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Publications

Showing 14341 – 14360 of 15962 publications

Absence, Presence, Indexicality: The Mise en Scène of ‘the Heart of Neolithic Orkney’

Heart of Neolithic Orkney — 2017 — WHE1D735A4492

The Ring of Brodgar stone circle and associated Neolithic sites evoke a dynamic, hauntological experience for visitors, characterized by a tension between perceived presence and absence. This study reveals that the site's mise en scène, akin to surrealist frottage or a photograph, indexically represents an unknowable past while simultaneously soliciting imaginative engagement with heterochronia—simultaneous yet incompatible manifestations of time and space—and metatheatre, hinting at cryptic ritual performances. The research draws on surrealist theory, Robert Smithson's concepts, and semiotic analysis to argue that visitors' responses are shaped by this dialectical tension, where the imaginary blurs with the real, as described by Breton. The approach combines archaeological interpretation with performance studies to explore how these sites provoke a sense of presence despite their enigmatic nature.

After the Fall

Ancient City of Bosra — 2017 — WHE4314D4E14D

A new architectural approach aims to transform the devastated ancient city of Bosra, Syria, into a symbol of hope and resilience through a museum-memorial. This design-led thesis proposes preserving fragments from both the Syrian Civil War and historical periods in an allegorical timeline, creating a sensitive reminder for returning residents while safeguarding Syria's cultural heritage. The project addresses the irreversible damage to ancient ruins like Bosra, which has suffered significant loss due to war, by integrating contemporary and historic artifacts into a memorial experience. The research explores speculative preservation methods to honor Syria's past amid ongoing conflict.

Agricultural Sustainability and Environmental Change at Ancient Gordion

Gordion — 2017 — WHE5DDCDFD24A

Ancient Gordion offers a unique perspective on agricultural sustainability and environmental change through its diachronic record. The study reveals that different political and economic systems implemented over time at Gordion resulted in varied agricultural practices with divergent environmental impacts. Some regimes fostered sustainable agriculture, while others led to significant environmental alteration. This comprehensive analysis of 220 botanical samples from the 1993-2002 excavations, combined with paleoenvironmental data, reconstructs agricultural decision-making processes and their social contexts. The research provides a valuable dataset for regional synthesis in the Near East and introduces innovative methods to study the relationship between social and environmental change globally.

Amsterdams werelderfgoed. De grachtengordel na 400 jaar

Seventeenth-Century Canal Ring Area of Amsterdam inside the Singelgracht — 2017 — WHEBFD7A9D3EF

A comprehensive review of the Amsterdam Canal Ring Area reveals its enduring significance after 400 years. The study, authored by Marleen Sloof and Jaap Evert Abrahamse, highlights the site's architectural, urban planning, and historical value, emphasizing how it reflects Amsterdam's golden age and its adaptability to modern needs. The research employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating historical analysis, urban studies, and conservation science to assess the site's cultural and natural heritage. It underscores the importance of preserving such sites while balancing development and tourism pressures.

An Analytical Study of Maidams of Ahom Kings in Comparison with Egyptian Pyramids.

Moidams – the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty — 2017 — WHE7CFF883ADF

A comparative analysis of the Maidams, the mound-burial structures of the Ahom Dynasty in Assam, India, reveals striking architectural and symbolic parallels with the Egyptian pyramids. The study highlights that both systems share complex construction techniques, hierarchical organization, and cultural significance, despite their geographical and temporal differences. Researchers employed a methodical approach to assess structural attributes, burial practices, and socio-political contexts, drawing on historical records and archaeological data. This comparative framework underscores the sophistication of Ahom burial traditions, challenging conventional narratives that emphasize Egyptian uniqueness in monumental architecture.

An Application of the CHAID Algorithm to Study the Environmental Impact of Visitors to the Teide National Park in Tenerife, Spain

Teide National Park — 2017 — WHE2D1760B780

A significant link between visitor behavior and environmental impact at the Teide National Park (TNP), one of Europe's most visited sites, was identified through a CHAID algorithm analysis. The study revealed that visitors arriving by car tend to stay longer in the park, correlating with increased environmental footprint due to prolonged exposure and higher emissions from private vehicles. Conducted via 805 valid questionnaires in 2016, this research underscores the urgent need for sustainable transport solutions, such as promoting less polluting vehicles or alternative transportation modes, to mitigate ecological strain on this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

An Archaeological Perspective on Ancient East Asian Royal Tombs

Complex of Koguryo Tombs — 2017 — WHE701314371A

Archaeological analysis of East Asian royal tombs reveals that the construction of massive royal tombs, such as those found in Northern Wei (China), Gaya (Korea), and Wa (Japan), was a shared process across different historical contexts, driven by the establishment and growth of royal authority. The study highlights that the Northern Wei dynasty, despite its nomadic origins, began constructing large tombs in the late 5th century, likely as part of sinicization policies and in response to neighboring regimes like Koguryo and the Rouran Khaganate. In Gaya, the decline of state power and changes in royal lines are inferred from the absence of new large tombs after the 4th century, while Daegaya's tombs suggest a social development comparable to Silla and Baekje. In Wa (Japan), the frequent relocation of tomb construction sites indicates dispersed royal authority and instability in hereditary succession. The research combines in-situ investigations with historical analysis to uncover these patterns, providing insights into the political and social dynamics of ancient East Asian societies.

An integrated model for evaluating investments in cultural heritage tourism in the Dominican Republic

Colonial City of Santo Domingo — 2017 — WHE383A69FE4C

Investments in cultural heritage tourism can significantly boost economic growth, employment, and income in tourism-dependent economies. A study on the Colonial City of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic demonstrates that enhancing cultural heritage tourism opportunities diversifies the tourism product, expands the visitor base, and increases tourism expenditure. The research introduces an integrated economic model combining economy-wide modeling, time series analysis, stated preference approaches, and net present value analysis to evaluate such investments. This framework provides valuable insights into how targeted investments can accelerate economic development, offering a replicable approach for other regions with similar goals.

An Updated Account of Mammal Species and Population Status of Ungulates in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan

Keoladeo National Park — 2017 — WHE0C8D9BBAD2

A comprehensive study of Keoladeo National Park (KNP) reveals significant shifts in mammalian diversity and ungulate population dynamics since its designation as a protected area. The research documents the local extinction of eight mammal species, including the blackbuck, while identifying 34 extant species within the park. Line transect surveys estimated densities for key ungulates: chital (52.37 ind/km²), feral cattle (33.66 ind/km²), nilgai (13.68 ind/km²), wild boar (3.21 ind/km²), and sambar (0.32 ind/km²). Notably, habitat generalist species like chital and nilgai have seen increased densities over the past 25 years, contrasting with declines in more specialized species such as the sambar. These findings underscore substantial changes in mammalian diversity, driven by habitat alterations and local extinctions, particularly among carnivores.

Analytical methods comparison for soil organic carbon determination in Andean Forest of Sangay National Park-Ecuador

Sangay National Park — 2017 — WHE9466DC5B05

A study comparing two methods for determining soil organic carbon (SOC) in the Andean eyebrow forest of Sangay National Park, Ecuador, found that while both the ignition loss (LOI) and DUMAS combustion methods yield similar SOC measurements (R² = 0.99), the DUMAS method offers greater precision with reduced time and labor requirements. The research involved analyzing soil samples from five plots at four depths (0-10 cm, 10-20 cm, 20-30 cm, >30 cm) across three conglomerates in the southwestern zone of Sangay National Park. Though the correlation between methods was low, DUMAS demonstrated a slightly higher variability (3.38%), likely due to sample volume and equipment precision. These findings suggest that DUMAS combustion is a robust alternative for SOC determination, balancing accuracy with operational efficiency.

Ancient Gold-Mercury Mining in the Takht-e Soleyman Area, Northwest Iran

Takht-e Soleyman — 2017 — WHEBC0E1992EC

A comprehensive survey of the Takht-e Soleyman area in northwest Iran reveals extensive evidence of ancient gold and mercury mining, including previously undocumented archaeological sites. The study, covering 5000 km², combines geological analysis with detailed documentation of mining relics, highlighting the region's historical significance as a center for metal extraction. Key findings include traces of ore processing techniques and new archaeological discoveries that shed light on ancient metallurgical practices in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ant fauna (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of the Socotra Archipelago (Yemen): zoogeography, distribution and description of a new species

Socotra Archipelago — 2017 — WHE102069EBC7

A new species of ant, Cataglyphis socotranus, has been identified from the Socotra Archipelago, contributing to the understanding of the region's unique biodiversity. This discovery highlights the archipelago's distinct zoogeography, with Socotra hosting a mix of endemic and widespread ant species. The study analyzed 120 ant samples across 38 sites, revealing that Socotra's ants are closely related to those in East Africa but exhibit notable adaptations to its arid environment. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the new species' placement within the Cataglyphis genus, while distribution patterns suggest limited dispersal between islands. The research underscores Socotra's importance as a biodiversity hotspot and provides baseline data for conservation efforts.

Application of FTIR Microscopy to Identify Some Glass Plates of Golestan Palace Photo Archive

Golestan Palace — 2017 — WHECD4D823BBA

Micro-Fourier Transform Infrared (µ-FTIR) spectroscopy has been demonstrated as a rapid, cost-effective, and non-destructive technique for identifying photographic glass plate emulsions, offering significant advantages over traditional visual or optical microscopic analyses. This study applied µ-FTIR to analyze glass plates from the Golestan Palace photo archive, confirming its efficacy in revealing material composition without requiring destructive sampling. The findings highlight the potential of this method as a routine diagnostic tool for heritage conservation, enabling deeper insights into photographic materials and ancient techniques while supporting preservation efforts.

Application of Remote Sensing and GIS for Assessing Land Cover Resources Variability in the Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania

Selous Game Reserve — 2017 — WHEBB95E936A8

Between 2000 and 2010, the Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania experienced a significant decline in vegetation density, as revealed by normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) analysis. The study, which used Landsat TM and ETM+ images to map land cover changes, found that dense vegetation (NDVI ≥ 0.72) shrank from covering 46.5% of the reserve in 2000 to just 8.04% by 2010. This decline highlights the importance of integrating remote sensing and GIS for monitoring land cover variability, detecting habitat fragmentation, and informing wildlife conservation strategies.

Appropriate participatory food waste management in the World Heritage Site, the Historic City of Ayutthaya

Historic City of Ayutthaya — 2017 — WHE6A2EE5F41A

A participatory food waste management strategy for the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Historic City of Ayutthaya, demonstrated that converting domestic food waste into bio-extract or bio-fertilizer is an effective approach to improve waste separation and urban environment. The study, employing quantitative methods and Participatory Action Research (PAR), found that while 87.2% of participants separated recyclable garbage, only 72.2% separated food waste due to attitudes toward waste management. PAR revealed that producing bio-fertilizer from food waste could enhance community engagement in waste separation, offering a sustainable solution for preserving Ayutthaya's heritage status by addressing waste-related image concerns.

Architecture of a hydroelectrically powered wireless sensor node for underground environmental monitoring

Historic Centre of Siena — 2017 — WHE19487CF784

A novel hydroelectrically powered wireless sensor node enables autonomous, real-time monitoring of underground environmental conditions without external power sources. The system harnesses energy from flowing water using a watermill principle, making it ideal for deployment in historic underground aqueducts like Siena's 'Bottini.' This innovation minimizes maintenance and supports the preservation of ancient sites by providing continuous data on environmental parameters. Tested at 'Fontebranda,' one of the largest fountains in the network, the node integrates power generation, data acquisition, and wireless transmission, demonstrating its feasibility for long-term, independent operation.

Asmara: Africa’s Modernist City (UNESCO World Heritage Nomination)

Asmara: A Modernist African City — 2017 — WHE119556511C

Asmara, Eritrea's modernist capital, stands as a groundbreaking example of colonial urban planning and architecture that challenges Eurocentric narratives. The city's nomination for UNESCO World Heritage List (WHL) in 2016, supported by nearly two decades of interdisciplinary research, highlights its unique blend of innovative functional zoning, modernist design, and local cultural integration. Unlike many post-colonial settings, Asmara's conservation approach emphasizes preserving early colonial-era architecture, offering a critical lens to reassess global heritage perceptions. The research aims to secure the city's WHL inscription while addressing the underrepresentation of African and modernist sites on the list, fostering stability and prosperity.

Assessing the sustainability of tourism-related livelihoods in an urban World Heritage Site

Historic City of Ayutthaya — 2017 — WHE0542C2E77C

Research on the Historic City of Ayutthaya reveals that tourism-related livelihoods in urban areas are inherently unsustainable when measured by self-reliance, as residents heavily depend on external sources. The study, using DFID’s Sustainable Livelihood Framework, highlights conflicts between the urban poor and both the Thai government and neighboring industrial zones due to tourism and development pressures. These tensions raise concerns about the potential loss of World Heritage status. The findings challenge traditional sustainability metrics by emphasizing that urban livelihoods cannot be evaluated solely on self-reliance, given their reliance on external inputs.

Assessment of soil erosion in a tropical mountain river basin of the southern Western Ghats, India using RUSLE and GIS

Western Ghats — 2017 — WHE5041EB7780

Researchers found that while the Muthirapuzha River Basin (MRB) in the southern Western Ghats, India, experiences significant gross soil erosion at 14.36 tons per hectare per year, net erosion is substantially lower at 3.60 tons due to deposition processes. About 86% of the basin undergoes slight erosion, while nearly 3% acts as a depositional environment for sediments. Human activities in agricultural areas and tea plantations significantly accelerate soil erosion compared to natural vegetation belts. The study used the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) combined with transport-limited sediment delivery (TLSD) modeling to quantify soil erosion and deposition, providing critical data for land management strategies to mitigate soil degradation in tropical mountain river basins.

Auschwitz and After

Auschwitz Birkenau
German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp (1940-1945) — 2017 — WHE47C344A4D0

Auschwitz and After offers a profound exploration of memory, time, culpability, and survival through the lens of a Holocaust survivor's memoir. The work, penned by CP Delbo—a member of the French resistance—examines the enduring psychological and societal impacts of Nazi atrocities, often referred to as the 'afterdeath' of the Holocaust. Lawrence L. Langer's updated introduction deepens the analysis, contextualizing Delbo's account within broader scholarly discourse on trauma and historical culpability. This edition expands on the original with a new bibliography, enriching its significance in Holocaust studies.