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Publications

Showing 14241 – 14260 of 15962 publications

Study of Erbil Al-Qala citadel time changes by comparison of historical and contemporary image data

Erbil Citadel — 2018 — WHEE5FC52398D

A comparative analysis of historical and contemporary image data reveals significant structural changes within the Erbil Citadel particularly highlighting the destruction of numerous objects during the latter half of the 20th century. The study leverages Bradford's 1951 stereoscopic aerial photographs and modern very high-resolution (VHR) satellite imagery from Ikonos (2003), QuickBird (2005), and Pleiades (2014) to create digital models and orthophotos. By processing these datasets using Agisoft PhotoScan software, researchers identified missing or altered structures, providing a detailed mapping of the citadel's historical evolution. This approach underscores the potential of long-term image data analysis in documenting and preserving cultural heritage sites.

Study on Mechanism of Water Condensation and Field Experiments of Thousand-Hand Guanyin in Dazu Rock Carvings

Dazu Rock Carvings — 2018 — WHEA7C71946AA

A critical mechanism driving water condensation on the Thousand-Hand Guanyin sculpture at Dazu Rock Carvings has been identified, offering new insights into the degradation processes threatening this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Through a combination of field experiments and surveys, researchers from institutions including the Chinese Academy of Cultural Heritage and Tsinghua University analyzed data to propose targeted preservation measures. The study highlights how moisture accumulation accelerates damage, providing actionable strategies for cultural heritage conservation in similar environments.

Sustainable development and nature-culture linkages in the Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia

Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia — 2018 — WHE0376E83C8F

The Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia (CCLC) exemplifies sustainable agricultural practices and the intricate linkages between nature and culture. This landscape, recognized for its centennial tradition of small-scale coffee production at challenging mountain altitudes, showcases collective work ethics and associative management passed down through generations. These practices have not only ensured continuous land use but also fostered innovative natural resource management strategies, adapting to difficult geographic conditions. The study highlights the resilience and adaptability of this cultural landscape, serving as a model for sustainable development in similar regions.

Suzanne Césaire et la Tropiques -poétique du morne : de Tropiques aux patrimoines immatériels des nœuds de mémoire

Blue and John Crow Mountains — 2018 — WHE2043791A9C

The Blue and John Crow Mountains, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, embody a unique cultural and ecological heritage that traces back to the foundational violence of slavery. This study reveals how Suzanne Césaire's work in the avant-garde journal Tropiques (1941–1945) laid the groundwork for postcolonial theories that challenge conventional narratives of existence and resistance, particularly in Southern societies. Through an interdisciplinary lens, the research demonstrates how the concept of the 'morne'—a symbolic geographical marker—serves as a node of memory, influencing both literary expression and intangible cultural heritage. The analysis extends to the patrimonialization of two UNESCO-listed sites: Le Morne in Mauritius and the Blue and John Crow Mountains in Jamaica, illustrating how Césaire's ecopoetic vision persists in contemporary cultural discourse. This work underscores the enduring relevance of Tropiques as a platform for liberationist thought and highlights the importance of revisiting such foundational texts to understand evolving postcolonial frameworks.

The Arrabal Alcázar Viejo from Cordoba: Urban, Hereditary and Sustainable Regeneration of the Historic City Centre

Historic Centre of Cordoba — 2018 — WHEFDA2B08D15

Urban regeneration of historic city centers, such as Cordoba's Alcázar Viejo arrabal, must balance residential repopulation with tourism and heritage identity to ensure sustainable development. Current municipal plans, like Cordoba's Historic City Centre Special Protection Plan (PEPCH), often prioritize historical aesthetics over functional needs, threatening the viability of traditional casa patio structures. This study proposes that sustainable regeneration requires adaptive planning that integrates modern societal demands while preserving cultural heritage. By analyzing the Alcázar Viejo arrabal—recently recognized as UNESCO Intangible Heritage—the research highlights the tension between tourism-driven development and residential sustainability, offering a framework for eco-efficient urban regeneration that harmonizes heritage preservation with contemporary living needs.

The Alto Douro Wine Region: potentialities for the development of environmental education projects

Alto Douro Wine Region — 2018 — WHEB811C9E4B6

A study highlights the potential of the Alto Douro Wine Region (ADWR) to foster environmental education and sustainable development through interdisciplinary school projects. The research, currently in its initial phase, aims to leverage the region's unique mesological and climatic conditions to promote awareness about heritage preservation among younger generations. Divided into three stages, the study employs a project-based methodology across 18 schools within the ADWR, focusing on developing new skills, scientific literacy, and a culture of environmental education. This approach seeks to contribute to broader goals of sustainable development and community engagement.

The Application of Market Appeal-Robusticity Matrix: A Case Study of the Archaeological Heritage of Lenggong Valley, Perak, Malaysia

Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley — 2018 — WHEAD80A6A2A7

A novel market appeal—robusticity matrix effectively evaluates heritage tourism potential by assessing the attractiveness of cultural assets and their ability to withstand tourist impact. Applied to Malaysia's UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Archaeological Heritage of Lenggong Valley, this approach identifies sites with varying levels of market appeal and robusticity, guiding conservation strategies and management decisions. The findings underscore the matrix's utility in balancing tourism development with heritage preservation, ensuring sustainable protection through informed legislation and planning frameworks.

The basement morphology under Tongariro National Park, southern Taupo Volcanic Zone

Tongariro National Park — 2018 — WHE6D511E588D

A deep, asymmetric trough underlies Tongariro National Park, extending from the southern end of Lake Taupo and reaching beneath Mt. Tongariro before diminishing near Mt. Ruapehu. This geological feature, up to 2.5 km deep, was revealed through analysis of gravity data collected in the 1950s and 1960s, processed into Bouguer anomalies at an elevation of 500 meters. Researchers separated regional and residual anomalies, derived sediment density-depth relationships from borehole measurements, and used 2D gravity modeling to construct a 3D structural model. The study provides critical insights into the subsurface morphology of the southern Taupo Volcanic Zone, contributing to our understanding of volcanic activity in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The blue paradox: Preemptive overfishing in marine reserves

Phoenix Islands Protected Area — 2018 — WHEE99C445457

Announcing marine reserves can inadvertently trigger preemptive overfishing, undermining conservation efforts before policies take effect. A study of the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA), one of the world's largest marine reserves, revealed that fishers more than doubled their fishing activity once the area was designated for protection. This surge in effort depleted fish stocks to levels equivalent to 1.5 years of banned fishing, setting PIPA back before it even began. Using satellite data tracking fishing activity, researchers demonstrated that anticipation of conservation measures can lead to a 'race-to-fish,' potentially increasing global overexploitation by up to 7%. These findings highlight the unintended consequences of preemptive resource extraction and challenge conventional approaches to monitoring policy efficacy in marine conservation.

The Change Mechanism of Human-Environment Interactions from the Perspective of Contextualization: A Case Study of the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces as a World Cultural Heritage Site

Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces — 2018 — WHE1CEB7C9A88

A new framework rooted in event ecology reveals that the drying of terraces at Honghe Hani Rice Terraces, often blamed on tourism-driven water overuse, is actually driven by reduced precipitation and deforestation. Local residents exaggerated tourism’s role due to social conflicts stemming from unequal access to tourism benefits. The study underscores the need for context-sensitive analysis—incorporating political, economic, and social factors—to objectively assess human-environment interactions and promote sustainable heritage management.

The Chincha lines

Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Palpa — 2018 — WHE01FEBF6794

A newly documented set of linear geoglyphs and structures, dubbed the 'Chincha lines,' has been identified in Carmen Pampa within the upper Chincha valley of southern Peru. These geoglyphs, similar to those found in nearby Nasca and Palpa valleys, date back to the Paracas period (400–200 BCE) with potential use extending into AD 100. The complex comprises linear geoglyphs, small mounded structures, and larger platform mounds, offering significant insights into ancient Peruvian cultural practices and regional interactions. This discovery expands our understanding of pre-Columbian art and architecture in the region.

The chronology, craft production and economy of the Butua capital of Khami, southwestern Zimbabwe

Khami Ruins National Monument — 2018 — WHE7393A023D8

New radiocarbon dating reveals Khami, the precolonial capital of the Butua kingdom in southwestern Zimbabwe, emerged as a significant political and economic power by the late 14th century—earlier than previously thought. Analysis of material culture from both walled and non-walled areas indicates household-based craft production was widespread, with pottery making, metalworking, ivory working, agriculture, and animal husbandry forming key economic pillars. The presence of local and exotic objects suggests Khami's integration into regional trade networks, reinforcing its role as a major center during the late medieval period.

The conservation value of germplasm stored at the Millennium Seed Bank, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew — 2018 — WHE45AEDCFB72

The Millennium Seed Bank (MSB) at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, houses one of the world's largest ex situ conservation programs for orthodox seed-bearing wild plants, encompassing 39,669 taxa from 189 countries and all nine biogeographic regions. A comprehensive analysis reveals that 74% of these collections possess significant natural capital or population value, including economic, ecological, social, cultural, or scientific importance. Additionally, over 20% are endemic to their respective regions. Since its inception in 2000, the MSB has distributed more than 11,182 seed samples globally for conservation, research, education, and display. The study identifies gaps in geographic representativeness, taxonomic diversity within large angiosperm families, and coverage of threatened taxa, underscoring the need for further analysis to optimize future collection efforts.

The coral-killing sponge Chalinula nematifera as a common substrate generalist in Komodo National Park, Indonesia

Komodo National Park — 2018 — WHE93352B66E7

A coral-killing sponge, Chalinula nematifera, has been identified as a common substrate generalist in Komodo National Park, Indonesia. This sponge, originally from the Marshall Islands, is raising concerns due to its rapid range expansion and ability to overgrow various coral species. Observed at six out of ten sites in October 2016, it was found interacting with living corals belonging to 13 species, some of which are new host records. Additionally, it colonized dead coral colonies previously covered by algae or sediment, as well as encrusting coralline algae, showing no clear preference for specific hosts or depth ranges. The study highlights the sponge's adaptability and potential impact on coral ecosystems.

The diversity of sharks fossils in Plio-Pleistocene of Java, Indonesia

Sangiran Early Man Site — 2018 — WHEB89FB04C80

Research at the Sangiran Early Man Site reveals that 11 genera of sharks inhabited the Java Sea during the Plio-Pleistocene epoch (2.8 to 1.8 million years ago). This ancient marine environment, characterized by lagoons and coastal swamps, preserved diverse shark teeth fossils with distinct morphological shapes. The study employed morphological comparison and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to identify these genera using modern shark teeth collections from the Research Centre for Oceanography - LIPI in Jakarta. By comparing fossilized teeth from Sangiran Museum, BPSMPS Karanganyar, and UGM Yogyakarta with contemporary specimens, researchers reconstructed shark diversity during this transitional period.

The effects of windblown sand on the deterioration of mural paintings in cave 285, in Mogao caves, Dunhuang

Mogao Caves — 2018 — WHEB1032461F9

Windblown sand, driven by high-velocity winds, is a significant factor in the deterioration of mural paintings on the east wall of Cave 285 in the UNESCO-listed Mogao Caves. Despite being less exposed to moisture and solar radiation compared to other walls, the east wall exhibits notable damage, including detachment, flaking, and fading, attributed to sand adhesion and collision. This study highlights the dual impact of wind velocity on both the physical structure and artistic integrity of the murals, offering critical insights for conservation efforts in arid environments.

The extant shore platform stromatolite (SPS) facies association: a glimpse into the Archean?

Giant's Causeway and Causeway Coast — 2018 — WHE6E46EBD13B

Shore platform stromatolites (SPS) provide a unique modern analogue for Precambrian fossil stromatolites, offering insights into ancient microbial ecosystems. These SPS, found along southern African coasts, southwest Australia, Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland, and the Scottish Hebrides, thrive on well-indurated shore platforms in high wave energy settings, often near headlands. Unlike other extant stromatolites, SPS primarily form through mineral precipitation, with minor trapping and binding. The study suggests that SPS could be preserved in the geological record as micritic lenses on palaeo-shore platform surfaces, despite differing atmospheric and oceanic conditions from the Archean. Additionally, terraces associated with former oceanic or lacustrine flooding surfaces on Mars are proposed as potential targets for searching palaeo-SPS, expanding the scope of astrobiological research.

The Field Guide to the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape app: A Partnership Between the Gunditjmara Community and Museums Victoria

Budj Bim Cultural Landscape — 2018 — WHE545CF5E71C

A groundbreaking collaboration between Museums Victoria and the Gunditjmara community resulted in the creation of the Field Guide to the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape app, the first of its kind to integrate traditional knowledge with scientific biodiversity data. The app features over 250 species from the Budj Bim Cultural Heritage Landscape, including 854 previously unrecorded species discovered during a 2011 Bush Blitz survey, with traditional names, uses, and stories for two-thirds of them. This innovative project combines Gunditjmara expertise with scientific findings, offering educational value to local communities, researchers, and visitors while serving as a model for similar initiatives globally.

The first report on the spider fauna (Arachnida: Araneae) of the Lut Desert, Iran

Lut Desert — 2018 — WHEDD647D7F51

A new spider species, Oecobius fahimii (Oecobiidae), has been discovered and described from the Lut Desert, Iran. This finding is part of the first comprehensive inventory of spider fauna in one of the world's hottest deserts. The study identified 15 species across 12 families, including three species—Devade tenella (Dictynidae), Gnaphosa ukrainica, and Haplodrassus caspius (both Gnaphosidae)—reported for the first time in Iran. The research was conducted during the Iranian Biological Expedition in November 2016, providing critical baseline data on arachnid biodiversity in this extreme environment.

The glass walls of Samarra (Iraq): Ninth-century Abbasid glass production and imports

Samarra Archaeological City — 2018 — WHE2825F4A105

Advanced Abbasid glass production and imports were confirmed through high-resolution analysis of glass artefacts from Samarra, revealing distinct compositional profiles linked to local craftsmanship and selective Byzantine influences. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) identified two related plant ash groups in architectural glass, pointing to a thriving ninth-century industry near the Abbasid capital. The study also corroborated historical accounts of glass production in Samarra while highlighting the cultural significance of luminous, reflective glass walls in Islamic palaces.