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Publications

Showing 21561 – 21580 of 30345 publications

Cognition of disaster risk in a tourism community: an agricultural heritage system perspective

Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces — 2016 — WHEC5B6E34DC7

Tourism communities in the UNESCO-listed Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces exhibit heightened sensitivity to disaster risks, particularly drought, while also demonstrating greater resilience and adaptive enthusiasm compared to non-tourism communities. A participatory GIS-based field survey revealed that tourism communities recognize a more complex landscape—comprising forests, villages, terraces, and rivers—as vulnerable to hazards, unlike non-tourism communities which primarily focus on terraces and villages. These findings suggest that the multifunctional and enhanced value of terraces in tourism contexts amplify spatial hazard impacts. The study proposes a 'Pressure-State-Response' conceptual model to frame these dynamics, offering insights into how heritage systems can balance risk perception with sustainable development.

Collaborative governance improves management effectiveness of Hin Nam No National Protected Area in Central Lao PDR

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park — 2016 — WHE5DF1832879

A collaborative governance model significantly improved the management effectiveness of Hin Nam No National Protected Area in Lao PDR, with a 13% increase in two years. The approach involved five key building blocks: participatory governance assessment, multi-level collaborative management, participatory zonation based on traditional knowledge and customary rights, drafting collaborative governance agreements, and engaging local people as additional management manpower. This model demonstrates potential for replication across Lao PDR's often under-managed 'paper park system,' though further work is needed to ensure adaptive management and sustainable financing.

Collapse and cohesion: building community in the aftermath of Tiwanaku state breakdown

Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture — 2016 — WHED4983DF1EB

After the collapse of the Tiwanaku state around AD 1000, populations in the south-central Andes dispersed from large urban centers to smaller villages, a pattern often associated with social fragmentation. This study reveals that despite such dispersal, communities could rebuild cohesion through collective ceremonial practices. Unlike during the height of state control, these rituals were performed in open, accessible spaces, reinforcing shared ancestry while rejecting elite authority. The research suggests that community solidarity was maintained not by replicating hierarchical structures but by adapting long-standing ritual behaviors to new social contexts.

Colonization of the Scottish islands via long-distance Neolithic transport of red deer (Cervus elaphus)

Heart of Neolithic Orkney — 2016 — WHE2B20F5B1CD

Red deer (Cervus elaphus) on the Outer Hebrides and Orkney likely originated from long-distance maritime introductions by Neolithic humans, rather than natural colonization or migration from mainland Scotland, Ireland, or Norway. This finding, derived from ancient DNA analysis of deer samples across Scottish islands and the mainland, challenges assumptions about Neolithic seafaring capabilities and human-wildlife interactions. The study reveals common genetic haplotypes between the Outer Hebrides and Orkney, suggesting shared ancestry or gene flow, while also confirming Ireland's role as a source for deer introductions into the Inner Hebrides. These insights shed light on the processes shaping the distribution of Britain's largest indigenous land mammal and provide evidence for sophisticated Neolithic maritime travel.

Combining endangered plants and animals as surrogates to identify priority conservation areas in Yunnan, China

Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas — 2016 — WHE0335D970B1

Combining endangered plants and animals as surrogates yields the most effective strategy for identifying priority conservation areas (PCAs) in Yunnan, China. This approach outperforms using either plants or animals alone, with plant-animal priority areas (PAPAs) providing optimal protection for both groups. PAPAs also align with critical biogeographical regions and represent overall species diversity patterns, suggesting 14 urgent conservation units. The study used the Dobson algorithm under three scenarios—endangered plants, endangered animals, or both—to assess surrogacy values at 75% and 100% conservation levels. At 100%, PAPAs form three connected conservation belts, offering a blueprint for optimizing Yunnan’s protected area system.

Combining L- and X-Band SAR Interferometry to Assess Ground Displacements in Heterogeneous Coastal Environments: The Po River Delta and Venice Lagoon, Italy

Venice and its Lagoon — 2016 — WHE8DC309348D

Ground displacement patterns in the Po River Delta and Venice Lagoon, Italy, exhibit significant variability, with subsidence rates ranging from 0 mm/yr to -35 mm/yr. This study combines L-band Short-Baseline SAR Interferometry (SBAS) and X-band Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) using COSMO-SkyMed and ALOS-PALSAR satellite data, respectively, to accurately measure ground movements in both urban and natural environments. The methodology leverages the high-resolution capabilities of PSI for built-up areas while utilizing SBAS to effectively capture displacements in vegetated and wet zones. Calibrated with GPS records, this approach provides a comprehensive assessment of subsidence, enhancing the understanding of both natural and anthropogenic processes contributing to land sinking.

Combining Public Domain and Professional Panoramic Imagery for the Accurate and Dense 3D Reconstruction of the Destroyed Bel Temple in Palmyra

Site of Palmyra — 2016 — WHE9E0F5179FC

A groundbreaking approach demonstrates that public domain touristic imagery, when combined with professional panoramic images, can yield highly accurate and detailed 3D reconstructions of destroyed cultural heritage sites. Focusing on the Bel Temple in Palmyra—a first-century AD religious structure uniquely designed and devastated by ISIS in 2015—researchers achieved precise reconstructions using state-of-the-art dense image matching software. The study reveals that while public domain images alone provide a useful but fragmented model, integrating them with spherical panoramas (captured in 2010) significantly enhances accuracy and completeness. This method addresses challenges like uncalibrated imagery and wide baselines, offering a cost-effective yet robust solution for documenting and preserving at-risk heritage sites.

Combining Statistical Tools and Ecological Assessments in the Study of Biodeterioration Patterns of Stone Temples in Angkor (Cambodia)

Angkor — 2016 — WHE574C3A411C

Integrating statistical tools with ecological assessments reveals distinct biodeterioration patterns (BPs) on stone temples at Angkor, Cambodia, offering deeper insights than either method alone. This study demonstrates that combining qualitative observations with quantitative analysis identifies unique colonization dynamics driven by environmental variability across four Khmer temples. The findings underscore the value of multidisciplinary approaches in conservation science, enabling more precise and effective strategies to mitigate biodeterioration—a critical threat to cultural heritage materials exposed outdoors.

Combining Wine Production and Tourism. The Aeolian Islands

Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands) — 2016 — WHE5FE9F97D0E

Aeolian Islands' wine producers face significant challenges in developing wine tourism, primarily due to limited marketing expertise, insufficient manpower, and lack of stakeholder cooperation. This study reveals that despite the potential synergy between wine production and tourism, small-scale enterprises in the region struggle with implementing effective strategies. The research employed surveys, interviews, and field observations to gather insights from suppliers, highlighting a critical gap in tourism management skills and coordination among stakeholders.

Comment lisait-on une lettre au Moyen Âge ? Le témoignage du Roman du Mont Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay — 2016 — WHEE7AE82D0F2

A rare medieval insight reveals how letters were read to high-ranking individuals in the 12th century, specifically at Mont-Saint-Michel. The study analyzes a passage from 'Roman du Mont Saint-Michel,' a verse text by Guillaume de Saint-Pair, a monk of the abbey. It describes a formal Latin letter, likely a papal document on parchment, delivered and read aloud by a chaplain to Richard I of Normandy. The chaplain meticulously unrolled, examined, and recited the letter's content in French, demonstrating precise translation skills without error. This provides an unprecedented glimpse into medieval epistolary practices, offering detailed evidence of how official correspondence was handled and interpreted during this period.

Community Perceptions of a World Heritage Nomination Process: The Ningaloo Coast Region of Western Australia

Ningaloo Coast — 2016 — WHEDE6C312868

Local community involvement in the Ningaloo Coast's World Heritage nomination process revealed mixed perceptions, with support for designation overshadowed by controversy. Key concerns included political and social dominance, mistrust, misinformation, and perceived unfairness, influenced by past government actions. The study highlights challenges in participatory governance, questioning how local communities can effectively engage in such processes for globally significant coastal regions.

Community structure of reef fishes in shallow waters of the Fernando de Noronha archipelago: effects of different levels of environmental protection

Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves — 2016 — WHE670D4858AD

A study comparing shallow reef-area fish communities in Fernando de Noronha archipelago, Brazil, found that no-take marine protected areas (MPAs) significantly enhance fish diversity, richness, density of larger species, and biomass—nearly double that of regular MPAs. The research analyzed 140 visual censuses across seven sites with varying protection levels, recording 50 species from 27 families. Differences in ichthyofauna were primarily attributed to protection intensity rather than habitat structure, suggesting the National Marine Park of Fernando de Noronha effectively sustains healthy and diverse fish communities. This underscores the critical role of stringent MPA management in conserving marine biodiversity.

Cómo la Macaronesia ha influido en nuestra perspectiva sobre los ecosistemas insulares

Central Zone of the Town of Angra do Heroismo in the Azores — 2016 — WHEC6223ABDFA

Macaronesia, comprising the Azores, Canarias, Cabo Verde, and Madeira, has emerged as a pivotal region for advancing our understanding of island ecosystems. This study highlights how research conducted in Macaronesia has significantly shaped global perspectives on biogeography and conservation. The Island Biology Interest Group (IBIG) organized a symposium during the 'Island Biology 2016' conference in Angra do Heroismo, Terceira, Azores, to synthesize past and present investigations from this region. By contextualizing Macaronesian studies within broader island biogeography frameworks, the symposium aimed to bridge gaps between local research and global ecological insights. This approach underscores the region's unique contributions to the field, offering critical lessons for conservation strategies.

Comparing environmental impacts of biodiesel and petroleum diesel spills from cruise boats in Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago — 2016 — WHE4D019FDEE0

Biodiesel derived from Roselle-Tung oil shows promise as a more environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum diesel for cruise boats in Ha Long Bay, according to a study comparing their environmental impacts. The research found that biodiesel spills have significantly lower toxicity and degradation risks compared to conventional diesel, particularly in marine ecosystems like those in the UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago. By analyzing blending options and assessing ecological effects, the study provides critical insights for policy-making regarding fuel use in sensitive coastal areas. The approach involved laboratory experiments and field assessments to quantify differences in pollution persistence and biological impact between biodiesel blends and petroleum diesel.

Comparison of distribution of oil-degrading filamentous fungi on subtropical Iriomote Island, Japan, and tropical Con Dao Island, Vietnam

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2016 — WHEDBBC503F87

Tropical Con Dao Island, Vietnam, harbors more oil-degrading filamentous fungi (ODF) with higher temperature resistance compared to subtropical Iriomote Island, Japan. The study isolated 23 ODF from sediment and water samples across both islands, revealing that while Iriomote had higher fungal counts in sediments, Con Dao's isolates demonstrated superior survival at elevated temperatures (42°C). Notably, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Trichoderma species from Con Dao exhibited robust oil-degradation potential under tropical conditions, contrasting with Iriomote's less heat-tolerant ODF. This suggests tropical environments may better support ODF adapted to higher temperatures, offering insights for bioremediation strategies in subtropical and tropical coastal ecosystems.

Comparison of the Chemical Properties of Soil and the Main Components of the Southern Ecotype Garlic Cultivar Cultivated in the Volcanic or Nonvolcanic Ash Soil of Jeju Island

Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes — 2016 — WHEC417384373

Garlic cultivated in volcanic ash soil on Jeju Island exhibits distinct chemical properties compared to nonvolcanic ash soil, with higher electrical conductivity and available sulfur content in volcanic soils. This study found that the southern ecotype garlic cultivar 'Namdo' grown in volcanic ash soil had elevated levels of soluble solids and allicin, while 'Daeseo' showed increased reducing sugar content. Nonvolcanic ash soil for 'Namdo' garlic was characterized by higher available phosphorus. The research compared soil chemical properties and garlic components across both soil types, revealing that potassium was the predominant macronutrient in Jeju-grown garlic, followed by sulfur, magnesium, calcium, and sodium. Micronutrients included iron, zinc, manganese, and copper. These findings provide valuable insights for high-quality garlic production, particularly for farmers targeting premium garlic cultivation.

Complex niche divergence underlies lineage diversification in Oophaga poison frogs

Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park — 2016 — WHE279F13135F

Oophaga poison frogs, native to the Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves and La Amistad National Park, exhibit complex niche divergence patterns that have driven their speciation. The study reveals that these frogs originated in Central America before dispersing into South America post-Panama Isthmus closure, with both clades converging on similar geographical distributions and climatic niches. Sister taxa within each clade display parapatric distributions along elevational gradients, suggesting divergence along continuous ecological gradients. The research used multi-locus gene genealogies, species phylogenetic methods (MDC and *beast), and environmental niche modeling to reconstruct their phylogeny and test the role of geographical isolation, climatic niche divergence, and altitudinal gradients. Notably, significant shifts in climatic niches were observed post-dating the final elevation of the Talamanca Range and northern Andes, indicating that speciation along structured landscapes has been a primary evolutionary force.

Components of Catastrophe: Social and Environmental Consequences of Omo River Basin Development

Lower Valley of the Omo — 2016 — WHE84FFC70C90

The construction of the Gibe III dam and associated agricultural development in the Omo River Basin is projected to drastically reduce river flow and eliminate annual floods, critical for the survival of half a million residents in the lower Omo basin and Lake Turkana region. This would devastate natural resource systems, including grazing lands, flood recession agriculture, and fishing habitats, while exacerbating political repression and displacement of villagers for large-scale commercial farming. Concurrently, pastoralists and fishers along Kenya’s Lake Turkana shoreline face economic collapse due to lake level drops, leading to food insecurity, disease, and potential armed conflict over dwindling resources. The study highlights the severe social and environmental consequences of such development, emphasizing the need for urgent policy intervention.

Conclusion

The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur — 2016 — WHE04A576C4C1

The Jantar Mantar observatory complex in Jaipur, built by Maharaja Jai Singh II around 1720, represents a pioneering fusion of Hindu astronomical traditions with contemporary European and Islamic scientific knowledge. Constructed as part of a broader network of observatories across India, it integrated advanced instrumentation for precise celestial measurements, including the development of specialized instruments like the samrat yantra and jai prashna yantra. Jai Singh's approach involved assembling a diverse team of astronomers—Hindu pundits, Muslim scholars, and Jesuit experts—to synthesize global scientific advancements, such as Ulugh Beg’s star catalogues from Samarkand. His efforts also included sending delegations to Lisbon for cutting-edge knowledge and dispatching observers to distant islands for empirical data collection. This interdisciplinary collaboration and the observatory's design reflect a sophisticated blend of traditional Indian astronomical practices with emerging global scientific trends, underscoring its significance as both a technological achievement and a cultural milestone in the 18th-century East India Company world.

Confidence and Trust in Public Institution Natural Hazards Management: Case Studies in Urban and Rural China

Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries - Wolong, Mt Siguniang and Jiajin Mountains — 2016 — WHEA711A0A8B3

Public confidence in grassroots-level institutions for natural hazards management is limited due to resource and power constraints, with notable differences between urban and rural China. While residents of Wolong, a remote village near the Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries, recognize the role of these institutions in fostering community connections, their urban counterparts in Tianjin remain skeptical. This disparity may be attributed to issues of solidarity. The study, conducted through semistructured interviews, highlights the implications for state-society cooperation and disaster risk comanagement in both urban and rural settings.