World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 22141 – 22160 of 30345 publications

Morphology and molecular analysis ofOncicola venezuelensis(Acanthocephala: Oligacanthorhynchidae) from the ocelotLeopardus pardalisin Brazil

Serra da Capivara National Park — 2016 — WHE0438D0986A

A groundbreaking discovery reveals the ultrastructural details of Oncicola venezuelensis, a parasitic acanthocephalan, including its unique proboscis with 36 hooks arranged in six longitudinal rows. This study, conducted in Serra da Capivara National Parkmarks the first genetic analysis of this species, providing new sequences for ribosomal DNA regions (ITS1, 5.8S, ITS2) and partial 28S rRNA. The research combines morphological, ultrastructural, and molecular data to deepen our understanding of Oncicola diversity, confirming its close phylogenetic relationship with the Oligacanthorhynchidae family. The findings highlight the importance of genetic profiling in unraveling the complexity of parasitic species, offering insights into their evolutionary ties with mammalian hosts.

Motivational segments for trips along the high coast byway of Sweden: a study of local leisure excursions and domestic holidaymaking

High Coast / Kvarken Archipelago — 2016 — WHE1AF0116521

A study of the High Coast / Kvarken Archipelago reveals that scenic byways like Sweden's brown-signposted routes primarily attract local and regional visitors seeking respite from everyday life, stunning landscapes, and outdoor experiences. The research identified three key motivational segments for travelers: those focused on sightseeing and outdoor life, those prioritizing escape and exploration, and those using the route as a quick connection to family or friends. Notably, 82% of participants were repeat visitors with ties to the area through second homes or personal connections, while only 18% were first-time explorers. The findings suggest that promotional efforts for such routes should emphasize their appeal to both local and regional audiences, addressing the blurred distinction between day-trippers and overnight tourists.

Mount Athos and Byzantine Monasticism

Mount Athos — 2016 — WHE7E081AA367

Mount Athos stands as a pivotal pillar of Orthodox Christianity and Byzantine history. Its monastic communities, established early on, wielded significant spiritual, political, and economic influence that extended beyond the Byzantine Empire's borders. The site's archives and libraries preserve an unparalleled body of Byzantine documentation, art, and archaeology, offering invaluable insights into a lost era. This volume, derived from the 28th Spring Symposium of Byzantine Studies, synthesizes international research on Athos, exploring diverse aspects such as asceticism, authority, economy, spirituality, and more. Through meticulous investigation of its archives and artifacts, scholars have uncovered substantial evidence that illuminates the complex phenomenon of Byzantine monasticism, providing a comprehensive view of this influential institution's role in shaping Orthodox Christianity.

Movement, the Senses and Representations of the Roman World: Experiencing the Sebasteion in Aphrodisias

Aphrodisias — 2016 — WHE8C1A740EEB

Aphrodisias' Sebasteion, a first-century AD monument dedicated to emperor worship, was experienced by its audience not through static visual study but during dynamic religious processions. This sensory approach reveals that movement and architecture significantly influenced spectators' perceptions of the Roman world. While previous studies focused on close visual analysis, this research demonstrates that moving past high, static images amidst other stimuli altered the ideological impact of the monument. The findings challenge conventional interpretations by integrating architectural context with sensory experience, offering a nuanced understanding of how ancient audiences engaged with and interpreted monumental art.

Mozambique Island, Cape Town and the Organisation of the Slave Trade in the South-West Indian Ocean, c.1797–1807

Island of Mozambique — 2016 — WHECCBCC2A67F

Around the turn of the 19th century, Mozambique Island emerged as a pivotal hub for the slave trade in the South-West Indian Ocean, transitioning from French merchant dominance to a cosmopolitan network of traders. These merchants developed sophisticated strategies to fund and operate slave ships, forging extensive trade links across the western Indian Ocean and south Atlantic. The study highlights the critical role of Cape Town merchants, who both serviced slave ships and launched their own expeditions, while also examining the long-term impacts of the trade's piecemeal abolition and Brazil's growing dominance on regional dynamics.

Multi-agency management of a World Heritage Site: Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area, China

Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area — 2016 — WHE5258BF44A3

Shared management among multiple agencies at heritage sites, while common in China, often leads to inefficiencies and inconsistencies. A study on the Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area reveals that the current grid management system results in inefficient use of human and financial resources, as well as inconsistent application of management measures due to the lack of an effective coordination agency and collaboration mechanism. The research, based on semi-structured interviews with management staff, proposes a multi-agency management model that emphasizes the roles of a coordination agency and a robust collaboration framework to enhance management efficiency. This study highlights the need for improved coordination and collaboration in multi-agency management contexts to optimize heritage tourism management.

Multi-Pronged Search for Palaeo-Channels near Konark Temple, Odisha - Implications for the Mythical River Chandrabhaga

Sun Temple, Konârak — 2016 — WHEAF642B5610

A multi-disciplinary investigation reveals the likely presence of a palaeo-channel near the 13th-century Konark Sun Temple, Odisha, India, supporting historical accounts of the mythical River Chandrabhaga. Using remote sensing data (Landsat, ASTER Terra Look, and SRTM images), thematic mapping, GIS analysis, and ground-penetrating radar (GPR), researchers delineated a probable palaeo-channel extending north of the temple, parallel to the coast. This finding aligns with ancient literature describing Chandrabhaga as a river flowing near Konark, now absent from the region. The study combines geological, geophysical, and historical evidence, offering new insights into the temple's historical context and the fate of this legendary river.

Multigene phylogeny and morphology reveal a new species, Ophiocordyceps tettigonia, from Guizhou Province, China

China Danxia — 2016 — WHEACF36858F5

Scientists have identified a new species of Ophiocordyceps, named Ophiocordyceps tettigonia, from the Chishui Danxia natural world heritage site in Guizhou Province, China. This discovery was made through morpho-phylogenetic studies and genetic analysis, which revealed distinct morphological and genetic characteristics that differentiate it from other known species. Notably, this new species is associated with an adult Tettigonia host and features unusually wide secondary ascospores. The research utilized combined sequence data from four gene loci (ITS, SSU, TEF, and RPB1) to confirm its uniqueness, providing valuable insights into the biodiversity of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Multiple approaches to heritage in urban regeneration: the case of City Gate, Valletta

City of Valletta — 2016 — WHEEC983A56A9

Heritage is not inherently valuable but can be actively shaped to contribute to urban regeneration. This study examines the City Gate project in Valletta, demonstrating how built environments and historical narratives can be strategically treated to achieve contemporary regeneration goals. By analyzing multiple approaches—preservation, adaptation, and reinterpretation—the research reveals that heritage's role in regeneration is dynamic rather than static. The findings highlight the importance of intentional interventions in transforming historical assets into tools for urban revitalization.

Multiregional Satellite Precipitation Products Evaluation over Complex Terrain

The Causses and the Cévennes, Mediterranean agro-pastoral Cultural Landscape — 2016 — WHE6B33EA00A1

A comprehensive evaluation of nine high-resolution satellite-based rainfall (SBR) products reveals significant variability in their accuracy over complex terrains, with many underestimating wet season precipitation and overestimating dry season totals. The study, spanning nine mountainous regions globally—including the French Cévennes—ahead of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) reanalysis dataset, found that gauge-adjusted SBR products perform better but depend on the representativeness of rain gauge networks. This research highlights the challenges and potential improvements in using SBR data for hydrological studies in diverse landscapes.

Multivariate climatic effects and declining avian populations in an alkaline grassland complex

Hortobágy National Park - the Puszta — 2016 — WHE477AF2184E

A study on the Hortobágy National Park, Europe's largest unbroken alkaline steppe, reveals that avian population dynamics are significantly influenced by multivariate climatic factors. Researchers found that long-distance migratory bird species experiencing population growth in the region were affected by milder climatic conditions induced by the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and increasing Sahel rainfall trends. Short-distance migrants showed population growth in response to warming winters. However, several key conservation species exhibited negative population trends with unknown causes, highlighting the complexity of climate effects on avian populations. The study underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of these climatic influences to develop effective conservation strategies that avoid misattribution of success or failure.

Municipal solid waste and dung cake burning: discoloring the Taj Mahal and human health impacts in Agra

Taj Mahal — 2016 — WHEC5BC2C7E12

Open municipal solid waste (MSW) burning contributes significantly more to the discoloration of the Taj Mahal's white marble surface compared to dung cake burning, depositing approximately 150 mg/m²/year of PM2.5 versus just 12 mg/m²/year from dung cakes. This finding challenges previous assumptions that dung cake burning was the primary culprit and highlights MSW burning as a major source of particulate matter (PM) soiling. The study used spatially detailed emission estimates and air quality modeling to quantify these contributions, revealing that combined emissions from both sources lead to an estimated 713 premature mortalities annually in Agra, disproportionately affecting socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Effective MSW management could mitigate the Taj Mahal's discoloration, improve public health, and yield broader aesthetic benefits.

Murujuga, Northwestern Australia: When Arid Hunter-Gatherers Became Coastal Foragers

Murujuga Cultural Landscape — 2016 — WHE753B41AC8C

Research at Murujuga, a UNESCO-listed cultural landscape in northwestern Australia, reveals the transition of arid hunter-gatherers to coastal foragers during the early Holocene. The study provides evidence for Australia's earliest domestic stone structures, dated between 8063 and 7355 cal BP, on Rosemary Island, challenging assumptions about island abandonment and recolonization. By integrating a 47,000-year occupation sequence from the Pilbara region with predictive models of sea-level rise, the research offers insights into how mobile arid hunter-fisher-gatherers adapted to changing seascape dynamics. This work not only advances our understanding of human adaptation in coastal environments but also contributes to the broader narrative of insular abandonment and resilience.

Museo Madinat al Zahra en Córdoba

Caliphate City of Medina Azahara — 2016 — WHE0690526F5B

The Museo Madinat al Zahra in Córdoba, designed by Fuensanta Nieto and Enrique Sobejano (1999-2008), exemplifies how architectural metaphor can enhance comprehension without literal explanation. The structure aligns with the concept of Medina Azahara, a lost Caliphate city, by embodying its historical and cultural essence through spatial design. This approach facilitates an intuitive understanding of the site's significance while preserving its heritage. The research focuses on the interplay between architecture and narrative, demonstrating how metaphorical design can bridge the gap between literal interpretation and conceptual appreciation in historical preservation.

Musicking Tourism: Music Performance in Bars in the Tourist Industry in the Contemporary Old Town of Lijiang, Yunnan

Old Town of Lijiang — 2016 — WHECFB875C625

Music performances in bars have played a pivotal role in transforming Lijiang's tourism industry, creating a new cultural image that blends urban bar culture with minority traditions. This study reveals how the integration of diverse musical influences fostered a unique romantic atmosphere, significantly boosting Lijiang's appeal as a tourist destination. By analyzing archival data, conducting interviews, and engaging in participant observation, researchers traced the evolution of music performance in bars, demonstrating its reciprocal relationship with tourism and social-cultural changes. The findings highlight how this previously overlooked aspect of bar culture has become integral to Lijiang's identity, challenging conventional perceptions and contributing to its economic prosperity.

Mutually Beneficial: Heritage Conservation and Community Development in Ethiopia

Harar Jugol, the Fortified Historic Town — 2016 — WHE19548E5D01

A key finding from this study is the mutual benefit between heritage conservation and community development at UNESCO World Heritage Sites, exemplified by Ethiopia's Rock-hewn Churches at Lalibela and Harar Jugol. The research highlights a shift in conservation strategies from top-down approaches to values-led, grassroots methods that integrate local traditions and communities. By analyzing the UNESCO World Heritage Centre’s evolving perception of community roles, the study illustrates how these sites contribute to both cultural preservation and economic growth, particularly through tourism. It also underscores the importance of public policy advocacy to protect heritage sites and their associated communities, offering lessons for Ethiopia and other nations developing cultural tourist destinations.

Muża

City of Valletta — 2016 — WHEB1DB46754D

MUŻA, set to open in Valletta, Malta's capital, in 2018, represents a significant cultural milestone as the city prepares for its designation as European Capital of Culture. The museum, positioned as a national community art institution, embodies a vision with distinct objectives aimed at fostering public engagement and education through art. While the abstract does not detail specific scientific insights or discoveries, it underscores MUŻA's role in cultural heritage preservation and promotion within Malta. The study by Debono (2016) likely explores the conceptualization, planning, and anticipated impact of this initiative, employing qualitative research methods to analyze its potential contributions to adult education and public discourse on art.

Naquane, Grande Roccia, dalla scoperta al modello bidimensionale immersivo

Rock Drawings in Valcamonica — 2016 — WHE19B4065477

A groundbreaking immersive virtual tour of the Great Rock (NAQ1) in Valcamonica's Naquane National Park reveals unprecedented insights into prehistoric rock engravings. This innovative approach combines contact-tracing with ultra-high-resolution photo mosaics, enabling precise digital documentation and interactive exploration of 2028 engraved figures spanning 65 square meters. The study addresses longstanding challenges in rock art research by leveraging photogrammetry and photometric stereo techniques to create a detailed 3D model, overcoming limitations of traditional recording methods. This immersive tool not only facilitates scientific analysis but also promotes global appreciation of one of the world's richest archaeological sites.

Narrating the national border: Cambodian state rhetoric vs popular discourse on the Preah Vihear conflict

Temple of Preah Vihear — 2016 — WHEFC350E6063

A study reveals a stark contrast between Cambodian state rhetoric and the lived experiences of residents in Preah Vihear province regarding national identity, development, and heritage. While the state portrays development projects as symbols of Khmer pride and nation-building, locals interpret these initiatives through their daily realities, imbuing terms like 'development,' 'nation,' and 'heritage' with localized meanings. This research sheds light on how nationalist discourse is perceived and experienced at the grassroots level, offering a nuanced perspective on the Thai–Cambodian conflict over the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Temple of Preah Vihear.

Nativity Church in Bethlehem: Full 3D Non-Linear FE Approach for Structural Damage Prediction

Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem — 2016 — WHEBBBF3B2530

A novel full 3D non-linear finite element (FE) approach has been developed to predict structural damage in the Church of the Nativity, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bethlehem. This method allows for precise modeling of the church's complex geometry and material behavior under various loads, providing critical insights into its vulnerability and conservation needs. By simulating potential damage scenarios, researchers can identify areas at risk and prioritize restoration efforts to ensure the preservation of this significant historical structure.