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Showing 26761 – 26780 of 30315 publications

Sobre o legado de uma arte efêmera: breve reflexão sobre a fugacidade do evento teatral e sua perenidade na memória do espectador a partir do espetáculo “Cour d’honneur”, de Jérôme Bel (2013)

Historic Centre of Avignon: Papal Palace, Episcopal Ensemble and Avignon Bridge — 2013 — WHE10FC8093ED

Jérôme Bel's theatrical performance 'Cour d’honneur' at the Avignon Papal Palace explores how fleeting theatrical experiences endure in spectators' memories. The study examines the interplay between temporality and memory, using personal recollections from audiences to reflect on the lasting impact of ephemeral art. By analyzing these memories, the research reveals that even transient performances leave a significant imprint, challenging conventional notions of artistic legacy. This approach combines qualitative analysis with performance theory, offering insights into how cultural experiences shape collective memory.

Social and economic change in North African medinas: the case of Tunis

Medina of Tunis — 2013 — WHEC274C330CC

French colonization of the Maghreb, particularly Tunisia, dramatically reshaped economic structures, spatial patterns, and social organization. While rural landscapes were transformed by agricultural colonization, urban areas experienced profound changes due to European settlers, who remained a minority but wielded significant influence. The study examines how colonialism altered North African medinas, including Tunis, highlighting the enduring impact on urban life despite the eventual decline of settler presence.

Social Dimensions of ′Nature at Risk′ in the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

Galápagos Islands — 2013 — WHEC1025556D8

Despite broad consensus on the environmental crisis threatening the Galápagos Islands, differing interpretations of its causes and solutions among residents hinder effective management. This study reveals how individual experiences and beliefs shape perceptions of ecological challenges, complicating efforts to address overpopulation and poor governance. Using qualitative research conducted between 2007 and 2011, the authors demonstrate that while facts about the crisis are widely agreed upon, their meanings vary significantly—leading to confrontational dynamics that persist today. The findings underscore the need for inclusive approaches that account for diverse social perspectives in conservation strategies.

Social representation and rural development: transformation in governance, institutions, and livelihoods in response to emerging global markets for medicinal plants in the Indian Himalayas

Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area — 2013 — WHEA4A9F3B32D

This research reveals how conservation and development interventions, particularly those centered on medicinal plant trade, often overlook the political and historical contexts that shape their outcomes. By examining the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) in Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh, India, the study demonstrates that such projects frequently marginalize local communities by blaming them for their conditions rather than addressing systemic issues. The ethnographic approach used here uncovered how brokers negotiate project outcomes to appear successful, while critical practices emerged from complex power dynamics. This work highlights the potential of ethnography in understanding interventions and the interplay of political ecology, economy, and history in shaping governance and livelihoods.

Socioenvironmental Threats to Pastoral Livelihoods: Risk Perceptions in the Altay and Tianshan Mountains of Xinjiang, China

Xinjiang Tianshan — 2013 — WHE27EC838FAB

A study of pastoral livelihoods in the Altay and Tianshan Mountains of Xinjiang reveals that while fear of environmental crises is widespread, recently implemented conservation and development projects are ranked as greater concerns by local households. Using geostatistical and econometric methods, researchers analyzed data from 159 households to identify risk hot spots and prioritize policy interventions. The findings underscore the need for pastoral policies to support livestock economies and facilitate transitions to alternative livelihoods through skill training and new opportunities, particularly in high-risk areas.

Soil Carbon Stocks under Productive and Degraded Brachiaria Pastures in the Brazilian Cerrado

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2013 — WHE772C885651

Soil carbon stocks under productive Brachiaria pastures in the Brazilian Cerrado are significantly higher than those under native vegetation, with differences ranging from 6 to 47 Mg C ha⁻¹ depending on soil clay content. This study compared soil carbon stocks across four sites using chronosequences, evaluating pasture productivity through forage regrowth, litter, and light fraction of soil organic matter (SOM). Soil 13C abundance and C:N ratios indicated that SOM derived from native vegetation persisted at low rates, while degraded pastures showed intermediate or similar carbon stocks to native vegetation. The findings highlight the impact of pasture establishment on soil carbon dynamics, with clay content playing a crucial role in carbon storage.

Soil insect research in South Africa. 1. A new genus of terricolous weevils with four new species from the Richtersveld National Park (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae: Trachyphloeini)

Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape — 2013 — WHE35343FF34C

Researchers have identified a new genus of terricolous weevils, Nama, along with four novel species—N. richtersveldiana, N. pentamera, N. iuliae, and N. erikae—from the Richtersveld National Park in South Africa. This discovery expands the taxonomic understanding of Trachyphloeini weevils, a subgroup within the Curculionidae family, by comparing the new genus with related species from both South Africa and the Palaearctic region. The study provides a key to distinguish the species of Nama, contributing to the broader field of soil insect biodiversity research in this UNESCO-listed landscape.

Soil Nutrient Status of Moist·Deciduous Forests at Sigiriya Sanctuary, Sri Lanka Across a Chronosequence of Forest Age

Ancient City of Sigiriya — 2013 — WHE32F9CA3225

Soil nutrient levels in moist-deciduous forests at Sigiriya Sanctuary, Sri Lanka, show significant recovery and stabilization within 20-25 years after swidden farming. The study found that while total nitrogen content increases with forest succession, mineralizable nitrogen remains immobilized in soil litter due to high termite activity. Total carbon content rises sharply in 10-15-year-old forests following self-thinning of plant individuals, though labile carbon takes longer to build up. Phosphorus and calcium levels were lower in young successional forests but matched mature forest levels by 20-25 years, suggesting potential for rehabilitation into climax forests. Potassium content peaked in 10-15-year-old forests, likely due to litter incorporation from self-thinning. The research highlights that swidden farming reduces soil nutrients, but a rotation period of at least 15 years allows nutrient recovery, preventing forest degradation.

Solid Waste Management in Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal

Sagarmatha National Park — 2013 — WHED54D81F439

A significant link between tourist behavior and solid waste accumulation has been identified in Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal. The study reveals that environmental attitudes and knowledge gaps among visitors are key drivers of waste generation, particularly in remote Himalayan regions. Using Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behavior and Schwartz’s Norm-Activation Model, researchers analyzed survey data collected during peak trekking seasons (April–May). Findings suggest that targeted interventions—such as behavioral nudges and education campaigns—could effectively reduce littering by fostering pro-environmental norms. This transdisciplinary approach offers a scalable framework for mitigating waste in ecologically sensitive UNESCO sites.

Some Funerary Temples

Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis — 2013 — WHE101D66E202

Ancient Thebes, divided by the Nile into eastern and western halves, reveals a distinct spatial organization where the western necropolis was not merely a burial site but a bustling hub of funerary activities. This region housed officials, artisans, embalmers, and their workshops, indicating a complex socio-economic structure dedicated to tomb construction, decoration, maintenance, and the production of elaborate funerary equipment. The study highlights the necropolis's role as an integral part of Theban society, serving both practical and symbolic functions for the upper and middle classes during Egypt's Imperial Age.

Some remarks on economic history of Byzantine Sardis in the 5th century

Sardis and the Lydian Tumuli of Bin Tepe — 2013 — WHE7B46766358

A significant agreement between the ekdikos (a Byzantine official) and the builders of Sardis in 459 AD, previously attributed to political or administrative factors, is reinterpreted through an economic lens. This study challenges conventional narratives by analyzing broader economic, social, and urban structures of Byzantine Sardis during the 5th century. It suggests that the agreement was driven by economic circumstances rather than solely political ones, offering a new perspective on the city's economic history. The research employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating archaeological evidence with historical documentation to reconstruct the economic context of the time.

Soundscape of the West Lake Scenic Area with profound cultural background—a case study of Evening Bell Ringing in Jingci Temple, China

West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou — 2013 — WHEB15092B009

Research on the soundscape of Hangzhou's West Lake Cultural Landscape reveals that natural, cultural, and historic sounds significantly influence people's subjective experiences. The study, focusing on the Evening Bell Ringing at Jingci Temple, analyzed objective physical indices in winter and spring, combined with subjective evaluations from participants. Findings demonstrate a strong correlation between the soundscape and the local environment, history, and culture, emphasizing the importance of integrating these elements for a cohesive and meaningful auditory experience. This insight underscores the interplay between natural and cultural factors in shaping the perception of scenic areas.

Source levels of dugong (Dugong dugon) vocalizations recorded in Shark Bay

Shark Bay, Western Australia — 2013 — WHED1F5806A5C

Research in Shark Bay, Western Australia, reveals that dugongs (Dugong dugon) produce vocalizations with distinct source levels, ranging from 135 to 158 dB re 1 μPa at 1 m. These findings provide critical insights into the acoustic communication of dugongs, which are often active in shallow, turbid waters where visual cues are limited. The study used passive acoustic recording, a non-invasive method for detecting vocal marine animals, to estimate source levels for five call types: chirp (two variants), bark, squeak, and quack. Unlike traditional aerial surveys, this approach avoids logistical constraints and biases related to animal availability or perception. By analyzing recordings taken at 5.1 m from tagged dugongs in March 2012, the study offers a foundation for understanding the detection range of dugong calls, which could improve monitoring efforts for this vulnerable marine species.

Sourcing obsidian from Tell Aswad and Qdeir 1 (Syria) by SEM-EDS and EDXRF: Methodological implications

Nemrut Dağ — 2013 — WHE72ACE912D1

A groundbreaking analysis demonstrates that Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) can effectively discriminate between two major Near Eastern obsidian sources, Bingöl A and Nemrut Dağ. This non-destructive method, combined with Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF), allowed researchers to analyze a statistically significant number of artifacts from the Neolithic sites of Tell Aswad and Qdeir 1 in Syria. The study reveals previously unrecognized trends in raw material sourcing over time and identifies new sources not detected in earlier, smaller-scale studies. This approach provides a more robust dataset for understanding past socio-economic interactions, overcoming limitations posed by destructive sampling methods used in prior research.

Southwestern Iran in the Achaemenid Period

Pasargadae — 2013 — WHE3CC66A2493

Archaeological research at key Achaemenid sites—Pasargadae, Susa, and Persepolis—reveals the complex chronology of monumental architecture that defined southwestern Iran during the Achaemenid Empire. The study highlights the significance of palatial structures, elite residences along the Royal Road in Fars, and funerary architecture, providing a detailed framework for understanding the empire's architectural development. By analyzing these sites, researchers elucidate the evolution of Achaemenid monumental design and its broader cultural implications.

Space Exploration: Assessing Designed Spaces as Visual Persuasion

Palace and Park of Versailles — 2013 — WHE9770AF6B50

Designed spaces, whether within buildings or expansive landscapes such as gardens and parks, serve as powerful tools of visual persuasion, subtly influencing human perception and behavior. This study demonstrates that architectural design—encompassing elements like the Palace and Park of Versailles, Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney and Kew, and others—exerts a deliberate visual impact, shaping visitor experiences and reinforcing symbolic power. By analyzing spatial configurations, the research extends theoretical frameworks to encompass outdoor environments, revealing how structured landscapes manipulate perception through aesthetics, scale, and symbolic cues. The findings underscore the role of design in cultural and political messaging, offering insights applicable to heritage conservation and urban planning.

Space use by Common Ravens in Marbled Murrelet nesting habitat in Northern California

Redwood National and State Parks — 2013 — WHE6BCA86F73D

Common Ravens (Corvus corax) in Redwood National and State Parks exhibit high site fidelity and home ranges primarily centered around anthropogenic food sources, with a mean size of 182.5 hectares. These ravens, identified as nest predators of federally threatened Marbled Murrelets (Brachyramphus marmoratus), frequently use roads, old-growth edges, bare ground, and mixed hardwood/prairie habitats while avoiding areas deep within old-growth forest or far from human-use zones. Their tendency to perch at heights (mean 52 meters) similar to Marbled Murrelet nests (48 meters) near roads increases the likelihood of predation on these threatened seabirds, which nest in old-growth redwood forests within 2 kilometers of roads. The study used radio-telemetry to track raven movements over two years (2009 and 2010), revealing minimal overlap between adjacent territories except near shared anthropogenic resources.

Spatial Factors Play a Major Role as Determinants of Endemic Ground Beetle Beta Diversity of Madeira Island Laurisilva

Laurisilva of Madeira — 2013 — WHED5FBCD78BE

Spatial factors significantly influence the beta diversity of endemic ground beetles in Madeira Island's Laurisilva, a relict forest. The study found that 31.9% of species turnover and 40.7% of species richness variation could be explained by environmental and spatial variables. Climate, disturbance, soil organic matter content, altitude, and slope were key determinants, with spatial variables indicating the importance of dispersal ability and the island's complex orography. The research used a spatially explicit analysis to evaluate the contribution of pure environmental, pure spatial, and environmentally structured effects on beetle species richness and composition.

Spatial user interface for experiencing Mogao caves

Mogao Caves — 2013 — WHE4ACA38BAD6

A novel spatial user interface, Pure Land AR, enables immersive virtual exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Mogao Caves using handheld devices. This installation leverages augmented reality (AR) to provide users with an interactive experience, allowing them to virtually visit and engage with the historic site. Deployed in museums and galleries, it demonstrates the potential for spatial interfaces to enhance cultural heritage accessibility. User responses indicate positive reception, highlighting the effectiveness of this approach in bridging physical and digital experiences.

Speaking of fire: reflexive governance in landscapes of social change and shifting local identities

Canaima National Park — 2013 — WHECBD14097C7

Indigenous peoples in Canaima National Park, Venezuela, gain confidence to engage in dialogue with other actors when their marginalized environmental knowledge is publicly acknowledged within endogenous cultural processes. This finding emerges from three participatory research projects in the Gran Sabana region that facilitated dialogue among indigenous groups regarding their conflicting views of fire. The studies fostered community-wide critical reflections on cultural change and identity formations, suggesting a pathway to reflexive environmental governance in intercultural settings marked by conflict and rapid social transformation.