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Publications

Showing 21401 – 21420 of 30345 publications

Analysis of the factors generating vehicular traffic in the city of Quito and its relation to the application of sensorial and social data with big data as a basis for decision making

City of Quito — 2016 — WHE65B2016E36

Traffic congestion is a significant issue in Quito, with residents identifying it as one of the city's main problems. This study analyzed factors contributing to vehicular traffic, including the increase in vehicles and underutilization of public transport, through field research involving 384 participants. It also explored the potential use of social networks, such as Twitter, and sensorial data for capturing real-time information to improve traffic management. The research highlights the feasibility of using Big Data tools to enhance decision-making for traffic efficiency, offering an initial but critical analysis for potential solutions.

Analyzing Three-Decadal Patterns of Land Use/Land Cover Change and Regional Ecosystem Services at the Landscape Level: Case Study of Two Coastal Metropolitan Regions, Eastern China

West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou — 2016 — WHEE4BCCE7192

Over the past three decades, rapid urbanization and land development in Greater Shanghai and Greater Hangzhou have significantly reduced ecosystem service values (ESVs), with declines of up to 53.72% in provisioning services in Greater Shanghai and 28.62% in Greater Hangzhou. This study quantifies how landscape fragmentation along urban-rural gradients, driven by changes in land use/land cover (LULC), has led to unbalanced ecological service delivery. Researchers analyzed LULC dynamics since the late 1970s using landscape metrics and zonal buffer-based ESV models, revealing that urban expansion at fringes has disproportionately impacted regulating, supporting, provisioning, and cultural services. The findings highlight the need for sustainable land management to mitigate ecological deterioration in fast-growing metropolitan regions.

Ancient DNA from 8400 Year-Old Çatalhöyük Wheat: Implications for the Origin of Neolithic Agriculture

Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük — 2016 — WHE3442670A08

A groundbreaking analysis of 8400-year-old wheat grains from Çatalhöyük reveals that hexaploid wheat—similar to modern naked (T. aestivum) and hulled (T. spelta) varieties—was already cultivated in the Fertile Crescent during the Neolithic period. This finding, derived from ancient DNA sequencing of charred seeds, represents the oldest wheat genome sequenced to date and provides critical evidence for Çatalhöyük's pivotal role in the origins of agriculture. The study compared these ancient samples with contemporary wheat species, including T. monococcum, T. dicoccum, and T. dicoccoides, at HMW glutenin protein loci, shedding light on early agricultural practices that facilitated the spread of hexaploid wheat from the Fertile Crescent toward Europe.

Ancient Indians (Harappan Settlement) were Aware of Tsunami/Storm Protection Measures:A New Interpretation of Thick Walls at Dholavira, Gujarat, India

Dholavira: a Harappan City — 2016 — WHE2B5351BE18

Archaeological evidence from Dholavira, a Harappan city in Gujarat, India, suggests that its massive fortification walls—up to 18 meters thick—may have served as tsunami or storm protection rather than military defense. Located along a historically vulnerable coastline and during a mid-Holocene period marked by higher sea levels, the site's thick walls likely represented an advanced understanding of natural disaster risks among ancient Indians. This interpretation challenges conventional views on the purpose of such structures, proposing that they were designed to mitigate catastrophic wave impacts rather than serve as defensive barriers against human threats.

Ancient Paquimé and the Casas Grandes World

Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes — 2016 — WHEE1E00C098B

Ancient Paquimé and the Casas Grandes World, derived from a 2012 conference, synthesizes current archaeological knowledge of the Casas Grandes region in northwest Mexico and the U.S., revealing significant insights into the complex societies that thrived in this area. The study emphasizes the advanced urban planning, trade networks, and cultural developments of Paquimé which stood as a major center during its peak between 1300 and 1450 CE. By integrating findings from multiple disciplines, including archaeology, anthropology, and history, the research provides a comprehensive understanding of the region's socio-political organization, economic strategies, and interactions with surrounding cultures. The approach combines extensive field surveys, artifact analysis, and comparative studies to reconstruct the dynamic world of Casas Grandes, offering a nuanced perspective on its significance in Mesoamerican history.

Ancient Ritual Construction of Saryarka and its Interrelation with Kazakh Ideology

Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan — 2016 — WHE9369DE8645

Research reveals a deep-rooted continuity in ritual traditions, particularly burial practices involving horses, spanning from the Bronze Age to the Kazakh period. The study identifies 'burial mounds with mustache' as significant ritual monuments, serving functions tied to sun and fire cults, and traces their ideological persistence over millennia. By analyzing archaeological evidence—including monuments from Huns and Turkish periods—the authors demonstrate that these rituals reflect a consistent system of belief in Saryarka, a historically rich region. The horse's central role in ancient ceremonies underscores its enduring symbolic importance, with ritual traditions showing remarkable stability despite evolving societal contexts.

Ancient Society in Nasca

Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Palpa — 2016 — WHE1FE40FDF83

The Nasca Lines, a series of vast geoglyphs etched into the desert floor, stand as a testament to the sophisticated ancient society that thrived in the Nasca region. These ground drawings, created by the Nasca culture, represent one of the most enigmatic and enduring legacies of pre-Columbian civilizations. The study provides a comprehensive overview of the historical trajectory of the region, highlighting the development of the project at La Tiza and offering a detailed outline of its findings. By synthesizing archaeological evidence and historical context, this research sheds light on the complex societal structures and cultural practices of ancient Nasca, challenging conventional understandings of their technological and artistic capabilities.

Anhang

L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site — 2016 — WHE97F0CA17E7

Archaeological evidence of the Viking expedition to North America, predating Columbus by 400 years, was rediscovered at L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland. The study, led by Rudolf Simek, explores the motivations behind this daring voyage—whether driven by adventure, resource scarcity, or other factors—and examines the origins and worldviews of these Norse explorers. It also delves into their nautical expertise and boat design, as well as the historical narrative surrounding their journey, including the Grænlendinga Saga. Additionally, it highlights the 1961 discovery by Helge and Anne Stine Ingstad, which confirmed the Viking presence in North America, while debunking earlier 'Viking Hoaxes' that flourished in the U.S.

Animal Bones from an Industrial Quarter at Malbork, Poland: Towards an Ecology of a Castle Built in Prussia by the Teutonic Order

Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork — 2016 — WHE32AC5BE614

Archaeological analysis of animal bones from Malbork Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest fortified brick structure built by the Teutonic Order in Prussia, reveals significant insights into the castle's ecological impact on its hinterland. The study highlights how the castle's expansion between 1270s and 1457, alongside subsequent modifications during Polish, Prussian, and German occupations, strained local animal resources. By examining bone remains from an industrial quarter, researchers reconstructed the diversity of animal management practices and product processing within the castle, shedding light on the complex provisioning networks required to sustain such a large structure. This approach combines written historical sources with archaeological evidence, offering a unique perspective on the long-term ecological consequences of medieval fortress construction.

Animal Housing/Housing Animals: Nodes of Politics, Practices and Human–Animal Relations

Vegaøyan – The Vega Archipelago — 2016 — WHEB35BC767BE

A significant shift in the human-eider relationship within the Vega Archipelago, Norway, has been documented, highlighting how housing practices for eiders—one of the region's iconic species—reflect broader political and cultural dynamics. The study reveals that these practices are not merely functional but deeply embedded in heritage conservation efforts, shaping both environmental policies and local traditions. Through qualitative research, including interviews with stakeholders and analysis of historical records, the authors uncover how housing animals becomes a node for negotiating human-animal relations, heritage values, and ecological management. This work underscores the importance of understanding such practices as integral to the preservation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Vegaøyan, where biodiversity conservation intersects with cultural identity.

Animal Management at the Ancient Metropolis of Teotihuacan, Mexico: Stable Isotope Analysis of Leporid (Cottontail and Jackrabbit) Bone Mineral

Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan — 2016 — WHE6989CC5DFE

Stable isotope analysis reveals that cottontails and jackrabbits at Teotihuacan were provisioned with human-cultivated foods, such as maize, suggesting intentional management or breeding during the city's peak (AD 1-550). The study analyzed bone mineral isotopes from 134 ancient leporid specimens, comparing them to modern samples. High δ13Capatite values in Oztoyahualco, a residential complex with rabbit sculptures and butchering traces, indicate human provisioning, while stable δ18Oapatite values suggest consistent environmental conditions. This provides evidence for mammalian animal husbandry in ancient Mesoamerica.

Annotated checklist of millipedes (Myriapoda: Diplopoda) of Sri Lanka

Central Highlands of Sri Lanka — 2016 — WHEFC097B7CA6

A comprehensive annotated checklist identifies 104 millipede species in Sri Lanka, with 82 endemic to the island and nine genera plus one family unique to Sri Lanka. The study synthesizes taxonomic data from 1865 to present, revealing a high concentration of diversity in the central highlands, particularly at Pundaluoya and Kandy. While this work advances baseline knowledge, significant gaps remain in understanding millipede taxonomy, evolution, distribution, and conservation status in Sri Lanka. The authors call for intensified surveys to fill these knowledge gaps and provide a foundation for future research on this understudied group.

Antimicrobial activity of some actinomycetes from Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu, India

Western Ghats — 2016 — WHEBBF3D0D1F7

A study from the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu, India, identified Streptomyces rimosus (FMS-20) as a promising antimicrobial agent against multiple human pathogens. Among 106 actinomycete strains isolated, FMS-20 demonstrated significant inhibitory activity, particularly in intracellular methanol and extracellular ethyl acetate extracts, with maximum zones of inhibition against Aspergillus brasiliensis (22 mm) and Bacillus subtilis (25 mm), respectively. This finding highlights the potential of actinomycetes from biodiverse regions like the Western Ghats as a source for novel antimicrobial compounds to combat drug-resistant pathogens.

Any old iron? Marketing models and sustainable regeneration in Ironbridge

Ironbridge Gorge — 2016 — WHE8F0885808B

Ironbridge Gorge, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its technological innovation during the Industrial Revolution, has undergone significant transformations in its heritage narrative and regeneration strategies. The study reveals that while Ironbridge's success has revitalized the area into an affluent residential zone, it has also displaced its original working-class demographic. This shift reflects broader changes in visitor expectations, market competition, and responses to political agendas within the heritage sector. The research provides an overview of how perceptions of heritage in the area have evolved over time, highlighting the complex interplay between cultural preservation, economic regeneration, and social demographics.

Aphrodisias, presque une île: la cité et ses réseaux d’Auguste à 249/250

Aphrodisias — 2016 — WHEB0332C4DE9

Aphrodisias, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in modern-day Turkey, emerged as a distinct political and cultural entity during the Roman period. Despite its initial isolation due to triumviral privileges, Aphrodisias strategically positioned itself as a provincial capital by the mid-3rd century or under Diocletian. This transformation was not solely a result of Roman decisions but also a product of Aphrodisias' proactive networking with neighboring Carian cities. The city cultivated unequal but influential relationships in economic, cultural, and mythological domains, distinguishing itself from other major Asian cities. These findings shed light on how local strategies, rather than just imperial decrees, shaped the status and influence of ancient cities.

Appearance Principles of High Rise Buildings in the City Center: Visual Efekto to Historical Heritage, Regulation Proposals / Aukštybinių Pastatų Miesto Centre Atsiradimo Principai: Vizualinis Poveikis Istoriniam Paveldui, Reglamentavimo Siūlymai

Vilnius Historic Centre — 2016 — WHE56D43F88E9

High-rise buildings, symbols of modern urban economic and political power, often disrupt the visual integrity of historic city centers, altering their skylines irrevocably. This study analyzes the evolution of high-rise development in London, Jerusalem, Ottawa, and Vilnius, identifying key methodological differences in urban regulations across these cities. It proposes principles to balance modern construction with the preservation of cultural heritage, leveraging advanced computer technologies for urban planning and monitoring virtual city panoramas. The research highlights the need for adaptive regulatory frameworks to mitigate the visual impact on historic sites while accommodating contemporary urban growth.

Application of Geophysical Technology for Archeology and Preservation of Cultural Relics in China

Longmen Grottoes — 2016 — WHE2B4F0F1B43

Geophysical technologies have proven highly effective in advancing archaeology and the preservation of cultural relics in China, particularly at UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A notable example is their application at the Longmen Grottoes, where these methods successfully identified ancient coffin chambers and uncovered remnants of large underground structures. The study highlights the use of resistivity methods, magnetic prospecting, ground-penetrating radar (georadar), and Landsonar to survey historic sites, including the Yungang Grottos, Kezier Grottos, and the Forbidden City in Beijing. These techniques also aided in dating historical sites with precision. The research underscores the potential of geophysical technologies to revolutionize archaeological surveys and preservation efforts, offering both immediate insights and long-term benefits for cultural heritage conservation.

Applied research on virtual reality technology in digital display design

Mount Taishan — 2016 — WHE8C0D6FB15E

Virtual reality (VR) technology shows significant potential but varying effectiveness in enhancing digital displays of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A study using BP neural network theory and questionnaire surveys evaluated VR's impact on four sites: Mount Huangshan, Mount Taishan, the Forbidden City, and Wuzhen Town. The research found that while VR effectively improved digital display effects for Mount Huangshan and the Forbidden City, its performance was less optimal for Mount Taishan and Wuzhen Town, aligning with real-world observations. This suggests that the applied evaluation model used in the study is both reasonable and effective in assessing VR's role in cultural heritage preservation.

Archaeo-mobility. Integrating Archaeological Heritage with Everyday Life

Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura — 2016 — WHE58B32C7B33

Urban mass-transit infrastructure offers a unique opportunity to integrate archaeological heritage into everyday life, transforming it from static museum displays into dynamic urban resources. Research highlights that while projects like Rome's New Line C and Naples' Municipio station demonstrate advanced methods in excavation planning and architectural integration, many initiatives fail due to bureaucratic or economic hurdles or inadequate heritage management. Italy, with its vast and stratified archaeological heritage, is pioneering these approaches, setting new standards for 'archaeo-mobility.' The study emphasizes the potential of involving urban contexts creatively while addressing challenges in balancing infrastructure needs with cultural preservation.

Archaeological Approaches and their Future Directions in Pasargadae

Pasargadae — 2016 — WHE48975521F3

Pasargadae, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site, holds significant historical and cultural value as both an archaeological treasure and a sanctuary for local communities. The site, particularly its tomb, has been revered for centuries, serving as a focal point for pastoral nomads who camp around it during their seasonal migrations. These nomads, including those from the Bakhtiari region and the Bsseri Tribe, have maintained a deep connection to the site, reflecting its enduring importance in local traditions. The discovery of Achaemenid-era earrings by a landowner's son while tilling near the tomb underscores the community's sensitivity to historical artifacts, highlighting an ongoing interplay between archaeology and local heritage preservation.