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Showing 13821 – 13840 of 15962 publications

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plant in Djerba island, Tunisia

Djerba: Testimony to a settlement pattern in an island territory — 2019 — WHE04A0775B1E

An ethnobotanical study on Djerba Island, Tunisia, identifies 86 medicinal plants with significant traditional pharmacopoeia uses, primarily from the Asteraceae family. The research documents diverse plant applications, with leaves being the most utilized part (59%) and decoction as the predominant preparation method. This cataloguing effort highlights the island's rich botanical heritage, offering a valuable database for future scientific exploration of natural substances. The study employed semi-structured interviews and direct observations over one year, engaging both local residents and non-residents to capture comprehensive traditional knowledge.

Evidence of continuous pottery production during the late Byzantine period in the Studenica Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Studenica Monastery — 2019 — WHEC4B84F6B2D

A comprehensive analysis of pottery shards from the Studenica Monastery, Serbiareveals continuous production during the late Byzantine period (13th to 15th century). Using advanced techniques like spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, researchers found no significant differences in mineralogical or chemical composition between samples from two distinct cultural strata, indicating sustained craftsmanship. The pottery was made from non-calcareous clay, glazed with lead-based coatings, and colored with copper and iron, fired at temperatures ranging from 600–700 °C for cookware to 800–1000 °C for tableware. A clay rod with glaze traces, likely from a kiln, further supports the site's role in pottery production during this period.

Experimental, Numerical, and Theoretical Investigation of the Rocking Response of Baalbek Columns under Harmonic Excitations

Baalbek — 2019 — WHEC01FF0AA01

A novel approach to predicting the seismic response of Baalbek's iconic columns has emerged from combined experimental, numerical, and theoretical investigations. Researchers found that reduced-scale models (1/20 and 1/40) subjected to harmonic excitations closely mirrored the rocking and overturning behavior of full-sized columns under earthquake-like conditions. This similitude allows for accurate predictions of seismic impacts on these ancient structures using simplified numerical simulations and critical impulse theory. The study further reveals that the mode of column overturning and the number of blocks involved can serve as indicators to estimate the period and peak acceleration of critical impulses within earthquake signals, offering a new tool for assessing structural vulnerability in World Heritage Sites.

Factors Controlling the Lack of Phytoplankton Biomass in Naturally Iron Fertilized Waters Near Heard and McDonald Islands in the Southern Ocean

Heard and McDonald Islands — 2019 — WHE19220673BD

Despite high natural iron fertilization from glacial and volcanic sources near Heard and McDonald Islands, phytoplankton biomass remains unexpectedly low compared to the central Kerguelen Plateau. This paradoxical 'high nutrient, high iron, low chlorophyll' (HNHFeLC) phenomenon was investigated using ocean color data and in situ samples collected during the HEOBI voyage in 2016. Researchers found that deep mixing, shading by re-suspended sediment particles, and dilution with surrounding low-chlorophyll waters in the Antarctic Circumpolar Current played significant roles in limiting phytoplankton growth. Additionally, a shift from microphytoplankton to nanophytoplankton dominance was observed, highlighting the complex dynamics of short-term responses to climate change and cryospheric processes.

First camera survey in Burkina Faso and Niger reveals human pressures on mammal communities within the largest protected area complex in West Africa

W-Arly-Pendjari Complex — 2019 — WHEBCE64CBF4A

A first-of-its-kind camera survey in Burkina Faso and Niger reveals that human activities, particularly livestock grazing and resource gathering, significantly impact mammal behavior within the W-Arly-Pendjari (WAP) Complex, the largest protected area in West Africa. While these pressures did not affect species richness or composition, they notably reduced mammal activity, with wild ungulates showing the greatest sensitivity to livestock presence. The study highlights the complex interplay between human and natural systems, shifting the WAP's conservation mandate from nature protection alone to a dynamic coupled ecosystem approach.

First records of Mimon cozumelae Goldman, 1914 (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) in the Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve in northeastern Honduras

Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve — 2019 — WHE7982F8F943

Researchers document the first confirmed presence of the Cozumel fruit-eating bat (Mimon cozumelae) within the Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve, Honduras. This discovery extends the species' known range by over 500 km northeastward, providing critical data for conservation efforts in this UNESCO-listed tropical rainforest. The study employed field surveys and digital treatment of taxonomic records to validate the identification, contributing to a broader understanding of bat diversity in Mesoamerica's lowland forests.

First report of lepidopteran insects from the Trang An Landscape Complex, Ninh Binh Province, with two new country records

Trang An Landscape Complex — 2019 — WHE6884775D49

A comprehensive survey of lepidopteran insects in the Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam, reveals 167 species, including 62 butterflies and 105 moths. Among these, two species—Celerena signata and Nygmia plana—are documented for the first time in Vietnam, expanding the country's lepidopteran biodiversity record. The findings are based on field surveys conducted between 2017 and 2018, providing a foundational dataset for future ecological studies in this ecologically significant region.

Food worthy of kings and saints: fish consumption in the medieval monastery Studenica (Serbia)

Studenica Monastery — 2019 — WHEB8F04A3E51

Archaeozoological evidence from the medieval Studenica Monastery in Serbia reveals that large sturgeon species, likely transported over 200 km from the Danube region, were consumed at the site during the 14th and early 15th centuries. The presence of these high-value fish, including beluga and Russian sturgeon, suggests sophisticated long-distance trade networks and their significance in monastic dietary practices, particularly during religious observances like Lent and celebrations honoring the Virgin Mary and monastery founder. Skeletal analysis indicates that large specimens were brought whole, possibly dried or salted, reinforcing historical records of monasteries as key consumers of premium fish alongside royalty and nobility.

Forgotten Architecture: Smart Tools for Cultural Tourism in the Cloister of the Prior (Santa Maria Delle Grazie, Milan)

Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie with “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci — 2019 — WHE892DE9E6B6

A high-fidelity 3D model of the Cloister of the Prior, a lesser-known but architecturally significant part of the Santa Maria delle Grazie complex in Milan, has been successfully generated using advanced photogrammetric techniques. The study demonstrates that careful lens selection and post-processing can overcome challenges posed by smooth white surfaces to produce accurate point clouds suitable for virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications. This model serves as a foundation for immersive cultural tourism experiences, offering visitors insights into the cloister's history while also enabling future research on its historical modifications.

Forty Years of Climate and Land-Cover Change and its Effects on Tourism Resources in Kilimanjaro National Park

Kilimanjaro National Park — 2019 — WHEAC6CC39C71

Climate change over the past four decades has significantly altered trekking conditions and sightseeing opportunities in Kilimanjaro National Park. Higher temperatures and reduced rainfall have decreased risks of landslides, rockfalls, and altitude sickness, improving physical trekking conditions. However, these changes have also led to a decline in wildlife, waterfalls, and snow cover, which are key attractions for tourists. While the loss of snow may initially boost 'last chance tourism,' long-term impacts could reduce visitation. The study suggests that proactive management of expanding heathlands is crucial to mitigating these losses. Researchers used a hazard-activity pairs approach to analyze the interplay between environmental changes and tourism activities, providing insights into the complex relationship between climate change and tourism sustainability.

From Ha Long Bay to Trang An Landscape Complex: Issues on Tourism Management at World Heritage Sites, Vietnam | Quản lý du lịch tại Di sản Thế giới của Việt Nam: Từ Vịnh Hạ Long đến Quần thể Danh thắng Tràng An

Trang An Landscape Complex — 2019 — WHE2A0D008DDC

Effective tourism management at UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Ha Long Bay and the Trang An Landscape Complex in Vietnam, requires balancing economic benefits with preservation of cultural and natural values. While local authorities have shown strong commitment to safeguarding these sites, challenges persist in governance, crowd control, and social impacts on local communities. The study recommends privatization or public-private partnerships for more sustainable operations, diversifying investments into less detrimental areas like technology infrastructure and heritage-based performances. Additionally, it suggests implementing capacity assessments, increasing ticket prices, and developing new attractions to manage overcrowding while enhancing tourist experiences. Ensuring economic benefits for vulnerable locals through community-based tourism and high-paid job creation is also emphasized as a key strategy.

Functional Evolution of the Kernavė Hillforts in the Iron Age: New Intepretations of Old Data

Kernavė Archaeological Site (Cultural Reserve of Kernavė) — 2019 — WHED281161D0C

A reassessment of archaeological data from the Kernavė hillforts reveals a more complex functional evolution than previously understood, with significant changes in their use over time. The study challenges the term 'hillfort' for these sites and questions their contemporaneity within complexes. By reclassifying pottery sherds as primary, secondary, or refuse, researchers identified distinct phases of settlement, short-term activities, and long-term habitation, providing new insights into Iron Age occupation patterns in Lithuania.

G.G. Rizzo, Il giardino privato di Roberto Burle Marx, Il Sítio. Sessant’anni dalla fondazione. Cent’anni dalla nascita di Roberto Burle Marx, Roma, Gangemi, 2009

Sítio Roberto Burle Marx — 2019 — WHE3845E41560

Sítio Roberto Burle Marx, a 40-hectare garden designed by renowned landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx in 1949, stands as a testament to the fusion of scientific and artistic innovation. However, current management practices have led to its deterioration, rendering it an 'intact ruin.' Giulio G. Rizzo's book, published in 2009, provides a comprehensive account of the garden's inception, development phases, and Burle Marx's visionary approach. Through meticulous documentation, Rizzo highlights the garden's scientific and artistic components, underscoring its significance as both a cultural landmark and an ecological model. The study critiques the present-day neglect, advocating for preservation efforts that align with Burle Marx's original intent.

Gamifying the visit to places with valuable landscapes

Cultural Landscape of Sintra — 2019 — WHEB34EF09093

A mobile tool designed to engage users in discovering and sharing valuable landscapes through gamification has been shown to enhance user experience, particularly within UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The study, conducted in Sintra's Cultural Landscape—a site recognized for its global significance since 1995—evaluated the tool's effectiveness by assessing both user engagement and the impact of gamification features. Findings indicate that integrating playful elements can motivate exploration and sharing of lesser-known landscapes, offering a novel approach to cultural heritage preservation and public engagement.

Geolocation of electric bikes recharging stations: City of Quito study case

City of Quito — 2019 — WHE119CDE96F1

Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods prove effective for identifying optimal locations for electric bike recharging stations, as demonstrated in Quito. The study applied similarity preference ranking and weighted overlay techniques, both yielding consistent results with a Pearson correlation coefficient analysis. The analytic hierarchy process determined criterion weights, while standardization established an overall performance index. This approach highlights MCDM's utility in urban planning, offering data-driven solutions for sustainable mobility infrastructure.

Geophysical Survey of the Grand Place in Brussels - An Example of Prospection in an Urban Context

La Grand-Place, Brussels — 2019 — WHEDEDB0F819C

A geophysical survey of Brussels' Grand Place revealed subsurface features predating the 17th century, overcoming urban challenges like limited space and electromagnetic noise. Researchers combined Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) with capacitively coupled resistivity surveys using three offset arrays to probe depths of 1, 1.5, and 2 meters, compensating for the shallow penetration of GPR in clay-rich substrata. This method successfully identified buried structures, demonstrating an effective approach for urban archaeological prospection despite environmental constraints.

GIS and AHP Techniques Based Delineation of Groundwater Potential Zones: a case study from Southern Western Ghats, India

Western Ghats — 2019 — WHEB448E80417

Approximately 59% of the studied river basin in the Southern Western Ghats, India, is identified as having moderate groundwater potential, with high and low potential zones covering 11% and 29%, respectively. The study employed a combination of Geographic Information System (GIS) and Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) techniques to delineate these zones using 12 thematic layers such as geology, geomorphology, rainfall, soil, and topography. This approach, validated with local groundwater data, achieved an overall accuracy of around 85%. The findings highlight the effectiveness of GIS-based methods in rapidly assessing groundwater potential, offering crucial insights for sustainable water resource management in tropical river basins.

Global conservation and local lore in a post-colonial society

Blue and John Crow Mountains — 2019 — WHE9C69F6D624

Conservation efforts in Jamaica's Blue and John Crow Mountains demonstrate the successful integration of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) with formal science, contrasting sharply with contestation observed in the Cockpit Country. The study highlights that differences in engagement between formally trained scientists and local TEK holders significantly influence conservation outcomes. Managers in the Blue and John Crow Mountains were more receptive to incorporating local cultural understandings into governance, suggesting that collaborative approaches can bridge global environmental norms and local practices. This research underscores the potential for scientists and policymakers to leverage informally generated knowledge, particularly in developing countries where protected area management often faces complex socio-cultural dynamics.

Göbekli Tepe: A Brief Description of the Environmental Development in the Surroundings of the UNESCO World Heritage Site

Göbekli Tepe — 2019 — WHE60E554FC86

Göbekli Tepe experienced significantly different environmental conditions during its occupation compared to today. Research indicates that the site was surrounded by denser vegetation and widespread sediment cover, contrasting with the current arid landscape. The study employed literature review, remote sensing data, terrain modeling, and field-based geomorphological mapping to analyze Late Quaternary geomorphodynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean region. These findings suggest that humans at Göbekli Tepe may have perceived a lush, sediment-rich environment, which could inform narratives about their landscape creation motives. The research also proposes hypotheses for future studies on environmental changes during the Late Pleistocene and Holocene.

Heritage Tourism Trail Development in Kampung Luat, Perak: A Case Study

Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley — 2019 — WHED90093D8F9

A heritage tourism trail developed in Kampung Luat, Lenggong Valley, Perak, demonstrated significant potential to enhance the site's appeal as a UNESCO World Heritage destination. The study, involving USM researchers and local communities, proposed a four-hour trail with seven stops, engaging 20-30 residents in its design. Testing with 20 respondents revealed high visitor satisfaction, particularly for rural activities, while also identifying key challenges such as community readiness, facility shortages, and communication gaps. These findings underscore the need for coordinated efforts by federal and state governments, alongside stakeholder involvement, to refine the trail and bolster Lenggong Valley's competitiveness in heritage tourism.