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Publications

Showing 14161 – 14180 of 15962 publications

Morphological and Genetic Features of Cisco (Coregonidae: Coregonus sp.) from Lake Sobachye (Putorana Plateau)

Putorana Plateau — 2018 — WHE5F0D9243BA

A study of cisco (Coregonus sp.) from Lake Sobachye on the Putorana Plateau reveals a strong phylogenetic relationship with the vendace (Coregonus albula). Analysis of morphological traits and mitochondrial DNA polymorphism indicates that the Lake Sobachye population shares significant genetic and structural similarities with the vendace, challenging existing hypotheses about its origin. This research provides new insights into the evolutionary history of cisco species in the region, particularly their connections to both the vendace and the least cisco.

N’Koué Bantée, Kpakou

Koutammakou, the Land of the Batammariba — 2018 — WHECAE0F103A2

A collaborative effort between two Togolais and a French ethnologist reveals the sacred landscapes of Koutammakou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Togo. The research uncovers the deep cultural significance of these sites, rooted in the Batammariba people's history, origins, beliefs, and their profound connection to ancestral land. Through extensive fieldwork, one author mapped out the sacred places, while another provided insightful interpretations and stunning photography, enriching the narrative with visual and textual depth. The study offers a rare glimpse into the spiritual and social fabric of this unique region, blending historical context with ethnographic detail.

New data of Gentiana lutea ssp. symphyandra (Gentianacea) in Bulgaria.

Pirin National Park — 2018 — WHEF8FD32957D

A novel discovery of under-the-snow development in Gentiana lutea ssp. symphyandra, a priority species in Bulgaria's biodiversity monitoring system, was documented for the first time. This rare subspecies, found across five mountain ranges and four floristic regions, exhibits unique population structures, vegetation dynamics, and reproductive traits. Researchers analyzed 11 natural populations to assess spatial and age distribution, habitat preferences, and ecological roles within various phytocenoses. The study also provides conservation recommendations to safeguard this vulnerable species, which is listed in Bulgaria's highest priority category for protection.

New Trends in Achaemenid History

The Persian Qanat — 2018 — WHEF8E2EEF84F

Recent archaeological and documentary discoveries have significantly challenged traditional views on the extent of Achaemenid imperial influence, particularly in Egypt. Contrary to long-held assumptions that Persian rule was limited to controlled enclaves along major royal routes, new evidence—including images adapted from the imperial court and re-examined documents—demonstrates a broader and more pronounced Achaemenid presence across provinces like Babylonia and Egypt. Additionally, the discovery of underground water canals (qanats) in an Achaemenid-era village has provided tangible proof of Persian engineering and administrative control over Egypt's water resources, reinforcing the empire's lasting impact on local social structures despite periods of revolt. These findings mark a paradigm shift in Achaemenid studies, emphasizing the need for a reevaluation of imperial periphery dynamics.

Newly Discovered Letters and Petitions of the Time of Trouble from the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius and its Patrimony

Architectural Ensemble of the Trinity Sergius Lavra in Sergiev Posad — 2018 — WHE77B7E99BEE

Newly uncovered letters and petitions from the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, dating to the Time of Troubles (1608–1610), offer unprecedented insights into the social dynamics, linguistic norms, and daily hardships during Russia's turbulent early 17th century. These documents, found in a reconstructed archive of mercenary hetman Jan Sapieha, detail both the monastery's siege and the broader impact on noble and ordinary people. The findings enrich historical understanding by revealing formal and informal written communication practices while addressing gaps in existing knowledge about this pivotal period.

No Museum is an Island: Ethnography beyond Methodological Containerism

Museumsinsel (Museum Island), Berlin — 2018 — WHE6E5BC5C4B1

Museums, often conceptualized as isolated entities, are revealed to be dynamic and interconnected systems through innovative ethnographic research. This study challenges the notion of 'methodological containerism' by demonstrating that museums operate beyond their physical boundaries, with organizational life shaped by informal relations, uncodified activities, chance events, and feelings. Utilizing a multi-sited, multi-linked, multi-researcher ethnography on Berlin's Museum Island, the research highlights the importance of what occurs outside traditional 'containers' and how organization-ness is achieved. Through an analysis of organigrams in exhibition-making at the Museum of Islamic Art and the Ethnological Museum, the study provides insights into museum practices and broader organizational studies, emphasizing the discretion in defining containers and the complexity of organizational life.

Not only the Golden Gate? A newly discovered fragment from the decoration of the castle chapel portal in Althaus (Starogród) as a contribution to the identification of ceramic sculpture in the Teutonic Order's State in Prussia

Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork — 2018 — WHE7AF007228D

A newly discovered ceramic fragment from the decoration of the castle chapel portal in Althaus (Starogród), unearthed during archaeological excavations in Kulmerland, challenges previous assumptions about the role and significance of ceramic architectural sculpture in the Teutonic Order's State in Prussia. This small but significant finding suggests that such sculptures were more widespread than previously believed, not just as symbols of rank and power, but also as integral elements reflecting the 'genius loci'—the defining spirit or character—of the architecture from the first phase of construction campaigns by the Teutonic Order. The discovery, part of the project Castra Terrae Culmensis (2017), provides new insights into the types, manufacturing techniques, and layers of meaning associated with figural decorations in castles such as Marienburg (Malbork), Elbing (Elbląg), Thorn (Toruń), and Graudenz (Grudziądz). This fragment, dating to around 1300, offers a rare opportunity to revise our understanding of ceramic sculpture in this historical context.

On Ancient Agriculture in Arid Regions of Central Asia: The Case of the Uvs Nuur Basin

Uvs Nuur Basin — 2018 — WHE08A9E2F6A4

A groundbreaking discovery reveals that the Uvs Nuur Basin, a vast arid region in southern Siberia and Central Asia, once supported extensive agriculture during the High Middle Ages. Satellite imagery uncovered dense irrigation networks and previously unknown ancient settlements, including what appears to be an ancient city surrounded by canals on the west coast of Lake Uvs Nuur. Field studies confirmed these findings, documenting remnants of irrigation systems, ruins, and settlements. Paleobotanical analysis of buried soils and peatlands identified Triticum sp. seeds, suggesting that the basin's current arid landscape was once a milder forest-steppe environment conducive to agriculture. Radiocarbon dating tentatively places the city's existence in this period, indicating a significant historical shift from pastoralism to agriculture.

Origin and Development of Agriculture in New Guinea, Island Melanesia, and Polynesia

Kuk Early Agricultural Site — 2018 — WHE4D3F0BB214

Agriculture in the Pacific Islands began with early Holocene practices centered on vegetative propagation and underground storage organs, later evolving into complex systems. Kuk Swamp in Papua New Guinea's highlands offers one of the earliest records of agricultural intensification, showing mounded cultivation around 7000–6400 cal BP and wetland drainage by 4400–4000 cal BP. Unlike other regions in Near Oceania, which focused on fruit- and nut-bearing trees, Kuk’s landscape reveals a shift toward more intensive land management. By 3250–2800 cal BP, these practices spread with Lapita pottery-bearers into the western Pacific, while later Polynesian colonization (1000–750 cal BP) introduced new crops like the sweet potato, reshaping regional agriculture.

Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove

Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove — 2018 — WHE758D82B63B

The Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, located along the banks of the Osun River near Osogbo, Nigeria, serves as a significant cultural and religious site, embodying the spiritual connection between the Yoruba people and their guardian deity, Osun. This grove, spanning 75 hectares, is characterized by its strict prohibitions on hunting, farming, and permanent settlements, reflecting its sacred status. The site's origin traces back to the 1950s when colonialism, Christianity, and commerce threatened its cultural coherence. A pivotal moment occurred in 1959 when Susanne Wenger, an Austrian artist and Yoruba convert, was commissioned by ritual officials to revitalize the grove, marking a turning point in its preservation and cultural significance.

Outstanding Universal Values of the Malaysian Forests

Forest Research Institute Malaysia Forest Park Selangor — 2018 — WHE7A040042A3

Malaysian forests, including those nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status, exhibit diverse and unique Outstanding Universal Values (OUV) that highlight their significance for flora, fauna, and humanity. While Gunung Mulu National Park and Kinabalu Park are already recognized as World Heritage Sites, other Malaysian forests, such as the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Royal Belum National Park, and Gombak Selangor Quartz Ridge, have been proposed for inclusion. These forests meet at least one of the ten OUV criteria outlined in the UNESCO Operational Guidelines, underscoring their cultural or natural heritage importance. The study analyzes how different Malaysian forests fulfill these criteria, demonstrating their ecological and historical significance.

Owls in urban narratives: implications for conservation and environmental education in NW Patagonia (Argentina)

Los Alerces National Park — 2018 — WHE106C7E956D

A significant surge in owl populations following a rodent boom in Los Alerces National Park, Argentina, has sparked both ecological concern and human conflict. The study reveals that while 74% of respondents recognize owls as primarily rodent predators, deep-seated myths persist: 61% associate them with diabolical traits, while 13% view them as wise symbols. These perceptions drive divergent behaviors, from protection to extermination. An intercultural educational approach, integrating academic and traditional knowledge, effectively increased student interest in owl conservation. The research underscores the need for targeted environmental education and state-led conservation programs to mitigate human-owl conflicts in urban Patagonian areas.

Paintings in the Church of San Julián de los Prados in Oviedo. An Analysis of Aniconic Paintings in the Framework of Art in the Mediterranean

Monuments of Oviedo and the Kingdom of the Asturias — 2018 — WHEA55CE0F252

The Church of San Julián de los Prados in Oviedo features unique aniconic paintings that challenge traditional understandings of medieval Iberian art. These paintings, devoid of human figures but adorned with geometric patterns and golden crosses, suggest a deliberate artistic choice influenced by the Asturian monarchy's desire to assert its authority while drawing from both Roman heritage and contemporary Mediterranean trends. The study critically examines past research, comparing these works to those in Ravenna, Thessaloniki, and Damascus, while exploring potential links to iconoclasm and 'adoptionist heresy' beliefs prevalent in 9th-century Iberia. Through a fresh analysis of historical and artistic evidence, the research sheds light on the theological and political motivations behind this distinctive body of work.

Pamukkale/Hierapolis dünya miras alanı’nda ziyaretçi taşıma kapasitesinin belirlenmesi

Hierapolis-Pamukkale — 2018 — WHEDA347082B1

A study on Pamukkale/Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with multiple conservation statuses, reveals that the site's visitor capacity is being exceeded, leading to environmental degradation and management challenges. Researchers found that while physical carrying capacity (PCC) exceeds current visitor numbers by only 10%, social carrying capacity (SCC) is surpassed by twice as much, indicating that perceived crowding negatively impacts visitor experience and sustainability. The study used surveys to assess PCC and SCC across different paths and seasonal conditions, confirming that overvisitation is a key factor in the site's deterioration. Recommendations include implementing measures to balance conservation and visitation while enhancing sustainability and visitor satisfaction.

Paradise in Stone: Representations of New World Plants and Animals on Spanish Colonial Churches in the Philippines

Baroque Churches of the Philippines — 2018 — WHEDCB9C5B477

Eighteenth-century Filipino architects and stonemasons incorporated elaborate stonework depicting New World plants and animals into church façades, reflecting local aesthetics and interest in exotic flora and fauna. This architectural innovation, evident in sites like the baroque church of Miag-ao in Iloilo, serves as a visual celebration of naturalia introduced to the Philippines through commercial exchanges during Spanish colonial rule. The study examines how these representations transcend mere ornamentation, offering insights into cultural innovation and the fusion of local and imported elements in Filipino art.

Patrimonio moderno, ciudad contemporánea: Ciudad universitaria de Caracas

Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas — 2018 — WHE8BB4E7C62D

The Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas stands as a testament to modernist architecture while integrating traditional Venezuelan elements. Designed by Carlos Raúl Villanueva and his team of professionals and artists, it embodies the principles of the Modern Movement and reflects the architectural evolution of its time. This study highlights the challenges in preserving such a site, which, after six decades, mirrors both the strengths and conflicts of contemporary Venezuela. The research focuses on the perspective of an architect restorer working within the site's governing body, emphasizing the complexities of conservation, knowledge advancement, and valorization of this significant cultural heritage.

Patterns of Plant Community Formation and Vegetation Structure in the Afro-Alpine Vegetation of Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

Simien National Park — 2018 — WHEC6D0DCEBC9

A study of Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, reveals distinct patterns in plant community formation and vegetation structure within its afro-alpine ecosystems. Researchers identified three unique plant community types, characterized by varying species richness, diversity, and evenness. The analysis highlighted Asteraceae as the most species-rich family, while Poaceae dominated the flora. Herbs constituted 90.7% of the recorded 86 species, with shrubs and trees making up smaller proportions. Population structure analysis of dominant species showed diverse patterns, emphasizing the need for tailored management strategies to sustain these communities due to habitat heterogeneity. The research employed systematic sampling across stratified mountain strata, leveraging Sorensen's similarity coefficient and Shannon-Wiener diversity index for community analysis.

Perestroika to Parkland: The Evolution of Land Protection in the Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan

Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs) — 2018 — WHE3035228184

Tajik National Park, located in the Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan, has evolved from a Soviet-era depopulated landscape to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting complex socio-political and environmental transformations. The study reveals that post-perestroika migration in the 1980s allowed Tajik farmers and Kirghiz pastoralists to resettle the region, which was already rich in biodiversity due to decades of restricted human activity. This period marked a turning point for conservation efforts, culminating in the establishment of Tajik National Park in 1992 and its designation as a World Heritage Site in 2013. The research combines field and archival data to trace the global diffusion of protected areas, analyze the biophysical properties of the Pamirs, and assess their potential for UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status. The findings highlight the region's suitability for transboundary conservation, aligning with the Man and the Biosphere model.

Perspectives on landscape

Pimachiowin Aki — 2018 — WHECBF466CC18

A values-based framework for landscape conservation, rooted in Indigenous perspectives and intangible cultural practices, emerges as a key insight for Canada's approach to landscape management. This study contrasts Canada's unique historical and geographical context with the Historic Landscape Characterisation approach, emphasizing the importance of embedded values, knowledge, and beliefs in shaping landscapes. Two case studies—Rideau Canal (a World Heritage Site) and Pimachiowin Aki (a potential World Heritage nomination)—serve as examples to derive lessons and principles for conservation practices. The research highlights how Indigenous cultural landscapes contribute to a deeper understanding of landscape significance, offering a model that integrates both tangible and intangible heritage.

Planning and Design of Highways According to AASHTO Standards Using Remote Sensing Technology (Samarra City as a Case Study)

Samarra Archaeological City — 2018 — WHE9A5866F012

A proposed highway design for Samarra, Iraq, leverages remote sensing technology and AASHTO standards to optimize connectivity between Qadisiyah neighborhood and the UNESCO-listed Old City. The study achieved a high-capacity, low-cost road solution by minimizing junctions (two) and curves, using satellite imagery and specialized software (GIS & Civil 3D). This approach reduces traditional field survey costs while ensuring compliance with international design standards, offering a scalable model for urban infrastructure in heritage-rich areas.