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Showing 1961 – 1980 of 15962 publications

Ecological state of modern soil cover in agrocenoses of the Greater Caucasus Sheki region

Historic Centre of Sheki with the Khan’s Palace — 2025 — WHED85F0E8554

Azerbaijan's Sheki region, renowned for its tourism and agricultural significance, faces ecological challenges from deforestation and intensive farming. A recent study reveals that virgin gray forest soils here harbor exceptionally high levels of actinomycetes—up to 360 thousand CFU/g—5 times more than in natural depressions and 30 times more than in fallow lands. This microbial richness, dominated by species like Penicillium notatum and Trichoderma viride, underscores the ecological value of preserved forests. Researchers analyzed soil moisture, humus content, nitrogen, and microbial indicators using innovative methods, providing baseline data for Azerbaijan's first such study. The findings also quantify organic matter reserves in secondary spruce forests (21.5–32.7 kg/m²), offering critical insights for forest restoration efforts and sustainable land management.

Ecological-based insights into bat populations in the Yucatan Peninsula under a One Health approach: coexistence or biophobia

Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche — 2025 — WHE7099F761B0

Research on bat populations in the Yucatán Peninsula reveals that land use significantly impacts both bat diversity and their gut microbiome, with conserved and agricultural landscapes supporting higher species richness compared to suburban areas. The study identified 18 bat species, predominantly frugivorous, from 308 sampled individuals, establishing a baseline for zoonotic disease screening in the region. Using a One Health approach, the team also assessed public perception, finding that children generally exhibited positive responses toward bats, underscoring the need for educational initiatives to foster biophilic attitudes. The gut microbiome of these bats was dominated by Pseudomonadota, Bacillota, and Actinobacterota, with notable bacterial families including Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcaceae, and Streptococcaceae.

Ecology and Energy in Latin America

Iguazu National Park — 2025 — WHE5D105EE31F

A comprehensive review of recent scholarly works reveals critical insights into the ecological and energy dynamics shaping Latin America's landscapes, particularly focusing on UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Iguazu National Park. The analysis highlights the complex interplay between political, environmental, and socio-economic factors in energy production and conservation efforts. Key themes include the historical impact of large-scale infrastructure projects such as the Itaipu Dam, the decolonial perspectives on resource extraction, and the cultural significance of natural sites like Iguazu Falls. The review also explores indigenous ecological knowledge and its integration into modern conservation strategies. By synthesizing these diverse studies, the essay underscores the need for a multidisciplinary approach to address the challenges of sustainable development in Latin America.

Economic Assessment of Ecosystem Services Provided by the Sangomar Marine Protected Area in the Saloum Delta Biosphere Reserve (Fatick, Senegal)

Saloum Delta — 2025 — WHE819344425C

The Sangomar Marine Protected Area (AMPS) in Senegal's Saloum Delta Biosphere Reserve provides ecosystem services valued at approximately 2,808 billion FCFA, with regulating services contributing the most (61.87%). The study identified 19 key services, including nursery habitats, soil formation, and water cycle regulation, highlighting their critical roles for stakeholders such as fishermen, carters, and women processing forest products. This economic assessment offers a decision-making tool to underscore the AMPS's importance among local communities and policymakers, bridging gaps in public perception of its value.

Economic indicator assessment and prioritization in Yazd City: a study of learning city development in Iran

Historic City of Yazd — 2025 — WHE9AF2F9E365

A strong correlation (R² = 0.91) between economic stability and learning city attributes was identified in Yazd, Iran, a UNESCO-listed heritage site. The study used mixed-methods analysis, including statistical tests and regression modeling, to prioritize urban districts based on economic performance. Area 7 emerged as the most developed, while Area 5 lagged due to infrastructure gaps. This data-driven approach offers actionable insights for balanced learning city development in Yazd and similar contexts.

Economic Potential and Value Chain of Wild Edible Mushrooms and Cultivated Mushrooms from the Virunga National Park and Surrounding Area in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Virunga National Park — 2025 — WHE0483A50CC0

Cultivated mushrooms (CM) offer significantly higher economic returns compared to wild edible mushrooms (WEM) in the Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo. A study found that a CM grower can earn up to $1506 annually by selling 502 kg, while pickers and sellers earn considerably less despite lower production volumes. This suggests that domestication of WEM could substantially boost household incomes in the region. The research employed a digital questionnaire and direct observations across four value chains (Goma-Kitshanga-Mweso, Goma-Rutshuru, Beni-Mutwanga, and Beni-Mangina), analyzing sales data from 432 respondents to assess economic potential and value chain dynamics.

Economic valuation of opening restricted tourism resources: Focusing on the unopend resources of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

Hwaseong Fortress — 2025 — WHEDFC0B876DF

A study reveals that unopened tourism resources at Suwon Hwaseong Fortress hold significant economic value. Visitors surveyed were willing to pay up to four times the fortress's 2019 entry fee (₩4,170) for access to restricted historical sites, indicating high potential for sustainable tourism. The research used contingent valuation method (CVM) through on-site surveys conducted between April 22 and May 8, 2019, to assess willingness-to-pay for previously inaccessible areas. Findings suggest that strategic opening of these resources—through guided tours, route-specific access, or time-limited events—could enhance conservation efforts while maximizing cultural heritage utilization. This approach balances preservation with economic benefits, offering a model for other heritage sites.

Economy, Society, and the Church

Archaeological Site of Carthage — 2025 — WHEED5BDB1A6F

Roman cities underwent significant transformations between the 4th and 6th centuries, marked by population decline, urban shrinkage, and repurposing of public spaces. While Western cities like Carthage shrank to mere hundreds of inhabitants, Eastern cities such as Constantinople remained large. A notable exception was Iustiniana Prima, built by Emperor Justinian around 530 in Serbia, which abandoned traditional Roman urban layouts in favor of a church-dominated center. This shift reflects broader societal changes, including the rise of the Church and the abandonment or repurposing of public buildings for economic activities, such as olive presses. Burials within central areas further disrupted earlier urban structures, signaling profound shifts in society during this transitional period.

Ecosystem Restoration as a Nature-Based Solution: A Case Study of Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum Protected Area — 2025 — WHE7A40689FA4

Ecosystem restoration, when integrated as a nature-based solution (NbS), significantly enhances ecosystem resilience and community well-being, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions like Wadi Rum Protected Area (WRPA) in southern Jordan. The study highlights that passive and active restoration techniques—such as habitat protection and community engagement—have led to measurable improvements in biodiversity distribution, soil stability, and local participation rates despite threats from tourism, aquifer depletion, overgrazing, and climate change. Geographical analysis further identified zones where restoration efforts yielded the greatest environmental impact. These findings underscore the importance of adaptive management, interdisciplinary approaches, and inclusive practices for scalable, sustainable outcomes globally.

Edinburgh and Leyden

Old and New Towns of Edinburgh — 2025 — WHE49268CE371

The historical account of Oliver Goldsmith's arrival in Edinburgh reveals the city's transformative landscape during the 18th century. While the old town and its vistas, including Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury Crags, remained unchanged, the absence of public gardens at the Nor’ Loch and the undeveloped ridge where the New Town would later rise underscores the stark contrast between Edinburgh’s past and present. Goldsmith's perspective, devoid of appreciation for wild landscapes, highlights the city’s evolving urban development and its enduring grandeur as a 'city of noble prospects.' The study draws from historical observations to reconstruct Edinburgh’s early 18th-century topography, offering insights into its architectural and natural evolution.

Edith Wharton’s A Motor-Flight through France and the Aesthetics of Wonder

Amiens Cathedral — 2025 — WHE0E2C31469B

Edith Wharton’s response to Amiens Cathedral exemplifies the 'aesthetics of wonder,' where Cartesian wonder drives intellectual engagement with art, blending emotion and sensation without compromising analytical depth. This study analyzes Wharton’s account in A Motor-Flight through France, demonstrating how her approach—rooted in wonder—mirrors Philip Fisher’s theoretical framework while also drawing parallels to John Addington Symonds’ ideas. The research highlights the dynamic interplay between specialist knowledge and emotional resonance, offering a nuanced lens for interpreting Wharton’s aesthetic responses across other French cathedrals, including Bourges, Beauvais, and Rheims.

Educational Strategies for Digital Documentation in Southeast Asian World Heritage Cities: Implementing the HUL Approach

Historic City of Vigan — 2025 — WHEDC573ECDC0

Southeast Asian World Heritage cities face significant challenges in integrating digital documentation due to inadequate local educational and institutional frameworks, often relying on short-term external expertise. A study analyzing case studies from Huế, Ayutthaya, George Town, and Vigan reveals that sustainable heritage management requires structured educational curricula, robust institutional support, certification systems, and regional training institutions. The research advocates for a comprehensive approach combining UNESCO’s Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) Recommendations with digital technologies to empower local communities, ensuring resilience and long-term preservation aligned with HUL principles.

Effect of Altruistic Surrogacy of Treefall on Herbaceous Flora Colonisation in Subalpine Forest of Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, Eastern Himalaya, Sikkim, India

Khangchendzonga National Park — 2025 — WHE74ADEA0B24

A study on herbaceous flora colonization in the subalpine forests of Khangchendzonga National Park, Eastern Himalayas, reveals that fallen logs and associated pits and mounds play a crucial role in facilitating plant colonization. The research indicates that at least 13.50 trees with diameters of 50 cm or more per 0.25 ha are necessary for successful colonization, with pit colonization being more prevalent than on logs or mounds. Summer species were found to be superior colonizers compared to spring-ephemeral species, and wind-dispersed seeds predominated in the colonization process. The study suggests that including other colonization sites like pits, mounds, and tree stumps could further enhance the altruistic surrogacy of available areas, providing insights into plant survival mechanisms under changing climatic conditions.

Effect of Earth‐Air Movement on Water Transport in the Rock Surrounding Cave B113 in the Mogao Grottoes

Mogao Caves — 2025 — WHE8C42E1EA87

Research at the Mogao Caves reveals that earth-air movement, driven by air pressure differences (APD), significantly influences water transport and moisture dynamics in the rock surrounding Cave B113. The study found that APD fluctuates inversely with atmospheric pressure (AP) and increases with depth, acting as a driving force for earth-air movement. This process affects humidity levels in the rock layers, with temperature influencing water vapor concentration while the movement of earth-air impacts relative and absolute humidities. The magnitude of AP fluctuations determines the volume of water migrating within the rock, ultimately affecting evaporation patterns and moisture characteristics. These findings provide critical insights into the degradation mechanisms of cave wall paintings, offering a scientific basis for developing targeted conservation strategies.

Effect of World Heritage Sites on Sustainable Livelihood: A Case Study of Nyungwe National Park, Bushekeri Sector/Rwanda, 2023-2024

Nyungwe National Park — 2025 — WHED7BFB64D65

A significant majority (79%) of respondents from the Bushekeri Sector perceive Nyungwe National Park (NNP) as positively contributing to their livelihoods, with tourism and hospitality emerging as key economic drivers. The study highlights that 85% believe conservation efforts support local economic activities, while community initiatives are recognized as a best practice by 67.9%. Socio-economic improvements since NNP's World Heritage designation include increased reliance on tourism (44%) and positive perceptions of its impact on living conditions (46%). The research underscores the importance of community involvement in decision-making for sustainable development, emphasizing strong links between conservation and local livelihoods. This was achieved through a mixed-method approach involving 390 questionnaires and interviews with NNP managers, community business practitioners, and tourism professionals.

Effects of Light on the Transition From Sapling to Adult Prunus cerasus : Implications for Managing Invasion in Los Alerces National Park, Argentina

Los Alerces National Park — 2025 — WHE18C974670A

Invasive Prunus cerasus, known for its long-distance seed dispersal via frugivory, shows significant variation in the transition from sapling to adult phase based on light availability. Research in Los Alerces National Park, Argentina, reveals that 80% of individuals with a basal diameter of 2 cm flower under low canopy cover, while those under high cover require a 4 cm diameter—corresponding to ages of 10 and 20 years, respectively. Dendrochronology and light measurements confirmed that canopy cover influences daily light intensity and photoperiod, critical for flowering. These findings underscore the importance of prioritizing the removal of P. cerasus in low-canopy areas before saplings reach a 2 cm basal diameter to effectively manage invasions.

Effects of microclimate factors on the distribution of Araceae in Kinabalu Park, Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia

Kinabalu Park — 2025 — WHEF702B4347E

Araceae species in Kinabalu Park, Sabah, Borneo, show strong adaptability to microclimatic variations driven by complex topography. This study identified 88 Araceae species across seven areas, with Schismatoglottideae tribe and genus Schismatoglottis being most prevalent. Microclimate factors, particularly temperature (r²: 0.8898) and relative humidity (r²: -0.8764), significantly influenced species distribution, as revealed by Canonical Correspondence Analysis with an inertia value of 84.96%. Species turnover was low to moderate (Jaccard similarity index: 23.08-56.10%). The findings underscore the ecological significance of microhabitats in promoting Araceae diversity, emphasizing the need for conservation strategies that account for these environmental interactions.

Effects of Precipitation and Fire on Land Surface Phenology in the Brazilian Savannas (Cerrado)

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2025 — WHE937E0C492D

Fire and precipitation significantly influence land surface phenology (LSP) in the Brazilian Cerrado, with fire exerting a stronger impact on vegetation recovery metrics. A study analyzing Emas National Park using MODIS and HLS satellite data identified key LSP metrics—such as Amplitude (AMP), End of Season (EOS), and Seasonal Integrals (SSI)—that are highly responsive to both rainfall and fire disturbances. While precipitation primarily affects woodland areas, fire disrupts grasslands more severely, altering Base Level (BL) and recovery rates post-disturbance. The research highlights the importance of combining high-resolution satellite data to better understand vegetation dynamics in this globally significant ecosystem.

Effects of the epidemic and obstacle factors on the evolution of livelihood resilience of scenic farm households: a case study of the Wulingyuan scenic area, China

Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area — 2025 — WHEBF6EF2DE5D

A study on the Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area reveals that COVID-19 significantly impacted the livelihood resilience of scenic farm households, with resilience peaking during normal tourism (2019) at 0.449, dipping during epidemic disruption (2021) to 0.395, and slightly recovering in 2023 to 0.415. The research analyzed data from 364 farm households across five villages using an index system evaluating buffering, learning, and self-organizing capacities, alongside the obstacle degree model. Key factors influencing resilience included per capita forest land area, skill training opportunities, borrowing chances, and migrant work or entrepreneurship. Findings highlight imbalanced resilience among different livelihood strategies and underscore the need for diversified approaches to sustain rural development amid external disruptions.

Effects on Soil Organic Carbon Stock in the Context of Urban Expansion in the Andes: Quito City Case

City of Quito — 2025 — WHECB2722DB78

Urban expansion significantly reduces soil organic carbon storage capacity by 66% when montane forests are replaced by Eucalyptus globulus plantations, highlighting the vulnerability of high-altitude ecosystems to urbanization. The study analyzed soil attributes—organic matter, density, texture, nitrogen, phosphorus, and pH—in a transitional forest fragment in Quito's Western Cordillera, comparing it with eucalyptus plantations and grasslands as intermediate land covers. Researchers identified 253 individuals across 18 species in the montane forest, noting significant variations in soil attributes linked to organic matter. The findings underscore the critical role of natural cover in maintaining ecosystem stability and carbon storage, advocating for urban planning strategies that prioritize conservation and restoration of peri-urban areas to mitigate climate change impacts.