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Showing 13401 – 13420 of 15962 publications

The Holocene paleoenvironmental history of Western Caucasus (Russia) reconstructed by multi-proxy analysis of the continuous sediment sequence from Lake Khuko

Western Caucasus — 2020 — WHEAA633D5E87

A new multi-proxy analysis of a continuous sediment core from Lake Khuko in the Western Caucasus reveals distinct climatic phases over the Holocene, marked by shifts between warm and cold periods. Warm intervals (10.5–6.7, 6.7–5.5, 3.5–2.4, and 0.8–0.5 ka BP) were characterized by high biological productivity, forest expansion, and the dominance of low- to mid-mountain tree species like Quercus, Ulmus, Corylus, and Tilia. Conversely, cold periods (5.5–3.5, 2.4–0.8, and 0.5 ka BP–present) showed reduced organic matter content, suggesting increased erosion and potential downward shifts in vegetation belts with the expansion of high-altitude woodlands. An abrupt ecosystem change between 4.2 and 3.5 ka cal BP, linked to climatic fluctuations during the 4.2 ka event, was identified through variations in sediment grain size, magnetic susceptibility, and organic matter content. This study provides the first continuous Holocene paleoenvironmental record for the Western Caucasus, offering insights into regional climate history influenced by ocean-atmosphere system shifts.

The Horseshoe whip snake (Hemorrhois hippocrepis) on Ibiza: predator release in an invasive population

Ibiza, Biodiversity and Culture — 2020 — WHE3F7FACE7BC

Research confirms the Enemy Release Hypothesis (ERH) for the invasive Horseshoe whip snake (Hemorrhois hippocrepis) on Ibiza, revealing that its population success is linked to the absence of natural predators. The study found a significantly lower tail breakage rate in the invasive Ibizan population compared to its source population in the Iberian Peninsula, suggesting reduced predation pressure due to the island's limited and naïve vertebrate community. This finding supports ongoing invasive snake trapping efforts on Ibiza, where the species threatens the only endemic vertebrate, the Ibiza wall lizard (Podarcis pityusensis). The research highlights how understanding predator dynamics can inform strategies for managing biological invasions.

The Humanistic Supervisor

Historic Centre of Florence — 2020 — WHE811F10B610

A humanistic approach to supervision can significantly enhance employee dignity and contribute to sustainable tourism practices. This study identifies key managerial implications of the 'humanistic supervisor,' who is characterized by sociability, community awareness, and a focus on holistic well-being. The research highlights best practices for such supervisors within the tourism industry, particularly in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Florence, Italy. Through observational field trips in Singapore and Florence, the study collected data including images, conversations, and interviews to explore practical challenges faced by humanistic supervisors. This approach offers valuable insights into fostering a more sustainable and people-centered future in tourism.

The identification of plant reliefs in the Lalitavistara story of Borobudur temple, Central Java, Indonesia

Borobudur Temple Compounds — 2020 — WHE1B80772E27

A groundbreaking analysis of Borobudur Temple's Lalitavistara reliefs reveals at least 63 plant species, surpassing the diversity described in the original sutra. This discovery suggests that ancient Javanese artisans possessed advanced knowledge of local flora and used plant figures creatively to enhance the narrative atmosphere. The study, conducted by Metusala et al. (2020), indicates that these reliefs reflect the region's plant diversity during the 9th century, offering a unique lens into the ecological and cultural perceptions of ancient Javanese communities. By integrating botanical identification with historical art analysis, this research provides new insights into the intersection of religious iconography and environmental awareness.

The Impact of the Religious Dimension as Building, Urban Fabric and the Social Behavior of the Population

M'Zab Valley — 2020 — WHEFB94130278

The M'Zab Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Algeria, exemplifies how religious architecture and urban design have shaped social behavior and urban authenticity. This study reveals that the Islamic urban fabric of Ghardaia, founded by the Abadites in the 10th century, blends practical creativity with ethical systems to adapt to the region's harsh climate while preserving architectural uniqueness. The research highlights the valley's enduring influence on urban planning, showcasing its adaptive design, aesthetic appeal, and social customs—inspirations that continue to attract global attention.

The Impact of Tourism Activities on the Environment of Mount Kinabalu, UNESCO World Heritage Site

Kinabalu Park — 2020 — WHE9F3AE933F5

Noise and air pollution are the most significant environmental impacts of tourism activities at Mount Kinabalu. This finding comes from a study analyzing tourist behavior and its effects on the park's sustainability. Researchers surveyed 383 participants to assess their activities—primarily mount climbing and wildlife sightseeing—and their awareness of environmental concerns. While tourists recognize the need for conservation, they perceive the park as overcrowded. Using the Relative Importance Index (RII) method, the study quantifies these impacts, emphasizing the urgency for stricter policies to mitigate tourism's negative effects while preserving the site's ecological integrity and economic contributions.

The Implications of the Religious Foundations at Cahokia

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site — 2020 — WHE469EDD8D09

New evidence from the Emerald shrine center, located east of Cahokia, suggests that religion played a fundamental role in the development and rise of Cahokia as North America's only Pre-Columbian city. The findings indicate that pilgrimages and contact with distant peoples were likely motivated by religious factors, providing insights into the urbanism and societal structure of this significant UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The importance of historical ecology for interpreting evolutionary processes in plants of oceanic islands

Lord Howe Island Group — 2020 — WHE91FCE4983B

Oceanic islands, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Lord Howe Island Group, serve as unique laboratories for studying evolutionary processes. This study highlights the critical role of historical ecology in understanding plant evolution on these dynamic landscapes. Over millions of years, islands undergo significant geomorphological changes due to tectonic subsidence and erosion, while human activities in recent centuries have further altered their environments. These changes can obscure original patterns of species distribution and ecology, making it challenging to infer evolutionary processes such as founder effects, genetic variation, and speciation. The research emphasizes the need for caution when comparing islands with different geological ages and varying degrees of human impact, using examples from the Juan Fernández Archipelago and Lord Howe Island to illustrate these complexities.

The influence of Moscow and Leningrad on the compositional organization of residential quarters in Yaroslavl in the 1920s and 1930s

Historical Centre of the City of Yaroslavl — 2020 — WHE5976302102

Residential development in Yaroslavl during the 1920s and 1930s reflected distinct stages influenced by Moscow's mechanistic urban planning and Leningrad's emphasis on preserving historical heritage. The study identifies a shift from a focus on filling vacant land to a more controlled approach that integrated central urban spaces, ultimately prioritizing the conservation of valuable historical elements within neighborhoods. By comparing Yaroslavl's architectural practices with those of Moscow and Leningrad, researchers uncovered unique compositional techniques applied both in new developments and in areas with significant historical legacy.

The interrelation between development, management, and management issues in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park — 2020 — WHE2F4A430746

Plitvice Lakes National Park's management and development have faced significant challenges since its establishment in 1949, with a notable imbalance in tourism-related business growth. The study reveals that while the park has prioritized hotels and hospitality businesses, other sectors have been neglected, leading to reduced benefits for the local community and ecosystem services. Current management goals are insufficiently focused on conservation and evaluation of natural components, highlighting gaps in achieving stated objectives. The research analyzes past management achievements and current practices to underscore these issues, providing insights into the complexities of balancing development with preservation in protected areas.

The Intersection of Self and Social Identity in Heritage Brand Destination

Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley — 2020 — WHEF38D2ED94E

Residents' perceptions of the Lenggong Valley World Heritage Site's identity are shaped by the intersection of their self and social identities, influencing how they evaluate destination-brand identity. This finding emerges from a qualitative study employing in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with local stakeholders, including headmen and female representatives. The research, guided by stakeholder and social identity theories, reveals that residents' conceptualization of the site's identity is multifaceted, reflecting both personal and communal perspectives. This insight underscores the importance of resident involvement in heritage tourism planning and destination branding efforts, particularly for UNESCO-recognized sites like Lenggong Valley, which balances archaeological significance with local cultural narratives.

The Invention of Sacred Places and Rituals: A Comparative Study of Pilgrimage

Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites — 2020 — WHE81FBE7B529

A comparative analysis of pilgrimage practices reveals the dynamic interplay between institutional power, individual agency, and landscape domestication in the creation of sacred sites. The study highlights how both established religious shrines like Lourdes, France, and pre-Christian sites such as Avebury, England, are shaped by rituals that evolve through the involvement of institutions, entrepreneurs, and participants. These processes expose the complex relationships between power structures, ritual performance, and the transformation of landscapes into spaces of spiritual significance.

The Invertebrate World of Australia’s Subtropical Rainforests

Gondwana Rainforests of Australia — 2020 — WHE0F570ECCD7

Australia’s subtropical rainforests, part of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area, harbor a unique and largely unexplored invertebrate diversity. This comprehensive review, the first of its kind, documents the taxonomy, distribution, biogeography, and fossil history of these invertebrates while emphasizing their dependence on plant communities and habitats. The study highlights the significance of this biodiversity hotspot, including distinctive species through color photography, and examines the impacts of habitat fragmentation. It provides valuable insights into the ecological relationships between insects and plants, offering a deeper understanding of Australia’s outstanding but still understudied subtropical rainforests.

The Islamic Influence on Built Environment in Ancient Islamic Cities: A Descriptive-Analytic Study

Medina of Fez — 2020 — WHE3F1D8E9AF2

Fez's Medina embodies the profound influence of Islamic legal systems on urban architecture. A study reveals that Fiqh Al-Maliki, a branch of Islamic jurisprudence, played a pivotal role in shaping the built environment of ancient Islamic cities, including Fez, by establishing a legally and systematically framed framework. This research highlights how such frameworks not only contributed to the formation of these cities but also offer potential for modern applications, such as scientific interpretation for tourist guidance. The study employed a descriptive-analytic methodology to analyze legal opinions and explore the relationship between Islamic architecture and Fiqh Al-Maliki, underscoring the historical wealth and cultural significance embedded in these ancient urban landscapes.

The Khadzhokh Canyon System—An Important Geosite of the Western Caucasus

Western Caucasus — 2020 — WHE3C96A966D7

A new category of geosites, termed dendritic geosites, is proposed based on the Khadzhokh Canyon System in the Western Caucasus. These geosites are characterized by a continuous occurrence of geoheritage along branching stripes, which can be either natural (driven by dendritic drainage networks and deep valley incision) or anthropogenic (shaped by dendritic road networks with extensive road cuttings). The study identifies multiple unique geological features, including three distinct canyons, Triassic stratigraphical sections, a Late Jurassic coral reef, megaclast accumulations, chevron folds, and waterfalls. This complex geoheritage, distributed along the Khadzhokh Canyon and its branches, is ranked as national significance. The research employs field studies to characterize these features, contributing to a deeper understanding of geological heritage diversity.

The Khmer did not live by rice alone: Archaeobotanical investigations at Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm

Angkor — 2020 — WHE51D36C2963

Archaeobotanical research at Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm reveals that the Khmer Empire's non-elite populations relied on a diverse range of plants beyond rice for sustenance, ritual, and medicinal purposes. By analyzing macroremains and phytoliths from residential contexts within temple enclosures—combined with historical inscriptions and Zhou Daguan’s 13th-century accounts—the study reconstructs aspects of daily life in these sacred urban landscapes. Findings indicate that plants cultivated or foraged in these spaces played crucial roles in diet, household economies, and ceremonial practices, challenging the notion that rice was the sole staple. This interdisciplinary approach sheds light on the multifaceted functions of Angkorian temples as hubs of ritual, politics, and subsistence.

The Landscape Design for a War Memorial by Kenzo Tange

Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) — 2020 — WHE75C9361488

Kenzo Tange's landscape designs for war memorials, particularly the Great East Asia Co-prosperity Sphere Memorial Project (1942) and the Memorial Plaza for Students who Perished in the War (1967), reveal a profound evolution in commemorating war victims and promoting peace. A comparative analysis with Tange's Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (1955) highlights his innovative approach, blending symbolic architecture with landscape design to evoke reflection on war's devastation while fostering messages of peace. The study underscores how Tange's designs transcend conventional memorial forms, integrating spatial elements that challenge viewers to confront historical trauma while envisioning a future free from conflict.

The Landscape of Fact and Fantasy

Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing — 2020 — WHE31C4369045

Eighteenth-century European accounts, including those by Henri Bertin, depicted Chinese gardens—particularly the Yuanming yuan (Garden of Perfect Brightness)—as artful simulacra of nature, contrasting sharply with the formal, wasteful European ideal epitomized by Versailles. This study synthesizes European translations and Chinese texts from the period to reveal how the Yuanming yuan was portrayed as a pinnacle of imperial Qing garden design, challenging Western perceptions of excess. By analyzing Mémoires concerning les Chinois (1777) and later volumes, the research reconstructs the cultural exchange between Europe and China, highlighting the Yuanming yuan's significance in both historical and comparative garden studies.

The Late Medieval Cistercian Monastery of Fountains Abbey, Yorkshire

Studley Royal Park including the Ruins of Fountains Abbey — 2020 — WHEB132329E12

A previously unknown manuscript from Fountains Abbey, a wealthy Cistercian monastery, has been identified through analysis of its secular records. This discovery sheds new light on the abbey's economic strategies and historical significance during the 14th and 15th centuries, including its response to the Black Death and an abbot's allegiance to the Lancastrian cause during the Wars of the Roses. The study reveals how Fountains Abbey managed vast landholdings across Yorkshire, generating wealth through wool production, agriculture, fisheries, tanning, mining, and metalworking, rivaling aristocratic fortunes. By tracing data from original charters through cartularies, the research also highlights the worldly skills of the monastic community and their adaptive record-keeping practices.

The Late Triassic Ischigualasto Formation at Cerro Las Lajas (La Rioja, Argentina): fossil tetrapods, high-resolution chronostratigraphy, and faunal correlations

Ischigualasto / Talampaya Natural Parks — 2020 — WHE5483628EB2

A new high-resolution chronostratigraphic framework for the Late Triassic Ischigualasto Formation at Cerro Las Lajas, Argentina, reveals that rhynchosaur-dominated faunas persisted into the earliest Norian. The study, combining detailed lithostratigraphy and U-Pb geochronology from three intercalated tuffs, constrains the formation's deposition between 230.2 ± 1.9 Ma and 221.4 ± 1.2 Ma, with its fossil-bearing interval dated to 229.20 + 0.11/- 0.15-226.85 + 1.45/- 2.01 Ma. This precise dating allows for biostratigraphic correlations across South American basins and provides a ca. 229 Ma age assignment to the ornithischian Pisanosaurus mertii, partially filling a ghost lineage in early dinosaur evolution. The research also introduces two new biozones, the Hyperodapedon and Teyumbaita, based on rhynchosaur ranges.