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Showing 25721 – 25740 of 30315 publications

Unintended de-marketing manages visitor demand in Greater Blue Mountains World heritage Area

Greater Blue Mountains Area — 2014 — WHEF48FFA69A1

Unintended de-marketing strategies have been found to effectively manage visitor demand in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area (GBMWHA), Australia. This research builds on previous studies by Kotler and Levy (1971) and Armstrong and Kern (2011), providing additional evidence that such approaches can influence visitor behavior, either temporarily or permanently. The study supports the notion that de-marketing, originally conceptualized to discourage certain groups of visitors, plays a significant role in protecting fragile ecosystems and managing tourism impacts. While the specific methods are not detailed, the findings highlight the unintended but beneficial effects of de-marketing on visitor demand in protected areas.

Unintended outcomes of farmers’ adaptation to climate variability: deforestation and conservation in Calakmul and Maya biosphere reserves

Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche — 2014 — WHE052040DD87

Farmers' adaptation strategies to climate variability in the Calakmul and Maya Biosphere Reserves inadvertently contribute to deforestation, posing significant challenges for conservation efforts. This study reveals that while farmers aim to mitigate climate risks, their practices often lead to increased forest clearing, threatening the biodiversity of these UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data analysis with qualitative interviews to assess the impacts of agricultural expansion on tropical forests. Findings underscore the complex interplay between human adaptation and environmental outcomes, highlighting the need for integrated conservation strategies that address both climate resilience and forest preservation.

Unravelling interactions between salt marsh evolution and sedimentary processes in the Wadden Sea (southeastern North Sea)

Wadden Sea — 2014 — WHEAA515B8D1A

Salt marshes in the Wadden Sea, covering 20% of European coastal salt marshes, face significant threats from accelerated sea-level rise (SLR) and changing storm climates. A key finding is that sediment availability and composition are critical for these ecosystems' resilience to SLR. This study unravels the complex interactions between sedimentary processes in the Wadden Sea and salt marsh evolution, identifying crucial processes influencing their morphological development. The research employs a conceptual model to frame these interactions, offering a tool for improved understanding and modeling of salt marshes, potentially applicable beyond the Wadden Sea.

Unusual Bat Behavior During Winter in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park — 2014 — WHE3B88DC222B

A study conducted between December 2012 and April 2013 in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park revealed unusual bat behavior during winter, including daytime flying, foraging, and erratic movement. Nine bats were collected, with six tested for White-nose Syndrome (WNS) via histology, all of which tested positive. The researchers hypothesize that WNS may have caused increased activity and emergence from hibernacula in these bats. These observations were more frequent on warmer-than-average days, suggesting a potential link between temperature and bat behavior during the winter months.

Urban design and architecture in the service of colonialism in Morocco

Medina of Marrakesh — 2014 — WHE857C3D1366

Colonial urban design and architecture in Morocco, particularly in the Medina of Marrakesh, continue to reflect French imperialist ideology and serve as tools of power and domination. The study demonstrates that contemporary urban spaces and architectural practices are directly linked to colonial legacies, perpetuating ambivalent discourses. By analyzing postcolonial Morocco, the research reveals how colonial regimes used urban design to justify their measures and impose specific ideologies, with lasting consequences on social and political processes.

Urban entrepreneurialism and the commodification of heritage in China

Old Town of Lijiang — 2014 — WHEF7BE624B6F

Lijiang Old Town exemplifies the complex interplay between urban entrepreneurialism and heritage commodification. The study identifies three markets—tourist, real estate, and capital—that facilitate profit extraction from urban heritage, reflecting innovative strategies by local governments to enhance competitiveness. While ruling elites and local governments benefit disproportionately from tourist revenues, demographic displacement reveals the broader social implications of these economic dynamics. This analysis underscores how political control and capital accumulation intersect with individual choices in the context of heritage preservation.

Urban forests and the conservation of threatened plant species: the case of the Tijuca National Park, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea — 2014 — WHEC6D32ECAC8

Tijuca National Park, an urban forest within Rio de Janeiro's Carioca Landscapes, serves as a critical stronghold for threatened plant species amid global habitat loss. This study quantifies its role in conserving biodiversity by analyzing 143 plant species, including 29 endangered or vulnerable taxa, demonstrating that urban protected areas can effectively counteract species extinction risks. Researchers employed field surveys, taxonomic identification, and threat assessment using IUCN Red List criteria to evaluate the park's ecological significance. Findings underscore the importance of integrating urban forests into global conservation strategies, particularly in biodiverse regions like Brazil, where such areas cover 12.4% of national land. The study advocates for strengthened protection measures to safeguard these irreplaceable ecosystems.

Urban heritage and its role in the development of the tourism sector: a model of two cities – Hebron and Bethlehem, Palestine

Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town — 2014 — WHE931F6F37A1

Urban heritage plays a pivotal role in the development of the Palestinian tourism sector, offering significant economic, cultural, and social benefits. A study focusing on Hebron and Bethlehem highlights that preserving and rehabilitating historical sites—such as old cities, al-Qasaba, and ancient walls—can enhance their value for tourism while addressing financial and operational challenges. The research identifies key weaknesses in the sector but proposes solutions to maintain and elevate heritage's contribution to tourism. By analyzing two model cities, it demonstrates how strategic conservation efforts can transform urban heritage into a sustainable economic driver.

Urban Policy Fez and the Muslim City

Medina of Fez — 2014 — WHE90B0D4FA1E

French colonial policy in Fez, Morocco, inadvertently deepened urban segregation by abandoning an early attempt to integrate local governance. Despite initial efforts to create an elective municipal council involving Moroccan notables after the 1912 uprising, French authorities later sidelined this approach, leading to a rigid division between the historic medina and the modern colonial city (ville nouvelle). This 'urban apartheid' system reflected deeper political miscalculations rather than a coherent urban planning strategy. The study relies on ethnographic records from the pre-protectorate era and archival analysis of French administrative decisions.

Urban Towns on the Frontier

Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis: San Ignacio Mini, Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto and Santa Maria Mayor (Argentina), Ruins of Sao Miguel das Missoes (Brazil) — 2014 — WHEC16CCCEB02

Jesuit missions among the Guaraní, including San Ignacio Mini and Sao Miguel das Missoes, were sophisticated urban settlements by 18th-century standards, with populations sustained primarily through natural growth rather than new conversions. Despite long-term demographic expansion, epidemics caused short-term declines, revealing the fragility of these frontier communities. A complex governing structure emerged to sustain the missions, featuring Guaraní leadership roles that evolved beyond traditional cacique succession, highlighting a dynamic adaptation to Jesuit administration (1609–1767).

Urbanisation of former city fortifications in The Netherlands between 1805 and 2013

Dutch Water Defence Lines — 2014 — WHE0DE688BE7E

The Dutch Water Defence Lines have undergone significant transformations from their original military purpose to modern urban and ecological functions. This study identifies three key phases in the evolution of these fortifications: construction (from castles to defense lines), dismantling and urbanization (1805–1951), and current spatial character and revitalization. The research reveals that revitalization strategies vary, ranging from full reconstruction to narrative approaches, with implications for heritage preservation, water management, ecology, and urban identity. By analyzing these mechanisms of transformation, the study provides actionable insights for city planners and landscape architects to strengthen historic inner cities and enhance urban identity. The findings underscore the importance of adaptive heritage approaches in balancing historical integrity with contemporary needs.

Use of forest products by the local people of the Salonga National Park in the Congo

Salonga National Park — 2014 — WHEFDD9337378

Local communities in Salonga National Park, Congo, exhibit a positive attitude toward forest resources, with their diverse needs aligning closely with the park's vast potential for sustainable product exploitation. A survey across four villages revealed that the park's forests could meet population demands without compromising long-term resource conservation, suggesting a viable model for sustainable forest management. This study highlights the critical role of local knowledge and community participation in balancing material needs with ecological preservation, advocating for integrated policies that prioritize both human well-being and biodiversity protection.

Use of Metallomics and Metabolomics to Assess Metal Pollution in Doñana National Park (SW Spain)

Doñana National Park — 2014 — WHE5EF53E58F8

A study employing metallomics and metabolomics reveals significant differences in metal pollution impacts on the ecosystem of Doñana National Park (DNP), SW Spain. The research, using the mouse Mus spretus as a model organism, demonstrates that metal contamination in DNP and its surrounding areas (El Partido and El Matochal) affects levels of metals and metalloproteins such as MT, Cu/Zn-SOD, or Mn-CA, disrupts membrane phospholipids, and alters metabolic pathways related to energy metabolism and oxidative stress. The approach involved size exclusion chromatography coupled with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (SEC-ICP-MS) for metallomics and direct infusion to a mass spectrometer (DI-ESI-QTOF-MS) for metabolomics, followed by partial linear square-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). Additionally, the activities of key antioxidant enzymes were assessed, providing insights into the biological response to environmental contamination.

Using “Magic” to Think from the Material: Tracing Distributed Agency, Revelation, and Concealment at Çatalhöyük

Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük — 2014 — WHE69516CA974

This study challenges conventional distinctions between magic and religion at Çatalhöyük, advocating for a material-centric approach that avoids Western categorizations. It suggests that the site's material culture reflects an 'entangled' world where functional, symbolic, sacred, and secular elements are indistinguishable. By focusing on distributed agency, revelation, and concealment, the research proposes that magic can be understood as a distinct but interconnected phenomenon to religion, rooted in embodied practice rather than abstract intellectual activity. This approach aligns with contemporary theoretical frameworks that prioritize materiality as the foundation of social life, offering a nuanced interpretation of Neolithic spiritual practices.

Using ocean colour remote sensing products to estimate turbidity at the Wadden Sea time series station Spiekeroog

Wadden Sea — 2014 — WHEE6FDAAC7CD

A novel approach using ocean color remote sensing products (OCPs) demonstrates strong potential for estimating turbidity in the Wadden Sea, with high accuracy and low uncertainty. The study, conducted at the Spiekeroog time series station, established empirical methods that correlate OCPs with in-situ turbidity measurements, achieving linear relationships with R² > 0.7 (p < 0.001) and mean absolute percent differences below 31%. These findings suggest OCPs could effectively monitor water quality in highly turbid coastal waters, addressing challenges like bio-fouling on submerged sensors. Additionally, the classic Forel-Ule colour Index (FUI) showed promise as a time series indicator for surface seawater changes, highlighting its utility in operational monitoring and satellite calibration efforts.

Using Research on Preservation and Conservation in a Historic House

Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex — 2014 — WHE2CE9584311

A comprehensive, multidisciplinary research effort at the Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex—designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005—revealed critical insights into the preservation challenges faced by historic houses. The study identified significant risks to collection objects due to airborne pollutants, fluctuating climate factors (temperature and relative humidity), light exposure, and presentation protocols. Through targeted research, it demonstrated the detrimental effects of these environmental stressors on displayed objects, providing a detailed 'status of conservation' that serves as a foundation for evidence-based preservation policies. This approach not only addresses the practical needs of overseeing governments but also fosters collaboration among stakeholders by offering a compelling justification for procedural and presentational changes in museum management.

Usnea christhinae spec. nov. from South America

Los Glaciares National Park — 2014 — WHE4FA7F69995

A new lichen species, Usnea christhinae, has been identified in the Patagonia Andes within Los Glaciares National Park. Belonging to the subgenus Protousnea, this discovery highlights its close relationship with U. cavernosa. The study, published in Acta Mycologica, focuses on taxonomic classification and morphological characteristics of the species. Researchers analyzed samples from the reserve upon Lake Onelli, employing traditional mycological methods to distinguish Usnea christhinae from related lichen species. This finding contributes to the understanding of lichen biodiversity in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, particularly in the unique ecosystems of Patagonia.

Validación de modelos constitutivos avanzados de comportamiento mecánico para la arcilla estructurada de Brasilia

Brasilia — 2014 — WHE0B6C2B513C

Advanced constitutive models that account for soil structure and cementation show varying degrees of accuracy when simulating the mechanical behavior of Brasilia's clay, with Hypoplasticity combined with a structure law emerging as the most effective approach. This study validated three models—Cam Clay with structure, Subloading Cam Clay, and Hypoplasticity with structure—using triaxial tests and numerical simulations on undisturbed clay samples from Brasilia. While all models improved upon classical approaches by incorporating structural variables, Hypoplasticity demonstrated superior performance in capturing the material's mechanical response. The findings highlight the importance of selecting appropriate constitutive models for accurate geotechnical analysis, particularly in structured and cemented soils.

Variación morfológica craneofacial en poblaciones humanas de la Quebrada de Humahuaca (Jujuy, Argentina)

Quebrada de Humahuaca — 2014 — WHE1B08FC4B4F

A study of cranial and facial morphology in late Holocene populations from Quebrada de Humahuaca, Argentina, reveals that the most significant morphological changes occurred in the facial skeleton rather than the cranial base. These variations suggest phenotypic plasticity as a key driver, with no clear spatial patterns observed across six sites in the region. The research analyzed 114 adult skulls using 3D landmark data collected via Microscribe G2X, employing ANOVA, principal component analysis (PCA), canonical variables, and Procrustes analysis to assess morphological differences. While cultural modifications were minimal or absent, the findings highlight the importance of environmental factors in shaping facial morphology over time.

Variation of the proportion of precipitation occurring as snow in the Tian Shan Mountains, China

Western Tien-Shan — 2014 — WHE73A4F0813F

A decrease in the ratio of snowfall to precipitation (S/P) in the Tian Shan Mountains, China, has been linked to climate change. The study found that while both precipitation and snowfall increased from 1961 to 2010, rising temperatures during cold seasons led to a significant downward trend in this ratio. Spatially, the S/P ratio varied, increasing in some areas like the Boertala Valley but decreasing in others such as Yili Valley. Notably, middle altitudes (1500–2500 m) saw a pronounced decline, while high-altitude regions (>3500 m) remained relatively stable due to consistently freezing temperatures. The research attributes these changes primarily to relative shifts in snowfall and precipitation, with temperature increases exacerbating the trend.