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Showing 3541 – 3560 of 15962 publications

An allometric approach to seasonal changes in intake rates of migratory shorebirds in the Bijagós Archipelago, Guinea‐Bissau

Coastal and Marine Ecosystems of the Bijagós Archipelago – Omatí Minhô — 2024 — WHE4AFB6AA1C1

Migratory shorebirds wintering in the Bijagós Archipelago, Guinea-Bissau, exhibit seasonally decreasing intake rates, contrary to expectations. The study, employing an allometric approach, found that smaller species experienced particularly pronounced declines in daily energetic intakes. Notably, species like the Ringed Plover, Curlew Sandpiper, and Bar-tailed Godwit showed exceptionally low intake rates compared to other wintering sites along the East Atlantic Flyway, suggesting potential energetic constraints during their fuelling phase for return migration.

An Analysis of the Gods and Heroes in Ancient Mesopotamian Art

Ancient Jericho/Tell es-Sultan — 2024 — WHE72BD19F586

Ancient Mesopotamian art, spanning from the Neolithic to Early Bronze Age, reveals evolving depictions of gods and heroes (kings) that reflect spiritual beliefs, earthly power, and societal advancements. Key artifacts like the Vultures Stele and Lion Hunt Stele illustrate how these representations shifted over time, symbolizing administrative growth, economic prosperity, and military development. The study highlights that while gods embody the spirit world, heroes—often portrayed as hunters or warriors—represent earthly authority, sometimes even claiming divine status. This visual narrative provides deeper insights than written records alone, underscoring art's pivotal role in understanding Mesopotamia's cultural and historical landscape.

An Analysis of the Spatiotemporal Distribution and Influencing Factors of National Intangible Cultural Heritage Along the Grand Canal of China

The Grand Canal — 2024 — WHE80FF0635AA

A southward shift in the distribution of national intangible cultural heritage (ICH) along China's Grand Canal, driven by urbanization and economic development, has been identified. The study reveals significant spatial clustering of ICH, particularly at the northern and southern ends of the canal, with marked regional disparities in quantity and structure, dominated by traditional skills and drama categories. Urbanization emerges as the strongest influencing factor, while natural environmental impacts, though minor, remain relevant. Employing GIS-based spatial analysis techniques—including kernel density estimation, mean nearest neighbor index, and standard deviation ellipse—the research analyzed 504 national ICH items, providing actionable insights for sustainable cultural preservation and economic growth in the Grand Canal Basin.

An anthropogenic site for Riella Mont. (Riellaceae, Sphaerocarpales) in Djerba (Tunisia)

Djerba: Testimony to a settlement pattern in an island territory — 2024 — WHE9BAAAF6D06

A rare and ecologically significant discovery of four Riella species, including one new to Tunisia (Riella bialata), was made in a small anthropogenic pond on Djerba island. This finding highlights the unique biodiversity supported by human-altered habitats, with significant differences in development, life strategies, and ecology among the species. The study combined field observations with spore culture analysis to elucidate their presence in this temporary habitat, raising conservation concerns due to its vulnerability.

An archaeological landscape amid nature, culture, and atmosphere: preliminary considerations for the Co.R.A.Ve. Research and Conservation Project

Etruscan Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia — 2024 — WHE35FFAC0D3D

The Etruscan Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia, particularly the Banditaccia necropolis, represent a unique archaeological landscape where native vegetation and funerary structures coexist symbiotically. This study introduces preliminary considerations for the Co.R.A.Ve. Research and Conservation Project, which aims to develop conservation methodologies that preserve this delicate balance without compromising the site's historical and emotional value. By employing theories from Carlson and Assunto, the research frames the necropolis as a 'historic landscape,' emphasizing the interplay between nature, culture, and human perception. The project addresses challenges posed by traditional restoration practices, advocating for interventions that maintain the integrity of both vegetation and ruins while enhancing their long-term protection.

An Archaeological Study on the Traditional and Basic Culture of Early Goguryeo : Analysis of Stone Tombs in Huanren County

Complex of Koguryo Tombs — 2024 — WHE29DD4D30C1

An archaeological analysis of five sites in Huanren County reveals significant insights into the cultural evolution of early Goguryeo, a key kingdom in Northeast Asia. The study identifies diverse tomb structures, including stone cists, dolmens, and stone-mound tombs with capstones, which exhibit transitional characteristics between Bronze Age practices and early Goguryeo traditions. Cremation customs were also documented, with high-temperature cremation evidenced by the grayish-white bones found in Wangjianglou tomb No. 1. The research traces cultural changes over time, noting the introduction of Eastern Zhou ironware around the mid-3rd century BC and the increasing prominence of stone mounds in tomb construction by the late 3rd to 2nd century BC. These findings highlight the dynamic development of funerary practices and material culture during this period.

An archaeology of the crime and punishment of young convicts: a view from colonial Australia

Australian Convict Sites — 2024 — WHEA455B51E07

Distinct material evidence and youthful inmate responses can be identified at Point Puer, a colonial Australian institution for young convicts, suggesting that the archaeology of juvenile prison sites differs from adult equivalents. The study analyzed crime and punishment practices through spatial analysis, artifact distribution, and documentary records, revealing control-focused tensions shaped by interactions between adults and youth. This work contributes to the nascent field of age-related institutional archaeology.

An Architectural Archaeological Study on the Buyeo Hwajisan Historic Site No. 2019-2

Baekje Historic Areas — 2024 — WHE4B50907ED8

A recent architectural archaeological study on the Buyeo Hwajisan Historic Site No. 2019-2, located within Baekje Historic Areas (South Korea), challenges prior assumptions about its function. Unlike previously proposed uses—such as a detached palace or banquet hall—the site lacks evidence of heating facilities, outdoor kitchens, or large ice storage typical of such structures. Instead, the study suggests it served a ceremonial purpose, supported by its single-well design and absence of residential or administrative features. The research analyzed the site's cornerstone building, characterized by clay walls without columnar lines, contrasting with other known Baekje Dynasty sites that typically include base stones. This finding underscores the rarity and specificity of Hwajisan's architectural style, offering new insights into Baekje ritualistic structures.

An ecological dilemma, novel sustainable ideas for Istanbul examining zoning regulation for green-areas and housing

Historic Areas of Istanbul — 2024 — WHE9E1CCEF852

Istanbul's urban planning faces an ecological dilemma, balancing seismic resilience and sustainability while grappling with the legacy of Henri Prost's century-old zoning strategies. The study reveals that integrating historical zoning practices—particularly those emphasizing green-areas and housing typologies—can address contemporary challenges like climate change and urban density. By analyzing Prost's distinctive district-specific zoning techniques, the research proposes novel sustainable solutions to protect green spaces while planning new settlements. It highlights a critical gap in current regulations and advocates for revisiting old zoning laws to foster a harmonious relationship between human development and environmental sustainability.

An economic assessment on public well-being for biodiversity conservation in Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia

Gunung Mulu National Park — 2024 — WHE7A7D3C9F37

A mean willingness to pay of MYR40.61 (USD9.60) per park entry for biodiversity conservation in Gunung Mulu National Park was identified, revealing that public support is strongly influenced by attitude and experience rather than awareness or economic factors. The study, involving 87 visitors and 99 local community members, used validated questionnaires to assess preferences and well-being, finding that socio-demographic and environmental factors significantly shaped willingness-to-pay (WTP) for conservation efforts. Notably, respondents with lower knowledge but high positive attitudes showed strong support for reduced entrance fees, while economic considerations did not predict WTP. This research highlights the complex interplay between social values, conservation awareness, and economic valuation in protected areas, offering insights to guide sustainable tourism policies.

An empirical application of the consumer-based authenticity model in heritage tourism of the George Town historic district, Penang, Malaysia

Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca — 2024 — WHEDFF44F863D

A study applying the Consumer-based Model of Authenticity (C-BA) to George Town's historic district reveals that authenticity significantly influences tourists' revisit intentions, with object-based and existential authenticity mediating relationships between involvement/satisfaction and place attachment/satisfaction. Using structural equation modeling on 394 samples, researchers found that preserving objective authenticity and enhancing activity experiences are critical for stakeholders aiming to boost tourist satisfaction and repeat visits.

An Estimate of Wolverine Density for the Canadian Province of Alberta

Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks — 2024 — WHEDE8B877A05

A first provincial-scale estimate suggests Alberta's wolverine population stands at just 955 individuals, with only 544 adults—a figure well below IUCN thresholds for legally listed species. The study, synthesizing existing density data and habitat relationships across five landscapes (including protected Rocky Mountain Parks), found densities ranging from 0.71 to 6.74 wolverines per 1,000 km², with boreal regions supporting the highest concentrations. Using spatially explicit capture-recapture models, researchers extrapolated these estimates across bioclimatic ecoregions, highlighting a critical need for status reassessment and conservation action. The findings underscore the species' precarious position in Alberta, where it has been designated Data Deficient since 2001.

An Examination of the Wrangel Island Sea Ice Thickness Dipole

Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve — 2024 — WHEC7A7BE4A7A

A distinct sea ice thickness dipole is observed around Wrangel Island, with thicker ice accumulating on its eastern side and thinner ice persisting to the west due to the Beaufort Gyre's influence. This phenomenon, present year-round but most pronounced in January (with a ~1 m difference), reverses during atmospheric circulation shifts. The dipole is linked to opposing ice divergence and convergence across the western Arctic, potentially affecting ocean circulation and ecosystems in the Chukchi Sea. Additionally, it contributes to the transient opening of a polynya west of the island during spring.

An experimental investigation on the damage mechanisms of red glutenite in the Mount Wuyi cultural and natural heritage site subject to acid rain and wet-dry cycles: a macro-to-micro approach

Mount Wuyi — 2024 — WHE2E32C4E7B0

Acid rain and wet-dry cycles significantly degrade the physical and mechanical properties of red glutenite, a rock type at Mount Wuyi's UNESCO World Heritage Site. Research reveals that as acidity increases and exposure to these cycles prolongs, key properties like dry density, wave velocity, compressive strength, and elastic modulus decline exponentially or linearly. The study used advanced techniques—including cold field emission scanning electron microscopy (CFE-SEM), image processing, and X-ray diffraction—to uncover how rock dissolution and desiccation interact, altering microstructure and mineral composition. A predictive model for uniaxial compressive strength was developed, offering critical insights for preserving this cultural and natural heritage.

An Imperial Adventus into a City of Warehouses: History, Modernity, and Urbanity in the Symbolic and Material Construction of Hamburg's Free Port

Speicherstadt and Kontorhaus District with Chilehaus — 2024 — WHE883AAC99E9

Hamburg's Speicherstadt, a commercial district devoid of inhabitants, was symbolically constructed as a 'city' during its 1888 opening ceremony featuring Kaiser Wilhelm II. This study reveals that the district's neo-Gothic architecture and imperial adventus were designed to evoke premodern urbanity, countering fears of working-class dominance. The research argues that the Speicherstadt served as a modern reimagining of Hamburg's historical urban trade privileges, symbolically rebuilding the city's walls. By analyzing material, political, and symbolic elements, the study demonstrates how late-nineteenth-century political imaginaries framed urbanization processes, offering insights into the intersection of history, modernity, and urbanity.

An Important Medieval Middle Low German Law Manuscript Which Ended up on the Banks of the Volga: Was it an Inexplicable Accident?

Hanseatic City of Lübeck — 2024 — WHEC76A63F76D

A previously unidentified medieval manuscript, believed to be the Bardewik codex—a significant 1294 Middle Low German legal text from Lübeck—was discovered in a regional museum in Yuryevets, Russia. The finding challenges assumptions about its provenance, as it had no clear path from its original archives in Lübeck to its current location on the Volga River. While earlier hypotheses suggested ties to Vladimir G. Shishlov, new evidence links the manuscript to Vitaliy F. Gruzdev, a resident of Ivanovo who donated manuscripts to local institutions. This connection is supported by geographical proximity and Gruzdev's known involvement with Hanseatic manuscripts, suggesting a more plausible explanation for its unexpected journey.

An Initial Analysis of the Power of Monitoring certain Indices to Determine the Effect of Fishing on Penguin Reproductive Success from an Experiment where Pelagic Fishing is Prohibited in the Neighbourhood of Robben Island, but Continues around Dassen Island.

Robben Island — 2024 — WHE9A5616AAFF

A 30% reduction in fishing activity around Robben Island could take up to two decades to detect a statistically significant impact on penguin reproductive success, with fledging success requiring longer monitoring than the breeders per adult moulter ratio. Initial analysis suggests that pelagic fishing may enhance penguin reproduction by scattering large shoals, increasing predator-prey encounters, though these findings are not statistically significant. The study uses General Linear Modelling (GLM) to simulate the power of an experiment where fishing is prohibited near Robben Island but continues around Dassen Island, estimating a 20% process error for monitoring indices and a potential 3% annual population growth rate change.

An Investigation of the Courtyard Designs of Historical Cumalikizik Houses

Bursa and Cumalıkızık: the Birth of the Ottoman Empire — 2024 — WHE2DCDDA65D1

Cumalıkızık houses, recognized by UNESCO for their architectural and historical significance since 2014, feature courtyard designs that prioritize user privacy and vital activities. This study identified nine key parameters—plan types, reinforcement elements, activity elements, flooring, water, lighting, overhead cover, courtyard walls, and landscape plants—to analyze the traditional designs of these houses in Bursa, Turkey. Through a combination of literature review, on-site observations, and photographic documentation, researchers uncovered distinctive design patterns that enhance functionality while preserving cultural heritage. The findings contribute to the understanding of Ottoman-era residential architecture and its enduring influence on urban planning.

An Investigative Study of Contemporary Names of the Persons Illustrated by the Sigiri Graffiti (From the First Hundred Set of Graffities)

Ancient City of Sigiriya — 2024 — WHEE0AF21B97F

A groundbreaking analysis of the first hundred Sigiriya graffiti reveals that 56 can be attributed to specific individuals, including royals, civil servants, merchants, and monks. This study sheds light on personal names used in Sri Lanka between the 7th and 13th centuries, uncovering social representations and employment nature through a multi-method approach combining literature review, field research, interviews, and epigraphic analysis. The findings suggest that certain names may indicate caste or tribal affiliations, providing insights into historical social structures. This research sets the stage for broader studies on Sigiriya graffiti.

An updated checklist of vascular plants (lycophytes, ferns, gymnosperms, angiosperms) from Nyungwe National Park (incl. Cyamudongo Forest), Rwanda

Nyungwe National Park — 2024 — WHE6337F2B9D4

A comprehensive checklist of vascular plants from Nyungwe National Park, including the Cyamudongo Forest, identifies 145 fern and lycophyte species and 1311 flowering plant species. Notably, 24 endemic ferns (16.5% of the total) and 234 endemic or near-endemic flowering plants (17.7%) were recorded, with 33 species being local endemics found only in Rwanda. The study also highlights 34 invasive exotic species threatening natural vegetation. Additionally, new combinations and names for several species are proposed, including Impatiens kagamei and Dinophora montana, while confirming the synonymy of Ranunculus rugegensis and R. bequaertii. The research provides a critical update to Rwanda's botanical inventory, emphasizing the unique biodiversity of Nyungwe National Park, particularly in Cyamudongo Forest.