efficiency while addressing Quito's significant urban mobility challenges, offering a scalable model for smart city solutions.

Intensity Analysis to communicate land change during three time intervals in two regions of Quanzhou City, China

Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China — 2019 — WHE4D5B641AE2

A new method enhances the understanding of land change by combining Intensity Analysis with a three-component model (quantity, exchange, and shift) to compare regions over equal time intervals. The study reveals that the Coastal region of Quanzhou City, China, experienced more intense land changes than the Inland region between 1995 and 2010, with 'Cultivated' land losing and 'Built' land gaining more intensively than uniform change in both regions. Notably, Built's gain primarily targeted Cultivated land, especially in the Coastal region where Cultivated size explained most transitions to Built, raising concerns about food security due to the loss of Cultivated land. The approach is illustrated using GIS maps and free software for broader application.

Intention and its Relation with Colors Used in Royal Qajar Mural Painting

Golestan Palace — 2019 — WHEADE21F453D

A key finding from this study is that Qajar-era artists deliberately selected pigments for their durability and visual impact, with Lapis Lazuli blue being the only exception—its weather resistance and fluorescence were intentionally chosen to enhance the artwork's longevity. The research used Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) to analyze samples from three royal mural paintings at Golestan Palace, revealing that the artist's intent was reflected in material choices, particularly the use of stable pigments. This approach provides critical insights for conservation efforts, addressing challenges like pigment deterioration and oxidation over time.

Interactive effects of climate change and plant invasion on alpine biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics

Tongariro National Park — 2019 — WHEA1007902EA

A novel interaction between climate warming and plant invasion, previously undescribed, is revealed: competition for pollination with the invasive shrub Calluna vulgaris can reduce sexual reproduction of native plants, an effect potentially exacerbated by climate change. The study also identifies a previously unknown pattern where the impact of C. vulgaris on native plant species richness becomes increasingly facilitative along elevational gradients, depending on invader biomass. Using Tongariro National Park (TNP) as a model, the research combines experimental, observational, and modeling approaches to quantify these interactive effects. It demonstrates that including invasive species density in distribution models significantly reduces predicted native plant distribution under future climate scenarios compared to climate-only models. The findings suggest that human activity may drive discrepancies in invasion success between New Zealand's North and South Islands, rather than climatic or edaphic factors. This study underscores the non-linear, complex outcomes of global change drivers on biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics, emphasizing the need for interactive approaches in conservation management.

Interactive Online Visualization of Complex 3D Geometries

Meteora — 2019 — WHE9FEA312A19

A novel framework for interactive online visualization of high-resolution 3D models has been developed, addressing the limitations in user interaction and multimedia integration of existing cultural heritage datasets. By leveraging the 3D Heritage Online Presenter (3DHOP) and Three.js library, this approach enables lightweight, WebGL-based visualization of complex geometries, particularly suited for archaeological and architectural environments. The system enhances 3DHOP's capabilities with advanced functionalities, incorporating multiple 3D model viewers, a metadata repository, and interconnections to ortho-images, photographic documentation, videos, and text. Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in central Greece, serves as the case study, demonstrating the framework's potential for multi-dimensional documentation of archaeological sites.

Intercolony δ18O and Sr/Ca variability among Porites spp. corals at Palmyra Atoll: Toward more robust coral‐based estimates of climate

Site of Palmyra — 2019 — WHE9A86C18BDC

Coral-based climate reconstructions at Palmyra Atoll face significant intercolony variability, with offsets in mean Sr/Ca and δ18O values introducing uncertainties of up to ±1.3 °C (1σ) for sea surface temperature (SST) estimates. Despite this, monthly to interannual variability in these proxies is consistent among colonies, suggesting that composite records from multiple corals can reduce reconstruction errors by 2.5 times—achieving a precision of ±0.6 °C (1σ). The study analyzed five Porites spp. coral cores spanning 1980–2010, revealing variability in proxy sensitivity to climate, with Sr/Ca-SST slopes ranging from −0.06 to −0.1 mmol mol⁻¹ °C⁻¹ and δ18O-SST slopes from −0.25 to −0.35‰ °C⁻¹. These findings underscore the need for multi-colony approaches to improve the robustness of coral-derived climate reconstructions in the tropical Pacific.

Interference Occurrences in the Speech of the Kodorian Gorge’s Svans

Upper Svaneti — 2019 — WHE9FADF6D3DD

A century and a half of dialectal interference between the Upper Bal and Lower Bal Svan dialects in the Kodorian Gorge has produced a distinct speech variant, characterized by phonetic, grammatical, and lexical deviations from standard Svan. This phenomenon, documented through extensive fieldwork despite logistical challenges—including military conflicts and population displacement—reveals how prolonged contact between closely related dialects reshapes linguistic structures. Preliminary findings suggest that Kodorian speech retains unique traits even among dispersed communities, posing questions about its classification as a dialect or independent variant. Ongoing research aims to track these changes over time, with support from the Rustaveli Foundation enabling long-term observation of Svan speakers across Georgia.

International Ecoregional Cooperation of Ukraine for the Protection and Preservation of Biodiversity

Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe — 2019 — WHEE284526488

Ukraine hosts two critical ecoregions from the World Wildlife Fund's (WWF) Global 200 list: the European-Mediterranean Montane Forests and the Danube River Delta, both under significant threat. The study identifies 12 priority ecoregions in Ukraine, including terrestrial (e.g., Carpathian montane forests), freshwater (e.g., Dniester–Lower Danube), and marine (Mediterranean Sea) ecosystems. International cooperation has successfully protected the Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians but faces challenges in annexed territories like Crimea, where unique beech forests remain unprotected. The research underscores the need for Ukraine to develop a National Geospatial Data Infrastructure (NGDI) to enhance transnational biodiversity conservation efforts, highlighting both achievements and gaps in global ecoregional collaboration.

International tourism and urban transformation in Old Havana

Old Havana and its Fortification System — 2019 — WHEE317354458

In Old Havana, Cuba's UNESCO-listed colonial old town, the government-driven expansion of international tourism has led to significant urban restructuring that prioritizes tourist needs over those of local residents. Despite some economic benefits for locals, this transformation is characterized by the displacement of dwellers and resident-oriented functions in favor of tourism-oriented ventures. The study analyzes these spatio-structural changes, highlighting the Cuban government's dual role as both a facilitator of tourism and an implementer of controlled market-based developments, even within its socialist framework.

Interpretation of Symbolic Representations as a Method of Personalising Guide Narration (on the Example of Analysis Regarding Zoomorphic Symbols in the Selected Emblems of Tenement Houses in Kraków)

Historic Centre of Kraków — 2019 — WHEAB652A9FAF

Zoomorphic symbols in the architecture of Kraków's historic center offer rich symbolic potential and visual appeal, making them highly effective for personalizing guide narration and thematic sightseeing routes. This study demonstrates that such symbols can enhance the interpretive experience for tour guides while catering to diverse tourist groups across ages. The research employs historical, cultural, and semiological analysis to decode the pragmatic patterns of these symbols, providing practical insights for both professional guides and independent route planners. While the analysis is primarily focused on the city center—with occasional references to notable outlying examples—the findings underscore the broader applicability of this method in heritage interpretation.

Introduction: new perspectives on Auschwitz

Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp (1940-1945) — 2019 — WHE0BC96C7721

Auschwitz represents more than just a symbol of mass atrocity; it is a multifaceted site encompassing historical, educational, and moral dimensions. This study challenges the reductive use of 'Auschwitz' as shorthand for the Holocaust, highlighting its complex history and symbolic currency. Drawing from discussions at the 2017 European Association for Holocaust Studies conference in Kraków, the research explores the nuances of identity, memory, and morality associated with the site. While acknowledging inevitable overlaps due to shared themes, it introduces novel perspectives that enrich existing scholarship on Auschwitz, moving beyond simplistic ethical binaries.

Introduction. Rule by Incarnation

Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, Lhasa — 2019 — WHED2007B3BF6

Tibet, known as the 'roof of the world,' is a high-altitude region that has historically dominated Asia's political and religious landscape. Lhasa, home to the Potala Palace and seat of the Dalai Lama’s government, served as Tibet’s central hub in these domains. The study examines Tibetan Buddhism’s influence on governance, referencing Max Weber’s theoretical framework, while questioning the historicity of Thonmi Sambhota, a key figure in Tibetan tradition due to the absence of contemporary records. It also highlights the Karmapa sect’s significant political role in Tibet. The research combines geographical analysis with historical and sociopolitical insights, offering a multifaceted view of Tibet’s cultural and administrative heritage.

Inventory of Vietri-Maiori landslides induced by the storm of October 1954 (southern Italy)

Costiera Amalfitana — 2019 — WHE38D05AE7BD

A comprehensive inventory of landslides triggered by the devastating storm of October 1954 on the Amalfi Coast, southern Italy, reveals significant insights into the spatial distribution and morphometric characteristics of these slope failures. The study utilized stereoscopic aerial photographs and high-resolution LiDAR-derived topography to map over 300 landslide source areas, providing a detailed characterization of one of the most catastrophic historical events in Campania Region. By analyzing rainfall distribution alongside the density of landslide sources, researchers identified key patterns linking precipitation intensity to slope instability, offering critical data for understanding and mitigating future risks in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Investigating the effects of tourist engagement on satisfaction and loyalty

Kinabalu Park — 2019 — WHE93972E5DDA

Tourist engagement significantly boosts satisfaction and loyalty at UNESCO World Heritage Sites, particularly in Kinabalu National Park. The study reveals that deepening tourist involvement enhances both immediate satisfaction and long-term destination loyalty, with satisfaction acting as a strong mediator between engagement and loyalty. Researchers used advanced statistical modeling—confirmatory composite analysis combined with consistent partial least squares path modeling—to analyze data from visitors. These findings provide actionable insights for local authorities to sustain tourism development while preserving heritage integrity.

Invulnerability Analysis of Traffic Network in Tourist Attraction Under Unexpected Emergency Events Based on Cascading Failure

Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing — 2019 — WHE46CAE20462

A critical threshold for network load (δ < 0.7) can prevent large-scale cascading failures in tourist traffic networks, such as the Summer Palace in Beijing, which exhibits small-world characteristics. The study reveals that increasing the capacity of high-risk nodes—ranked by cascading failure rate (CFR)—can reduce failure scale by up to 63.66%. Researchers simulated emergency events using load-capacity models and attack strategies, identifying key factors like node capacity, adjacency relationships, and load distribution as significant influencers on failure dynamics.

Irrigation water quality of middle awash river basin, Ethiopia

Lower Valley of the Awash — 2019 — WHEBC4F1CA308

A seven-year evaluation of irrigation water quality in the Middle Awash River Basin, Ethiopia, reveals that the river's water is consistently suitable for irrigation, with electrical conductivity (ECw) values below FAO guidelines and no significant salinity-related risks. The study found that ECw was higher during June and decreased during the rainy season, inversely correlating with river flow. Sodium levels showed a strong correlation with ECw and adjusted sodium adsorption ratio (Adj.RNa), but specific-ion toxicity hazards were non-existent. While the combined effects of ECw and sodicity on permeability remained within recommendable ranges, downstream areas in drought years require caution for salinity-sensitive crops. Sedimentation and siltation during rainy seasons pose growing concerns for canal maintenance and drainage projects.

Is China a House of Islam? Chinese Questions, Arabic Answers, and the Translation of Salafism from Cairo to Canton, 1930-1932

Historic Cairo — 2019 — WHEF2BE530F35

A rare glimpse into the transnational exchange of Islamic thought during the interwar period reveals how Rashīd Riḍā's fatwas to China, overlooked by historians, illuminate Sino-Muslim debates and the global spread of Salafism. These legal responses, translated into Chinese, demonstrate Riḍā's meticulous adaptation of his methods and values for a predominantly Ḥanafī Muslim audience in China. The study provides a concrete, historical understanding of Salafism's origins in China by analyzing the specific questions posed by Sino-Muslim nationalists and the nuanced answers provided from Cairo between 1930-1932.

Is open defaecation in outdoor recreation and camping areas a public health issue in Australia? A literature review

K’gari (Fraser Island) — 2019 — WHE8D07CC2189

A significant public health risk arises from open defaecation practices in Australia's outdoor recreation and camping areas, where limited or no sanitation infrastructure exists. A literature review identified only three relevant studies, highlighting a critical gap in research on this topic. These studies revealed that faecal contamination of soils and watercourses poses a substantial threat to visitors' health, particularly in high-use camping areas. The findings underscore the need for targeted health promotion strategies, environmental management policies, and tailored sanitation solutions based on ecological conditions and visitor numbers. With outdoor recreation activities increasingly popular in Australia, addressing human waste management is essential to mitigate public health risks and preserve natural areas.

Is the House of Commons Too Powerful? The 2019 Bingham Lecture in Constitutional Studies, University of Oxford

Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church — 2019 — WHEDBC61FF33F

A challenge to long-standing assumptions about the House of Commons' role, this lecture argues that its power may not be in decline but rather too dominant within the UK's constitutional framework. Contrasting historical narratives—from Lord Bryce's 1921 observation on legislative decline to contemporary debates—the analysis questions whether the Commons has become an overreaching institution. The lecture draws on seminal legal scholarship, including that of Lord Bingham, whose advocacy for a Supreme Court and rule of law provides a lens for reassessing legislative authority. While acknowledging opposition to relocating the Law Lords from Westminster, the focus remains on re-evaluating the Commons' constitutional balance, offering a provocative counterpoint to established views.