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Showing 27141 – 27160 of 30315 publications

Adobes en arquitectura monumental: análisis químico-físicos, arqueología y reconstrucción 3D para determinar las técnicas constructivas en los sitios de La Joya (México) y Arslantepe (Turquía)

Arslantepe Mound — 2012 — WHEA3F42FD5CA

Ancient architects demonstrated sophisticated knowledge of material behavior, employing advanced techniques in earth-based construction. This study reveals that both Arslantepe (Turkey) and La Joya (Mexico) featured highly refined architectural designs, with strategic load distribution, optimal soil selection, and innovative aggregate technology. Researchers analyzed chemical-physical properties of adobe samples, studied construction systems, and reconstructed 3D models to contextualize these techniques. Findings challenge assumptions about the empirical nature of ancient construction, showing that these methods were more effective than previously believed.

African Genesis revisited: reflections on Raymond Dart and the ‘predatory transition from ape(-man) to man’

Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa — 2012 — WHE25295386B0

Recent re-analyses of faunal assemblages from the Swartkrans site in South Africa challenge long-standing assumptions about early hominid behavior, revealing that Homo erectus likely engaged in regular hunting and effective scavenging. This contradicts earlier taphonomic studies that suggested australopithecines were primarily prey for large carnivores. The findings align with the high energy demands of H. erectus, implying a diet rich in meat and marrow. While Raymond Dart's 'killer ape' hypothesis was largely disproven, his broader concept of a 'predatory transition' from ape-like to human-like adaptations appears validated by current evidence.

Agra (Uttar Pradesh, India)

Agra Fort — 2012 — WHE1AA02DB09D

Agra, the third-largest city in Uttar Pradesh, India, is celebrated for its monumental Mughal-era architecture, including the iconic Agra Fort and the Tāj Mahal. These structures, built between 1526 and 1761 during the height of the Mughal Empire, exemplify the empire's artistic and architectural achievements. The study provides a detailed overview of Agra's historical significance, focusing on its urban development, cultural heritage, and the enduring legacy of Mughal rule. By analyzing architectural styles, materials, and symbolic elements, the research offers insights into the political and social dynamics of the period.

Agricultural production in Hani Rice Terraces System and related threats — a case study of Zuofu and Mitian Villages in Honghe County, China

Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces — 2012 — WHE9E78A4D76E

Research on the Hani Rice Terraces System in Honghe County, China, reveals that while agricultural practices vary between traditional and modern-influenced villages, both face threats to sustainability. The study found that Zuofu Village, with its well-preserved ecological state, primarily cultivates traditional rice, whereas Mitian Village leans toward hybrid rice due to modern influences. Both villages exhibit moderate fertilizer use, linked to unique ecological conditions, but organic fertilizer adoption and crop residue return remain limited. Pesticide usage is within normal agricultural ranges, though herbicide application differs significantly between the two villages, influenced by planting structures and labor availability. The research highlights critical challenges such as labor shortages, reduced traditional rice cultivation, and increasing chemical inputs, which require urgent attention to ensure the conservation of this globally significant agricultural heritage.

Agriculture in sixth‐century Petra and its hinterland, the evidence from the Petra papyri

Petra — 2012 — WHE4312D4E670

Agriculture was a cornerstone of the economy in sixth-century Petra and its hinterland, as revealed by the Petra papyri—a collection of ancient documents dating from AD 537 to 593. These scrolls provide unprecedented detail on agricultural practices, land ownership, and toponyms, some of which remain in use today. The study highlights the significance of springs, still active in certain areas, and identifies specific crops cultivated during this period. By comparing historical data with current agricultural conditions, the research offers a rare glimpse into the resilience and continuity of farming practices in Petra over 1,400 years.

Agroforestry and Agricultural Production of the Ancient Maya at Chan

Chan Chan Archaeological Zone — 2012 — WHEB203B86961

Ancient Maya farmers at Chan Chan, through sophisticated agroforestry practices, maintained and thrived within mature tropical forests for over two millennia. Paleoethnobotanical analysis of 1,500 samples from 700 archaeological contexts revealed that these strategies allowed sustainable agricultural production alongside forest preservation. The study highlights the Maya's advanced understanding of ecosystem management, blending crop cultivation with forest conservation techniques that supported both biodiversity and food security.

Ahmedabad: shock city of twentieth century India

Historic City of Ahmadabad — 2012 — WHE7D667042A7

Ahmedabad, a sprawling urban center in twentieth-century India, emerged as a 'shock city'—a term coined to describe cities that challenge societal norms and accelerate rapid transformation. This book, authored by Howard Spodek, dissects Ahmedabad's role as a catalyst for industrialization, architectural innovation, and social change during this pivotal era. The study employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating urban history, political analysis, and cultural critique to explore how the city's growth reshaped India's economic landscape and societal structures. By examining key events such as the rise of the textile industry, the influence of Mahatma Gandhi, and the evolution of its built environment, Spodek highlights Ahmedabad's unique position in modernizing India while grappling with the complexities of rapid urbanization.

Aigai

Archaeological Site of Aigai (modern name Vergina) — 2012 — WHE2BECBDE733

Aigai, located on the northern slopes of the Pierian mountains and east of Beroia, was the first capital and royal residence of the Macedonian kingdom under the Temenid Dynasty. Originally a city named Edessa inhabited by the Bryges, it was later renamed Aigai by Macedonian conquerors or founded by Temenid rulers such as Perdikkas, Karanos, or Archelaos in the 8th or 7th century BCE. This site is significant for its role as an early Macedonian stronghold and its association with legendary figures from ancient history.

Aksum and the Northern Horn of Africa

Aksum — 2012 — WHED0FD57B029

Aksum, located in the northern Horn of Africa, represents a significant indigenous cultural development with adaptations to external influences. Recent archaeological and epigraphic studies reveal that while elite societies around the 8th century BC adopted foreign fashions—such as stone inscriptions and dressed-stone architecture—influenced by southern Arabia, non-elite populations maintained long-standing local traditions in domestic architecture and pottery. Analysis of Semitic inscriptions suggests a predominantly indigenous population with localized linguistic differences, challenging earlier assumptions about foreign dominance. This study highlights the region's continuity and cultural integration, noting that elite distinctiveness diminished by the 6th century BC, leading to greater uniformity. However, the period between the 8th and 6th centuries BC remains poorly understood due to limited archaeological data.

Alfred Charles Bernard Lovell

Jodrell Bank Observatory — 2012 — WHE0CF2DD31BB

Alfred Charles Bernard Lovell, a pioneering astronomer, made significant contributions to the field of radio astronomy. His work at Jodrell Bank Observatory, particularly with the development of radar systems during World War II and the subsequent construction of the Lovell Telescope, revolutionized the study of meteors and cosmic phenomena. The Lovell Telescope, initially intended for meteor research, became a crucial tool in tracking early space missions after the launch of Sputnik 1. It has since played a pivotal role in studying pulsars, testing Einstein's theories, and forming part of Europe's highest-resolution imaging system. Lovell's leadership and vision also led to the creation of MERLIN, one of the world's most powerful radio telescope arrays.

Algal Diversity of Kaziranga National Park and Majuli River Island Hot Spots in Assam

Kaziranga National Park — 2012 — WHE5A732B2370

A study of algal diversity in Kaziranga National Park and Majuli River Island, Assam, revealed distinct algal communities in these two hot spots. While 70 algal taxa from 32 genera were recorded across both sites, only two species—Phormidium chalybeum and Ankistrodesmus falcatus—were common, indicating strong location-specific distribution patterns. Majuli exhibited higher algal diversity (50 taxa) compared to Kaziranga (22 taxa), with notable differences in the abundance of Chlorophyceae and Bacillariophyceae. The research highlights the unique ecological characteristics of these UNESCO-recognized sites, emphasizing their importance for biodiversity conservation.

Algal Parasite Herpodiscus durvillaeae (Phaeophyceae: Sphacelariales) Inferred to have Traversed the Pacific Ocean with its Buoyant Host

New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands — 2012 — WHE7D2243A85D

Researchers have discovered that the algal parasite Herpodiscus durvillaeae, previously known only from New Zealand, has traversed the Pacific Ocean, likely by rafting on its buoyant host, the southern bull-kelp (Durvillaea antarctica). Genetic analysis of samples from the Falkland Islands confirms the first record of this parasite in the Atlantic Ocean and reveals it is genetically indistinguishable from populations in New Zealand's sub-Antarctic Campbell Island. Additionally, the study reports H. durvillaeae infecting two other New Zealand endemic host species, Durvillaea poha and D. willana, expanding its known host range. The findings suggest recent trans-oceanic dispersal of this parasite, highlighting the role of buoyant macroalgae in facilitating long-distance movement.

Aligning national priorities and World Heritage conservation: iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa

iSimangaliso Wetland Park – Maputo National Park — 2012 — WHE1E91426E3C

South Africa's unique approach to balancing World Heritage conservation with national development priorities is exemplified by the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, its first designated World Heritage site. The study highlights that integrating poverty alleviation and sustainable economic growth into heritage management can effectively preserve the site's outstanding universal value while addressing critical national needs. This model, embedded in the 1999 World Heritage Convention Act, demonstrates how developing countries can align conservation goals with socioeconomic development without compromising ecological integrity.

Alimentos tradicionales andinos, turismo y lugar: definiendo la nueva geografía de la Quebrada de Humahuaca (Argentina)

Quebrada de Humahuaca — 2012 — WHECFCFE7B0C9

This study reveals how traditional Andean foods and tourism are reshaping the cultural and economic geography of the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Argentina. It highlights the growing consumer interest in geographically and culturally distinct food products, which is driving the valorization of local identities and traditions. By analyzing the interplay between food production, consumption, and tourism, the research demonstrates how these processes transform both the material and symbolic landscapes of the region. The study also identifies the diverse actors involved in these changes, offering insights into broader trends linking culinary heritage with place-making in Andean contexts.

Allegory and the Critique of Sovereignty: Ismail Kadare's Political Theologies

Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge in Višegrad — 2012 — WHE5D504DC365

This study reveals that the Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge in Višegrad serves as a powerful allegorical symbol in the literature of Eastern European and Middle Eastern nations, reflecting the complex interplay between state sovereignty, violence, and political critique. By analyzing works by Ismail Kadare and Ivo Andric, the research demonstrates how these authors use historical settings to comment on contemporary social and political issues, particularly the paradoxes of power and the role of the intellectual in societies undergoing transformation. The study employs literary analysis to trace the narrative that links buildings to human sacrifice, drawing on René Girard's scapegoat mechanism to elucidate the conceptual cohesion within Balkan narratives.

Almulihiah: a rock art site in the Hail region, Saudi Arabia

Rock Art in the Hail Region of Saudi Arabia — 2012 — WHE540B7B245F

Rock art site Almulihiah in Saudi Arabia's Hail region features diverse carvings of human and animal figures, with camels (22%), ibex (10%), and ostriches (8%) as prominent subjects. The study attempts to date the site by comparing its petroglyphs with other regional sites, providing insights into drawing styles and cultural practices. This approach helps contextualize Almulihiah within broader Saudi Arabian rock art traditions.

An African glass frog: A new Hyperolius species (Anura: Hyperoliidae) from Nyungwe National Park, southern Rwanda

Nyungwe National Park — 2012 — WHE527DCB64FB

Scientists have identified a new species of African glass frog, Hyperolius buboneka, within Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda. This discovery is notable for its unique combination of traits: a light green dorsum, transparent ventral skin resembling Neotropical glass frogs, blue-colored bones, reduced toe webbing, and distinctive nuptial pads. The species also exhibits a unique advertisement call and genetic differentiation, with mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene analysis revealing at least a 4.5% uncorrected p-distance from other Hyperolius species. This finding highlights the biodiversity of Nyungwe National Park and contributes to our understanding of amphibian evolution in Africa.

An analysis of livelihood linkages of tourism in Kaziranga National Park, a Natural World Heritage Site in India

Kaziranga National Park — 2012 — WHE87D37F84E7

Tourism in Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India, generates approximately US$5 million annually, with local stakeholders capturing about 65% of these funds. However, significant income leakage occurs due to the importation of supplies and logistical support from outside the tourism zone. The study suggests that planned interventions, such as promoting locally-made products and strengthening community institutions, could enhance financial benefits for locals. Additionally, diversifying tourist experiences through nature trails and package tours in buffer zones may increase visitation to underutilized areas, providing further livelihood opportunities.

An Analysis on Resource Management of Geoheritage: A Case Study of South China Karst

South China Karst — 2012 — WHE725C5C75B0

South China Karst, covering 146,016 hectares and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, showcases outstanding universal value through its unique karst landscapes. This study highlights the site's geological significance while identifying critical threats such as over-exploitation and rocky desertification, which pose risks to its sustainability. The research employs analytical comparison from global perspectives to assess heritage resource properties and proposes conservation strategies, including the implementation of scientific management mechanisms and disaster monitoring systems. These measures aim to mitigate geological disasters and promote sustainable development, ensuring the long-term preservation of this globally significant natural heritage.

An archaeobotanical investigation of plant use, crop husbandry and animal diet at early-mid Neolithic Çatalhöyük, Central Anatolia

Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük — 2012 — WHE0AD0B1F569

A groundbreaking archaeobotanical study of Çatalhöyük reveals that early-mid Neolithic inhabitants practiced intensive garden cultivation with fixed plots sown in autumn. The research distinguishes between crop processing residues and dung-derived taxa, using ethnoarchaeological models and statistical methods to disentangle the two sources. This approach provides insights into livestock diet, land use, and farming productivity, suggesting a close proximity of fields to the settlement and long-term sustainability. The findings challenge traditional views on Neolithic agricultural practices and have implications for understanding settlement location, residents' mobility, and social context.