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Publications

Showing 12921 – 12940 of 15962 publications

Patterns of environmental variability influence coral‐associated bacterial and algal communities on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef

Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System — 2020 — WHE7358450E3F

Coral species exhibit distinct bacterial and algal symbiont communities influenced by environmental variability, with high variability potentially enhancing coral resilience. Research on two Siderastrea species from the Belize Barrier Reef revealed that bacterial diversity and structure vary significantly between hosts, driven in part by dominant groups like Deltaproteobacteria and Rhodospirillales. These dynamic core bacterial communities may facilitate rapid acclimatization to changing conditions. Notably, algal symbiont composition differed only at high thermal variability sites, suggesting differential environmental influences on microbial partners within the coral holobiont.

Peccaries and their relationship with water availability and their predators in Calakmul, México

Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche — 2020 — WHE30F3F42593

Climate change-driven reductions in rainfall and increased drought periods have significantly impacted water availability in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, Mexico, threatening the white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari), a key species in Mesoamerica. A five-year study using photo-trapping techniques found that the abundance of white-lipped peccaries and jaguars is directly linked to decreasing water availability in ponds ('aguadas'), while collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu) and pumas remain unaffected by water scarcity. This suggests that white-lipped peccaries, already vulnerable due to hunting and habitat fragmentation, face heightened extinction risks as droughts worsen. The study highlights the critical role of water availability in shaping predator-prey dynamics in tropical forests.

Penerapan Augmented Reality Technology Pada Museum Sangiran Dan Analisis Investasi Teknologi Informasi Menggunakan Metode Information Economics

Sangiran Early Man Site — 2020 — WHEA0CE9EA97E

A study reveals that integrating Augmented Reality Technology (ART) at the Sangiran Early Man Site, a UNESCO World Heritage candidate, significantly enhances educational engagement and promotional effectiveness. The research demonstrates that despite substantial investment costs, ART offers measurable benefits in learning and visitor interest, making it a viable strategy for heritage sites. Using Information Economics methodology, the study evaluates the cost-benefit ratio of adopting IT-based solutions like ART, providing actionable insights for museum managers balancing technological innovation with financial sustainability. This approach bridges traditional archaeology with cutting-edge digital tools, offering a scalable model for other heritage institutions.

Perceived importance of ecosystem services in the Białowieża Forest for local communities – Does proximity matter?

Białowieża Forest — 2020 — WHE05C6A688B7

A study reveals that the perceived importance of ecosystem services (ES) from the Białowieża Forest (BF), a European biodiversity hotspot, declines significantly with distance from the forest. The research found particularly sharp differences between areas within 3 km and those 3-15 km away, highlighting varying benefits from tourism and costs due to conservation restrictions. This challenges the assumption that local communities can be treated as a homogenous group in terms of their reliance on ES. The study used surveys of 719 respondents from 35 villages to assess both the declared use of ES and its perceived economic impact on households. These findings suggest that spatial proximity to protected areas plays a critical role in shaping local perceptions and dependencies, offering insights for more effective management of contested conservation zones.

Perceived value of, and experience with, a World Heritage Site in China—the case of Kaiping Diaolou and villages in China

Kaiping Diaolou and Villages — 2020 — WHE1F0D80B832

A study on the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kaiping Diaolou and Villages (China) reveals that tourists' satisfaction and intention to revisit are significantly influenced by multiple perceived values, including social, emotional, brand, functional, and monetary. These factors collectively shape visitors' experiences and behavioral intentions, validating a multidimensional model of perceived value in ancient village contexts. The research, based on a survey of 617 visitors, contributes to the understanding of how diverse values interact to enhance tourism outcomes at culturally rich heritage sites.

Perception of Sustainable Development in a Local World Heritage Perspective

West Norwegian Fjords – Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord — 2020 — WHEE2C9615733

Social dimensions dominate local perceptions of sustainable development, with stakeholders' views shaped by immediate sustainability issues and their place of residence. This study, conducted in the UNESCO World Heritage Site Geirangerfjord, Norway, used semi-structured interviews and innovative analytical methods—including theme analysis, emergent pattern analysis, group comparisons, and a novel 'What Is Not There (WINT) analysis'—to uncover how sustainability is perceived at a local level. The findings reveal that stakeholder perceptions are context-dependent and highlight the importance of place-based factors in shaping sustainability narratives.

Perceptions and Opinions of the Host Community Regarding Overtourism in the Tourist-Historic City

Historic City of Toledo — 2020 — WHEA73F677816

Residents of Toledo, Spaindo not widely perceive overtourism as a severe issue despite its economic significance. However, they recognize specific negative impacts, such as the historic center becoming overly commercialized for tourists and traffic congestion from overcrowding. Notably, residents in the historic core express more negativity toward tourism development than those in other areas. The study used surveys to assess social carrying capacity perceptions, revealing nuanced local attitudes that could inform policy responses for sustainable tourism management.

Performances Des « Fermes Modèles » Du Corridor De Monkoto Dans La Province De La Tshuapa, République Démocratique Du Congo

Salonga National Park — 2020 — WHE902A1833C1

A study assessing the performance of 'model farms' in the Monkoto corridor, located between the North and South Blocks of Salonga National Park, reveals significant inefficiencies and low profitability among these agricultural ventures. Only 4 out of 10 farms surveyed were profitable, with an average net income of CDF 233,965.55 and an efficiency score of 0.1266, far below the agro-ecological potential of the region. Despite these challenges, the research highlights that all farms operate under increasing returns to scale, suggesting substantial room for improvement in production volume and profitability. This could potentially enhance farmers' livelihoods, thereby reducing pressure on biodiversity within Salonga National Park. The study employed qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews and observations, to gather data from 10 model farmers out of the 20 established in the area.

Pergamon – Bericht über die Arbeiten in der Kampagne 2018

Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape — 2020 — WHEE80F79B3CE

In 2018, geophysical prospections at Pergamon revealed significant insights into the extent of an extraurban Roman thermal bath, advancing the understanding of the site's architectural layout. The campaign also marked the initiation of a new long-term project on the transformation of the Pergamon microregion during the Hellenistic to Roman Imperial periods. Additionally, geophysical investigations of the Tumulus Yığma Tepe provided concrete assessments of internal anomalies, while research on the Amphitheater addressed a critical gap in knowledge about the imperial-era metropolis. The study also explored rural settlement patterns and visual functions of the region through intensified surveys, contributing to a broader understanding of its cultural landscape. Conservation efforts included reconstructing a corner of the Palästra's peristyl and documenting damage in the East Thermes.

Pergamon – Das neue Forschungsprogramm und die Arbeiten in der Kampagne 2019

Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape — 2020 — WHEF117908871

A new research program at Pergamon, 'TransPergMikro,' has uncovered significant insights into the transformation of the region between the Hellenistic and Roman Imperial periods. Key discoveries include a Nischenwand (niche wall) in the amphitheater, providing evidence of water retention structures within the arena, and a previously unknown construction terrace near the Asklepieion, shedding light on land use and settlement patterns. Systematic excavations at the Banketthaus revealed its architectural design and functionality, while geophysical surveys completed investigations at Tumuli Yığma Tepe and X-Tepe. The study also highlighted a marbled complex in the Kaikos Valley, indicating advanced building techniques and ceramic production. Additionally, a survey in Pitane explored the extent of local pottery manufacturing, contributing to understanding regional economic activities.

Permafrost distribution and conditions at the headwalls of two receding glaciers (Schladming and Hallstatt glaciers) in the Dachstein Massif, Northern Calcareous Alps, Austria

Hallstatt-Dachstein / Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape — 2020 — WHEFA2CFB81DF

Research in the Dachstein Massif, Austria, reveals that permafrost is predominantly found in north-facing rock walls at elevations of 2600 to 2700 meters above sea level, with its distribution and thermal regime significantly influenced by slope aspect. Using a multi-method approach—including ground surface temperature monitoring, electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), and airborne photogrammetry—the study identified large permafrost bodies at north-exposed sites, characterized by high resistivities (>30,000 Ω m) indicative of frozen bedrock. A notable imprint of the former Little Ice Age (LIA) ice margin was detected, with distinct differences in resistivity above and below this line suggesting permafrost aggradation following glacier retreat. These findings provide critical insights into frost-influenced weathering and cirque erosion in high-mountain settings, particularly in the context of receding glaciers.

Permanent and Temporary Aspects of Urban Tourism (Case Study: George Town, Malaysia)

Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca — 2020 — WHE4E785B165B

George Town, Malaysia, exemplifies the dualism of urban tourism where historical preservation and dynamic tourism development coexist. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its permanent aspect is defined by legally protected architecture that maintains authenticity and historical value, while its temporary aspect thrives on events, festivals, and specialized facilities designed to boost tourism appeal. This balance highlights both positive and negative impacts, depending on the context and potential of the city. The study uses George Town as a case to analyze how urban tourism can be both a cultural asset and a developmental challenge.

Personal Names in the Aramaic Inscriptions of Hatra

Hatra — 2020 — WHE10B30689D2

A comprehensive onomastic resource for the Aramaic inscriptions of Hatra, an ancient multi-cultural trading hub between the Parthian and Roman empires, has been compiled by Enrico Marcato. This work updates and expands upon Sabri Abbadi's 1983 catalogue, incorporating nearly double the corpus of Hatran texts and refining interpretations based on advancements in Aramaic language understanding. The study presents 376 personal names with detailed etymologies, meanings, and cultural parallels, offering insights into the onomastic diversity and linguistic influences shaping Hatran society during the first millennium CE.

Perspectives for Aleppo: towards an integrated approach for ‘post- conflict’ reconstruction of cultural heritage

Ancient City of Aleppo — 2020 — WHED378407F1C

Reconstruction of war-damaged historic cities, such as Aleppo, must prioritize the preservation of cultural heritage to restore collective memory and identity, preventing psychological trauma. The study highlights that without a value-based approach integrating theoretical and practical frameworks, post-conflict reconstruction risks further damage to urban integrity and historical identity. It proposes an integrated framework merging traditional rebuilding methods with insights from case studies, emphasizing the need for balanced assessment to avoid irreversible loss of Syria's cultural heritage.

Peste des Petits Ruminants at the Wildlife–Livestock Interface in the Northern Albertine Rift and Nile Basin, East Africa

Virunga National Park — 2020 — WHE4D14750B24

A recent study reveals a significant epidemiological linkage between peste des petits ruminants (PPR) outbreaks in livestock and exposure in wildlife within the northern Albertine Rift and Nile Basin, East Africa. The research identified widespread PPR virus (PPRV) exposure in healthy wildlife from South Sudan and Uganda, with antibodies detected in African buffaloes and Uganda kobs, indicating a spillover of the disease to wildlife populations. Outbreaks of PPR-like syndrome were also recorded in sheep and goats around the Greater Virunga Landscape, suggesting a transboundary spread of PPRV. The study's findings highlight the importance of PPR surveillance on wild artiodactyls for both conservation efforts and global eradication programs.

Petrograpic and material observations of basaltic lapilli tuff, 1979 and 2017 Surtsey drill cores, Iceland

Surtsey — 2020 — WHEC37F82F38A

A comparative petrographic analysis of basaltic lapilli tuff from Surtsey's 1979 and 2017 drill cores reveals evidence of rapid microbial activity, with tubular microstructures suggesting growth rates up to 30 µm in approximately 15 years. The study also identifies differential alteration processes in the volcano's structural and hydrothermal zones over time, while long-term storage significantly impacts glass stability. Narrow ash rims on pyroclasts indicate complex eruptive and depositional dynamics. Material measurements show varying oven-dry densities correlating with porosity and water absorption. This foundational work advances understanding of tephra alteration in volcanic and curatorial environments.

Phaseolus albicarminus (Leguminosae, Phaseoleae), a new wild bean species from the subhumid forests of southern central Costa Rica

Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park — 2020 — WHE681AF3859F

Researchers have identified Phaseolus albicarminus, a new wild bean species endemic to the subhumid forests of southern central Costa Rica. This discovery was made during a survey for populations of wild common beans on the slopes of Cerros Llano Bonito within the Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park. The new species is distinguished by unique morphological features such as short pseudoracemes with four small deltoid primary bracts, white wings contrasting with carmine purple inner faces of the standard, and smoothly curved pods with prow-shaped beaks. It differs significantly from closely related species like P. hygrophilus and P. angucianae in traits such as bract shape, bracteole size, calyx lobe structure, and pod dorsal suture. With only three known populations confined to a small area, the conservation status of P. albicarminus warrants immediate monitoring. The species is tentatively assigned to the section Brevilegumeni, which appears to be well-represented in Costa Rica.

Phylogenetic Diversity of Prokaryotes in Microbial Communities Inhabiting Rock Surfaces of Shulgan-Tash (Kapova) Cave, Southern Urals

Rock Paintings of Shulgan-Tash Cave — 2020 — WHE6B348EFA19

A groundbreaking metagenomic analysis of microbial colonies on the rock surfaces of Shulgan-Tash Cave revealed significant phylogenetic diversity among prokaryotes. The study found that Eubacteria dominate these communities (90%), with Archaea comprising 0.06-0.19%. Proteobacteria were the most abundant phylum (46.5-80.7%), followed by Actinobacteria (14-17.17%). Notably, non-culturable annamox bacteria, specifically Candidatus 'Scalindua brodae,' were identified in two samples near paleolithic drawings, indicating potential threats to the preservation of these ancient artworks. Additionally, three isolates of Pseudomonas mandelii were confirmed through 16S rRNA gene analysis. The findings highlight the advanced adaptation of these microbial communities to extreme cave conditions and underscore the need for continuous monitoring to protect the prehistoric paintings.

Phylogenetics of the freshwater crab (Potamonautes MacLeay, 1838) fauna from ‘sky islands’ in Mozambique with the description of a new species (Brachyura: Potamoidea: Potamonautidae)

Island of Mozambique — 2020 — WHE99AAA8366B

Researchers have identified a new species of freshwater crab, Potamonautes licoensis, from Mount Lico, a 'sky island' in Mozambique. Phylogenetic analysis using mitochondrial DNA sequences revealed that this species diverged during the Miocene to Pleistocene era and is closely related to Potamonautes choloensis. The study suggests that the diversity of freshwater crabs in Mozambique is significantly underrepresented, highlighting the need for further systematic surveys. Additionally, it underscores the importance of conserving these mountainous 'sky islands' as they harbor unique biodiversity.

Phylogeography and Genetic Diversity in a Southern North American Desert: Agave kerchovei From the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley, Mexico

Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley: originary habitat of Mesoamerica — 2020 — WHE8A90EC3198

High genetic diversity and strong population structuring in the endemic Agave kerchovei suggest that Pleistocene glacial cycles shaped its distribution within the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley. The study sequenced three non-coding chloroplast regions from 128 individuals across eight populations, revealing total chloroplast genetic variation (Hd = 0.718) despite restricted distribution, with low intrapopulation diversity and high genetic structure (FST = 0.928). Ecological niche models indicated stable potential distribution since the middle Holocene (6 kya), while core valley populations appear distinct from peripheral ones, hinting at incipient speciation outside the Tehuacán Valley.