World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 29061 – 29080 of 30315 publications

Sociological Research and the Kremlin Museum Library

Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow — 2011 — WHECAA0431007

A sociological study revealed that Russian museum libraries, including the Kremlin Museum Library, have historically overlooked the general public's information needs, focusing instead on museum staff and specialized researchers. The research, conducted by a public-opinion organization, examined visitors' expectations, sources of museum information, perceived gaps in information, and their implications for library services, operations, and image. The findings highlight a disconnect between the library's offerings and the actual or potential users' needs, suggesting opportunities to enhance accessibility and relevance for broader audiences.

Some helminths of the Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis Rüpell 1840, Canidae) and its prey in the Bale Mountains National Park

Bale Mountains National Park — 2011 — WHEC5F19D1470

A study of the Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis) and its prey in Bale Mountains National Park revealed significant helminth presence. Trichuris vulpis eggs were found in all fecal samples, while one sample contained unfertilized Ascaris lumbricoides eggs. Adult Echinococcus granulosus was observed once, though additional samples did not confirm its presence. Unidentified Taenia species eggs were consistently detected in all fecal samples. Furthermore, an encysted Ascaris larva was found in the liver of a rodent, Arvicanthis blicki. The research highlights the parasitic load carried by both the Ethiopian wolf and its prey, providing insights into their ecological interactions within this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Some Relations Between the Stockholm and Tartu Observatories During the 19th Century

Struve Geodetic Arc — 2011 — WHE950B0D49F0

A historical analysis reveals the significant collaboration between Stockholm and Tartu Observatories during the 19th century, particularly through the work of Swedish astronomers Jöns Svanberg and Nils H. Selander with the Struve Geodetic Arc. The study traces their relationships with Oskar Backlund at Tartu Observatory and other contemporary Swedish astronomers in Stockholm, highlighting the scientific exchanges that contributed to geodetic measurements across Europe. This research approach combines archival records and historical documentation to elucidate the intellectual connections and collaborative efforts that shaped 19th-century astronomy.

Some terrestrial flatworm taxa (Platyhelminthes: Tricladida: Continenticola) of the Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand

New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands — 2011 — WHEEA30364424

A groundbreaking taxonomic revision of terrestrial flatworms from New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands introduces significant new classifications. Researchers erect a novel tribe, Argaplanini, and genus, Argaplana, while redescribing the species Argaplana ranuii. Additionally, they propose Marionfyfea as a replacement name for Fyfea, which was previously pre-occupied. This work contributes to the understanding of flatworm biodiversity in this unique region by establishing new taxonomic frameworks and clarifying nomenclature.

Songs of the Stones: An Investigation into the Acoustic History and Culture of Stonehenge

Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites — 2011 — WHE5C3110BCCA

Stonehenge's sonic features were likely integral to its ritual culture, with noticeable acoustic properties that may have played a significant role in prehistoric practices. The study investigated the site's acoustics through field tests, a full-size replica, and digital modeling, building on existing research. It also explored Stonehenge's cultural significance, including references in Thomas Hardy's writing, to contextualize its potential role as an acoustic ritual technology.

Songs, Scribes, and Society: The History and Reception of the Loire Valley Chansonniers

The Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes — 2011 — WHE70B160A82E

A groundbreaking analysis reveals that the Loire Valley Chansonniers, a collection of medieval musical manuscripts, served not only as repositories of song but also as crucial social and cultural artifacts. These works, primarily from the 15th century, reflect the political and intellectual dynamics of their time, including the patronage of aristocratic families like the Dukes of Anjou. Jane Alden's study employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining musicology, paleography, and historical sociology to trace the evolution of these chansonniers from their origins in royal courts to their dissemination among scribes and musicians. By examining reception history—how these works were interpreted and adapted over centuries—the research demonstrates their enduring influence on European musical tradition, particularly during the Renaissance.

Songs, Scribes, and Society: The History and Reception of the Loire Valley Chansonniers (review)

The Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes — 2011 — WHE9B5C64EEA7

Jane Alden's 'Songs, Scribes, and Society: The History and Reception of the Loire Valley Chansonniers' offers the first comprehensive synthesis of scholarly work on five fifteenth-century French secular song collections—the Loire Valley Chansonniers—challenging long-held assumptions about their chronology. By integrating paleographic and codicological evidence, Alden argues that the Nivelle chansonnier should be redated to a later position in the sequence, displacing it from its assumed primacy. Her study also sheds light on the socio-cultural context of these manuscripts, identifying French royal court secretaries and notaries as key patrons. While her conclusions are not without controversy—particularly regarding dating and evidence interpretation—the work provides a significant contribution to understanding the production, ownership, and cultural significance of these musical artifacts during the late medieval period.

Source mechanism of long-period events recorded by a high-density seismic network during the 2008 eruption on Mount Etna

Mount Etna — 2011 — WHE3DFB5EFCBF

During Mount Etna's 2008 eruption, long-period (LP) seismic events were linked to two distinct crack mechanisms striking SW-NE, dipping at 70°SE and 50°NW respectively. These cracks, aligned with local tectonics, suggest a response to the May 10 lava fountain rather than the subsequent flank lava flow. The study used unconstrained moment tensor inversions for reliable source mechanism solutions, followed by constrained inversions to determine crack orientations accurately. High-density seismic station proximity was crucial for minimizing velocity model uncertainties and ensuring robust results.

Sourcing the Megalithic Stones of Nan Madol: an XRF Study of Architectural Basalt Stone from Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia

Nan Madol: Ceremonial Centre of Eastern Micronesia — 2011 — WHE6224CEC8AF

Nan Madol, a sprawling 81-hectare ceremonial complex on Pohnpei, reveals sophisticated stone-sourcing practices by its builders. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis indicates a preference for columnar basalt from the island’s main shield volcanic stage (7-8 million years ago), while boulders were primarily sourced from post-shield stage Temwen Island, with occasional use of mainland Pohnpei material. The study also suggests dynamic shifts in quarry selection, potentially due to resource depletion or evolving social and political priorities. This research sheds light on the complex logistics and cultural significance underlying Nan Madol’s construction.

South China Karst II

South China Karst — 2011 — WHE287D867C11

South China Karst II reveals diverse geological and ecological insights across Yunnan's karst landscapes, from tropical cone karst to the stone forests of central regions and the high plateau karst of Tibet. The study highlights significant findings on soil erosion patterns, tufa formation, vegetation dynamics, and the age and sediment composition of karst caves. It also explores epikarst fauna and the preservation challenges of this natural heritage. Researchers employed a multidisciplinary approach, combining field studies with laboratory analyses to unravel the complex interactions between geological processes and biodiversity in these unique environments.

Spatial Analysis of Urban Form and Pedestrian Exposure to Traffic Noise

Historic Centre of Macao — 2011 — WHE1A349DA95A

A significant portion of the Macao Peninsula, particularly its historic center, experiences severe traffic noise pollution, with 60% of pedestrian sidewalks exceeding China's national standard of 70 dB(A) during evening peak hours. Alarmingly, 21% of these areas surpass the limit by 5 dB(A), compromising the comfort and reputation of this UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. The study employs a high-resolution GIS-based traffic noise model to analyze the spatial relationships between urban geometry, traffic flow, and noise levels, providing critical data for local government and urban planners to address pollution and preserve the historic area's integrity.

Spatial Arch Bridges Over the Galindo and Bidasoa Rivers

Vizcaya Bridge — 2011 — WHE572677AD7D

Two pioneering spatial arch bridges, the Galindo River Bridge and the Endarlatsa Bridge in Spain, demonstrate innovative structural solutions by incorporating warped geometries that curve both in plan and elevation. Unlike traditional planar arches, these bridges use curved decks supported by upper or lower arches, creating a unique aesthetic and functional approach. The study highlights distinct strategies to manage out-of-plane forces: auxiliary cables in the Galindo bridge and a tailored distribution of transverse stiffness with specific deck support conditions in the Endarlatsa bridge. These designs represent groundbreaking advancements in arch bridge engineering, offering both structural efficiency and architectural appeal.

Spatial distribution of species richness and endemism of the genus Acacia in Australia

Wet Tropics of Queensland — 2011 — WHEE579FD0640

A comprehensive analysis reveals that the genus Acacia exhibits significant species richness and endemism, with primary centers located in Western Australia's South-West Botanical Province, the Kimberley District, and Queensland's Wet Tropics. The study identified 21 distinct centers of endemism, six of which were previously unrecognized, underscoring the biodiversity hotspot status of these regions. While most endemic centers do not overlap with areas of high species richness, three grid cells in the top 1% for both measures highlight critical zones where both diversity and uniqueness converge. This research, based on a database of 171,758 geo-referenced herbarium records, employed neighborhood analysis to map spatial patterns, confirming Western Australia as a global hotspot for Acacia biodiversity.

Spatial diversity patterns of birds in a vegetation mosaic of the Pantanal, Mato Grosso, Brazil

Pantanal Conservation Area — 2011 — WHE0B58E8EB08

High beta diversity, accounting for 77% of total bird species diversity in the Pantanal's heterogeneous landscape, suggests significant spatial variation in species composition. This pattern is more pronounced among regional migrants (88%) than residents (66%), indicating greater spatial heterogeneity in their distribution. The study used additive partitioning (γ = α + β) to analyze 163 bird species across 30 sampling plots within a 25 km² area, revealing that most species were spatially restricted, with 58% found in five or fewer plots and 15% confined to just one plot. These findings underscore the importance of implementing conservation strategies at a regional scale, focusing on preserving this environmental mosaic to mitigate impacts from seasonal resource fluctuations and anthropogenic influences.

Spatial Patterns in Herbivory on a Coral Reef Are Influenced by Structural Complexity but Not by Algal Traits

Ningaloo Coast — 2011 — WHE57DBFD013F

Spatial patterns of macroalgal consumption on coral reefs are primarily influenced by structural complexity rather than algal traits. Research at Ningaloo Reef (Western Australia) found that herbivory rates were significantly higher in structurally complex, coral-dominated habitats, such as the outer reef and reef flat, where biomass of herbivorous fish was also elevated. Conversely, macroalgal consumption dropped to undetectable levels within 75 meters of these complex habitats, with algae thriving in simpler, lagoon environments. Unlike terrestrial systems, algal productivity or nutritional quality did not affect herbivory patterns, nor was there evidence of a positive feedback loop between nitrogen content and consumption. The study underscores the critical role of structural complexity in maintaining ecosystem functions and biodiversity on coral reefs.

Spatio-temporal Urban Growth Modeling of Jaipur, India

Jaipur City, Rajasthan — 2011 — WHEA5F4F792A1

Jaipur, India, experienced a 63% increase in urban land development from 1989 to 2005, driven by the conversion of agricultural and barren lands into urban areas. This rapid expansion, characterized by rising density and suburban growth along city peripheries, highlights significant unplanned and informal urbanization trends. The study employed a rule-based classification system, Markov modeling, GIS, and Landsat satellite data to quantify spatial-temporal urban changes over 16 years (1989–2005). Statistical analyses confirmed the Markov model's effectiveness in predicting land-use transitions, underscoring its utility for urban planning. These findings suggest that current planning policies may struggle to address future unplanned growth, posing challenges for sustainable development.

Spectroscopy study of Yungang Grottoes weathered material in terahertz range

Yungang Grottoes — 2011 — WHE1BCE9FC9BA

A spectroscopy study using terahertz time domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) reveals distinct spectral characteristics of weathered material samples from the Yungang Grottoes. The research identifies that transmission coefficients are high at low frequencies but decrease at higher frequencies across all three sampled caves, dated A.D. 484, A.D. 494, and A.D. 520. Notably, the absorption coefficient increases exponentially with frequency, a trend more pronounced in samples from later periods. The study also highlights significant differences in refractive indices (1.53, 1.57, and 1.51) among the caves, enabling differentiation based on their weathering patterns. These findings provide critical optical constants for Yungang Grottoes materials, offering valuable insights for further studies.

Spiritual and Biological Mothering in Berceo’s Vida De Santa Oria

San Millán Yuso and Suso Monasteries — 2011 — WHE77BB4FF800

Gonzalo de Berceo’s thirteenth-century poem, the Vida de Santa Oria, challenges traditional interpretations by revealing it as a dual vita that explores both spiritual and biological mothering. The work, centered on Saint Oria and her mother Amunna, demonstrates how Amunna's emotional attachment to Oria evolves from an obstacle to sanctity into a source of sanctity itself. This interpretation provides a feminine perspective on Christ’s admonition about familial attachments (Matthew 10:37), highlighting the complex negotiation of female bonds in the pursuit of holiness. The study employs close textual analysis to uncover this dual narrative, offering new insights into medieval spiritual literature and the representation of mother-daughter relationships within religious contexts.

Spring phytoplankton phenology - are patterns and drivers of change consistent among lakes in the same climatological region?

The English Lake District — 2011 — WHEFFA3E78D14

Contrary to expectations, temperature did not consistently affect phytoplankton phenology in the English Lake District. While Asterionella formosa and Aulacoseira spp. showed advanced spring bloom timing in response to warmer conditions, Cryptomonas spp. exhibited delayed peaks. Instead, soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) concentrations emerged as a more consistent driver, influencing all taxa across nearly all lakes. This study analyzed 58 years of data from four lakes using two methods—centre of gravity and Weibull-type function—to quantify spring bloom timing, revealing locally variable drivers play a significant role in phytoplankton phenology despite regional climatic similarities.

Stability of the new alluvial fan of el partido stream, located in the eastern side of el rocío village in the doñana national park (spain), after the actions carried out to restore its hydrological regime

Doñana National Park — 2011 — WHE046D36D090

Restoration efforts to stabilize the new alluvial fan of El Partido Stream in Doñana National Park, Spain, have demonstrated significant success. The study, conducted by Mintegui Aguirre et al., found that restoring the functionality of a former alluvial fan upstream in 2006 effectively mitigated the expansion and growth of the new fan, which had previously hindered urban drainage in El Rocío village. Monitoring over several flood events, particularly from 2007 to 2011, revealed improved hydrological behavior along the stream's final reach, contributing to the current stability of the new alluvial fan. The approach involved channelizing the stream for agricultural purposes and implementing targeted restoration measures, providing a model for managing similar geomorphological challenges in protected areas.