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Showing 13521 – 13540 of 15962 publications

Three Babylonian Youths in the Paintings of St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv

Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra — 2020 — WHEF3757E2A80

The frescoes of St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv depict the Old Testament story of 'Three Babylonian Youths in the Fiery Furnace' four times, revealing its symbolic significance in early Rusian religious art and its connection to the cathedral's baptismal traditions. These depictions, primarily from the 11th century with one from the 17th century, highlight the youths' role as righteous figures and emphasize the miracle's enduring influence on Orthodox piety and artistic heritage. The study analyzes their characterization, attribution, and narrative function within the cathedral's monumental painting system, underscoring the story's thematic relevance to the Resurrection of Christ during the cathedral's creation period.

Three new seabird species recorded at Tristan da Cunha archipelago

Gough and Inaccessible Islands — 2020 — WHEFF45081282

Researchers have identified three new seabird species recorded at the Tristan da Cunha archipelago, expanding the known biodiversity of this remote South Atlantic region. The study, conducted between 2017 and 2019, builds on previous observations to document additional seabird sightings, contributing to the understanding of avifaunal diversity in one of the world's most isolated oceanic island systems. Tristan da Cunha, alongside Gough Island, serves as a critical breeding ground for numerous seabird species, with this discovery further underscoring its ecological significance.

Three new species of the aphaenopsian trechine genus Pilosaphaenops Deuve & Tian, 2008 from South China Karst (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Trechinae)

South China Karst — 2020 — WHEA78EA8BBF5

Scientists have identified three new species of the trechine genus Pilosaphaenops from caves in South China Karst, specifically P. qianzhii n. sp. from Lubian Dong (Guizhou) and P. mengzhenae n. sp., P. weiguofui n. sp. from Xia Dong and Shenlong Gong (Guangxi). These discoveries expand the known biodiversity of the genus, which is notable for its cave-dwelling adaptations. The study employed morphological analysis to distinguish these species, supported by detailed illustrations. A key to all known Pilosaphaenops species was also provided, aiding future taxonomic research in this region.

Three‐Dimensional Numerical Modeling and Roof Deformation Analysis of Yuanjue Cave Based on Point Cloud Data

Dazu Rock Carvings — 2020 — WHE9D297B0CFC

A high-precision three-dimensional numerical model of Yuanjue Cave, a core site within the Dazu Stone Carvings World Heritage Site, reveals critical deformation patterns under static loads that threaten its structural stability. The study leverages advanced laser point cloud scanning, geophysical prospecting, and indoor testing to construct an accurate digital twin of the cave's geometry, geology, and physical properties. By simulating roof behavior using FLAC3D finite difference analysis, researchers validated the model against on-site measurements, demonstrating its reliability for predictive conservation efforts. This approach provides essential parameters for proactive measures to prevent collapse, safeguarding this irreplaceable cultural treasure from irreversible damage.

Through the eyes of the Potala Palace: Difficult heritage and memory in Tibet

Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, Lhasa — 2020 — WHE009951BB26

China's management of the Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and symbol of Tibetan culture, serves as a tool for state-led narratives that undermine Tibetan identity. The study reveals how the palace, once a spiritual center, has been stripped of its religious significance and repurposed for tourism under Chinese control. This transformation, facilitated by heritage management strategies, alters collective memory and suppresses Tibetan culture. The research highlights the tension between cultural preservation and political appropriation, demonstrating how global recognition like UNESCO listing can be exploited to enforce state narratives over local heritage.

Tidal response to sea level rise and bathymetric changes in the German Wadden Sea

Wadden Sea — 2020 — WHEFF5784B235

Sea level rise significantly increases tidal current velocities in the German Wadden Sea, particularly in tidal inlets and channels, due to changes in the ratio of tidal prism to inlet cross-sectional area. This phenomenon is driven by the unique hypsometry of the region, characterized by extensive shallow tidal flats and narrow channels. Additionally, sea level rise reduces ebb dominance while increasing flood dominance in these channels. A scenario simulating elevated tidal flats and deepened channels—potentially resulting from accelerated sea level rise—mitigates some effects of sea level rise, with bathymetric changes causing current velocity alterations comparable to those induced by mean sea level rise alone. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating potential bathymetric adjustments in regional projections of tidal responses to climate change.

Timeline of Uluru- Kata Tjuta

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park — 2020 — WHEC725118BDC

A comprehensive timeline of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park reveals the complex interplay between Indigenous heritage, European settlement, and tourism development. Key milestones include the deep cultural significance of the site to Aboriginal peoples, the arrival of early European settlers, a surge in tourism during the 1950s, and significant land rights struggles in the 1970s and 1980s. The study highlights how these historical forces have shaped the park's current landscape, offering insights into its socio-cultural and environmental evolution. This analysis was presented at the 2nd Global Virtual Conference of the Youth Environmental Alliance in Higher Education.

Tivoli, Hadrian's Villa: The Plutonium Project (Comune di Tivoli, Provincia di Roma, Regione Lazio)

Villa Adriana (Tivoli) — 2020 — WHE4894166346

A significant reinterpretation of the Plutonium area at Hadrian's Villa in Tivoli challenges traditional views, suggesting it may not solely represent the Underworld but could also symbolize other mythological or natural landscapes. This study, conducted by researchers from the Universities of Pavia and Oxford, employed advanced archaeological methods to analyze the spatial organization and iconography of the site. By integrating historical sources with modern analytical techniques, the team uncovered new insights into the villa's design and its connection to Roman imperial ideology. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how Hadrian, one of Rome's most influential emperors, used architecture to reflect his cultural and political aspirations.

To Hegra through al-Qusayr. The al-'Ula-al-Wajh Survey Project

Hegra Archaeological Site (al-Hijr / Madā ͐ in Ṣāliḥ) — 2020 — WHEF207E1D0C5

Recent archaeological research has uncovered significant evidence of ancient trade networks linking the Nabataean site of Hegra (al-Hijr) with coastal regions via the 'Incense Route.' The al-ʿUlā – al-Wajh Survey Project, focusing on maritime and caravan trade routes between al-ʿUlā and the Red Sea, identified a potential caravan path along Wādī al-ʿamʿ. Findings from Nabataean al-Qusayr suggest active participation in long-distance trade connecting the Mediterranean, Egypt, and the Red Sea during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. The study also localized key seaports like Leuke Kome and Egra Kome, shedding light on the economic dynamics of this historic trade corridor.

To Measure Satisfaction of Tourists Visiting the World Heritage Site of Ajanta Caves

Ajanta Caves — 2020 — WHE47DB810722

A study on tourist satisfaction at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ajanta Caves, India, reveals that visitors are highly satisfied with the monument's appeal, facilities, scenic beauty, and conservation efforts. However, accessibility and connectivity were identified as key areas needing improvement. The research, based on a questionnaire survey of 100 tourists (both foreign and domestic) conducted in January 2020, found no significant differences in satisfaction levels between the two groups. The findings provide actionable insights for destination planners to enhance visitor experience and footfall, with suggestions aimed at addressing infrastructure gaps while leveraging the site's cultural and natural strengths.

To the Iconography of the Saint Warrior Horseman in the Byzantine Sphragistics of the 12th – 13th Centuries. Saint Demetrios of Thessalonika

Paleochristian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessalonika — 2020 — WHE6D7D8E5E28

Research on the iconography of Saint Demetrios of Thessalonika reveals that the depiction of him as a warrior horseman, found on two 12th–13th century seals in the State Hermitage Museum, likely originated from a shared prototype—possibly an honored icon housed in the Basilica of Saint Demetrios. This rare and late formation suggests it may be the final evolution of saint warrior imagery in Byzantine art. The study employed comparative analysis of sphragistics, numismatics, and other monuments to date these seals, confirming their origin during a period when such representations were uncommon. The findings highlight the significance of Thessalonika's cultural and religious heritage within the broader context of Byzantine iconography.

Tomb architecture and distribution in the Eastern Necropolis of Nea Paphos, Cyprus

Paphos — 2020 — WHE6F351308B0

A significant expansion of the Eastern Necropolis in Nea Paphos, Cyprus, has been revealed through unpublished data from 1980s rescue excavations. This funerary landscape, crucial for understanding the island's capital during Hellenistic and Roman periods, shows complex tomb architecture and distribution patterns that hint at dynamic interactions with nearby necropolises and potential satellite habitation sites. The study reconstructs burial practices, offering new insights into the archaeology of the Eastern Mediterranean.

Top-down and bottom-up water management: A diachronic model of changing water management strategies at Angkor, Cambodia

Angkor — 2020 — WHE35FED8E72D

Research at Angkor, Cambodia, reveals that the Khmer Empire's water management strategies evolved from decentralized community-led efforts to centralized state-controlled systems. By integrating diverse archaeological datasets and creating diachronic models, scientists traced the emergence of temple communities alongside large-scale hydraulic infrastructure over 1000 km². The findings indicate a shift in power dynamics, with autonomous temple communities being gradually replaced by state-sponsored agricultural units, reflecting the empire's attempt to centralize production during its peak (9th to 15th centuries CE). This transformation underscores the complex interplay between top-down and bottom-up water management in shaping one of history's most sophisticated engineered landscapes.

Toponyms along the Path of Historical Migration (Based on Materials from the Saryarka Region)

Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan — 2020 — WHE01119219DC

Toponyms in Central Kazakhstan, particularly those linked to historical migration routes such as Khan zholy, Sarysu zholy, and Kendirli zholy, have remained stable for over three centuries despite significant socio-political changes. These toponyms, primarily ethnotonyms, reflect the movement of tribes like the Middle Zhuz (argyn, naiman) and Junior Zhuz (tama, alshyn, zhagalbayly), as well as clan groups such as Kozha and Kyrgyz, from southern regions to Central and Northern Kazakhstan. The study, based on historical and geographical materials, reveals that these names persist due to the rational use of steppe roads during migration, highlighting the stability in ethnogenetic and geographical patterns of the region. The research underscores the enduring influence of historical migration paths on toponymy.

Toponyms of Anthroponymic Origin on the Map of Wrangel Island

Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve — 2020 — WHE0F20F85339

Toponymy on Wrangel Island serves as a rich historical archive, revealing key periods of development—particularly the 1920s–1950s—through names derived from anthroponyms. The study analyzed specialized toponymic references, cartographic materials, and oral testimonies to demonstrate how geographical names reflect cultural and historical shifts over time. Findings highlight toponymy's dual role as both an illustrative tool and a direct source of localized historical data, offering precise insights into the island's evolution.

Touring ‘our’ past

Archaeological Site of Volubilis — 2020 — WHE16D838748B

Tourism significantly impacts Morocco's economy, contributing 11% to its GDP and employing 5% of the workforce. The Archaeological Site of Volubilis serves as a case study to analyze how these sites are used as international representations of national identity, often influenced by colonial and Orientalist perspectives. The study reveals that French tourists, the largest group visiting Morocco, play a crucial role in shaping heritage tourism narratives. By examining the complexities of heritage planning and the selection of World Heritage Sites, this research sheds light on the intersection of tourism, identity, and historical representation.

Tourism and sustainability in the historic city of Rome

Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura — 2020 — WHE71806C262D

Rome's historic center faces growing concerns over the sustainability of tourism due to overtourism and its negative impacts. This study highlights that while cultural tourism contributes significantly to Italy's GDP (3.5%) and tourism revenues (33.2%), it also generates 'tourism pollution' and conflicts among stakeholders with differing interests. The research examines Rome as a case study within the broader context of mass cultural tourism, exploring how local perspectives shape sustainability debates in historic cities. It adopts a stakeholder-focused approach to analyze the challenges posed by increasing tourist numbers and the democratization of culture.

Tourism and the pursuit of subjective wellbeing: A temporal perspective

Old Town of Lijiang — 2020 — WHE04820FA1EB

Tourists seeking subjective wellbeing often experience a shift from the fast-paced life at home to a slower rhythm in destinations, a phenomenon termed 'temporal retreat.' This study highlights how such experiences in Lijiang Old Town, China, can enhance wellbeing through therapeutic social and spatial orchestration. By examining domestic independent tourists' perceptions, researchers found that slowdown and relaxation in contrast to bustling urban life at home contribute significantly to comfort and wellbeing. The analysis suggests that tourism, when viewed temporally, not only offers a means to improve quality of life but also deepens the understanding of therapeutic destination qualities.

Tourism business operators’ perceptions, knowledge and attitudes towards climate change at Victoria Falls

Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls — 2020 — WHE3BEFBAC50E

A significant gap exists between tourism business operators' understanding of climate change and their industry's accountability for its causes, despite recognizing its severe impacts on Victoria Falls. The study reveals that while respondents acknowledged the adverse effects—such as reduced water flow and infrastructure damage due to extreme weather—they also identified critical barriers like limited knowledge, financial constraints, and technical capacity. Conducted through a multidisciplinary approach combining surveys (63% response rate) and interviews with 122 operators, this research underscores the urgent need for enhanced climate change education, financing, and capacity-building to align tourism with Sustainable Development Goals and Paris Agreement commitments.

Tourism Destination Management Strategy for Young Children: Willingness to Pay for Child-Friendly Tourism Facilities and Services at a Heritage Site

Hwaseong Fortress — 2020 — WHE8447BCB80E

A study at Hwaseong Fortress reveals that families with young children are willing to pay for child-friendly tourism facilities and services, prioritizing specialized courses, rest areas, restrooms, and rides. The research used choice experiments (CE) involving 374 participants and 1870 scenarios to assess preferences for these amenities, highlighting the importance of health, hygiene, and comfort in tourism destination management. This finding underscores the need for heritage sites to cater to families with young children, ensuring accessibility and enhancing their experience.