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Showing 21361 – 21380 of 30345 publications

Additions to the Cuban oribatid mite fauna (Acari, Oribatida), including new records and descriptions of two new species from the genera Eupelops (Phenopelopidae) and Malaconothrus (Malaconothridae)

Alejandro de Humboldt National Park — 2016 — WHEA41B8ABC63

A new species of oribatid mite, Eupelops fusiformis, and Malaconothrus humboldtensis, has been identified from leaf litter samples collected in Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, Cuba. These discoveries expand the known diversity of Cuban oribatid mites, with 30 species, 12 genera, and 4 families recorded for the first time in Cuba, and 4 species, 2 genera, and 1 family being new to the Neotropical region. The study involved an annotated checklist of 60 species from 48 genera and 33 families, highlighting significant contributions to the understanding of oribatid mite fauna in the region.

Advances in Geotechnical Investigations and Monitoring in Rupestrian Settlements Inscribed in the UNESCO's World Heritage List

Petra — 2016 — WHE0AFA2DF402

Advanced geotechnical investigations and monitoring reveal critical insights into the degradation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites carved into soft rock, such as Petra. These settlements face significant threats from natural hazards like earthquakes and extreme weather events, compounded by slow erosion processes exacerbated by climate change and human activities. The study highlights the effectiveness of interdisciplinary approaches using cutting-edge technologies to assess rock slope stability and weathering, offering low-impact yet highly effective solutions for monitoring and conservation.

Advances in Sustainable Conservation Practices in Rupestrian Settlements Inscribed in the UNESCO's World Heritage List

Petra — 2016 — WHE34853D3576

Rupestrian settlements, among humanity's earliest man-made structures, face significant conservation challenges due to natural and human-induced factors. A study highlights the effectiveness of field conservation works that integrate traditional knowledge and sustainable practices, primarily using local techniques, in mitigating rock fall hazards at UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Bamiyan (Afghanistan), Lalibela (Ethiopia), Petra (Jordan), and Vardzia (Georgia). These sites, often carved into soft rocks with low unconfined compressive strength (UCS<25 MPa), are vulnerable to erosion, climate change, and human activities. The approach emphasizes enhancing rock slope stability while preserving cultural heritage through sustainable methods.

Aesthetic, Social, and Material Networks: A Perspective from the Flint Daggers at Çatalhöyük, Turkey

Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük — 2016 — WHEC28EF5C218

Flint daggers from Çatalhöyük served as central nodes in social and material networks during the Neolithic period. Analysis of their manufacture, use, and deposition reveals their pivotal role in the artisanal social fabric of sedentary communities in Central Anatolia. These daggers were not merely tools but symbols deeply embedded in ritual practices, particularly during Çatalhöyük's peak ritual activity. By examining the intentionality behind their production and use, researchers uncover how material milieus shaped the social structures necessary for large-scale sedentary societies.

Africa’s highest mountain harbours Africa’s tallest trees

Kilimanjaro National Park — 2016 — WHE08E75DCA07

Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, harbors the continent’s tallest trees, with Entandrophragma excelsum (Meliaceae) reaching unprecedented heights. This discovery challenges the notion that African tree species do not compete with global superlatives in height. High-resolution dendrometry revealed that these towering individuals can exceed 470 years of age, suggesting a unique combination of anatomical traits and favorable site conditions enables their extraordinary size. The late identification of these trees may stem from limited study efforts at Kilimanjaro compared to other biodiversity hotspots. With only a few square kilometers of this habitat remaining, urgent protection is critical to prevent the loss of not just a biogeographical archive but also Africa’s tallest trees. Expanding the neighboring Kilimanjaro National Park could secure their preservation.

After Civic Humanism: Learning and Politics in Renaissance Italy ed. by Nicholas Scott Baker and Brian Jeffrey Maxson

Historic Centre of Florence — 2016 — WHEEF2218B676

A critical reassessment of Hans Baron's influential thesis on civic humanism in Renaissance Italy, challenging its binary view of republican and monarchical regimes. The edited volume, 'After Civic Humanism: Learning and Politics in Renaissance Italy,' expands the focus beyond Florence to include Padua and Venice, arguing that humanists across different political systems contributed to the formation of modern state ideas. It also explores the interconnectedness of learning and politics, moving away from Baron's emphasis on republican liberty alone. The collection includes analyses of key figures like Jacob Burckhardt and J.G.A. Pocock, who influenced Baron's work, and reinterprets 'civic humanism' in fourteenth-century political thought.

After Teotihuacan: A View of Collapse and Reorganization from the Southern Basin of Mexico

Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan — 2016 — WHEBA0E3229BF

A study of the settlement of Chicoloapan, located outside the ancient capital of Teotihuacan, reveals that while the city-state's central power was declining by the 600s CE, Chicoloapan thrived during this period. This suggests a complex dynamic of collapse and resilience in the southern Basin of Mexico, where local communities could prosper even as regional authority weakened. The research leverages chronometric data to track demographic growth, household practices, material culture, and social diversity at Chicoloapan, providing new insights into how migration and internal social strategies may have contributed to its resilience. These findings challenge traditional narratives about Teotihuacan's decline by highlighting the divergence between capital and peripheral settlement trajectories.

Afterthought of the Old Summer Palace Restoration - Study on Protection and Development of the Chinese Landscape Cultural Heritage Based on Ontology

Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing — 2016 — WHEF34D01F93B

A study on the Old Summer Palace in Beijing reveals that regeneration, rather than mere preservation or restoration, is crucial for excavating and maintaining Chinese cultural heritage. The research suggests that focusing on the survival process of cultural elements—rather than their physical form—can better align with Eastern philosophical values centered on reincarnation and life energy. This approach addresses the challenge of urbanization and improper protection, which threatens the integrity and memory of the site's landscape features. By applying ontology-based methods, the study offers a framework for sustainable development and cultural tourism that respects both modern globalization and traditional Chinese values.

Age‐related changes in molar topography and shearing crest length in a wild population of mountain Gorillas from Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Virunga National Park — 2016 — WHE4805D64F7F

Mountain gorillas, unlike other folivorous primates, do not experience dental senescence despite their long lifespans and mechanically challenging diets. A study analyzing molar topography and shearing crest length in a wild population from Virunga National Park found that while occlusal topography decreases with age, the relative length of shearing crests is maintained or even increases, preserving their shearing function over 40+ years. Researchers used high-resolution dental replicas and advanced topographic analyses to track changes in occlusal slope, angularity, relief index, and orientation patch count, as well as 2D and 3D shearing crest lengths across a range of ages (4–43 years). This suggests that mountain gorillas have evolved unique dental adaptations to maintain functionality, contrasting with the dental decline observed in other folivorous primates.

Aggersborg: The Viking-Age Settlement and Fortress, ed. Else Roesdahl, Søren M. Sindbæk, Anne Pedersen and David M. Wilson

Viking-Age Ring Fortresses — 2016 — WHEAA4882316D

Aggersborg, a Viking-Age ring fortress built around 970 AD, stands as one of Scandinavia's most impressive monuments from that era. Situated at a strategic crossroads on the Limfjord in northern Jutland, Denmark, its massive earth and timber circular rampart, measuring nine meters wide and enclosing an area 242 meters in diameter, was complemented by four gateways and surrounded by an eight-meter-wide berm and a deep ditch. Inside, the fortress featured axial roads dividing it into quadrants, each containing twelve identical timber houses arranged around small courtyards. Despite its grandeur, Aggersborg was abandoned within ten to fifteen years of construction, mirroring the fate of other similar fortresses across southern Scandinavia. This abrupt abandonment raises intriguing questions about the factors leading to such a rapid decline, offering valuable insights into Viking-Age societal dynamics and strategic planning.

Ahmedabad: the middle class megacity

Historic City of Ahmadabad — 2016 — WHE5A5A760906

Ahmedabad's transformation into a 'Megacity' is driven by the middle class, which leverages neoliberal urbanism to advance exclusionary economic and political agendas. This study reveals that the middle class uses processes like crisis, participation, celebration, and capture to align its interests with broader neoliberal goals, often bypassing electoral democracy. Through ethnographic evidence, it demonstrates how discourses of development, nostalgia, and community are enlisted to promote the 'Gujarat model,' both within the state and beyond. The research highlights the middle class's pivotal role in shaping urban policies that prioritize economic growth over inclusive development.

Ajanta Caves: a Perspective on Construction Methods and Techniques

Ajanta Caves — 2016 — WHE91D5829CD9

Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India, exemplify ancient rock-cut architecture with advanced construction techniques and sustainable design strategies. Dating from the 2nd century BC to the 6th century AD, these Buddhist caves—comprising Chaityas (prayer halls) and Viharas (residential cells)—were carved into a horseshoe cliff, providing both structural stability and aesthetic harmony. The study highlights innovative methods for rock extrusion, spatial organization, and ornamentation, reflecting Gandhara Art influences while serving functional purposes such as water management and indoor comfort. Visual analysis underscores the caves' resilience over centuries, with insights into ambient lighting, ventilation, and safety concerns. This research not only appraises historical engineering but also opens avenues for modern applications in heritage conservation and sustainable architecture.

Aleppo

Ancient City of Aleppo — 2016 — WHE5BA517324D

Recent archaeological discoveries within Aleppo's Citadel have uncovered remnants of a Bronze/Iron Age temple complex, indicating that the site may have served as a significant 'high place' in Canaanite tradition long before its documented history. This finding suggests an even earlier role for Aleppo as a religious and cultural center, predating its later prominence during the Islamic Middle Ages and its strategic importance as a strongpoint against Crusader incursions. The study also highlights the city's layered historical significance, from its Hellenistic grid layout to its flourishing commercial life during Mamluk and Ottoman periods, which supported a diverse ethnic mixture and a rich architectural heritage. Ross Burns' comprehensive exploration of Aleppo's history bridges scholarly analysis with accessibility for the general public, offering a factual survey of the city's past from antiquity to modernity.

Altitudinal Patterns of Species Diversity and Phylogenetic Diversity across Temperate Mountain Forests of Northern China

Mount Taishan — 2016 — WHEE8F236154B

Plant diversity and phylogenetic structure vary distinctly along elevation gradients on Mount Tai and Mount Lao, revealing complex patterns driven by environmental factors. Total species richness decreases monotonically with altitude, while tree richness follows a unimodal pattern. Shrub and herb richness show inconsistent trends between the two mountains, with anthropogenic disturbances increasing understory diversity at low elevations. Phylogenetic structure on Mount Tai exhibits an inverted hump-shaped pattern, suggesting environmental filtering dominates at high and low elevations, whereas competition drives middle-elevation assembly. Mount Lao's milder climate obscures clear phylogenetic patterns. Both phylogenetic and species beta diversity increase with altitudinal divergence, but these do not fully mirror species richness patterns. Conservation efforts should prioritize areas balancing high species richness and phylogenetic diversity to enhance future diversification potential.

An Academic Aesthetics?

Monticello and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville — 2016 — WHE3AFA473DE3

Monticello and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville exemplify the interplay between architectural design and academic life. Thomas Jefferson's 1819 plan for the University of Virginia introduced an 'academical village' concept, blending neoclassical aesthetics with functional spaces to foster learning and collaboration. The layout featured a central Rotunda, inspired by Rome's Pantheon, surrounded by pavilions, colonnades reminiscent of Greek stoas, and student housing ranges, all designed to encourage intellectual exchange and the pursuit of knowledge for the common good. This approach drew parallels with medieval monastic complexes, such as the Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay, which also integrated living quarters, churches, and support buildings into a cohesive academic environment. Jefferson's vision, combining architectural grandeur with practical utility, set a precedent for university campuses worldwide.

An Adaptive Context Aware App for the Tourism

Costiera Amalfitana — 2016 — WHEC2290EA1AA

An adaptive mobile application for tourism, developed using the Context Dimension Tree framework, demonstrates significant potential to enhance user experience by tailoring recommendations based on real-time location and user profiles. The app's effectiveness was validated through a case study in Praiano, part of Italy's UNESCO-listed Costiera Amalfitana, involving diverse tourist groups such as Italian and foreign visitors. Experimental results highlight its ability to customize services dynamically, addressing individual preferences and contextual factors. This approach offers a promising solution for sustainable tourism management by balancing personalization with resource optimization.

An Alsatian Nobleman’s Account of the Second Crusade against the Hussites in 1421: A New Edition, Translation, and Interpretation

Žatec and the Landscape of Saaz Hops — 2016 — WHE1EA2933DEA

A newly transcribed and translated letter from an Alsatian nobleman provides unprecedented insights into the Second Crusade against the Hussites (1421), shedding light on its disintegration. The account, sourced from Archives Départementales du Haut-Rhin, details the crusade's progression, from the nobleman's arrival in Nuremberg to the siege of Saaz/Žatec, offering unique perspectives on military conditions and logistical challenges. Critical analysis compares this narrative with other historical sources, evaluating its reliability and contribution to understanding the Second anti-Hussite Crusade and broader Hussite Wars. The study also identifies the author as Smassmann von Rappoltstein, reinforcing the Holy Roman Empire's role in organizing these crusades.

An Analysis of Domestic Water Consumption in Jaipur, India

Jaipur City, Rajasthan — 2016 — WHED4AA36340D

Domestic water consumption in Jaipur, India, varies significantly with household type and size. Standalone households consume 183 liters per person per day on average, while apartments use slightly more at 215 liters. Bathing and toilet flushing account for the highest water usage in both types of housing, with over 40% of households reporting no shower use. Notably, per capita consumption decreases as family size increases, particularly in standalone houses. The study used a questionnaire-based survey involving 90+ households to gather data on household characteristics, indoor and outdoor water use activities, frequencies, durations, and volumes. Cluster analysis and one-way ANOVA were employed to analyze the results, revealing key insights into water use behavior and attitudes.

An archaeological study of the Zimbabwe Culture capital of Khami, southwestern Zimbabwe

Khami Ruins National Monument — 2016 — WHEAB91AC9E6F

Archaeological research at Khami Ruins National Monument, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former capital of the Zimbabwe Culture, reveals significant insights into the political and social dynamics of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe. The study highlights the strategic urban planning and architectural sophistication of the site, including its defensive structures, which suggest a complex societal organization during its peak in the 15th century. Using a combination of surface surveys, test pits, and artifact analysis, researchers mapped the ruins' layout, uncovering evidence of specialized craft production and trade networks that extended beyond the region. These findings challenge previous assumptions about the site's function, emphasizing its role not only as an administrative center but also as a hub of cultural exchange.

An assessment of ancient DNA preservation in Holocene–Pleistocene fossil bone excavated from the world heritage Naracoorte Caves, South Australia

Australian Fossil Mammal Sites (Riversleigh / Naracoorte) — 2016 — WHE0877B7CEFF

A groundbreaking assessment of ancient DNA (aDNA) preservation in Holocene–Pleistocene fossil bones from the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Naracoorte Caves, South Australia, reveals that aDNA can be retrieved from deposits as old as 18,600 years ago. This study provides the first evidence of aDNA preservation at this site, demonstrating its potential for future palaeontological research. Using metabarcoding and shotgun next-generation sequencing, researchers identified highly degraded DNA in bones older than 8,400 years, with rapid degradation rates suggesting minimal chances of obtaining informative sequences from extinct megafaunal bones dating back to around 50,000 years ago. Additionally, the study uncovered new insights into the past faunal biodiversity of Robertson Cave, including previously undocumented families, offering a deeper understanding of southern Australia's faunal turnover.