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Showing 12781 – 12800 of 15962 publications

Modelling the Cult of Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey, and St Martin's Church — 2020 — WHE3AED18C92B

Digital models of Canterbury Cathedral's early 15th-century spaces reveal how access and exclusion, both physical and sensory, shaped the cult of Thomas Becket and pilgrimage experiences. The study, part of an AHRC project at the University of York, prioritizes understanding spatial use over architectural accuracy, focusing on the Trinity Chapel shrine and other key chapels. By analyzing the Corona, Martyrdom, and tomb chapels, researchers argue that the design and layout influenced the nature of devotion and pilgrimage, offering new insights into medieval religious practices.

Modern Architecture and Climate

The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement — 2020 — WHE0D474D655C

Modern Architecture and Climate reveals that regional climate adaptability was crucial to the development of modern architecture, particularly before widespread fossil-fuel powered air-conditioning. The study demonstrates how leading architects like Le Corbusier, Richard Neutra, and others integrated design strategies such as materials and shading systems for interior climate control during the mid-20th century. Barber analyzes projects from Latin America, Europe, the U.S., Middle East, and Africa, showing how architectural designs evolved in response to environmental conditions. The research highlights how architects used images and diagrams to conceptualize climate knowledge, collaborating with meteorologists, physicists, and engineers. This work provides a historical foundation for contemporary zero-carbon design, addressing the cultural dynamism of architecture while acknowledging the carbon footprint of mechanical cooling systems.

Modernization of Public Spaces in Lithuanian Cities

Modernist Kaunas: Architecture of Optimism, 1919-1939 — 2020 — WHEAD3FC436B7

A groundbreaking monograph reveals how modernist urbanism reshaped the social-spatial dynamics of Lithuanian cities, fundamentally altering their functionality as entire systems. By leveraging interdisciplinary network theory and mathematical models, researchers analyzed Kaunas, Klaipėda, and Vilnius to demonstrate that Soviet-era modernization introduced revolutionary spatial configurations and redefined public space usage. The study highlights how these transformations, spanning from 1939 to 2016, serve as a compelling case study for understanding the profound impacts of modernist urbanism on city structures and societal interactions.

Modification of Fire Regimes Inferred from the Age Structure of Two Conifer Species in a Tropical Montane Forest, Mexico

Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve — 2020 — WHEBC06E334DD

Research in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve reveals that fire regimes in tropical montane forests are characterized by frequent, low-severity, and low-intensity fires. This conclusion is drawn from the uneven-aged structure of stands dominated or co-dominated by smooth-bark Mexican pine (Pinus pseudostrobus) and sacred fir (Abies religiosa), which exhibit continuous tree establishment patterns across an altitudinal gradient. The study used increment cores collected from 25 mature trees at six altitudinal transects, ranging from 2400 to 3300 meters, with a total of 800 samples cross-dated to reconstruct tree establishment history. Findings suggest that while natural fire regimes may have been disrupted by human activities, limiting high-severity fires, these forests retain distinctive features shaped by their unique fire dynamics.

Molecular detection of a Borrelia sp. in nymphs of Amblyomma brasiliense ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) from Iguaçu National Park, Brazil, genetically related to Borrelia from Ethiopia and Côte d’Ivoire

Iguaçu National Park — 2020 — WHEC44C303128

Researchers detected a novel Borrelia species in nymphs of Amblyomma brasiliense ticks from Iguaçu National Park, Brazil. The Borrelia sequence showed 90.8% identity to strains from Côte d'Ivoire and 89.1% to those from Ethiopia, suggesting it may represent a previously undescribed species. Unlike known pathogenic Borrelia linked to Lyme borreliosis or relapsing fever, this strain appears distinct in its genetic and phylogenetic profile. The study analyzed 394 tick samples (pools of larvae/nymphs or individual adults) collected between 2015–2017, using PCR targeting the flagellin B gene (flaB). This is the first report of Borrelia in A. brasiliense ticks, raising questions about its potential ecological role and zoonotic implications.

Momentum Balance Across a Barrier Reef

Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems — 2020 — WHEE4003FC07D

Barrier reefs exhibit distinct hydrodynamic behaviors that contrast with sandy beaches and fringing reefs, according to a combined experimental and numerical study conducted over the Ouano reef barrier in New Caledonia. The research reveals that cross-reef currents induced by wave breaking significantly influence momentum budgets, particularly through frictional processes. Unlike classical beach behavior, where radiation stress gradients balance barotropic pressure gradients associated with wave setup, barrier reefs transition to an open-channel regime dominated by frictional head loss. Numerical simulations using a non-hydrostatic wave-resolving model coupled with turbulence modeling highlight the vertical flow structure, showing a log-layer profile over the reef flat and an anticlockwise circulation under breaking waves on the forereef. These findings underscore the complex, depth-dependent hydrodynamic behavior of barrier reefs, particularly during extreme wave events.

Mompox, Bolívar sustentable y sostenible en el tiempo

Historic Centre of Santa Cruz de Mompox — 2020 — WHE4333586F87

Santa Cruz de Mompox, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Colombia's Bolívar department, is positioned as a rapidly growing tourist destination with significant socio-economic and intercultural impacts. This study proposes a strategic tourism plan to ensure its sustainable development over time, addressing the dynamic and flexible nature of tourism planning. The research employs a quantitative, descriptive approach with a non-experimental, transversal design, focusing on the site's potential to foster global social and economic integration through tourism. By analyzing Mompox's unique cultural and historical attributes, this work aims to provide actionable insights for balancing growth with preservation, ensuring long-term sustainability.

Monitoring and Evaluation of Sandstone Decay Adopting Non-Destructive Techniques: On-Site Application on Building Stones

Historic Centre of Florence — 2020 — WHE70C843FE2E

Non-destructive techniques (NDTs) such as ultrasonic and Schmidt hammer tests can effectively monitor the decay state of Pietra Serena, a significant Florentine sandstone used extensively during the Renaissance. This study demonstrates that combining NDTs with mineralogical, petrographical, chemical, and physical analyses allows for precise identification of zones of weakness and unstable elements in historic buildings, correlating stone properties with decay characteristics. Such an approach is crucial for preserving cultural heritage and ensuring public safety in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Florence's historic center.

Monitoring land use changes and its future prospects using cellular automata simulation and artificial neural network for Ahmedabad city, India

Historic City of Ahmadabad — 2020 — WHE2549DFB1DB

Urban sprawl poses a significant threat to sustainable development, and a study on Ahmedabad, India, reveals that the built-up area increased by 156.93 km² from 1976 to 2017, while agricultural land, open spaces, urban vegetation, and water bodies declined. Using cellular automata (CA) and artificial neural network (ANN) models with GIS techniques, researchers predicted that this trend will continue, with built-up areas potentially covering most of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation by 2027 if current patterns persist. The study also validated its predictions with a high Kappa coefficient (0.69 overall), indicating strong accuracy. This research provides critical insights for urban planners to develop sustainable city planning strategies.

Monitoring the Influence of the Mesoscale Ocean Dynamics on Phytoplanktonic Plumes around the Marquesas Islands Using Multi-Satellite Missions

Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands — 2020 — WHE37F085D216

A study of the Marquesas Islands reveals that mesoscale ocean dynamics play a crucial role in shaping and dispersing phytoplanktonic plumes, which are significantly enhanced near these islands. The research combines in situ observations from a 2018 oceanographic cruise with satellite data to investigate two distinct phytoplankton blooms north and south of the archipelago. Lagrangian diagnostics confirmed that chlorophyll-a (Chl) plumes originate from the islands and are advected by ocean currents. Further analysis using Finite-size Lyaponov Exponent and frontogenesis diagnostics showed that a mesoscale cyclonic eddy in the south and converging fronts with finer-scale dynamic activity in the north influence the formation and dispersion of these plumes. These findings suggest that fertilization from the islands themselves may promote phytoplankton growth, while advection plays a key role in dispersing and shaping the plumes under contrasting dynamical regimes.

Monumental Choreography: Architecture and Spatial Representation in Late Neolithic Orkney

Heart of Neolithic Orkney — 2020 — WHE94D7E6264A

Late Neolithic monuments on Orkney's Stenness promontory reveal a sophisticated, multi-dimensional spatial organization rooted in cosmological symbolism. Unlike traditional two-dimensional analyses, these sites—including henges and stone circles—operate across layered planes of meaning, suggesting deliberate architectural choreography to evoke awe and convey complex cultural narratives. The study challenges conventional archaeological interpretations by emphasizing the dynamic interplay between monument design and symbolic representation, offering new insights into Neolithic spatial cognition and ritual practices.

Monuments and space: Exercises in political imagination

Historic Centre of Kraków — 2020 — WHE60A53C44F4

The Mickiewicz Monument in Kraków’s Main Market Square, erected in 1898, stands as a dynamic symbol of national heritage and political imagination. This study reveals how the monument transformed urban space, embedding it with semantic codes tied to Polish nationhood. Its destruction during Nazi occupation and subsequent reconstruction redefined its patrimonial status, elevating it to a secular relic deeply integrated into Kraków’s landscape. The research analyzes historical and contemporary usages of the monument, highlighting its role in shaping cultural identity and public memory. By examining proto-patrimonial practices, the study demonstrates how monuments function as both material and symbolic assets, fostering a sense of obligation among communities to preserve their heritage.

Monuments of cultural heritage from the perspective residents – a case study of Mikulčice (Czechia) and Vlkolínec (Slovakia)

Vlkolínec — 2020 — WHE069D4EAA78

Residents' perspectives significantly influence the preservation and management of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as demonstrated by a comparative study of Vlkolínec (Slovakia) and Mikulčice (Czechia). The research reveals that local stakeholders' traditional cultural and natural values play a crucial role in shaping heritage conservation strategies. Using questionnaire surveys, the study collected data on residents' perceptions, which highlighted the importance of integrating community input into decision-making processes for UNESCO-protected areas. This approach is particularly relevant for sites like Vlkolínec, which has been on the UNESCO list for 25 years, and Mikulčice, a potential candidate for registration. The findings underscore the need for collaborative efforts between stakeholders and institutions to ensure sustainable heritage management.

Moon light and the activity patterns of Baird’s tapir in the Calakmul region, Southern México

Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche — 2020 — WHEC08250B0A1

Baird’s tapir (Tapirella bairdii), an endangered Neotropical ungulate, exhibits a trend toward heightened activity during dark moon phases, particularly in areas with greater human disturbance. This behavior may reflect avoidance of light exposure due to anthropogenic perturbations, though the differences between dark and light phases were not statistically significant. Researchers analyzed 18 months of camera-trap data from two sites—Calakmul Biosphere Reserve (CBR) and Nuevo Becal (NB)—monitoring waterbodies to assess tapir activity patterns relative to lunar cycles. While tapirs showed peak activity at night and dawn, the study suggests that human influence in NB may alter their behavior, with tapirs being more active during darker nights compared to CBR. These findings highlight the potential impact of disturbance on species behavior and underscore the need for further research to confirm such patterns.

More dynamic than expected: an updated survey of surging glaciers in the Pamir

Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs) — 2020 — WHE36FABC9F06

A comprehensive survey of surging glaciers in the Pamir Mountains, Tajikistan, reveals significantly more dynamic glacial activity than previously documented. Researchers identified 206 distinct surges within 186 glacier bodies, primarily concentrated in the northern and western regions, using advanced remote sensing techniques, including Landsat imagery, high-resolution satellite data, and digital elevation models (DEMs) spanning from 1988 to 2018. This updated inventory more than doubles the known number of surging glaciers compared to earlier records, with notable findings including glaciers exhibiting length increases exceeding 100%. The study highlights the power of remote sensing in capturing detailed data from inaccessible regions and provides valuable datasets for further research (Goerlich et al., 2020).

Morelet’s crocodile predation by jaguar in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve in southeastern México

Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche — 2020 — WHE4607B2D8B6

Researchers document the first photographic evidence of jaguar (Panthera onca) predation on Morelet’s crocodile (Crocodylus moreletti) within the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southeastern Mexico. This discovery expands the known diet of jaguars, which, while extensively studied, had not previously been observed preying on crocodiles. The study relied on photographic evidence to confirm this predatory behavior, contributing new insights into the ecological dynamics of this apex predator and its interactions with reptilian species in tropical forest ecosystems.

Morphological and Molecular Diversity of Benthic Cyanobacteria Communities Versus Environmental Conditions in Shallow, High Mountain Water Bodies in Eastern Pamir Mountains (Tajikistan)

Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs) — 2020 — WHE8FC4DA1C9C

Research in Tajik National Park's high-altitude water bodies reveals that while salinity and temperature influence cyanobacterial community composition, other factors shape their structural diversity. The study identified 27 cyanobacterial taxa from benthic sediments using morphological and molecular techniques, with Nostocales dominating, followed by Synechococcales. Despite low cyanobacterial contribution to bacterial communities, the findings suggest potential toxicity in both benthic and planktonic taxa. This research highlights the complex interplay between environmental conditions and microbial diversity in extreme ecosystems.

Morphological Characteristics for Classification of Genus Cyprinus Linnaeus, 1758 in Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park in the North Central Part of Vietnam

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park — 2020 — WHE1AD5D64819

A morphological analysis of 56 Cyprinus fish specimens from Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam, identified four distinct species: Cyprinus carpio, C. hieni, C. melanes, and C. quidatensis. This study contributes to the taxonomic understanding of the genus in the region by characterizing key morphological traits that differentiate these species. The research employed traditional morphometric techniques to classify specimens, providing valuable insights for biodiversity studies in this UNESCO-listed karst landscape.

Morphometrics of the indian false vampire bat (Megaderma lyra) from district Jhelum, Pakistan

Rohtas Fort — 2020 — WHE60DC27B502

A first-of-its-kind record of the Indian false vampire bat (Megaderma lyra) was documented at Rohtas Fort, district Jhelum, Pakistan. The study captured six male specimens, providing detailed morphometric measurements including head and body length (80 mm), forearm length (67 mm), and metacarpal lengths ranging from 51.73 to 60.42 mm. Skull dimensions such as length (29.84 mm) and braincase breadth (12.77 mm) were also recorded, along with reproductive measurements like penis length (6.6 mm). The bats were identified by their distinctive facial features, including an elongated nose-leaf and large ears. This finding contributes to the limited data on M. lyra in Pakistan and highlights the fort's significance as a roosting site for this species.

Mosques and Minarets

Fort and Shalamar Gardens in Lahore — 2020 — WHE93BC9FF731

A significant evolution in mosque architecture and design is documented, highlighting the transition from traditional plans to innovative structures that incorporated elements of Delhi's style. The study reveals how the prayer hall began to extrude into walled courtyards, a design first seen in Bayana but later adopted on a grand scale by Mughal Emperors, as exemplified in notable sites like the Mosque of Shaikh Salīm Chishtī at Fathpūr Sikrī and the Bādshāhī Masjid in Lahore. Additionally, minarets are analyzed for their role as landmarks and symbols of power, with a focus on unfinished structures such as the Ukhā Minār, planned to dominate the cityscape. The research employs surveys and photographs to trace material evolution and design changes, providing a comprehensive overview of this architectural transformation.