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Showing 21021 – 21040 of 30345 publications

The paleoenvironmental significance of spatial distributions of grain size in groundwater‐recharged lakes: A case study in the hinterland of the Badain Jaran Desert, northwest China

Badain Jaran Desert - Towers of Sand and Lakes — 2017 — WHE062AB447A2

Groundwater-recharged lakes in desert hinterlands, unlike those with river runoff, receive sediment solely from wind transport. A study of five such lakes in the Badain Jaran Desert revealed that median and mean grain sizes decrease from nearshore to deep-water zones but do not reach their lowest at lake centers, contrary to runoff-recharged lakes. The median grain size correlates negatively with lake level, offering a low-resolution proxy for lake evolution. End-member modeling identified two sediment sources: wind-transported sediment (EM1) and wave-perturbed sediment post-wind transport (EM2). EM2's modal grain size varies with lake area, while its content positively correlates with lake level, providing a rough indicator of past lake level fluctuations.

The Palestine Exploration Fund: The Collections of an Historic Learned Society in London

Palestine: Land of Olives and Vines – Cultural Landscape of Southern Jerusalem, Battir — 2017 — WHE71486C366B

Founded in 1865, the Palestine Exploration Fund (PEF) holds one of the world's oldest and most significant collections of archaeological material, archives, photographs, and maps from the ancient Levant. Unlike many contemporary collections, the PEF's holdings are primarily derived from legally conducted excavations, adhering to the protocols of their time, which minimizes concerns over repatriation. The collection, spanning the 19th and early 20th centuries, includes material from key projects such as Warren's excavations in Jerusalem (1866–1870) and the Survey of Western Palestine (1871–1878), alongside significant photographic and documentary archives. This unique assembly provides invaluable context for understanding the history of archaeology and the region's cultural landscape, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Battir in southern Jerusalem. The PEF's strict acquisition policy—rejecting unprovenanced material since the 1900s—ensures compliance with modern international standards while preserving its scholarly integrity. The collection's strength lies not only in its artifacts but also in its interconnected archives, which offer a holistic perspective on the region's history.

The path to sustainable fisheries in Japan and the transformative impact of the Shiretoko World Natural Heritage Site

Shiretoko — 2017 — WHE4A11EDC892

The Shiretoko World Natural Heritage Site (WNHS) stands out as a model of community-driven conservation, particularly through its sustainable fisheries initiatives. The study highlights how local actors, especially fishers, have played a pivotal role in transforming social and ecological conditions, leading to successful conservation outcomes. A key strategy involves organized beach cleaning efforts, which not only mitigate pollution but also foster a sense of stewardship among the community. This 'Shiretoko Approach' emphasizes balancing environmental protection with livelihood sustainability, resulting in improved living standards. The research employs a social-ecological systems lens to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of this approach, offering insights into its replicability for other heritage sites.

The photography of empty lands: Tasmanian history in the art of Ricky Maynard and Anne Ferran

Australian Convict Sites — 2017 — WHE6EFAA54A45

Contemporary art can effectively address traumatic histories by photographing absences, revealing ongoing historical presence. This study analyzes the work of Australian artists Ricky Maynard and Anne Ferran, who document forgotten Tasmanian colonial sites through evocative landscapes. Maynard focuses on the Black War between Aboriginal people and European colonists, while Ferran explores female convict factories. Their photographs create critical dialogues about complex histories without explicit declarations, challenging traditional roles of photography in capturing proof. By examining two artworks in one region, the research provides new perspectives on Australia's colonial legacy, including the entwinement of convict and Aboriginal histories, and offers alternative approaches to memorializing and addressing colonial pasts.

The place of nature? Electoral politics and the Tasmanian Greens

Tasmanian Wilderness — 2017 — WHEDFFAD21AB0

Tasmania's green politics, rooted in the fight to preserve iconic natural areas like Lake Pedder and the Franklin River, has uniquely sustained strong parliamentary representation for over three decades. This study examines the 2006 state election to assess whether the Tasmanian Greens have reached their limits in influencing electoral outcomes. It reveals that while the Greens are skilled at gaining political advantage, counter-efforts by anti-green forces effectively constrained their progress during this election. The research focuses on recent electoral dynamics rather than broader movement characteristics, highlighting the persistent yet bounded role of nature-driven politics in Tasmania's parliament.

The planned, the unplanned and the hyper-planned: dwelling in contemporary Jerusalem

Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls — 2017 — WHED2B1E71B70

In contemporary Jerusalem, two distinct dwelling configurations—hyper-planned gated communities in West Jerusalem and unplanned Palestinian neighborhoods in East Jerusalem—emerge from the same tensions: neoliberal planning reforms and ethno-national colonization. Hyper-planned luxury apartments, primarily housing Western Jewish immigrants, contrast with Palestinian-led zoning plans aimed at legalizing and expanding homes to prevent demolition. Despite their apparent differences, both patterns reflect the integration of privatized spatial planning into long-standing ethno-national dynamics, reshaping urban spaces under neoliberal policies.

The Political Afterlife of Sites of Monumental Destruction

Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar — 2017 — WHE5327C33C9C

Monumental destruction does not necessarily erase the symbolic significance of a site; instead, it can enhance its cultural value and political afterlife. Andrea Connor's study examines two cases—the Old Bridge in Mostar, Bosnia, and the World Trade Center in New York—where destruction during conflict or terrorism led to their reconstruction with new layers of meaning. The 'new Old Bridge,' rebuilt as an exact copy of the original destroyed in 1993, now serves as a symbol of reconciliation, while the WTC's absence marks a site of national mourning and remembrance. Connor argues that such reconstructions should be understood not only materially or symbolically but also through their affecting afterlives, reshaping collective memory and historical narratives. This work challenges conventional views on heritage sites, emphasizing their enduring agency even in destruction.

The Political Rule of the Dictatorship

Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow — 2017 — WHE358BC0A70F

This study examines the enduring symbolism of the Kremlin and Red Square as a manifestation of revolutionary power, highlighting the transformation from imperial to Soviet rule. The research focuses on the visual and symbolic elements that represent the Bolshevik revolution's legacy, such as the illuminated red flag, Lenin's mausoleum, and the repurposed structures of Czarist era. It explores how these symbols impose novel modes of governance, economic arrangements, and societal norms on a vast population, illustrating their profound and lasting impact on Russian history.

The politically historic meaning of Gaeseong(開城) Hurung Royal tomb(厚陵) in the early years of the Joseon Dynasty - Dealing with the period of King Taejong(太宗) in priority -

Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty — 2017 — WHE06410D32E7

A critical political narrative emerges from the construction of Gaeseong's Hurung Royal Tomb (厚陵) during King Taejong's reign, revealing its role in legitimizing his ascension and reinforcing Joseon Dynasty's power dynamics. The tomb, built for Queen Jeong'an, symbolized a deliberate effort to highlight King Taejong's legitimacy as the rightful heir, contrasting with his half-brother King Jeongjong's brief rule. By emphasizing Queen Jeong'an's status as King Taejong's mother and suppressing her formal recognition in China, the tomb's construction served as a political statement, reinforcing Taejong's claim to the throne while downplaying Jeongjong's reign. The study deciphers this intricate interplay through meticulous analysis of historical records, particularly focusing on rituals, inscriptions, and diplomatic nuances during Taejong's early years.

The Politics of Nationalism in Cambodia's Preah Vihear Conflict with Thailand: The State, the City and the Border

Temple of Preah Vihear — 2017 — WHE754B973E34

Cambodia's nationalism in the Preah Vihear conflict with Thailand is multifaceted, serving as a political resource for diverse stakeholders to achieve varied objectives. This study identifies four key approaches—postcolonial nation-building, political legitimation, urban politics of empowerment, and pragmatism in the periphery—that explain Cambodia's nationalist investments in the dispute. Unlike previous top-down analyses focusing on historical or legal dimensions, this research highlights the complex uses and meanings of nationalism from a Cambodian perspective, revealing its role as an alternative means for securing political goals when other avenues are constrained. The study employs qualitative methods, including interviews, observations, and document analysis, conducted in Phnom Penh and Preah Vihear province between 2012 and 2014.

The Politics of Parliamentary Restoration and Renewal: Decisions, Discretion, Democracy

Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church — 2017 — WHE070AC72B11

A critical analysis of the 'Scoping & Planning' stage (2012–2016) for the restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster reveals a covert political process that threatens to undermine both the British Political Tradition and the dominance of the two main political parties. The research exposes how embedded elites, fearing loss of privilege, employ closed and secretive decision-making to restrict reform parameters, thereby limiting democratic input. This study provides the first in-depth examination of these 'hidden politics,' highlighting how crises can serve as windows for systemic recalibration but also how elite resistance can stifle meaningful change.

The Politics of Place

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park — 2017 — WHEF9B2AC733E

Heritage designations, while intended to protect cultural landscapes, often redefine Traditional Owners' relationships with their lands and resources in ways that conflict with customary practices. A study of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park reveals how apolitical narratives and state policies reshape historical and social conditions, forcing Traditional Owners to navigate systems incompatible with their custodial responsibilities and knowledge practices. The research combines ethnographic interviews with heritage experts and archival analysis to expose these tensions, highlighting the disconnect between World Heritage frameworks and Indigenous custodial traditions.

The Pont du Gard and the aqueduct of Nîmes

Pont du Gard (Roman Aqueduct) — 2017 — WHEE880D94ABF

The Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct spanning 50 kilometers from its source near Uzes to Nîmes, remains notable for its engineering precision and historical significance. This structure, part of the Nîmes aqueduct system, demonstrates the Romans' advanced ability to channel water with minimal slope (6 meters over 34 kilometers). The aqueduct's design reflects evolutionary changes in Roman bridge construction, including a shift toward more regular and rational use of concrete. Despite its frequent documentation, the Pont du Gard lacks a confirmed date, leaving its exact historical placement uncertain. The study highlights its architectural details, composition, and the extensive pictorial records housed in the Musée de Vieux Nîmes, offering insights into Roman engineering practices.

The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage Site

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal — 2017 — WHE3AA6186165

A groundbreaking engineering marvel, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal, stands as a testament to 19th-century innovation. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features an elevated aqueduct spanning 30 meters above the Dee Valley, constructed without rivets or bolts, showcasing advanced masonry techniques. The canal system, designed by Thomas Telford and William Jessop, revolutionized waterway transportation in North Wales, enabling efficient movement of goods across challenging terrain. The study highlights its significance as a pioneering example of civil engineering, blending aesthetic design with functional brilliance. Research approaches include historical analysis of construction methods, material science, and the socio-economic impact on regional development.

The pop cultural materialisation of sound in the museum

Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex in Essen — 2017 — WHE73C49C1646

Sound plays a pivotal role in shaping the pop cultural identity of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as demonstrated by the Ruhr Museum's innovative use of auditory elements within the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex. This study reveals how sound—whether through industrial noise, music, or ambient textures—materializes pop culture narratives, creating an immersive experience that transcends traditional museum exhibits. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, analyzing visitor responses and curatorial strategies to dissect how auditory design influences cultural memory and perception. By focusing on Zollverein's repurposed coal washing plant, the study highlights the potential of soundscapes in preserving industrial heritage while engaging contemporary audiences.

The Portaitissa icon at Iveron monastery and the cult of the Virgin on Mount Athos

Mount Athos — 2017 — WHE10DEED5F79

The Portaitissa icon, a revered image of the Virgin Mary at Iveron Monastery on Mount Athos, is linked to a miraculous origin dating back to the iconoclast period under Emperor Theophilos. According to tradition, the icon was cast into the sea to avoid destruction but later reappeared in a pillar of fire off St Clement’s monastery (later Iveron). It was eventually retrieved by a Georgian ascetic named Gabriel and placed in a dedicated parekklesion (side chapel) at the monastery's entrance, earning its name 'Portaitissa' (Our Lady of the Gate). This study explores the icon's significance within the cult of the Virgin on Mount Athos, highlighting its role as a guardian and protector. The research approach combines historical narrative with theological analysis to contextualize the icon's cultural and religious importance.

The Possibility of Sericulture in Byzantine Cappadocia

Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia — 2017 — WHE7927C7FC6F

Byzantine Cappadocia, renowned for its unique rock-cut remains and lunar-like landscapes, may have supported sericulture despite historical perceptions of water scarcity. A study challenges the notion that the region was barren by examining archaeological evidence on water capture, storage, and conveyance techniques. It argues that substantial water supplies were available, enabling significant agricultural activities. The research uses sigillographic evidence, painted depictions, and written sources to suggest that Cappadocia possessed the institutional, environmental, and logistical prerequisites for silk production during Late Antiquity and the middle Byzantine period. While the study does not definitively confirm sericulture, it calls for further investigation into this possibility, highlighting potential avenues for future research.

The Postwar U.S. Policy toward Japan and the Revival of Japanese Technology: The Introduction of TV Broadcasting and Atomic Power in Japan and Hidetoshi Shibata by Kenzo Okuda

Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site — 2017 — WHEC2B4E9B90F

A historical analysis reveals that U.S. postwar policies significantly influenced the introduction of television broadcasting and nuclear power in Japan, primarily through psychological warfare strategies during the Cold War. Kenzo Okuda's study, using archival documents from Japanese journalist Hidetoshi Shibata and U.S. institutions, demonstrates how the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) shaped Japan's adoption of 6 MHz bandwidth and 525 scan lines for television, enabling military broadcasts to East Asia. Additionally, the study highlights coordinated efforts by Japanese media, including Yomiuri and Nippon Television Network Corporation, to promote nuclear power despite anti-nuclear sentiment following the Bikini Atoll hydrogen bomb test in 1954. Okuda's work underscores the interplay between U.S. foreign policy and technological advancement in Japan, revealing how American influence extended beyond military strategy to cultural and scientific domains.

The potential impact of green agendas on historic river landscapes: Numerical modelling of multiple weir removal in the Derwent Valley Mills world heritage site, UK

Derwent Valley Mills — 2017 — WHE9DF7EA6113

Removing multiple weirs along the Derwent River could remobilize contaminants in legacy sediments, posing long-term environmental risks despite minimal changes to valley morphology. Numerical modeling of 24 km of river revealed localized upstream erosion and sediment evacuation post-removal, raising concerns about contaminant redistribution across the floodplain system. While weir modifications are increasingly driven by green agendas—such as hydropower development and water quality improvements—the study highlights the need for holistic assessments to mitigate unintended ecological consequences. These findings have global implications for riverine landscapes where heritage protection is less stringent, emphasizing the importance of considering environmental impacts beyond individual structures.

The quality and performance nexus of the community-based ecotourism enterprises at Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda: a total quality management perspective

Nyungwe National Park — 2017 — WHE58D6D99918

Community-based ecotourism enterprises (CEEs) adjacent to Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda, can significantly enhance their performance by adopting total quality management (TQM) practices. Key TQM strategies—such as training programs, benchmarking against industry standards, employee empowerment, and integrating performance metrics—were found to be critical for CEE success. Notably, this study identifies benchmarking and employee empowerment as new dimensions of TQM particularly relevant for small and medium-sized organizations. These insights suggest that a holistic application of TQM practices across all operational stages could improve the sustainability and effectiveness of CEEs, offering a blueprint for similar conservation efforts in developing regions.