Sites In City Research Articles

Pottery manufacture and exchange at the Qixingdun site in Hunan Province, China

The Qixingdun site (c.3000–2000 BC) is the largest prehistoric city site at the southern edge of the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. It has endured three periods of archaeological culture, Qujialing, Shijiahe and Xiaojiaowuji, and is a core site for exploring the evolution of ancient Chinese civilization. We employed chemical compositional and petrographic analyses to compare and analyze the pottery excavated from this site with that excavated from the Shijiahe City Site. The results show that pottery production at the site remained stable during the Qujialing and Shijiahe periods, but diversified during the Xiaojiawuji period owing to the abandonment of the city site and the influence of foreign cultures. Additionally, there may have been a long-distance exchange of red clay cups between this site and the Shijiahe site. This material exchange likely maintained social stability during the Shijiahe culture period in conjunction with other types of interaction.

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Leeches are a group of segmented worms that play important roles in aquatic environment based on diversity, and abundance feeding habits. A total of 144 specimens of the leech were collected from two sites in Babylon Province on the Euphrates River including S1 in Al-Musayyib city site and S2 in Shatt Al-Hillah site, during the period from March 2023 to May 2024. Specimens were examined morphologically and by molecular analysis of genomic DNA, using to amplification of the conserved 18S rRNA encoding gene and universal primers ITS1 and ITS4, some environmental variables were measured, including water and air temperature (°C), pH, Electrical conductivity EC (µs ̸ cm), Total Dissolved Solid (TDS) and Turbidity, in addition to sediment texture analysis. The result showed that the collected specimens belonged to four species, including Barbronia cf. gwalagwalensis Westergen & Siddall, 2004, Barbronia borealis Bolotov, Eliseeva & Kondakov, 2023, Barbronia weberi Blanchard, 1897, and Barbronia arcana Richardson, 1970; all these species belong to the family Salilfidae and order Hirudinida. The significance of this discovery is the addition of four new record species to Iraqi fauna.

Flax use in ancient China: Archaeobotany evidence from the Northwest China

Flax ( Linum usitatissimum ), a versatile annual herbaceous plant, can be categorized into three types based on phenotypic traits: oil, fiber, and oil-fiber varieties. With a domestication history spanning nearly 9000 years, flax remains one of the most significant fiber and oil crops in human history. Given the limited archaeological discoveries of flax remains in China, recent findings at two sites provide valuable insights into its historical utilization. At the Tangchaodun Ancient City site (seventh-14th centuries AD) in the northeast Qitai County, Xinjiang, 69 carbonized flax seeds were discovered. AMS 14 C dating places these seeds in the late 10th century AD. This is the largest number of flax seeds unearthed from China to date. Additionally, 13 desiccated flax seeds from nine silk “grain bags” were excavated in the tomb of King Murong Zhi of the Tuyuhun Kingdom (AD 691) from the Chashancun cemetery in Wuwei, Gansu Province, marking it the earliest credible flax remains discovered in China. Principal component analysis (PCA) of 18 modern flax varieties (oil, fiber, and oil-fiber types) indicates that these ancient seeds share morphological similarities with fiber and oil-fiber varieties. While the precise function of flax at Tangchaodun remains uncertain, it may have been used for fiber production or religious purposes. In contrast, flax seeds in the tomb of King Murong Zhi, co-discovered alongside other crops such as hemp, millet, broomcorn millet, muskmelon, buckwheat, hulled barley, and barley, were likely used primarily for fiber and/or oil-fiber flax, consistent with records from the records documented in Wooden Slips of the Han Dynasty. This study provides a new understanding of the role of flax in the economic and social life in ancient China.

Bioaccumulation of different heavy metals and toxicity assessment using different indices in grape plants and soil around power generators in Erbil province.

Nowadays, determining the presence of heavy metals in foods is crucial for our health. This study investigated the potential health risks of different heavy metals in grape plant parts, including root, stem, leaf, and soil surrounding the local electrical power generators, which are sources of both air and heavy metal pollution used as polluted sites and the Choman region as control unpolluted sites in Erbil city. The bioaccumulation (BAF), translocation (TR), and toxicity tolerance factors (TTI) were calculated. Soil pollution was estimated based on contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI) degree of contamination (Cdeg), potential ecological risk degree (Eri), and risk index (RI) in the studied sites. Health risks were also assessed through the determination of cancer risk (CR), hazard quotient (HQ), and hazard index (HI). Pb, Zn, Cu, Fe, and Ni have exceeded the maximum permissible value set by the FAO/WHO. Leaf area, total protein, and chlorophyll leaf contents are significantly lower, while the ascorbic acid is higher in polluted sites than the control site. It was observed that grapes are hyperaccumulators for both Pb and Hg, and BAF values were greater than 1. The PLI = 1.218 showed a deterioration of the polluted site quality. Strength Eri was observed for Ni (44.56) and Sb (59.82) from contaminated soils. Children's hazard risk index values were higher than those of adult inhabitants. The total carcinogenic risk (TCR) values were 0.000272437, 0.000384, 0.001168, and 0.001797 in grape leaf and soil, respectively, for unpolluted and polluted sites. In the current study, the carcinogenic exposure pathway from eating grapes is taken into consideration. The metals being examined were believed to potentially cause cancer, including As, Cd, Co, Cr, Hg, Ni, and Pb, according to the determination of CR values.

Critical examination of soil metals distribution in the Copper Belt City of Lubumbashi (D.R. Congo): analysis of soil eukaryotic communities

ABSTRACT The main objectives of the present study are (1) To determine the dynamics of metal distribution around the main mining site in the Copper Belt City of Lubumbashi, and (2) to establish the soil eukaryotic profile in ecologically different sites. The highest levels of copper and cobalt were found at the remediated tailing and the mining sites with 9447 mg/kg and 1387 mg/kg for copper, and 2228 mg/kg and 817 mg/kg for cobalt, respectively. The total levels of these elements in urban areas located beyond 2 km from the mining site were, in most cases, low and below the levels expected to cause harm to the environment and humans. A close examination of the amplicon sequences revealed that Bigelwiella and Gymnochlora were among the top two most prevalent algae genera at each site. For metazoan populations, Mnemiopsis (48%) was the most dominant genus in the residential site, while Diadegma (41%) was the dominant genus in the agricultural dry land. Pseudosuccinea (23%) was predominant in agricultural wetland and Skrjabinema with 26% was the prevalent genus in the tailing. Soil metal content, pH and organic matter levels were not the driving factors of the variations in eukaryotic compositions and abundance.

Using the Ground Penetrating Radar Technique by Applied Engineering Geophysics to Identify Weak Areas at a Location in Mosul, Iraq: A Case Study

A geophysical survey was carried out on the building site in Mosul city. The ground penetrating radar method was applied in this survey for soil conductivity and layering testing. This study's goal is to use a ground penetrating radar survey to find near-surface features, buried bodies, walls, fill material, collapse, and geological features like joints, fractures, cavities, voids, weak zones, and collapse structures in the subsurface, as well as sediment materials within the building's foundation site. Forty-eight profiles were examined utilizing two antennas operating at 160 and 450 MHz, system type mala, GX. The findings reveal many subsurface attributes in the surveyed region: weakness, fill materials, collapse, and creep, suggesting a weak zone reaching a depth of 5 meters. These zones spread in the area of a building site at a depth of around 5 m beneath the foundation, reflecting on the building, causing the erosion of the soil and the cause to collapse. Consequently, the areas of weakness were concentrated on the outer walls of the structure, especially those in which cracks spread in their walls.

Population-Based Active Surveillance for Culture-Confirmed Candidemia - 10 Sites, United States, 2017-2021.

Candidemia, a bloodstream infection caused by Candida spp., is a common cause of health care-associated bloodstream infections in the United States. Candidemia is associated with substantial health care costs, morbidity, and mortality. 2017-2021. CDC's Emerging Infections Program (EIP), a collaboration among CDC, state health departments, and academic partners, was used to conduct active, population-based laboratory surveillance for candidemia at city or county sites located in 10 states (California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, and Tennessee), representing a combined population of approximately 21.5 million persons, or 7% of the U.S. population in 2019. Connecticut began reporting cases on January 1, 2019, and conducts statewide surveillance. Although candidemia is not a nationally notifiable condition, cases of Candida auris infection are nationally notifiable, and cases of candidemia caused by C. auris could be included in both national case counts and EIP surveillance. A culture-confirmed candidemia case is defined as a positive blood culture for any Candida sp. from a resident in the surveillance catchment area. Subsequent positive blood cultures for Candida within 30 days of the initial positive culture (index date) in the same patient are considered part of the same case. Clinical laboratories serving each catchment area report candidemia cases, and trained surveillance officers abstract information from medical charts for all cases. Corresponding isolates are sent to CDC for species confirmation and antifungal susceptibility testing. A total of 7,381 candidemia cases were identified during the surveillance period (2017-2021). The overall incidence was 7.4 cases per 100,000 population. Across age groups, sexes, racial and ethnic groups, and surveillance sites, incidence was generally stable or increased slightly from 2017 to 2021, with the lowest overall incidence in 2019 (6.8) and the highest in 2021 (7.9). In 2021, candidemia incidence was highest in patients aged ≥65 years (22.7) and infants (aged <1 year) (8.0). Incidence was higher in males (8.7) compared with females (7.0) and higher in non-Hispanic Black or African American (Black) patients (12.8) compared with non-Black patients (5.6). Incidence was highest in Maryland (14.5), followed by Tennessee (10.1) and Georgia (10.0); incidence was lowest in Oregon (4.8). Increases occurred in the percentage of cases classified as health care onset (52.2% in 2017 to 58.0% in 2021). Overall, among 7,381 cases (in 6,235 patients), 63.7% occurred in patients who had a central venous catheter, 80.7% involved recent systemic antibiotic receipt, and 9.0% occurred in patients who had a history of injection drug use. The percentage of cases with a positive SARS-CoV-2 test during the 90 days before or after the index date increased from 10.4% in 2020 to 17.7% in 2021. From 2017 to 2021, the percentage of cases involving an intensive care unit stay before the index date increased from 38.3% to 44.9%. Echinocandins (e.g., micafungin) were used as treatment in 49.8% of cases, and azoles were used in 47.7%. The all-cause in-hospital mortality rate was 32.6%; this increased from 26.8% in 2019 to 36.1% in 2021. Overall, Candida albicans accounted for 37.1% of cases, followed by Candida glabrata (30.4%) and Candida parapsilosis (13.5%); however, C. glabrata was the most frequent species in California (38.4%) and Maryland (32.9%). Candida auris infections accounted for 0.4% of cases. Among 6,576 Candida isolates for which interpretive breakpoints exist and isolates were available for testing, 5.6% were fluconazole resistant, and <1% were echinocandin resistant. Antifungal resistance was stable for all antifungals tested across years. Candidemia remains an important health care-associated infection. The disproportionate incidence among older adults, males, and Black patients is consistent with previous reports, and the overall incidence of candidemia has not changed substantially compared with previous EIP findings based on data collected during 2012-2016 (8.7 per 100,000 population). The higher mortality rate associated with candidemia during 2020-2021 likely reflects consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, including strained health care systems and an increased population of patients who were susceptible to candidemia because of COVID-19-related critical illness. Strict implementation of measures to prevent health care-associated bloodstream infections is important to help prevent candidemia cases. Health care officials and providers should be vigilant for candidemia as a complication of critical illness. Continued surveillance is needed to monitor for emerging populations at risk for candidemia and changes in antifungal resistance patterns, which can help guide antifungal treatment selection.

Impact Of Role Ambiguity And Role Conflict On Project Success With Moderating Role Of Top Management Support In Construction Industry Projects Of Pakistan

Project successful completion is the ultimate goal of any project. In Architecture, Engineering &amp; Construction (AEC) industry of Pakistan, being one of the largest industry of Pakistan, Projects are a key factor to achieve future state of any organization. With multiple teams serving in multidisciplinary domains for multiple projects, these team members suffer from role ambiguity and role conflict which leads to poor employee performance, higher turnover rates and lack of commitment. To overcome these, top management support is a major variable yet to be explored in the industry as a moderator. Research study explored impact of role ambiguity and role conflict on project success with moderating role of top management support in the context of AEC industry in Pakistan from project sites of twin cities. 300 questionnaires were circulated, 61% online and 89% physically responded leading to overall 75% feedback. It was concluded that Role conflict has a significant negative impact on the project success while top management support has a positive significant impact on the project success. Role ambiguity did not have a significant impact on the project success in AEC industry of Pakistan. It was mainly due to organized and specific designated roles through job descriptions and human resource management practices. Based on the analysis it was concluded, top management support moderated the impact of role conflict on the project success but failed to establish any significant relationship to moderate between project success and role ambiguity as later was unable to impact project success. Keywords: Role ambiguity, role conflict, project success, Top management support, Architecture, Engineering &amp; Construction.

Mapping multiple stakeholder-perceived cultural ecosystem services in coastal landscapes along the Maritime Silk Road

The coastal cultural landscape reflects the interaction between human activities and the natural environment, providing diverse Cultural Ecosystem Services (CES). However, perceptions of CES by multiple stakeholders are rarely considered in coastal cultural landscape management, especially in developing countries, hence impeding conflict resolution for sustainable landscape governance. This study analyses the spatial patterns of CES valued by residents and tourists in a coastal landscape along the Maritime Silk Road in Quanzhou, China, using geotagged social media photos and image content analysis. The findings highlighted cultural heritage, recreation, artistic appreciation and sense of place as key benefits for both groups. Tourists tend to focus on central city sites, while locals have a more dispersed perception. Random forest analysis revealed significant differences in how natural and human-made features contribute to CES intensity for residents and tourists. These findings enhanced understanding of human-coastal cultural landscape interactions, contributing to local sustainable development policies.

Digital twin-based risk assessment method for dynamic monitoring of heavy rain disasters in rammed earth city site: a case study of the Puzhou ancient city

Digital twin-based risk assessment method for dynamic monitoring of heavy rain disasters in rammed earth city site: a case study of the Puzhou ancient city

What Role Does “Great Heritage Site” Conservation Play in Shaping Sustainable Urban Intensity Patterns? An Empirical Study from Luoyang

Ancient capital cities generally boast long urban histories, with their ancient city sites overlapping significantly with modern urban areas, thereby subjecting urban development to the dual pressures of cultural heritage conservation and extreme land resource constraints. Taking the Great Heritage Site of the Sui and Tang dynasties within the ancient capital Luoyang as an example, this study adopts indicators of urban development intensity and utilizes spatial correlation analysis, kernel density analysis, and other methods to quantify the distribution characteristics of the urban plot development intensity. It identifies the factors influencing urban sustainable development and construction due to the conservation of the Great Heritage Site and proposes optimization strategies for urban construction regulation based on this analysis. The research findings indicate that the types and areas of urban planning and construction land within and outside the conservation area of the Great Heritage Site are similar, with no significant distinctions in the indicators or the spatial distribution of the plot ratio. The main factor affecting the intensity of urban development under the conservation of the Great Heritage Site is building height. Methods such as compensating, transferring, and rewarding the plot ratio and building height beyond the influence range of the Great Heritage Site conservation overflow effect can be employed to moderately enhance the development intensity and capacity control of urban areas, thus elevating urban development levels and providing guidance for sustainable urban growth under Great Heritage Site conservation.

Application of Atmospheric Gases and Particulate Matter to the Assessment of Urban Heat Island

BackgroundUrban heat island (UHI), where built areas are warmer compared to non-urban regions, increases human related diseases and mortality. A key challenge in UHI analysis is the designation of sites as urban or suburban/rural; however, the growing complexity of green spaces in urban areas and the predominance of the transportation sector in nonurban areas creates a dilemma for distinct delineation.ObjectivesThis study aims to utilize the variability of atmospheric components such as particulate matter (PM), inorganic gases, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as direct tracers of the degree of urbanization for ground-based measurements to fully comprehend UHI in convoluted regions with indistinct delineation of urban and nonurban environments.MethodsAtmospheric gases and aerosols were used as direct tracers of urbanization for UHI analysis. Inorganic gases and particulate matter were monitored in two sites in a southeastern US city with varying degrees of urbanization. VOCs were analyzed using a proton transfer reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer.ResultsThe more-urbanized site exhibited warmer night conditions and elevated total oxidant levels, leading to the formation of nanometer-sized particles. Machine learning analysis revealed similar atmospheric pollutant profiles for both sites, suggesting comparable sources and variability. Biogenic VOCs were enhanced at the less-urbanized site; however, levels of anthropogenic aromatic VOCs were comparable for both sites. A comprehensive mass spectra analysis revealed distinct molecular backbones per site that further affirmed the applicability of VOCs as indicators of urbanization.ConclusionThis study concludes that VOCs provide more direct and accurate information than typical inorganic gases and PM parameters for characterizing the degree of urbanization. Further exploration of VOCs can enhance our understanding of UHI dynamics and its interaction with vegetation in urban green spaces.Graphical

Wind Resource Assessment for Potential Wind Turbine Operations in the City of Yanbu, Saudi Arabia

Energy generated from wind (in the form of wind farms (WFs)) is expected to help alleviate rising energy demand in Saudi Arabia, driven by industrial development and population growth. However, before implementing wind farms, conducting a comprehensive wind resource assessment (WRA) study is of paramount importance. This paper presents the analysis of the wind resource potential of a site in Yanbu city, which is located on the western coastal area of Saudi Arabia, using a comprehensive study. The hourly data on wind speed and direction over a one-year period was used in the presented analysis. The plant capacity factor (CF) and annual energy production (AEP) are evaluated for more than 100 commercial wind turbines (WTs). The highest AEP was achieved by the ‘Enercon E126/7.5 MW’ turbine, generating 14.49 GWh, with a corresponding CF of 21.82%. In contrast, the lowest AEP was observed for the ‘Northern Power d’ turbine, producing only 0.13 GWh, with a CF of 14.89%. The highest CF was recorded for the ‘Leitwind LTW104/2.0 MW’ turbine at 40.67%, corresponding to an AEP of 7.12 GWh. The results obtained are very valuable for designers in selecting the appropriate WT to obtain the predicted AEP and CF with the appropriate turbine class. Furthermore, this study applied the K-means clustering algorithm to classify WTs into three distinct categories. Building on this classification, synthetic datasets representing tailored WT configurations were generated—a novel methodology that enables the simulation of site-specific designs not yet available in existing market offerings. These datasets equip wind farm developers with the ability to define WT specifications for manufacturers, guided by two key criteria: the site’s wind resource profile and the target performance metrics of the WT.

Enhancing bridge structural health monitoring through the appearance frequency parameter

This research introduces an innovative approach to dynamic testing by integrating conventional inspection techniques with modern monitoring methods, specifically adapted for both small- and large-scale bridges. Based on a comprehensive survey of some bridges with various structural compositions, construction periods, and designs, the study proposes a new parameter, termed the appearance frequency (AF) value of harmonic frequencies. This parameter is designed to address the limitations of traditional methods that rely solely on eigenvalues, eigenvectors, or mode shapes to assess structural changes. The AF parameter provides a more sensitive and accurate measure to detect real-time stiffness degradation in bridge structures. Field data from numerous bridge sites in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, demonstrate the superior sensitivity and effectiveness of the AF parameter in evaluating and categorizing bridge deterioration. Furthermore, experimental results on a beam model highlight the efficacy of the AF parameter in tracking crack development, showing significant advantages over conventional metrics. The versatility of the AF parameter allows its application across various structural models, enhancing the overall reliability and accuracy of bridge health monitoring systems.

استخدام الإنفوجرافيك في الترويج السياحي عبر تويتر: دراسة تحليلية لمركز التواصل الحكومي

The study investigates the utilization of infographics in tourism promotion on Twitter, particularly focusing on Saudi Arabia's tourism sector due to its significant economic importance. Infographics, known for their blend of informative data and aesthetic appeal, are analyzed alongside the historical context of Saudi Arabian tourism, specifically examining the "Hama" site in Najran city. The study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach, examining 80 tourist infographics from the Saudi government's communication center. Data collection involves content analysis and questionnaire-based assessments. The study's key findings included: The use of infographics for tourism promotion “ranked first in terms of the extent to which infographics contribute to tourism promotion via Twitter, the Government Communication Center, and citing information and events” is one of the most important mental persuasive techniques used. The "static" infographic emerged as one of the primary methods for displaying infographics for tourism promotion. Furthermore, the study's hypotheses confirmed the existence of a causal relationship between the type of infographic used for tourism promotion and the overall infographics presented on the government communication center's account. Additionally, there was found to be a causal relationship between the quality of infographic design and the rate of interactions for tourism promotion on Twitter.

Machine Learning-Based 3D Soil Layer Reconstruction in Foundation Pit Engineering

In the construction of deep foundation pits, early warning measures are essential to reduce construction risks and prevent personnel injuries. In underground structure and pressure analysis, soil layer and support structure data are indispensable. Therefore, soil layer reconstruction serves as a critical step, while sparse borehole data limit the accuracy of traditional reconstruction methods. This paper proposes a machine learning-based soil layer reconstruction method to address this issue. First, various types of borehole and soil layer data are generated by simulating the formation process of Earth’s soil layers, thereby providing sufficient training data. Subsequently, a coding algorithm is designed to extract soil layer features as inputs for the convolutional neural network. Finally, 3D meshing is performed on the soil layer generated from real boreholes, and soil model rendering is achieved through a voxel clustering algorithm. The algorithm achieved an accuracy rate of over 90% in tests and demonstrated excellent robustness. By applying this algorithm, we successfully reconstructed the soil layers at a typical foundation pit site in a Chinese city, validating its effectiveness in real-world scenarios and its potential for large-scale engineering applications.

ECODESIGN AS A MEANS OF REVITALIZING PORST-INDUSTRIAL URBAN LANDSCAPES: GLOBAL APPROACHES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR UKRAINE

This article delves into the increasing significance of eco-design as a cornerstone for revitalizing derelict industrial sites in Ukrainian cities that have undergone post-industrial transformations. In the aftermath of the Soviet Union’s collapse and subsequent deindustrialization, a considerable number of extensive plots have become unusable for conventional purposes, generating a triad of interconnected challenges: environmental degradation, social disintegration, and economic decline. Building on landscape-ecological and architectural research, the study underscores how adaptive reuse—often manifested in the repurposing of existing structures and integration of natural elements—can become a powerful tool in mitigating the adverse effects of abandoned industrial territories. One specific strategy advocated by the authors involves establishing “green corridors,” which not only expand urban green spaces and connect isolated districts but also provide recreational zones that contribute to public well-being.International precedents offer instructive lessons for Ukrainian urbanists and policymakers. Two emblematic projects are the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway in New York and the Cuernavaca Railway Linear Park in Mexico City. Both examples highlight how preserving historical character while incorporating ecological frameworks can galvanize community involvement, reinforce local identity, and spark investment in previously neglected areas. In Manhattan, demonstrating how underutilized spaces can be converted into vibrant hubs of public life. Meanwhile, Mexico City’s Cuernavaca Railway Linear Park exemplifies adaptive reuse of disused rail infrastructure, shaping a multifunctional corridor that not only addresses transportation needs but also enriches communal ties and fosters biodiversity.Within Ukraine, grassroots endeavors like “The Other Way” in Kharkiv illustrate how eco-design principles can be deployed on a local scale. This initiative fosters a sense of shared ownership, cultivates ecological awareness, and revitalizes abandoned land. Likewise, the “Green Corridor” concept has sought to transform existing urban corridors into interconnected, environmentally friendly routes that bring together pedestrians, cyclists, and nature. Although these projects resonate with international best practices, they are constrained by cultural, legal, and financial barriers that limit their scope.Ultimately, this article concludes that widespread adoption of eco-design holds potential to reshape “industrial wastelands” into fully functional, inclusive urban landscapes. By aligning community-driven processes with the priorities of local authorities and urban planners, Ukrainian municipalities can safeguard cultural heritage, strengthen environmental sustainability, and stimulate socio-economic growth. Where collaborative mechanisms between government, private investors, and civil society are consistently maintained, eco-design may evolve into a decisive factor in achieving Ukraine’s overarching sustainable development goals—ensuring a more livable, equitable, and resilient urban future.

Urbanization and Environmental Sustainability: Planning Diagnosis of Symbiosis Between Osogbo City and UNESCO World Heritage Site in Osun State, Nigeria

Recently, the only UNESCO river in Nigeria has become polluted, with its color turning dark brown. Osun River serves not only domestic purposes in the city of Osogbo, but also spiritual purposes during the annual Osun Osogbo Festival (OOF). This study examines the physicochemical properties and presence of heavy metals in Osun River, and the air quality at the heritage site before, during, and after the festival. Water samples from Osun River at the UNESCO site were collected before, during, and after the 2024 festival. The water was analyzed at the Department of Environmental Health Sciences of Osun State University, Nigeria, to determine the quantity of heavy metals present in the river. Additionally, an air quality detector was used to assess the quantity of pollutants (CO2, CO, PM2.5, PM10, TVOC, and HCHO) in the air before, during, and after the festival. In Osun River, the quantities of arsenic and copper were within the permissible levels set by the World Health Organization (WHO) for drinking water, while those of lead, chromium, and cadmium were far above the safety standards set by the WHO. The pollution rate of the river was in the order of festival day &gt; before the festival &gt; after the festival. The air quality on the festival day was hazardous to human health, as particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and carbon dioxide were found to be far above the permissible levels set by the WHO. The implications of the findings of this study are discussed, and measures to ensure the future sustainability of this important UNESCO site in the city of Osogbo are recommended.

Digital Engagement and Visitor Satisfaction at World Heritage Sites: A Study on Interaction, Authenticity, and Recommendations in Coastal China

This study investigates the impact of digital transformation on visitor satisfaction, engagement, and recommendation intentions at World Heritage Sites in Chinese coastal cities. A survey-based quantitative research design was employed, collecting data from four hundred and two respondents across eight cities using systematic random sampling. structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to analyze relationships among digital participation, perceived authenticity, visitor satisfaction, and recommendation behaviors. Results highlight that technologies such as VR and AR enhance satisfaction, engagement, and authenticity, driving recommendation behaviors. Extending Cultural Authenticity Theory and satisfaction–loyalty frameworks, the study emphasizes the dynamic interplay of digital tools and cultural narratives. Practical recommendations focus on implementing culturally sensitive, interactive digital strategies to strengthen heritage tourism’s sustainability. Future research is encouraged to explore emerging technologies like AI and the metaverse.

Cultural heritage reuse applying fuzzy expert knowledge and machine learning: Venice’s fortresses case study

ABSTRACT This paper presents a comparative analysis of two quantitative models for evaluating the reuse of cultural heritage, using fortified sites in a monofunctional city dedicated to cultural tourism, such as Venice, as a case study. The models explore three distinct reuse scenarios, assessing the appropriateness of each through a combination of fuzzy expert systems (FESs) and self-organising maps (SOMs). An FES acts as an expert-driven approach that formalises problem-solving based on external knowledge, while SOMs provide a data-driven perspective, autonomously processing and aggregating data without relying on external input or predefined assumptions. This innovative methodology facilitates the identification of new functional uses for cultural heritage by leveraging data sources related to the intrinsic structural characteristics of the assets, their territorial context and insights from external experts, alongside pre-established reuse scenarios that guide the analysis. In territories where public policies are fragmented and lack integration, this research provides a critical contribution by addressing the unbalanced distribution of functions across territories. The insights generated from this study offer practical guidance for stakeholders involved in managing cultural heritage, supporting enhanced institutional frameworks that can significantly boost the local economic complexity. This analysis showcases the potential of combining FESs and SOMs as a methodological advancement in the field of cultural heritage research. By illustrating how these tools can be applied together to address broader research challenges, the study contributes to the development of new procedures that can be adapted for use in similar contexts.