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Publications

Showing 25981 – 26000 of 30315 publications

Cellulolytic potential and filter paper activity of fungi isolated from ancients manuscripts from the Medina of Fez

Medina of Fez — 2013 — WHEE2D93B30E8

Fungi isolated from ancient manuscripts in the Medina of Fez exhibit significant cellulolytic activity, posing a threat to historical paper. Nine out of 31 filamentous fungi demonstrated the ability to degrade carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and produce filter paper activity (FPUase), with varying effectiveness depending on temperature and pH. The most prevalent species included Penicillium chrysogenum, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae, and Mucor racemosus, while others like Hypocrea lixii, Aspergillus melleus, and Schizophyllum commune were less common. Long-term experiments showed these fungi could degrade filter paper at 25°C, highlighting their destructive potential on cultural heritage materials.

Cementing Relations within a Sporting Field: Fell Running in the English Lake District and the Acquisition of Existential Capital

The English Lake District — 2013 — WHE7A73D72518

Fell running in the English Lake District fosters a unique form of social bonding through 'existential capital,' a concept that captures the visceral pleasures and shared passions derived from mastering physically demanding, topographically challenging landscapes. This study challenges conventional field analysis by focusing on what is shared rather than contested within sporting communities, revealing how embodied techniques—requiring sustained effort, vigilance, and environmental knowledge—create intense sociality among runners. Ethnographic research highlights the aesthetic and physical rewards of fell running as a means of defining collective identity, offering a nuanced perspective on how sports fields develop passionate, passionately defined identities.

Cerro Portezuelo: States and Hinterlands in the Pre-Hispanic Basin of Mexico

Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan — 2013 — WHE60B12F0E6E

A reanalysis of Cerro Portezuelo's artifacts and excavation data reveals critical insights into the transition from Teotihuacan's Early Classic state system to Postclassic city-state organization, addressing long-standing questions posed by George Brainerd in the 1950s. This strategic site, occupied from the Late/Terminal Formative period through the Spanish Conquest, offers a unique lens for studying state formation, centralization, and fragmentation over millennia. The study combines survey and excavation data to reconstruct the dynamics of Teotihuacan's political and economic relations with its hinterlands, highlighting shifts in power structures that reshaped Mesoamerican societies.

Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Chaco Culture — 2013 — WHE2A6F9F52A5

Between 900 and 1115 CE, the Anasazi—a term derived from Navajo meaning 'ancient ones'—constructed nine monumental multistory structures within Chaco Canyon, New Mexico, known as the Great Houses. These architectural marvels, including Pueblo Bonito with over 650 rooms spanning three acres, exhibited unprecedented scale and complexity in ancient North American civilizations. Unlike other Pueblo dwellings, the Great Houses featured high ceilings, intricate masonry patterns, and sheer size, reflecting an advanced society of farmers, potters, and sun worshipers. This study highlights their uniqueness among regional ruins, offering insights into the sophisticated organizational and engineering capabilities of the Anasazi civilization that thrived in a harsh desert environment.

Change of woody vegetation and land cover using high resolution images on the Dogon Plateau and Seno Plains (Mali)

Cliff of Bandiagara (Land of the Dogons) — 2013 — WHE6EA89A4CE4

Contrary to the long-standing belief that the Sahel region has undergone irreversible desertification, high-resolution satellite imagery reveals significant vegetation recovery since the 1980s. This study, focusing on the Dogon Plateau and Seno Plains in Mali, used panchromatic Corona images from 1967 and multispectral RapidEye images from 2011 to analyze woody vegetation and land cover changes over a 3600 km² area. The research identified a notable increase in sparsely vegetated areas and primary fields with trees, while dense bushland decreased, particularly in the Seno Plains. Degraded areas accounted for only 9.9% of the Dogon Plateau in 2011. These findings challenge both the desertification and 'greening' paradigms, highlighting complex spatial variations in land cover transformation.

Changing Contexts, Shifting Meanings: Transformations of Cultural Traditions in Oceania ed. by Elfriede Hermann (review)

Nan Madol: Ceremonial Centre of Eastern Micronesia — 2013 — WHED641A5ED3F

This edited volume, 'Changing Contexts, Shifting Meanings: Transformations of Cultural Traditions in Oceania,' challenges the notion of tradition as a static and unified concept by demonstrating its dynamic and often contentious nature. Through a collection of 20 contributions, the book explores how traditions in Oceania are constructed, contested, and transformed through early encounters, memories, and global processes. A key insight is that traditions are actively 'made' rather than inherited passively, as seen in analyses of Nan Madol's monumental sites, Tahitian dance for tourism, and Banaban dance performances. The research employs a combination of anthropological and historical perspectives, drawing on archival materials, ethnographic studies, and theoretical frameworks to illustrate the fluidity and adaptability of cultural traditions across time and space.

Changing Identities in the Oecumene: Geography and Architecture in the Greco-Roman World

Frontiers of the Roman Empire – Dacia — 2013 — WHE4068D746CA

A groundbreaking study establishes a direct link between the symbolism of Roman architecture and the geography of empire, revealing how territorial expansion shaped identity constructs. By applying the Greek concept of 'oecumene' (known world), the research demonstrates that Roman identity was fluid and influenced by conquest, as exemplified in Trajan’s Forum and the Pantheon. The study uniquely bridges ancient and contemporary perspectives, questioning how globalization's expectations of boundless communication zones affect spatial/geographical identity understanding. This work synthesizes insights from architecture, geography, and ritual, drawing on extensive research, including a Rome Scholar project and a Paul Mellon Rome Fellowship.

Changing perspectives on the relationship between heritage, landscape and local communities: A lesson from Borobudur

Borobudur Temple Compounds — 2013 — WHE8B27966DA8

The Borobudur Temple Compound, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a testament to human ingenuity and cultural significance. This monumental complex, spanning approximately three kilometers with an east-west orientation, encompasses not only the iconic Borobudur but also the smaller temples of Pawon and Mendut. It fulfills multiple criteria for heritage recognition, including representing architectural brilliance, showcasing cross-cultural exchanges, and being intricately linked to historical traditions and beliefs. The site is particularly meaningful to local communities in Indonesia, who trace their lineage back to its builders, reinforcing its status as a symbol of national pride and universal cultural value.

Chapter 14 Stromboli volcano, Aeolian Islands (Italy): present eruptive activity and hazards

Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands) — 2013 — WHE565AD13BFC

Stromboli volcano, located in the Aeolian Islands, Italy, is renowned for its persistent volcanic activity and characteristic gas plume. A recent study reassesses volcanic hazards using data from a new monitoring system and analyses of past crises (2002–2003 and 2007). The research highlights that while normal Strombolian explosions are common, they can be interrupted by violent paroxysmal events and lava flows, posing occasional risks to the island's two settled areas—Stromboli village (c. 500 inhabitants) and Ginostra (c. 40 inhabitants), with summer populations reaching up to 5,000. Hazards include ballistic and tephra fallout, pyroclastic flows, wildfires, minor lahars, and landslides in the Sciara del Fuoco depression, which can generate tsunamis. The study provides critical insights into the volcanic risks facing this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Chapter 19. Protecting and Perpetuating Papahānaumokuākea: Involvement of Native Hawaiians in Governance of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument

Papahānaumokuākea — 2013 — WHE0B35AC0AD0

A symbiotic relationship between Native Hawaiians and the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) is central to the preservation of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, one of the last nearly pristine marine ecosystems in the Hawaiian Archipelago. This study highlights how integrating Native Hawaiian traditions, values, and resource management practices into monument governance not only protects the ecosystem but also perpetuates living Hawaiian culture. By involving Native Hawaiians in stewardship, the research demonstrates a pathway to maintain ancestral connections and sustain traditional skills that thrived before Western contact.

Chapter 4 Bathy-morphological setting of the Aeolian Islands

Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands) — 2013 — WHEE22C304AB8

Recent multibeam swath bathymetry has revealed that the submarine extension of the Aeolian Islands is significantly larger than previously understood, extending far beyond their visible landmasses. This discovery provides critical insights into the evolution of volcanism in the region, the influence of structural lineaments, and the location of large-scale flank instability events, as well as evidence of recent submarine eruptive activity. The study presents updated bathymetric maps for the western, central, and eastern sectors of the archipelago, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the submarine landscape. These findings are accessible online or on a DVD included with the printed book.

Chapter Ten: Picture scrolls as a historical source on Japanese mining

Sado Island Gold Mines — 2013 — WHE2B5AA1F0ED

Picture scrolls, renowned for their literary and visual significance in Japan, offer valuable historical insights into mining practices. This study evaluates the reliability of Sado scrolls as historical sources by analyzing their illustrations in relation to Japan's mining history, particularly gold and silver mines on Sado Island. The research establishes that these scrolls provide a culturally rich and factually grounded account of early modern Japanese mining, bridging visual art with historical documentation. By contextualizing the scrolls within broader cultural frameworks, the study underscores their potential as both artistic and scholarly resources.

Characterisation of the Rota Wewa tank cascade system in the vicinity of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Sacred City of Anuradhapura — 2013 — WHE6B9FDC14C4

Ancient Sri Lankan tank cascade systems, such as the Rota Wewa near Anuradhapura, demonstrate sophisticated watershed management strategies from 5th century BC to 11th century AD. These systems, designed for flood prevention, soil erosion control, and water storage, reveal challenges in reconstructing sediment and water fluxes due to shallow tank structures prone to redeposition during wet seasons and agricultural use in dry periods. Sedimentological analyses distinguish between weathered bedrock and overlying sediments but struggle to differentiate between wewa deposits and underlying fluvial deposits, highlighting the complexity of human-environment interactions in these ancient systems.

Characterization and interpretation of volcanic activity at Karymsky Volcano, Kamchatka, Russia, using observations of infrasound, volcanic emissions, and thermal imagery

Volcanoes of Kamchatka — 2013 — WHE5B06E36D35

Research at Karymsky Volcano, Kamchatka, reveals distinct infrasound signals associated with four types of volcanic activity: ash explosions, pulsatory degassing, gas jetting, and explosive eruptions. These findings suggest that infrasound can be a reliable tool for remotely monitoring volcanic behavior. The study also indicates that sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions are continuous but variable, while ash emissions occur intermittently during specific activities. Changes in conduit permeability, potentially linked to magma supply from shallow-crustal storage regions, appear to trigger ash explosions and explosive eruptions. This work advances the understanding of volcanic processes and their monitoring using multiparameter data, including infrasound, thermal imagery, and gas emissions.

Characterization of cyanobacteria isolated from biofilms on stone monuments at Santiniketan, India

Santiniketan — 2013 — WHE0348632830

Cyanobacterial biofilms on stone monuments at Santiniketan, India, exhibit unique characteristics distinct from temperate regions. Dominated by Scytonema and Tolypothrix, these biofilms also harbor 14 genera upon prolonged culture. The organisms produce high levels of scytonemin, mycosporine-like amino acids, and carotenoids, enhancing their survival in desiccated states with rapid revival upon rehydration. Heterocystous cyanobacteria demonstrate nitrogenase activity reactivation within 24 hours post-wetting, highlighting their resilience and ecological adaptability in tropical environments.

Characterizing the socially transmitted foraging tactic “sponging” by bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops sp.) in the western gulf of Shark Bay, Western Australia

Shark Bay, Western Australia — 2013 — WHE59DB33AF73

A study reveals that bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.) in the western gulf of Shark Bay, Western Australia, employ a socially transmitted foraging tactic called 'sponging,' distinct from observations in the eastern gulf. This behavior, primarily exhibited by females in deep channel habitats, shows no significant difference in group associate numbers between spongers and non-spongers, unlike previous findings. Spongers were found to forage more frequently and rest less compared to deep-water non-spongers, suggesting variations in activity budgets. The research, conducted through 9 months of boat-based surveys over three field seasons, identified 40 individual spongers and provides insights into within-population foraging variations in bottlenose dolphins.

Charles Péguy and Chartres Cathedral

Chartres Cathedral — 2013 — WHE0046A8C2FC

Charles Péguy's poetic pilgrimage from Paris to Chartres Cathedral, documented in his work 'Tapisserie de Notre Dame,' offers a unique literary and spiritual exploration of the Gothic era sculpture at Notre Dame Cathedral. This poem, inspired by his gratitude for his son's recovery from typhoid fever, blends medieval artistry with personal narrative, inviting readers to experience the journey poetically rather than as a straightforward recounting. The study examines how Péguy's pilgrimage and subsequent poetic work reflect both the historical significance of Chartres Cathedral and the enduring influence of Gothic sculpture on literary expression.

Chartres (Eure-et-Loir). Cathédrale Notre-Dame, travées occidentales et façade

Chartres Cathedral — 2013 — WHE30EAC17ED3

Archaeological research during the restoration of Chartres Cathedral's western façade and nave (2010–2012) revealed critical insights into its construction chronology. The study established that the northern bell tower was likely built to the northwest of the 11th-century cathedral façade, possibly adjacent to a southern structure, clarifying long-standing questions about the site's evolution. By analyzing successive building phases, researchers reconstructed the sequence of architectural developments, providing a clearer understanding of medieval construction practices and the cathedral's structural history.

Checkpoints as Gendered Spaces

Samarra Archaeological City — 2013 — WHE529337F02D

Checkpoints in urban landscapes serve as gendered spaces, reflecting the complexities of war, cities, and national heritage. This study challenges traditional archaeological methods by using memory and personal experiences as data, offering a new approach that transcends the limitations of conventional archival research. Focusing on Samarra Archaeological City alongside Baghdad, Najaf, and Karbala, the research documents ethnographic experiences from 2009 onward, revealing how checkpoints symbolize fractured heritage in conflict-affected regions. The findings highlight the intersection of materiality, space, and lived experiences, providing a critical lens to understand the impact of war on urban landscapes and cultural identity.

CheckStation: software per il controllo dello stato di funzionamento della Rete Sismica Permanente

Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands) — 2013 — WHEEA2DC1FB43

CheckStation is a novel software tool designed to streamline the monitoring of the Aeolian Islands' Seismic Network (RSP), managed by the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) in Catania. The software addresses critical inefficiencies in existing proprietary tools like Nanometrics®, which lack real-time anomaly detection and prioritization. CheckStation provides an intuitive graphical interface that instantly identifies severe operational anomalies across all stations, including seismic sensors, radio bridges, and VSAT centers, significantly reducing manual oversight time. By automating daily health checks and prioritizing alerts, the tool mitigates human error and delays in detecting malfunctions, thereby enhancing the network's overall efficiency. This innovation supports INGV's efforts to maintain a robust seismic monitoring system across active volcanic and seismic regions, including Sicily and the Aeolian Islands.