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Publications

Showing 24621 – 24640 of 30345 publications

Candi Prambanan: An updated introduction

Prambanan Temple Compounds — 2014 — WHEF876ED4043

Candi Prambanan, the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia, stands as a testament to Central Java's classical period (AD 775–900), alongside Borobudur. This updated introduction highlights its significance as a pinnacle of Javanese Hindu-Buddhist art, showcasing intricate architectural and artistic achievements from this era. The study provides a comprehensive overview, emphasizing the temple complex's cultural and historical importance while analyzing its design, symbolism, and relation to broader Javanese heritage.

Capital cities as open-air museums: a look at Québec City and Tunis

City of Valletta — 2014 — WHE3C9890DBB5

Capital cities often face the challenge of balancing their international appeal with local significance. This study reveals that Valletta, Malta's capital, embodies this tension uniquely as an island city, caught between maintaining its outward-looking global image and inward-focused national identity. The research analyzes public debates surrounding Renzo Piano’s City Gate project, demonstrating that differing perspectives stem from competing priorities: some advocate for preserving historical symbols to reflect the past, while others push for modern developments to shape Valletta's future. By examining expert commentaries and public viewpoints in Maltese newspapers, the study highlights how these divergent attitudes underscore broader conflicts between tradition and progress in urban planning.

Cappadocian ignimbrite cave churches: stone degradation and conservation strategies

Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia — 2014 — WHEB7ABC7BC4E

Research on Cappadocia's ignimbrite cave churches reveals that smectite and illite minerals significantly degrade stone structures, causing cracks, decohesion, exfoliation, and disaggregation. Consolidation tests using three commercial silica-based products—NanoEstel, Estel 1000, and Estel 1100—showed varying effectiveness. While solvent-based products (Estel 1000, Estel 1100) demonstrated better distribution within the rock, NanoEstel proved superior in reducing capillary water absorption without altering the stone's porous structure. The study highlights the potential of NanoEstel for preserving these unique World Heritage Sites by improving resistance to weathering while maintaining stone integrity.

Capture the wealth of heritage in a Holy City of Islam : the problem of developing tourism in Djenné in Mali

Old Towns of Djenné — 2014 — WHE8FAD1A274C

Sustainable tourism development in Djenné, Mali, hinges on balancing heritage preservation with local values and equitable wealth distribution. The study reveals that while tourism has flourished since Djenné's 1988 UNESCO World Heritage inscription, its growth is hampered by conflicts between inhabitants' expectations, local traditions, and restoration projects. To foster sustainable development, the research advocates for integrating both tangible (architectural) and intangible (cultural, religious) heritage while ensuring fair economic benefits reach the population. This approach could improve living conditions and counter marginalization driven by radical Islam, underscoring the need for culturally sensitive, community-inclusive tourism strategies.

Caracterização de vertissolos da ilha de Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco

Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves — 2014 — WHEAF614F0EC7

Vertisols on Fernando de Noronha Island exhibit unique characteristics shaped by volcanic parent material, tropical maritime climate, and undulating terrain. These soils, classified as Vertissolo Háplico with variations in salinity and sodicity, display typical vertisol features such as slickensides, high clay content (argilosa to muito argilosa), and poor drainage leading to temporary flooding during the rainy season. Despite their potential for agricultural or geotechnical use, these soils face significant challenges due to salt accumulation, which limits their practical applications. Mineralogically, they are dominated by smectite in the clay fraction and hematite, goethite, and rare minerals like crandalita in the silt fraction. The study characterized three soil profiles (P01, P02, P03) using morphological, physical, chemical, and mineralogical analyses to better understand their attributes for environmental preservation and sustainable use.

Carbon dioxide flux in the ablation area of Koxkar glacier, western Tien Shan, China

Western Tien-Shan — 2014 — WHE454A4916D2

A study on Koxkar Glacier in the Western Tien Shan, China, reveals that melting glaciers may act as atmospheric CO₂ sinks. Researchers found net glacial CO₂ exchange rates of -0.05 and -0.07 mmol m⁻² s⁻¹ over exposed ice and supraglacial moraine, respectively, indicating CO₂ drawdown during ice melt due to H⁺ consumption in solutions. Using the gradient method over five months in 2012 and a degree-day model for ablation, they estimated a daily net exchange rate of -1.23 ± 0.17 μmol m⁻² d⁻¹. This work introduces a new approach to modeling CO₂ dynamics in melting glaciers, advancing understanding of atmospheric CO₂ exchange mechanisms.

Carbonate contents of lake sediments determined by XRD method

Qinghai Hoh Xil — 2014 — WHE3FD7A4E97F

A study on the Qinghai Hoh Xil UNESCO World Heritage Site reveals that X-ray diffraction (XRD) is a reliable method for semi-quantitative analysis of carbonate contents in lake sediments, despite its higher measurement error compared to traditional gasometric methods. The research, conducted on core KS-2006 from Lake Kusai, found that XRD-derived average carbonate content (18.9%) and variation range (7%-39%) closely matched those obtained via gasometry (19.4% and 5.0%-30.7%, respectively), with a strong positive correlation (R² = 0.3940). This validation demonstrates XRD's potential for accurate environmental proxy analysis, offering a robust tool for climate reconstruction in high-altitude lake systems.

Carcassonne (Aude) : La Fajolle

Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne — 2014 — WHE2848BDBBBD

Archaeological excavations at the Fajolle site within Carcassonne's historic fortified city have uncovered significant medieval architectural features, shedding new light on the city's defensive structures. The study reveals intricate details of a 12th-century tower, including its construction techniques and strategic placement, which were pivotal in Carcassonne's role as a fortified stronghold during the Middle Ages. Researchers employed stratigraphic analysis and architectural documentation to dissect the tower's layers, providing insights into its evolution over time. This discovery enhances our understanding of medieval military engineering and the city's historical significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Carnivore and Herbivore Densities in the Immediate Aftermath of Ethno-Political Conflict: The Case of Manas National Park, India

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary — 2014 — WHEC081E41102

A study on Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, India, reveals that most wildlife species, including large felids and ungulates, survived a 15-year ethno-political conflict with minimal impact. The research estimated densities of tigers (1.86/100 km²), leopards (1.68/100 km²), clouded leopards (0.58/100 km²), and wild buffalo (22.88/km²) using camera trapping and line-transect surveys, indicating the park's resilience and potential to support higher tiger populations. The findings suggest ongoing restoration efforts are positively influencing tourism and local community engagement, providing a baseline for future conservation evaluations.

Carving Devotion in the Jain Caves at Ellora

Ellora Caves — 2014 — WHEDDF6F65646

A striking stone carving of a kneeling male devotee, adorned with visible chisel marks, serves as the focal point in Lisa Owen's analysis of Jain caves at Ellora. This figure exemplifies the intricate craftsmanship and spiritual devotion embedded in ancient rock-cut architecture. The study delves into the techniques and symbolic significance behind such carvings, offering insights into the artistic and religious practices of the period. By examining surface details and stylistic elements, Owen provides a nuanced understanding of how stone was transformed into expressions of faith and devotion.

Casting for the King: The Royal Palace bronze workshop of Angkor Thom

Angkor — 2014 — WHEA7BE36566C

A multidisciplinary project at Angkor Thom has uncovered the first historically documented bronze workshop in Southeast Asia, providing unprecedented insights into Khmer metallurgical practices. Analysis of production waste, including ceramics, molds, and casting debris, revealed specialized techniques for crafting statues and objects, likely serving the royal elite to adorn palaces, temples, and legitimize political power through divine imagery. The discovery highlights the significance of this workshop in both artistic output and symbolic governance during Angkor's peak.

Çatalhöyük: the leopard changes its spots. A summary of recent work

Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük — 2014 — WHE9C43EF4A02

Recent analysis of Çatalhöyük East, a Neolithic site occupied between 7100 and 6200 BC, reveals significant shifts in social structure and health during its long occupation. The middle 'classic' levels (around 6500 BC) show evidence of increased population density, workload, and physical stress, likely linked to symbolic and ritual elaboration within an aggressively egalitarian society. However, the upper levels indicate a shift toward greater mobility, economic independence of households, and population dispersal, which may have facilitated the spread of farming populations into northwestern Anatolia and Europe. This study integrates data from extensive excavations (2000–2008) with earlier findings to provide a nuanced understanding of Neolithic societal dynamics.

Cave Tourism: The Potential of Asar Cave as a Natural Tourism Asset at Lenggong Valley, Perak

Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley — 2014 — WHE3B3FB14DB3

Asar Cave in the Lenggong Valley holds significant potential as a natural tourism asset, offering economic benefits and environmental conservation opportunities for local communities. A SWOT analysis reveals strong potential for cave-based tourism to drive economic growth while supporting government initiatives in National Key Result Areas. This approach not only boosts livelihoods through tourism but also fosters environmental education, particularly regarding caves. The study highlights the strategic value of marketing natural resources like Asar Cave, demonstrating how sustainable tourism can enhance both local economies and global heritage conservation efforts.

Cenomanian through basal Coniacian Calcareous Nannofossil biostratigraphy of theMancos Shale reference section, Mesa Verde National Park, CO

Mesa Verde National Park — 2014 — WHE5C70E27E9C

A key discovery in the biostratigraphy of Mesa Verde's Mancos Shale reveals that the Cenomanian-Turonian boundary is bracketed by Tethyan nannofossil zone CC10b, occurring between 22.7–27.6 meters. This finding aligns with prior stage boundary placements and supports the existence of an unconformity in the basal Smoky Hill Member, further refined through lithostratigraphic correlations. The study also introduces Lithraphitdites eccentricum Watkins as a potential upper Cenomanian marker and proposes Eprolithus octopetalus Varol as a lower Turonian indicator, offering new datum points for stratigraphic analysis. The research integrates calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy with macrofossil data and bulk-rock carbonate 13C values to provide precise temporal frameworks for the Upper Cenomanian through basal Coniacian intervals.

Cephalopod fauna of South Pacific waters: new information from breeding New Zealand wandering albatrosses

New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands — 2014 — WHEF13111B52E

A circumpolar distribution of key cephalopod species in the Southern Ocean is evidenced by predator sampling, revealing new insights into their ecology and biogeography. The study analyzed 9111 cephalopod beaks from 41 taxa, collected through regurgitated boluses from breeding New Zealand wandering albatrosses at Antipodes and Auckland Islands. Histioteuthidae (e.g., Histioteuthis atlantica) and Onychoteuthidae (e.g., Moroteuthis robsoni) emerged as dominant in both numerical abundance and reconstructed mass, respectively. This research fills critical gaps in the poorly sampled Pacific sector of the Southern Ocean, providing new data on cephalopod biodiversity, predator-prey dynamics, and foraging patterns in one of Earth's most remote ocean regions.

Céramiques des forteresses croisées, ismaéliennes, ayyoubides et mameloukes de Syrie du Nord

Crac des Chevaliers and Qal’at Salah El-Din — 2014 — WHEE7E9FDB9BB

A comprehensive analysis of ceramic artifacts from northern Syrian fortresses reveals distinct regional, cultural, and economic patterns shaped by the successive occupation of these sites. The study, conducted on ceramics unearthed from Crac des Chevaliers, Qal’at Salah El-Din, and other fortified structures, highlights how geographical location—whether coastal, mountainous, or in the Orontes Valley—influenced ceramic production and trade during the 11th to 15th centuries. This period saw control transitioning between Crusaders, Ismaelites, Ayyubids, and Mamluks, with each group leaving a unique imprint on the material culture. The research employs comparative analysis of ceramic assemblages to uncover these historical dynamics, providing new insights into the socio-economic landscape of medieval Syria.

Ceremonie na ratuszu krakowskim w XV–XVIII wieku

Historic Centre of Kraków — 2014 — WHE473833EA47

Kraków’s town hall served as a pivotal center for political influence and social communication during the 15th to 18th centuries, acting as both a stage for official ceremonies and a symbolic barrier between municipal authorities and citizens. The study reveals that these ceremonies, including council elections and royal homages, allowed Kraków to project its significance even after the royal court moved to Warsaw, while also reinforcing the city’s autonomy within Poland’s elite circles. Historical records, primarily ledgers, highlight the town hall’s dual role: promoting Kraków’s prestige through elaborate events while simultaneously maintaining a hierarchical distance from ordinary residents. The square before the town hall functioned as a 'municipal theatre,' underscoring its importance in shaping the city’s extroverted collective life and political dynamics.

Cetoniinae (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae) diversity of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda and surrounding areas

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park — 2014 — WHE8FD278D05E

A comprehensive survey of Cetoniinae beetle diversity in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, and its surroundings revealed 52 species, including two previously unrecorded for the country: Eudicella allardi and Pachnoda alluaudi. The study, conducted between 1996 and 1999 using vegetation sampling, fruit traps, and flight intercept traps, provides detailed data on species distribution, ecology, seasonality, and collecting methods. This research contributes to the understanding of beetle biodiversity in one of Africa's most biodiverse regions, highlighting the park's significance for conservation efforts.

Challenges for integrated water resources governance in Brasilia metropolitan area

Brasilia — 2014 — WHE589355A09D

Ineffective participatory governance in Brasília's water management stems from mismatched national regulations and local political dynamics, hindering sustainable partnerships. The study analyzed 13 interviews and local documents to reveal how institutional frameworks and electoral power disrupt collaborative efforts. It highlights the need for policy planning that transcends traditional state-society divides, offering insights into mechanisms that obstruct progress. This analysis underscores the potential pitfalls of local governance while providing practical guidance for governments and civil society.

Change Detection Using Mappable Vegetation Related Indices A Case Study from Sinharaja Forest Reserve

Sinharaja Forest Reserve — 2014 — WHE1705903A01

A significant increase of 962 hectares in vegetation prime was detected in the western Sinharaja Forest Reserve between 2001 and 2005, while a 15-hectare decrease occurred over the entire period from 1993 to 2005. The study also identified that the forest reserve's fringe areas were particularly vulnerable to forest fires, with burn areas of 160 hectares (1993-2001), 79 hectares (2001-2005), and 10 hectares (1993-2005). These findings were derived using multi-year Landsat 7 ETM+ images, analyzed through Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Burn Index (BI) techniques. The research highlights the importance of ground truthing data for sustainable forest resource management in fire-influenced areas.