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Showing 19421 – 19440 of 30345 publications

Unraveling pedestrian mobility on a road network using ICTs data during great tourist events

Venice and its Lagoon — 2018 — WHE9BE88A1566

A new dataset from TIM, capturing GPS positions of mobile devices, reveals distinct pedestrian mobility patterns in Venice during high tourist events. The study identifies characteristic travel time budgets and rest times that influence mobility dynamics, highlighting two interconnected subnetworks responsible for the majority of observed movements. Analysis distinguishes between Italian and foreigner tourists, uncovering unique mobility behaviors linked to points of interest. This approach offers innovative tools to assess pedestrian flows in historical cities, aiding governance efforts to balance tourist influx with urban livability and cultural heritage preservation.

Unraveling the blue paradox: Incomplete analysis yields incorrect conclusions about Phoenix Islands Protected Area closure

Phoenix Islands Protected Area — 2018 — WHE175EB69A21

A critical analysis reveals that the reported fishing surge around the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA) was not due to its closure, as previously claimed, but instead a consequence of a strong El Niño event affecting multiple exclusive economic zones (EEZs). The study challenges the 'blue paradox' concept, which posits unintended negative outcomes from conservation policies. By examining regional data and long-term catch trends, researchers demonstrate that the surge was part of a broader phenomenon unrelated to PIPA's closure. This finding underscores the importance of comprehensive data analysis in attributing environmental changes.

Unsubstantiated Claims Can Lead to Tragic Conservation Outcomes

Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California — 2018 — WHE39AB2361BC

A recent study debunks unsupported claims that the decline of the critically endangered vaquita porpoise is due to reduced freshwater flow from the Colorado River, caused by damming. Instead, it reaffirms that the primary threat to the vaquita's survival is incidental capture in gillnets, particularly those used for illegal totoaba fishing. The research challenges baseless assertions that the Gulf of California was historically an estuarine environment with significant freshwater influence, citing evidence from salinity data and biological productivity studies. It emphasizes that the vaquita is a marine species and that its habitat has remained highly productive despite river flow reductions. The study warns against the spread of fake science, which can divert conservation efforts away from real threats, ultimately hindering effective protection strategies for this endangered marine mammal.

Urban Agriculture and Sacred Landscape: Anuradhapura Sacred City, Sri Lanka

Sacred City of Anuradhapura — 2018 — WHE86BFB394C5

Urban agriculture in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka's ancient sacred city (377 BCE–1017 CE), played a pivotal role in creating a sustainable and spiritually enriching environment. Large water tanks, paddy fields, and canal systems were not merely functional but integral to the Buddhist sacred landscape, fostering human connection with nature while supporting the city's sustenance. This study reveals that these agricultural elements were central to everyday life, shaping social practices and enhancing human well-being through their integration into the urban form and cultural rituals. By synthesizing phenomenology, anthropology, landscape analysis, and historical methods, the research demonstrates how Anuradhapura's design harmonized practical needs with sacred experiences, offering a model for sustainable urban development rooted in spiritual values.

Urban Densification of Large Housing Estates in the Context of Privatisation of Public Open Space: the Case of Imanta, Riga

Historic Centre of Riga — 2018 — WHE87F13D3189

Urban densification in large housing estates, particularly those built post-World War II outside historic city centers, presents both opportunities and challenges. A study analyzing infill developments in the Imanta district of Riga identified four distinct approaches to densification, some of which enhance public space for residents while others risk isolating new developments from their surroundings. This research highlights the complexities of urban regeneration strategies aimed at promoting compact city models and curbing urban sprawl, offering insights into the potential social and spatial impacts of privatization on public open spaces.

Urban Design and Community Engagement in Cultural Heritage Sites: the Case of Bursa Hanlar District

Bursa and Cumalıkızık: the Birth of the Ottoman Empire — 2018 — WHE25EB9F9B99

A study on Bursa Hanlar District identified key urban design challenges and community expectations that hinder the site's attractiveness. The research revealed that issues such as accessibility-permeability, mixed-use balance, public-private space quality, density-use relationships, governance, and sustainable structures were critical concerns for both residents and local artisans. To address these problems, the study proposed participatory urban design strategies aimed at enhancing multi-user diversity and strengthening community engagement. The findings underscore the importance of integrating socio-cultural and socio-economic values into heritage conservation efforts to preserve urban identity and memory.

Urban heritage and cultural tourism development: a case study of Valletta’s role in Malta’s tourism

City of Valletta — 2018 — WHE42548289E9

Despite its rich urban heritage, Valletta has struggled to transition from sun-and-sea tourism to a more culture-oriented model. While recent policy shifts and investments have improved its cultural appeal, the dominance of traditional tourism persists, limiting the long-term impact of initiatives like Valletta's 2018 designation as European Capital of Culture. This case study reveals that even in destinations with strong heritage, shifting tourism paradigms proves challenging.

Urban Heritage in the Arabian Peninsula, the Experiences of Jeddah and Dubai

Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah — 2018 — WHE60C9E9A425

Two metropolises, Jeddah and Dubai, have leveraged their historic city centres for economic development and national identity reinforcement, with UNESCO World Heritage status acting as a catalyst for new planning and conservation policies. In Dubai, the conservation of historic neighbourhoods integrates diverse ethnic communities and boosts tourism, while in Jeddah, preservation efforts focus on revitalizing the private sector to create dynamic urban growth. The study highlights the unique relationship between modern development and heritage in the Arabian Peninsula, emphasizing how these strategies can integrate urban heritage into broader development agendas.

Urban Heritage Sites in Mountainous Areas as a Sustainable Touristic Destination Assessment Study of Arab Models.

Saint Catherine Area — 2018 — WHEF7383A2223

Arab urban heritage sites in mountainous areas, such as Saint Catherine Monastery and Moussa Mountain in Sinai (Egypt), Rijal Almaa' Village in Assir (Saudi Arabia), and the Lady of Lebanon site in Harissa (Lebanon), are prioritized for sustainable tourism development due to their cultural significance and natural appeal. A study assessed these sites against Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) criteria, revealing gaps that hinder their transformation into fully sustainable destinations. Recommendations derived from this analysis can be applied broadly to similar heritage sites, offering a model for balancing conservation with tourism growth in mountainous regions.

Urban Land Cover Change in Ecologically Fragile Environments: The Case of the Galapagos Islands

Galápagos Islands — 2018 — WHE9035D0F552

A study on the Galápagos Islands reveals that object-based classification using spectral indices is more effective than sub-pixel spectral mixture analysis for mapping impervious surfaces in heterogeneous urban environments. This method, applied to the three main inhabited islands, showed a strong correlation (R² = 67.7%) between estimated and true impervious surface abundance, despite limitations from Landsat imagery's pixel size. The research found an average annual urban growth rate of 3.3% from 1992 to 2017, highlighting the need for integrated planning systems to balance conservation efforts with sustainable development in this ecologically fragile UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Urban planning and tourism in European cities

Budapest, including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue — 2018 — WHECCC950635C

European capital cities, including Budapest, serve as both national symbols and global tourist destinations, raising critical questions about the balance between monumental heritage representation and sustainable urban living amid rising tourism. This special issue examines how these cities—spanning Berlin to Skopje—navigate the interplay between urban planning, cultural identity, and economic/social carrying capacity. Through case studies, it reveals tensions between heritage preservation, urban development, and the growing demands of mass tourism, offering insights into the evolving dynamics of European cityscapes.

Urban Planning in the First Unfortified Spanish Colonial Town

San Cristóbal de La Laguna — 2018 — WHE810C61E4B8

Research reveals that the historic center of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, the first unfortified Spanish colonial town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, exhibits a distinct astronomical alignment pattern. By analyzing the spatial orientation of 21 historic churches in the old city, scientists identified a consistent declination slightly below 20 degrees when correlated with solar movements. This finding suggests a deliberate design linked to the feast day of San Cristóbal de Licia (July 25), offering new insights into the town's urban planning and its symbolic significance as a 'Town of Peace.' The study also critiques recent, speculative hypotheses about the city's layout while highlighting its unique Latin-cross structure, formed by key churches. Published in Journal of Skyscape Archaeology, this work bridges urban history, astronomy, and colonial architecture.

Urban sustainability: Co2 uptake by green areas in the historic centre of Siena

Historic Centre of Siena — 2018 — WHE5546F131FA

Green areas in Siena's historic center contribute significantly to CO2 absorption, with an efficiency of 1.95 t CO2 per hectare annually—a remarkable figure for a densely populated urban area. This study quantifies the carbon uptake capacity (330.50 t CO2 yr⁻¹) of vegetation types such as trees, olive groves, vineyards, and grasslands, highlighting their role in regulating planetary energy balance. By analyzing 71.54 ha of green spaces within the 169.64-ha historic center, researchers demonstrate that strategic urban planning and maintenance of green areas are critical for sustainable city development. The findings underscore the ecological value of preserving natural heritage even in highly urbanized settings.

Urbanisation de la vallée du M’zab et mitage de la palmeraie de Ghardaïa (Algérie) : un patrimoine oasien menacé

M'Zab Valley — 2018 — WHEE35C3E7221

Urban expansion in the M'Zab Valley, Algeria, is significantly threatening its UNESCO-listed oasis heritage, characterized by unique architecture and urban organization. The study identifies key actors and factors driving these urban encroachments, which not only compromise the valley's cultural and architectural integrity but also degrade its environment. By analyzing historical and contemporary urban development patterns, the research highlights the delicate balance between preserving this intangible heritage and addressing modern urbanization demands.

Urbanisation forces on the landscapes and the changing value-systems of Osun Sacred Grove UNESCO Site, Osogbo, Nigeria

Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove — 2018 — WHE1B177117C8

The Osun Sacred Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Osogbo, Nigeria, has undergone significant transformations due to urbanization, modernization, and globalization. This study reveals that the city's landscape evolution can be categorized into four semi-concentric phases: natural, traditional, modern, and post-modern, each shaped by political dynamics, sociocultural orders, architecture, land use, urban governance, housing, and religious practices. The research employs a monarchical chronology to trace these changes from the grove's origins around 1800 to 2015, highlighting the critical role of the monarchical system in landscape heritage conservation. It concludes with a prognostic model for the archetypal Yoruba city, emphasizing its cultural and historical significance as a hub for the Yoruba nation.

Urbanism and Residential Patterning in Angkor

Angkor — 2018 — WHE7F01997E43

Excavations at Ta Prohm, a temple site within the Angkor region of the Khmer Empire (9th–15th centuries), reveal that residential occupation occurred within the temple enclosure from before the 11th century until the 14th century. This challenges the traditional assumption that stone temples were solely loci of ritual and highlights their dual role as centers of habitation. By leveraging LiDAR data to guide excavations, researchers identified patterns of urbanism unique to Angkorian cities, offering new insights into the complexity and diversity of ancient urban systems in mainland Southeast Asia.

Urinary neopterin levels increase and predict survival during a respiratory outbreak in wild chimpanzees (Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire)

Taï National Park — 2018 — WHE0B4762BA8B

Urinary neopterin levels in wild chimpanzees from Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire, significantly increase during respiratory disease outbreaks and can predict survival outcomes. The study analyzed 185 urine samples from 28 chimpanzees before, during, and after a respiratory outbreak, finding that elevated neopterin levels correlated with symptomatic individuals and those who died, some of whom showed increased levels even before the outbreak. This suggests chronic immune activation may precede acute infections in wild animals. The research validates urinary neopterin as a non-invasive biomarker for monitoring immune responses in free-ranging populations, contributing to broader understanding of life-history trade-offs in wildlife.

Use of Photogrammetry for Digital Surveying, Documentation and Communication of the Cultural Heritage. Example Regarding Virtual Reconstruction of the Access Doors for the Nameless Temple of Tipasa (Algeria)

Tipasa — 2018 — WHEAD841B4AF0

Photogrammetry emerges as a powerful tool for reconstructing the lost architectural details of ancient structures, offering unprecedented insights into their original states. This study demonstrates its application in virtually restoring the three access doors of the Nameless Temple at Tipasa, Algeria, by generating 3D models from fragmented voussoirs unearthed during excavations. By integrating historical documentation and architectural treatises, researchers proposed a plausible reconstruction hypothesis for the temple's sacred courtyard entrance. The approach not only documented existing remains but also enabled the visualization of missing elements, enhancing our understanding of Tipasa's history. This method serves as a model for digital heritage conservation, bridging gaps in archaeological knowledge through advanced surveying techniques.

Using a portable luminescence reader for rapid age assessment of aeolian sediments for reconstructing dunefield landscape evolution in southern Africa

Namib Sand Sea — 2018 — WHEE970667B9A

Researchers have developed a rapid, cost-effective method for estimating the age of aeolian sediments using a portable luminescence reader (POSL), enabling large-scale landscape evolution studies. By calibrating POSL signals against 144 samples with known ages from southern Africa, they established region-specific regression models that can predict sediment ages back to tens of thousands of years. The approach, validated across four distinct dunefield regions—Namib Sand Sea (NSS), northern Kalahari barchan dunes, western Kalahari, and southern Kalahari—demonstrates strong correlations (R² values ranging from 0.52 to 0.99). This method avoids chemical exposure, reduces time and costs, and provides a practical tool for reconstructing Late Quaternary climatic changes in arid environments. The findings highlight the importance of regional calibration for accurate age assessments.

Using Bi-Seasonal WorldView-2 Multi-Spectral Data and Supervised Random Forest Classification to Map Coastal Plant Communities in Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park — 2018 — WHE9ADEE5BC95

A study using bi-seasonal WorldView-2 satellite data and supervised random forest classification successfully mapped coastal plant communities in Everglades National Park with 86% accuracy, revealing that black and red mangroves dominated the landscape, covering half of the study site. The approach outperformed single-season data, providing fine-scale resolution to detect changes in rare and endangered species habitats, including the buttonwood/glycophyte community harboring the federally-endangered Chromolaena frustrata. This method offers a robust tool for monitoring vegetation shifts due to sea level rise and land-use change, with implications for other threatened ecosystems.