World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 29661 – 29680 of 30315 publications

Evaluating ergonomic risk factors in non-regulated stone carving units of Jaipur

Jaipur City, Rajasthan — 2010 — WHE7101D14771

Stone carving in Jaipur, India, poses significant ergonomic risks to workers, with findings indicating that the majority of activities fall into high-risk categories for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and injuries. The study, involving 75 male workers across three sections of a stone carving unit, employed non-invasive tools such as REBA, RULA, and OCRA, along with psychophysical measures like body part discomfort maps and perceived exertion scales. Objective measurements revealed a working heart rate of 112.4 beats per minute after 30 minutes, classifying the work as moderately heavy. High scores in postural analyses (REBA: 13/13; RULA: 7/7) further underscored the vulnerability to MSDs. The research highlights the urgent need for ergonomic interventions, including tool and workstation redesign, to mitigate these risks, suggesting collaboration with NGOs, political parties, and human rights departments for implementation.

Evolution and biogeography of Pleurophyllum (Astereae, Asteraceae), a small genus of megaherbs endemic to the subantarctic islands

New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands — 2010 — WHE414E795D5C

Pleurophyllum, a small genus of megaherbs endemic to the subantarctic islands of Australia and New Zealand, likely survived Pleistocene glaciation on these islands and dispersed northward in response to glacial advance. This study provides strong evidence for this hypothesis through phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequences from four genes (ITS, ETS, trnK, and trnL). The research suggests that the subantarctic islands served as refugia for Antarctic plants, preserving remnants of a once-diverse flora. By reconstructing the genus's evolutionary history, the study sheds light on the biogeographical patterns of austral plant groups and the role of Antarctica in shaping southern hemisphere plant distributions.

Evolution of karst in Messinian gypsum (Monferrato, Northern Italy)

Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato — 2010 — WHEA3340D4740

Research on the Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont (Northern Italy) reveals that karst caves in Messinian gypsum formations likely began forming during a brief intra-Messinian emersion phase, with subsequent slow enlargement during the Quaternary. Cave sediments contain foraminiferal associations dating from Burdigalian to Upper Pliocene, suggesting recent deposition, though Upper Messinian accumulation cannot be entirely ruled out. The study suggests that caves initially developed under epigenic conditions and later expanded within a confined hypogene karst system. This finding provides new insights into the evolutionary history of karst landscapes in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Evolution of magma conduits during the 1998–2000 eruptions of Piton de la Fournaise volcano, Réunion Island

Pitons, cirques and remparts of Reunion Island — 2010 — WHEEF7A507CE7

A groundbreaking study reveals that the 1998–2000 eruptions of Piton de la Fournaise volcano on Réunion Island were driven by lateral dikes rooted at shallow depths, typically less than 1000 meters. These dikes, which account for 17% of the emitted lava volume, highlight the significant role of exogenous growth in volcanic edifice construction. The research used interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) data combined with 3-D boundary element models and Monte Carlo inversion to analyze coeruptive displacements, providing unprecedented insights into magma conduit evolution. Additionally, the study found that dikes initially propagate vertically from a deep source before being injected laterally at shallow depths, consistent with neutral buoyancy levels in the edifice.

Ex Situ Orchid Conservation - A Case Study from the Singapore Botanic Gardens

Singapore Botanic Gardens — 2010 — WHE74F3D01716

Singapore Botanic Gardens' orchid conservation program has successfully re-introduced five native orchid species, including Grammatophyllum speciosum and Bulbophyllum vaginatum, demonstrating effective ex situ conservation strategies. The study highlights the potential of cryo-seed banking for long-term germplasm preservation, with promising results achieved for multiple endangered species such as Cymbidium finlaysonianum and Dendrobium crumenatum. By monitoring existing populations and exploring innovative conservation techniques, the program aims to restore native orchid diversity in Singapore's managed habitats. A dedicated area at the National Orchid Garden showcases this biodiversity, serving both conservation and educational purposes.

Examination of the terrestrial algae of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park — 2010 — WHEDE555ED608

A comprehensive examination of terrestrial algae within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA, revealed 42 distinct taxa, including 20 new records for the park. The study, part of the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory, sampled soils from both mature and secondary growth forests, as well as rocks and tree bark, highlighting the rich algal diversity in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among the identified species were representatives from Cyanobacteria, Chlorophyceae, Trebouxiophyceae, Ulvophyceae, Klebsormidiophyceae, Zygnematophyceae, Tribophyta, Eustigmatophyta, Euglenophyta, and Dinophyta. This research contributes significantly to the understanding of algal biodiversity in terrestrial ecosystems.

Examining cultural tourism attractions for foreign visitors: The case of camel wrestling in Selçuk Ephesus

Ephesus — 2010 — WHE882A24C373

The Camel Wrestling Festival in Selçuk, Ephesus, stands out as a culturally authentic and non-commercialized attraction that significantly draws foreign visitors seeking unique cultural experiences. A survey of 56 international attendees on January 18, 2009, revealed their fascination with this traditional event, underscoring its potential as a sustainable tourism product. While the festival remains vulnerable to the impacts of mass tourism, its cultural integrity can be preserved through strategic policies that balance heritage conservation with visitor engagement. This study provides actionable insights for developing a sustainable tourism framework to safeguard the festival's authenticity and ensure its longevity as a globally recognized cultural asset.

Excavation-Investigation-Presentation: Problems of Representing Past Cultures in the Example of the Mshatta Facade

Museumsinsel (Museum Island), Berlin — 2010 — WHE8EA0C3E6FC

The Mshatta Facade, one of the earliest Islamic architectural monuments exhibited on Museum Island in Berlin, has significantly advanced the study and representation of Islamic art. Its transportation to Berlin in 1904 led to the establishment of an Islamic Department within the museums, sparking extensive research into Islamic art through archaeological fieldwork. This facade, however, presents unique challenges in museum presentation due to its monumental scale and the need for compromises in interior space design. Current discussions on relocating the facade to the Pergamon Museum's north wing aim to address these issues while preserving its historical significance.

Experience With a Hard and Soft Participatory Modeling Framework for Social-ecological System Management in Mount Everest (Nepal) and K2 (Pakistan) Protected Areas

Sagarmatha National Park — 2010 — WHEB62C813351

A participatory modeling framework combining hard and soft methodologies has been successfully applied in two high-altitude protected areas, Sagarmatha National Park (Nepal) and Central Karakoram National Park (Pakistan), to address complex social-ecological challenges. This approach, tailored to local stakeholders' needs, facilitates collaborative knowledge synthesis and problem-solving, fostering sustainable development pathways. The framework's five modules enable evidence-based management decisions while ensuring stakeholder relevance through iterative feedback loops. Notably, the model triggers valuable discussions among stakeholders, guiding research and policy efforts in fragile mountain ecosystems where livelihoods are deeply intertwined with ecological systems. Its adaptability suggests potential for replication in similar contexts globally.

Exploring the location and function of a Late Neolithic house at Crossiecrown, Orkney by geophysical, geochemical and soil micromorphological methods

Heart of Neolithic Orkney — 2010 — WHE8F488676E2

A Late Neolithic house at Crossiecrown, Orkney, revealed through magnetic prospection and excavation, shows distinctive correlations between element distributions on its floor and the locations of fixed furniture or stone tools. Soil micromorphology traced the house's lifecycle from construction to abandonment, while geochemical analysis linked specific elements to architectural features and artifacts. This study demonstrates how advanced methods can uncover functional insights into Neolithic settlements, offering new perspectives on their organization and use.

Exposure to Toxoplasma gondii in Galapagos Penguins (Spheniscus mendiculus) and Flightless Cormorants (Phalacrocorax harrisi) in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Galápagos Islands — 2010 — WHE554588167D

A study on the Galápagos Islands revealed that both Galapagos Penguins and Flightless Cormorants exhibit exposure to Toxoplasma gondii, a common protozoan parasite. Surprisingly, higher antibody prevalence was found in penguins on Fernandina Island, which lacks feral cats, compared to Isabela Island where cats are present. While the difference was not statistically significant for cormorants, this is the first evidence of T. gondii exposure in these endemic avian species, suggesting potential disease risks linked to the archipelago's feral cat population.

Facies, depositional environment, and palaeoecology of the Middle Triassic Cassina beds (Meride Limestone, Monte San Giorgio, Switzerland)

Monte San Giorgio — 2010 — WHE6DFAA0731E

A pioneering analysis of the Ladinian Cassina beds at Monte San Giorgio reveals the presence of a quasi-anaerobic biofacies characterized by monotypic benthic foraminiferal meiofauna, marking the first documentation of such conditions across the entire Monte San Giorgio sequence. This discovery sheds light on the depositional environment of this renowned Lagerstätte, which experienced background sedimentation under anoxic to episodically suboxic seafloor conditions, interspersed with event depositions linked to sediment input and volcanic eruptions. The study also highlights the proliferation of benthic microbial mats, inferred from microfabrics and taphonomic features, which contributed to the exceptional preservation of vertebrate fossils, including new finds of fishes such as Saurichthys and Archaeosemionotus. Additionally, the research provides insights into the shallow-waters of the adjoining Salvatore platform and critically reviews available biostratigraphic data.

Factors of variation in the number of adventive species in herbaceous communities of the Western Caucasus

Western Caucasus — 2010 — WHE354C616278

Variation in the saturation of herbaceous communities with adventive species in the Western Caucasus is primarily driven by the number of such species in larger areas, their species-holding capacity, and community completeness. This finding emerged from a study that analyzed field data using ordinary and multivariate regression techniques. Researchers examined 0.5-m² plots to assess adventive species saturation while considering factors like herbaceous layer coverage, species richness, and the counts of adventive and indigenous species in larger 15-m² plots. The results highlight how local-scale community dynamics are influenced by broader ecological patterns, offering insights into the structure and resilience of herbaceous communities in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Fall and Winter Movements of Bowhead Whales (Balaena mysticetus) in the Chukchi Sea and Within a Potential Petroleum Development Area

Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve — 2010 — WHE8169FC4A72

Bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) in the Chukchi Sea exhibit distinct fall and winter migration patterns, with key stopover sites identified as Point Barrow (Alaska), Wrangel Island (Russia), and northern Chukotka. Satellite tagging of 19 mostly immature whales between 2006 and 2008 revealed that most crossed the Chukchi Sea in 6–9 days, while some lingered near Wrangel Island for up to 21 days before moving southeast along the Chukotka coast. Kernel density analysis highlighted these areas as critical feeding grounds. Notably, all whales traversed a potential petroleum development zone, with one whale remaining there for 30 days, raising concerns about habitat overlap with industrial activity.

Fallout Deposition in the Marshall Islands from Bikini and Enewetak Nuclear Weapons Tests

Bikini Atoll Nuclear Test Site — 2010 — WHEFDE2C4295D

Only 20 out of the 66 nuclear tests conducted at Bikini and Enewetak Atolls (1946-1958) resulted in substantial radioactive fallout deposition on inhabited Marshall Islands, according to a comprehensive analysis. Researchers estimated deposition densities for 63 radionuclides from these tests using historical data, contemporary soil samples, and meteorological analyses. The findings align with measurements of cesium-137 (137Cs) deposition, validating the approach. This study provides the most detailed estimates of fallout composition, fractionation, and transit times, enabling accurate dose assessments for external and internal radiation exposure.

Family Space: Buddhist Materiality and Ancestral Fashioning in Mogao Cave 231

Mogao Caves — 2010 — WHE8D4DFE5756

Mogao Caves, particularly Cave 231, exhibit a unique integration of family references into Buddhist art and architecture from the ninth century, representing a significant shift in medieval Chinese religious space. This study reveals that cave temples served as hybrid spaces where ancestral commemoration and Buddhist devotion intersected through figural representations, epigraphic inscriptions, and decorative elements like domestic furniture. By analyzing these visual and textual cues, researchers demonstrate how Mogao Caves functioned as a multifacetional environment, blending the sacred with familial memory while bridging the boundaries between image, object, and architecture.

Fassaden aus historischen Handstrichziegeln mit Rezeptschlämme

Museumsinsel (Museum Island), Berlin — 2010 — WHE478E176624

A unique façade constructed with historical hand-strich bricks and a specially formulated elutriation mortar has demonstrated both architectural innovation and durability, earning second place in the 2008 ECOLA European Architecture Prize. The study, led by Bau-Ing. Thomas Bauer of Dreßler Bau GmbH, details the challenges and solutions associated with reusing historical bricks in modern construction, including sourcing, testing, cleaning, sorting, and mortaring techniques. It also introduces a novel handcrafted elutriation technique developed through extensive experimentation, which enhances both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity. This research provides valuable insights for architects and builders aiming to incorporate historical materials into contemporary designs while ensuring longevity and technical performance.

Feeding ecology of Phalloceros anisophallos (Osteichthyes: Cyprinodontiformes) from Andorinha Stream, Ilha Grande, Brazil

Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity — 2010 — WHE774A276F6D

A study on the feeding ecology of Phalloceros anisophallos, a fish species from Andorinha Stream, Ilha Grande, Brazil, reveals significant ontogenetic and seasonal variations in its diet. Adults primarily consume algae and detritus, while juveniles rely more on animal matter such as aquatic insect larvae and terrestrial insects. The research used quantitative analysis, including the alimentary index (IAi) and food volume (Vo), to assess dietary composition. Notably, detritus consumption was significantly higher during the dry season compared to the rainy season, despite no seasonal variation in IAi values for other food categories. This suggests a dynamic feeding strategy influenced by both life stage and environmental conditions.

Feeding ecology of the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) in the Galapagos Islands

Galápagos Islands — 2010 — WHE4A3433C2C6

Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the Galápagos Islands exhibit significant variation in their diet, both spatially and seasonally. The study identified Ulva lactuca as a dominant algae species consumed across foraging grounds, with dietary composition differing notably between Bahia Elizabeth, Caleta Derek, and Punta Nuñez. Seasonal shifts were also observed, with diets during the warm season showing greater algal diversity compared to the cold season. This research, based on 65 oesophageal samples collected in 2006 and 2007, highlights the importance of spatial and temporal factors in shaping the feeding ecology of this species. The findings underscore the need for targeted conservation strategies that account for these dietary dynamics.

Female philopatry and dominance patterns in wild geladas

Simien National Park — 2010 — WHE3C468DC3DB

Geladas exhibit stable, maternally inherited female dominance hierarchies and female philopatry, challenging previous assumptions about their social structure. A four-year study of wild gelada units in Ethiopia's Simien National Park found no interunit migrations and a mortality rate consistent with philopatric behavior, confirming that females remain in their natal groups. Contrary to earlier reports, the study also revealed linear and stable dominance hierarchies, akin to other cercopithecine primates, with no evidence of aggressive targeting by alpha females or clear reproductive advantages for dominant individuals. These findings support the allostatic load model and underscore the importance of female philopatry in shaping kin-based dominance systems.