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Publications

Showing 23041 – 23060 of 30345 publications

Analysis the Risk Elements of Smes in the Region of Gjirokastra

Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra — 2015 — WHEAE74CF917D

SMEs, pivotal to the Albanian and European economies, face distinct challenges due to limited financial and human capital resources compared to larger enterprises. This study identifies and categorizes risk factors affecting SMEs in Gjirokastra by analyzing primary data from questionnaires. The findings reveal that these risks stem from diverse sources and vary significantly in importance, highlighting the unique operational difficulties SMEs encounter. By employing descriptive methods and chart interpretations, the research provides actionable insights for policymakers and businesses to mitigate these challenges and foster sustainable growth.

Analytical Surveys of Stonehenge and its Environs, 2009–2013: Part 2 – the Stones

Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites — 2015 — WHE38E3C3739A

Non-invasive surveys at Stonehenge, including geophysical mapping and laser scanning, have revealed potential buried stone arrangements within the 'Triangle' area, suggesting past stone configurations. These methods also provided detailed insights into stone dressing techniques, including carvings with axe and dagger symbols. The research proposes that a lintelled bluestone trilithon likely served as a northeast entrance, while questioning whether the sarsen circle was fully completed or built incrementally with a southern entrance. This work challenges traditional interpretations but does not definitively resolve the debate.

Analyzing Street Art to Present the Heritage of George Town, Malaysia

Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca — 2015 — WHEF9CB8754EC

Tourists in George Town, Malaysia, show a clear preference for murals over iron rod sculptures when it comes to street art that presents the city's heritage. This preference is rooted in the aesthetic value that murals bring, unlike iron rod sculptures which focus more on storytelling about the streets' history. The study, based on responses from 263 tourists out of 306 questionnaires, also suggests that both types of street art require better control over their subjects to enhance their impact on this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ancient City of Pyu Rising in a Marvelous Dignity for Myanmar-Buddhism

Pyu Ancient Cities — 2015 — WHED3994199E0

The Pyu Ancient Cities, including Halin, Beikthano, and Sri Ksetra, stand as monumental remnants of the Pyu Kingdoms that thrived for over a millennium (200 BC–AD 900) in Myanmar’s dry zone. These brick-walled, moated cities, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, embody both historical grandeur and spiritual significance, serving as pilgrimage sites that foster faith and tranquility. Sri Ksetra, in particular, exemplifies this dual legacy—its enduring presence, prominence, and role in Myanmar-Buddhism are explored here to highlight its cultural and religious importance.

Ancient genomes link early farmers from Atapuerca in Spain to modern-day Basques

Archaeological Site of Atapuerca — 2015 — WHEA98AF89A43

Ancient genome data from eight human remains, dated between 5,500 and 3,500 years ago, excavated at the El Portalón cave in Spain's Sierra de Atapuerca, reveals that early Iberian farmers emerged from a shared ancestral gene pool with European counterparts. Unlike central and northern European farmers, these individuals show significant admixture with local hunter-gatherers, increasing over two millennia. The study finds that Chalcolithic El Portalón individuals exhibit the strongest genetic affinity to modern-day Basques, suggesting a link between Basque ancestry and the spread of agriculture during the Neolithic transition in Europe. Additionally, modern Iberian groups, except Basques, display distinct admixture with Caucasus/Central Asian and North African populations, possibly due to historical migrations.

Ancient Obsidian Procurement and Production in the Peten Campechano: Uxul and Calakmul During the Early Classic to Terminal Classic Periods

Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche — 2015 — WHE1101F3B83B

Ancient Maya cities Uxul and Calakmul, located in southern Campeche, Mexico, exhibited distinct obsidian procurement patterns during the Early to Terminal Classic periods. Analysis of obsidian artifacts reveals that Uxul maintained significant trade connections with Teotihuacan directly or indirectly, suggesting economic independence from Calakmul's dominant state during the Early Classic. This independence waned by the eighth century, coinciding with Uxul's decline and eventual abandonment, long before Calakmul's final collapse after A.D. 900. The study leverages hieroglyphic texts and artifact analysis to reconstruct these trade dynamics, offering new insights into the political and economic relationships between these Maya polities.

Ancient Rock Quarries in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Sacred City of Anuradhapura — 2015 — WHE800E08D91E

A comprehensive survey of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, has identified 65 ancient rock quarries, primarily concentrated along a central outcrop line that traverses the city. These quarries were classified into six categories based on their morphological and archaeological significance, providing critical insights into the construction practices of this UNESCO World Heritage Site from the 4th century BCE to the 11th century CE. The study also reveals that historic stone buildings, particularly in monasteries, are strategically located along these exposed rock outcrops, suggesting a deliberate integration of natural geological features into architectural planning.

Ancient South Asian cities in their regions

City of Cuzco — 2015 — WHE1F8CA157FD

The Inka administrative system, centered in Cuzco, was characterized by a hierarchical organization that relied on descendants of past rulers and a sophisticated record-keeping method using knotted cords (khipus). This study reveals how the empire, known as Tawantinsuyu ('the four parts intimately bound together'), maintained control through provincial and local administrative structures. By analyzing khipu records from the Khipu Database, supported by computational tools developed at Harvard University, researchers uncovered insights into the empire's governance, providing a rare glimpse into its complex bureaucracy. The findings highlight Cuzco's role as the political and cultural heart of the Inka Empire, underscoring its significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ancient Teotihuacan

Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan — 2015 — WHE378C3726D3

Ancient Teotihuacan, the largest city in the Americas before the 1400s, stands as a testament to a sophisticated pre-Hispanic civilization with a unique identity within Mesoamerica. This comprehensive study traces its rise from around 150 BCE to its collapse by 600 CE, offering insights into its urban planning, social hierarchy, and cultural practices. George L. Cowgill's work reveals Teotihuacan's complex political structure, economic systems, technological advancements, and religious beliefs, distinguishing it from other ancient civilizations like the Aztecs and Maya. By analyzing elite structures such as pyramids alongside commoners' dwellings, the study reconstructs daily life and craftsmanship, providing a holistic understanding of this UNESCO World Heritage Site's significance.

Ancient Water System in Tel Mar Elyas during the Byzantine Period: A Study

Baptism Site “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” (Al-Maghtas) — 2015 — WHE66A0B69C90

Recent archaeological surveys and excavations at Tel Mar Elyas (Bethany Beyond the Jordan) have revealed a sophisticated Byzantine-period water system, including pools, cisterns, wells, and aqueducts, providing insights into early Christian ecology and history in eastern Jordan. The study confirmed that the main settlement of Bethany was located near the head of Wadi Kharrar, approximately 1.5 kilometers east of the Jordan River. Excavations uncovered a 1st-century AD settlement with plastered pools likely used for baptism, as well as late Byzantine structures (5th-6th century AD) such as churches and monasteries that served pilgrims. Additionally, the research documented an ancient pilgrimage route linking Jerusalem to Mt. Nebo via Bethany, including several Byzantine churches and monastic sites. The findings highlight the region's significance during the Byzantine period and emphasize the need for preserving its fragile water system installations.

Anhydrobiosis and Freezing-Tolerance: Adaptations That Facilitate the Establishment of Panagrolaimus Nematodes in Polar Habitats

Surtsey — 2015 — WHE0C91E39BD4

Researchers discovered that several Panagrolaimus nematode strains, including those from polar habitats, possess both anhydrobiosis and freezing-tolerance traits, enabling survival in extreme conditions. These adaptations allow them to endure water loss and intracellular ice formation while also inhibiting ice crystal growth. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these traits evolved early in the lineage, with some Antarctic and Surtsey isolates showing robust freezing tolerance without specialized polar adaptations. The study suggests that the colonization of harsh environments like Ross Island and Surtsey by these nematodes may stem from recent 'ecological fitting' rather than evolutionary specialization.

Anomalous terrain at Dove Crags ‘cirqueform’ and Gasgale Gill asymmetric valley, English Lake District, attributed to large-scale rock slope failure of pre-LGM origins

The English Lake District — 2015 — WHEDD34F6CD53

Research at Dove Crags, English Lake District, reveals evidence of a substantial pre-Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) rock slope failure (RSF), one of the first identified in Britain and Ireland. The study proposes that an anomalous cirque-like cavity and asymmetric valley were shaped by a large-scale RSF, estimated at 50 million m³, which was subsequently modified by glacial activity. Field evidence, including dry gullies, a tarnless hollow, and a sharp flank scarp, supports this interpretation. A novel 'clone-stamping' reconstruction method was used to model the pre-RSF landscape, while comparisons with other RSFs and a proposed 'zone of crush' model further validate the findings. The study resolves a landscape paradox by suggesting that the RSF predates the LGM, allowing for glacial exploitation and post-LGM reactivation, which explains the current asymmetric valley profile.

Anthony Hart Writes:

City of Valletta — 2015 — WHE8F2959B6DF

The Valletta International Baroque Festival, established in 2013, marked a significant cultural revival for early-music performances in Malta. The festival, held in iconic baroque edifices like the Manoel Theatre (one of Europe's oldest working theatres) and St John's Co-Cathedral, demonstrated the feasibility and popularity of such events, with its first two iterations achieving resounding success. This initiative, spearheaded by local artist Kenneth Zammit Tabona, showcased the potential for preserving and promoting baroque music within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a model for integrating historical music traditions into contemporary cultural heritage conservation efforts.

Anthropogenically driven decline and extinction of Sapotaceae on Nuku Hiva (Marquesas Islands, East Polynesia)

Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands — 2015 — WHE9613A2FF6F

A groundbreaking study reveals the significant anthropogenic decline and potential extinction of Sapotaceae, a plant family, on Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas Islands. This research marks the first large-scale investigation into prehistoric forest changes in the region, uncovering that two Sapotaceae species—Planchonella and cf. Sideroxylon—were once common elements of indigenous lowland forests but have since disappeared due to overexploitation, forest clearance, and seed predation by introduced rats. Archaeological charcoal assemblages indicate these species were prevalent in early cultural contexts across three Marquesan valleys but nearly undetectable in late prehistoric periods. The findings also suggest a correlation with the reduction of native frugivorous bird populations, offering new insights into the region's palaeoecological history and underscoring the importance of archaeobotanical data in understanding Holocene environmental changes.

Anticipated Inversion and Visibility Conditions over Glacier Bay with a Changing Climate

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek — 2015 — WHE16663A6B85

Future climate change in Glacier Bay, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek, is projected to alter atmospheric inversions and visibility conditions, with complex implications for air quality and cruise-ship tourism. While warmer temperatures may reduce inversion duration by 4.5 hours on average, decreased wind speeds could increase inversion frequency by 4%, affecting pollutant retention. Despite these changes, season-spatially averaged visibility is expected to remain stable, though it may degrade later in the tourist season due to wetter conditions and increased biogenic NOx emissions. The study used a RCP4.5 climate scenario downscaled with the Weather Research and Forecasting Model, comparing 2006-2012 with 2026-2032 under identical cruise-ship conditions to isolate climate-driven effects.

Antigone after Auschwitz

Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp (1940-1945) — 2015 — WHEDE58E8199D

A radical reinterpretation of Sophocles' Antigone reveals that the violation of the incest taboo, rather than Oedipus, lies at the heart of contemporary ethnic cleansings and genocides. This study challenges conventional readings by linking Antigone's tragedy to ideologies that prioritize love for one's own group, rendering the world uninhabitable for others. Drawing on theories from Judith Butler, Adriana Cavarero, Julia Kristeva, and Jacques Lacan, it argues that such ideologies—rooted in a narrow, exclusionary form of self-love—drive global atrocities like those at Auschwitz Birkenau. The analysis uses literary and psychoanalytic frameworks to expose how these dynamics persist, offering a lens to understand historical and contemporary violence.

Antimicrobial activities of actinomycetes isolated from unexplored regions of Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem

The Sundarbans — 2015 — WHEA7CDB5AB4C

Researchers have identified a highly potent actinomycete strain, SMS_SU21, from the Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem, capable of producing antimicrobial compounds effective against a broad range of pathogens, including phytopathogens. This strain demonstrated remarkable antimicrobial activity with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 0.05 mg/ml and significant antioxidant activity (IC50: 0.242 ± 0.33 mg/ml). The bioactive compound responsible for these activities was purified using GC-MS analysis, highlighting the potential of this strain as a source of new broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents. The study involved isolating and screening 54 actinomycetes from unexplored regions of the Sundarbans, followed by polyphasic identification and metabolic profiling to determine their antimicrobial potential.

Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Properties of Streptomyces Sp. (ERINLG-51) Isolated from Southern Western Ghats

Western Ghats — 2015 — WHE3E896BDD00

A novel strain of Streptomyces (ERINLG-51) isolated from the Dolphin Nose hills, Nilgiris, in the Southern Western Ghats demonstrates promising antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties. The ethyl acetate extract derived from its fermentation broth exhibited strong antibacterial activity against a range of pathogens, including Shigella flexneri, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with minimum inhibitory concentrations as low as 125 µg/mL. Notably, the extract also displayed significant cytotoxic effects on A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells, achieving 72% activity at 1000 µg/mL and an IC50 of 600 µg/mL. This suggests potential for identifying novel bioactive molecules with applications in both antimicrobial therapy and cancer treatment.

Antoni Gaudí un Catalán que Construyó Sueños Habitables con Materia Terrenal

Works of Antoni Gaudí — 2015 — WHE26E8710D38

Antoni Gaudí, a pioneering Catalan architect of the Modernism movement, revolutionized construction by integrating local materials and organic forms into his designs. His works, including Park Güell, the Crypt in Colònia Güell, Casa Batlló, and the Sagrada Família, exemplify an innovative approach that blends Catalan culture, natural elements like Montjuic stone and regional vegetation, and symbolic motifs such as dragons and gargoyles. Gaudí’s designs reflect a deep connection between humanity and the divine or immaterial, showcasing his unique vision of habitable spaces rooted in both tangible and intangible inspirations.

Aphrodite at the House of Orpheus in Nea Paphos

Paphos — 2015 — WHEEB8E86A601

Thousands of terracotta fragments and complete figurines unearthed at the House of Orpheus in Nea Paphos, Cyprus, reveal a rich iconographic diversity centered on Aphrodite, the most depicted deity in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. This study, part of the 'Moulding Expressions of Culture' project, analyzes these artifacts—dated from the Hellenistic and Roman periods—to explore their typology, dating, distribution, composition, and coloration. The research highlights a striking variety of Aphrodite representations, offering new insights into ancient religious practices and artistic expression in Paphos.