World Heritage Research: Search

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Showing 21761 – 21780 of 30345 publications

Exposure to viral and bacterial pathogens among Soay sheep (Ovis aries) of the St Kilda archipelago

St Kilda — 2016 — WHEC1A9C5EFC6

Research on Soay sheep (Ovis aries) from the UNESCO-listed St Kilda archipelago reveals limited exposure to viral and bacterial pathogens, despite their long isolation. Analysis of 42 sheep showed that nearly half (50%) harboured ovine herpesvirus 2 (OHV-2). A broader study of 750 plasma samples collected between 1997 and 2010 found evidence of Leptospira spp. exposure in 6.5% of cases, while no serological signs were detected for border disease, parainfluenza, maedi-visna, orf viruses, or Chlamydia abortus. Some sheep showed antibodies against Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), though confirmation was lacking due to missing faecal samples. The study suggests that pathogen importation and local transmission dynamics warrant further investigation to understand the ecological and fitness impacts on this unmanaged population.

Factor Analysis of Deterioration in Namhansanseong Yeojang

Namhansanseong — 2016 — WHE05176075ED

A factor analysis of deterioration in Namhansanseong Yeojang reveals that breakage due to freezing and thawing is the predominant cause of damage. The study employed non-destructive evaluation techniques to measure directional microclimate, aiming to identify weathering factors contributing to the degradation of these structures. By analyzing environmental conditions, the research provides critical insights for conservation management, suggesting a conservation calendar based on weather patterns and damage factors to mitigate deterioration effectively.

Factors influencing local residents’ intentions to conserve the built heritage in Tanzania

Stone Town of Zanzibar — 2016 — WHE71CA943E10

Conservation of built heritage, such as the Stone Town of Zanzibar, is driven by both cognitive and affective factors. A study combining the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) with Affection-Based Attachment Theory (AT) found that attitudes toward conservation, perceived social pressure, perceived control over conservation, and emotional attachment to heritage all significantly influence local residents' intentions to conserve built heritage in Tanzania. Structural Equation Modeling analysis of cross-sectional questionnaire data from three historic towns—Stone Town, Kilwa Kivinje, and Pangani—supported the integration of TPB with AT as a robust framework for understanding conservation behavior. This approach highlights that effective heritage conservation strategies must address both rational cognitive processes and emotional connections to heritage.

Factors Influencing Residents’ Perceptions toward Tourism Development: Differences across Rural and Urban World Heritage Sites

Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca — 2016 — WHE1BCCF271A4

Residents' perceptions of tourism development vary significantly between rural and urban World Heritage Sites (WHSs), with economic gain and community involvement playing distinct roles depending on the context. A study comparing the rural Lenggong and urban George Town WHSs in Malaysia found that while these factors have a stronger influence in rural areas, community attachment and environmental attitudes do not differ significantly between the two settings. Using advanced statistical methods like partial least squares–structural equation modeling, researchers analyzed survey data to reveal these differences, offering valuable insights for local authorities managing tourism development. This work highlights the nuanced relationship between tourism impacts and resident perceptions in developing-world heritage contexts.

Factors influencing the increase of forest cover in Luang Prabang Province, Northern Laos

Town of Luang Prabang — 2016 — WHE6712A96722

Luang Prabang Province, Northern Laos, experienced a significant increase in forest cover from 12.8% in the early 2000s to 32.8% by 2010, an annual growth of 2.8%. This recovery is attributed to socioeconomic development, which reduced rural poverty and shifted agricultural practices toward market-oriented production. The study, comparing Luang Prabang with Huaphanh Province (where forest cover declined), used qualitative and comparative analysis of secondary data. It found that economic growth, urbanization, and improved infrastructure led to decreased subsistence farming, allowing vegetation to regenerate on abandoned lands. This challenges traditional forest transition theory by demonstrating rapid recovery over a short period.

Failure Surfaces for Common Brickwork Settings Used in Historical Masonry Structures

Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex — 2016 — WHEC090C2627E

Researchers have developed comprehensive failure surfaces for common brickwork settings used in historical masonry structures, providing critical insights into the mechanical behavior of ancient constructions. The study focuses on the Roman brick setting and Herringbone arrangements, prevalent in historical vaulted constructions like those found in Tabriz Bazaar. Using a micro-modeling approach with the Distinct Element Method, the research numerically modeled the discrete medium of brickwork units, accounting for geometric and physical nonlinearities, as well as discontinuities between bricks and mortar. The findings reveal that failure in masonry cannot be simply defined by principal stresses alone; instead, it requires consideration of a third variable, such as the angle θ between principal stress axes and material axes. This study offers a robust graphical representation of failure surfaces in terms of full stress components (σx, σy, τxy) or principal stresses and θ, enhancing our understanding of the complex fracturing mechanisms in masonry materials.

Fas’taki Volubilis ve Lixus Arkeolojik Yerleşimlerine ait Çeşitli Roma Mozaikleri Tesseralarının Karşılaştırmalı Petrografik Çalışması

Archaeological Site of Volubilis — 2016 — WHE3FDDD157D1

A comparative petrographic analysis of Roman mosaic tesserae from Volubilis and Lixus, two significant archaeological sites in Morocco, reveals distinct mineralogical characteristics that provide insights into the provenance and movement of building materials across North Africa and the Mediterranean. The study identifies the petrographic nature of the rocks used in these mosaics, offering crucial data on their mechanical properties, weathering patterns, and origins. This research contributes to understanding ancient material trade networks and informs conservation strategies for heritage sites by guiding professionals in restoration interventions.

Fashion and city branding: An analysis of the perception of Florence as a fashion city

Historic Centre of Florence — 2016 — WHE372A42CA28

Florence's fashion industry significantly enhances the city's global attractiveness, shaping its image as a premier fashion destination. A 2015 study revealed that tourists and fashion consumers perceive Florence not just as a historic site but as a hub for luxury shopping, with its reputation influencing travel decisions. The research, conducted via surveys along Via Tornabuoni—a renowned luxury street—highlighted how fashion branding strengthens local businesses while boosting the city's competitive edge. Findings suggest that leveraging Florence's fashion identity could further propel its economic and cultural standing, offering strategic insights for both city marketers and fashion brands.

Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri — 2016 — WHE4D1FC3217E

Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 37 km from Agra, reveals significant historical insights into the transition of architectural styles during the medieval period. The site demonstrates how Islamic architecture incorporated materials and remnants from Hindu temples, particularly evident in two mosques within the village of Sikri. These structures, dating back to the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, provide a clear example of cultural syncretism and the blending of architectural traditions following the Turk occupation in 1196. The study highlights the historical layers of the region, from its uninhabited state before Akbar's time to its subsequent development under Turk control.

Features of Rural Settlements: Gjirokastra Region Case

Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra — 2016 — WHED559FAC642

Rural settlements in Albania, particularly in the Gjirokastra region, have undergone significant transformations due to rural migration and administrative reforms. The study highlights that about 58% of the country's population resides in rural areas, with these settlements exhibiting dynamic changes influenced by natural, political, socio-economic factors over historical periods. The research emphasizes the role of geography in providing critical spatial and temporal data for sustainable rural development, supporting decision-making institutions. The Gjirokastra region serves as a case study illustrating how administrative divisions and post-1989 reforms have reshaped the network of rural settlements, impacting their number, size, and functions.

Feeding Ecology of Native and Nonnative Salmonids during the Expansion of a Nonnative Apex Predator in Yellowstone Lake, Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park — 2016 — WHE041B64A4F5

A nonnative apex predator, the Lake Trout (Salvelinus namaycush), significantly altered competitive interactions and trophic dynamics in Yellowstone Lake by driving the collapse of the native Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri) population. This study reveals that as Lake Trout abundance increased, both species shifted their diets to rely more on benthic amphipods, leading to greater trophic similarity between them. Initially, Lake Trout preyed heavily on Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout, but with the decline of this native species, they turned to amphipods—a resource that became increasingly contested. The research used diet analysis and stable isotope signatures from 2011–2013 to document these shifts, highlighting how invasive predators can restructure ecosystems and compete with native species for limited resources.

Fen and spring vegetation in western Pamir-Alai Mountains in Tajikistan (Middle Asia)

Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs) — 2016 — WHED0E053775D

Research identifies three distinct fen associations and three spring associations in the western Pamir-Alai Mountains, Tajikistan, contributing to the classification of alpine and high-montane wetland ecosystems. These communities—Caricetum pseudofoetidae, Allietum fedtschenkoani, Eleocharido quinqueflorae-Primuletum iljinskii (fens), and Epilobio tianschanici-Bryetum schleicheri, Clementsietum semenovii, Codonopsideto clematidi-Cortusetum turkestanicae (springs)—were analyzed using phytosociological methods over six field campaigns (2008–2013, 2015). The study proposes new alliances for Middle Asian fens and springs, linking them to environmental factors like electrolyte levels, altitude, and soil pH. This work advances the understanding of high-altitude wetland biodiversity in Tajikistan's UNESCO-listed Tajik National Park.

Field Surveys and Numerical Modeling of Pumiceous Debris Flows in Amalfi Coast (Italy)

Costiera Amalfitana — 2016 — WHEEB6C842E29

A numerical model successfully predicted the propagation and deposition of pumiceous debris flows (DFs) on the Amalfi Coast, Italy, demonstrating its potential for risk assessment in similar contexts. The study employed cost-effective techniques—terrestrial laser scanning and UAV photogrammetry—to survey pre- and post-event topography, enabling precise estimation of DF volumes, peak flow depths, and deposit depths. Using a depth-averaged propagation model (FLATModel), the researchers calibrated the simulation with both Voellmy and Coulomb friction resistance laws, achieving strong agreement between predicted and observed deposits. This approach offers a practical tool for forecasting run-out distances in steep channels, critical for mitigating risks to infrastructure like the busy road overtopped by frequent DFs.

Fieldwork at Phrygian Gordion, 2013–2015

Gordion — 2016 — WHE043A35EE42

Recent fieldwork at Gordion, Turkey, uncovered substantial Iron Age fortifications and clarified the city's urban layout. Excavations on the Citadel Mound revealed a massive Early Phrygian glacis (ninth century B.C.E.) with a stepped terrace wall over 2.5 meters high, supporting a fortified wall nearly 3 meters wide. Additional Middle and Late Phrygian fortifications were also discovered, along with a new citadel gateway. Remote sensing further mapped Gordion's residential districts—Lower Town and Outer Town—revealing defensive structures like fortification walls and ditches, as well as a large western fort. Conservation efforts preserved notable features, including the Terrace Building Complex, a pebble mosaic floor from Megaron 2, and the Early Phrygian Gate Complex, one of the best-preserved in Iron Age Asia Minor.

Figurative Art of the Loire Valley through the Prism of the Digital Humanities: ARVIVA and Sculpture 3D Projects.

The Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes — 2016 — WHE3DA0F32434

Recent research on the figurative art of the Loire Valley (1470–1600) reveals a dynamic, interconnected artistic ecosystem that challenges traditional notions of regional schools. Using digital humanities tools, projects like ARVIVA and Sculpture 3D have uncovered new relationships between artists, patrons, and social networks in Tours during the Renaissance. By expanding the study period and leveraging augmented reality for masterpiece analysis, the research provides deeper insights into artistic evolution, patronage dynamics, and previously overlooked works. This approach redefines our understanding of Loire Valley art as a 'foyer'—a vibrant hub rather than a isolated school—and offers interactive visualizations to enhance scholarly analysis.

Figurative Images and Their Iconographic Prototypes in Decoration of Scabbard and Gorytos Overlays from Scythian Tombs of the 4th Century BC.

Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae — 2016 — WHE522DDBA4A7

Research reveals that monumental Greek sculptures from the 5th and 4th centuries BC, including those from the Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae, served as iconographic prototypes for decorative elements on Scythian scabbards and gorytos (shield covers) from the same period. The study identifies consistent patterns in how these motifs were adapted, such as maintaining character roles, circumstances, and affiliations with Greeks or barbarians, while allowing for creative reinterpretation by craftsmen. Notably, the same iconography was used to depict Amazons on monumental sculptures and male figures on toreutic (metalwork) pieces, suggesting a flexible yet structured approach to artistic representation. Additionally, the research highlights that Scythian patrons' attitudes toward nudity influenced the treatment of figurative images, providing insight into cultural exchange and adaptation in ancient art.

Fine Surveying and 3D Modeling Approach for Wooden Ancient Architecture via Multiple Laser Scanner Integration

Ancient Building Complex in the Wudang Mountains — 2016 — WHE38DE1F32C2

A groundbreaking approach using multiple terrestrial laser scanners (TLS) achieves unprecedented accuracy—within 3 mm—in surveying and 3D modeling of ancient wooden architecture, even in challenging, steep terrains like the Wudang Mountains. This method overcomes traditional limitations such as mutual sheltering and scanning view restrictions by integrating three-level TLS with scalable measurement capabilities. The study introduces a multi-scale data fusion technique for precise registration and filtering of complex architectural structures, enabling the generation of detailed drawings (plans, facades, sections) and 3D models. These advancements facilitate deformation analysis and digital preservation, setting a new standard for high-precision documentation of heritage sites.

Firmen und Verbände: Mauerwerk 1/2016

Mathildenhöhe Darmstadt — 2016 — WHE7C3F37CC3E

A notable exploration of the Darmstadt Artists' Colony on Mathildenhöhe reveals its significance as both a cultural and architectural milestone. The study highlights how the colony, founded in 1901, aimed to create an entire town that would redefine artistic and urban living through innovative design and craftsmanship. By focusing on the integration of art and architecture—particularly through the use of masonry—the colony became a pioneering example of modernist thought, blending functionality with aesthetic innovation. The research approach combines historical analysis with architectural study, emphasizing the colony's enduring influence on UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Mathildenhöhe.

First Direct Evidence for Natal Wintering Ground Fidelity and Estimate of Juvenile Survival in the New Zealand Southern Right Whale Eubalaena australis

New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands — 2016 — WHEED335E1487

A groundbreaking study provides the first direct evidence of natal wintering ground fidelity and estimates juvenile survival rates in New Zealand's southern right whale population. Researchers used DNA profiling of skin biopsy samples to track individual whales from their year of birth, documenting their return to the Subantarctic Auckland Islands over multiple years. Fifteen out of 57 whales initially sampled were recaptured during winter surveys between 1995-2009, including four individuals aged 9 to 11 years, with two females first identified as calves in 1998 and later seen with their own calves in 2007. The study estimates high annual juvenile survival rates ranging from 0.87 to 0.95, using Cormack-Jolly-Seber models to analyze discrete age classes and continuous age functions. This method offers a robust approach for long-term demographic and genetic monitoring, particularly useful for species like southern right whales that undergo significant physical changes over time.

First nesting account and breeding biology of “Gould's Inca” ( Coeligena torquata omissa ) in Manu National Park, Peru

Manú National Park — 2016 — WHED050F5DFFD

Researchers document the first detailed nesting biology of Gould's Inca (Coeligena torquata omissa), a highland Andean hummingbird, within Manu National Park, Peru. The study reveals unique adaptations for breeding at altitudes of 2,200–3,000 meters, including rapid nest warming in cold mornings and high attentiveness to incubation, with the focal bird making up to 27 morning trips per day. Nests were found to be small, mossy cup structures lined with red fern scales, placed higher than previously observed for this species. The study also highlights differences in egg size and nest substrate compared to other Gould's Inca subspecies, while confirming similarities in nesting strategies.