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Showing 14761 – 14780 of 15962 publications

Raw material exploitation strategies on the flint mining site of Spiennes (Hainaut, Belgium)

Neolithic Flint Mines at Spiennes (Mons) — 2016 — WHE80DB378547

The Neolithic flint mines at Spiennes (Mons, Belgium) represent one of Europe's most extensive and long-lasting mining operations, spanning from 4350 to 2300 BCE. This study reveals that the site's longevity was enabled by its rich flint resources, favorable geography, and sophisticated mining strategies, which evolved over time. Analysis of stratigraphic evidence and flint production suggests variability in both synchronic and diachronic mining techniques, particularly for standardized axeheads and blades. The research also proposes a hypothesis linking the seasonality of mining activities to the permanent settlement of Michelsberg populations, who combined farming with specialized mining and knapping. Group specialization, social control of resources, and century-old traditions likely sustained Spiennes' dominance in the Mons Basin's raw material supply for centuries.

Razionalità e mistero a Castel del Monte

Castel del Monte — 2016 — WHE953199A467

Castel del Monte, the enigmatic fortress commissioned by Emperor Frederick II of Swabia, embodies rational beauty through its perfect forms and mathematical precision. The structure's design, rooted in concepts like the golden ratio, reflects a deliberate harmony of form, number, and naturalistic detail, symbolizing imperial perfection. While the building's myriad interpretations remain speculative, its aesthetic and symbolic significance stand as a testament to the intersection of art, mathematics, and political power. This study underscores Castel del Monte’s role as a masterful fusion of rationality and mystery, where every element serves both functional and symbolic purposes.

Reconstructing concealed cultural remains through integrated geophysical tomographic methods.

Archaeological Site of Delphi — 2016 — WHE756D1BF51B

Integrated geophysical tomographic methods, including Seismic Refraction Tomography (SRT), Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), successfully reconstructed buried archaeological structures at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Delphi. The study demonstrated that these non-invasive techniques can accurately map subsurface cultural remains up to 5 meters deep, providing high-resolution 3-D models of walls and other features within a relatively uniform soil matrix. By employing advanced tomographic inversion algorithms for SRT and ERT data, along with signal enhancement filters for GPR, researchers validated the existence of concealed archaeological elements, offering a robust tool for cultural resource management and preservation efforts.

Redefinition of Pedestrian Route-Finding Networks as a Tool to Return Vitality and Responsiveness to Yazd Khan Plaza

Historic City of Yazd — 2016 — WHECE935C4B2D

A strategic redefinition of pedestrian route-finding networks can effectively restore vitality and responsiveness to historic urban spaces, as demonstrated by the case study of Yazd Khan Plaza in Iran. The research proposes that balancing social life in historic contexts—often disrupted by modern urban elements—can be achieved by leveraging existing communication networks while strategically redefining historic pathways. This approach addresses imbalances caused by Pahlavi-era street lines, offering a solution to reclaim dynamic public spaces without altering the core structure of heritage sites. The study provides executable strategies to enhance pedestrian connectivity, ensuring comprehensive dynamism in historically significant areas.

Redescription of two troglobiotic species of Deuteraphorura Absolon, 1901 (Collembola, Onychiuridae) from the Western Carpathians

Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst — 2016 — WHEF9A465C885

A detailed redescription of two troglobiotic species, Deuteraphorura kratochvili and D. schoenviszkyi, from the Western Carpathian caves reveals their unique morphological traits, including the absence of pseudocelli on thoracic tergum I and the presence of a male ventral organ on abdominal terga II–III. Both species are obligate cave-dwelling forms (troglobionts), restricted to subterranean environments. The study examines intraspecific variability in D. kratochvili from its type locality, Demänovská Cave System, while D. schoenviszkyi is redescribed based on specimens from both Slovak and Aggtelek Karst, where the type locality is situated. An identification key for Deuteraphorura species lacking pseudocelli on thoracic segment I is also provided, aiding in their taxonomic differentiation.

Relikty przebiegu sieci drożnej bliskich przedmieść Torunia z końca XVIII wieku we współczesnej topografii miasta na podstawie analizy GIS

Medieval Town of Toruń — 2016 — WHE3A83675408

Approximately 40% of the contemporary street network in Toruń’s close suburbs corresponds to roadways from the late 18th century, with some sections likely tracing back even further to medieval times. This finding emerges from a GIS-based analysis comparing historical plans—lacking cartometric precision—to modern geodetic data. Researchers applied rubber sheeting transformation to align the outdated maps, enabling quantitative and qualitative extraction of road data while accounting for potential errors in alignment. The study highlights the resilience of Toruń’s suburban road network despite significant urban transformations, including 17th–19th century fortifications. This approach demonstrates the utility of GIS in reconstructing historical urban landscapes with high probability, bridging gaps between past and present topography.

Repartition Des Glossines Dans La Province De L’ogooue Ivindo Ancien Foyer De Trypanosomose Humaine Africaine

Ivindo National Park — 2016 — WHE83F3BBF331

A recent study reveals that the Ogooué Ivindo province in Gabon, historically a focal region for Human African Trypanosomosis (HAT), remains infested with tsetse flies, major vectors of the disease. The research identified seven species of Glossina, with Glossina palpalis palpalis being the most abundant at 46%, followed by Glossina fusca congolensis and Glossina nashi. The study employed Vavoua and Nzi traps across four distinct habitats: Ivindo National Park, Zadié Village, Forest of Zadié, and Momba clearing, capturing a total of 2383 flies. These findings underscore the ongoing risk of HAT transmission in the region, emphasizing the need for further monitoring to assess its epidemiological significance on human health.

Replication for Chauvet Cave

Decorated Cave of Pont d’Arc, known as Grotte Chauvet-Pont d’Arc, Ardèche — 2016 — WHE1C2F4572E3

Chauvet Cave, discovered in 1994 and later designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, holds some of the earliest known cave art, predating any previously recognized examples. The cave's wall paintings and engravings, which were initially celebrated as representing the 'Dawn of art,' were closed to the public in 1994 to protect them from chemical and microbial damage. In April 2015, replicas of the most striking imagery were opened at a purpose-built site, Caverne du Pont d'Arc, allowing for the preservation and study of the original cave while providing access to its artistic treasures.

Report on Previous and Plan of Future Geodynamic Research in the Historical Centre of Old City of Dubrovnik

Old City of Dubrovnik — 2016 — WHE787780BA91

Dubrovnik is located in a highly seismic region, with its historical center experiencing significant deformation due to tectonic movements. A study analyzing geodetic measurements from the 1980s and 1990s revealed critical deformations, particularly following the 1995-1996 earthquake sequence that included over 3000 tremors. The research highlights the urgent need for expanded interdisciplinary geodynamic monitoring, including precise horizontal, GNSS, and gravimetric measurements, to better understand the seismic risks posed by the Adriatic micro-plate's movements. This comprehensive approach aims to inform future research and reconstruction efforts in the vulnerable historical center.

Research and photographing of medieval monuments under the auspices of the National Museum in Belgrade to 1941

Medieval Monuments in Kosovo — 2016 — WHEE693CBE862

A comprehensive study of medieval monuments in Kosovo, conducted under the auspices of the National Museum in Belgrade from 1881 to 1941, revealed significant advancements in the documentation and preservation of Serbian medieval heritage. The research, led by Vladimir R. Petković, introduced a systematic approach to fieldwork and academic study, resulting in over 7,500 photographs on glass plates—a invaluable resource for studying now-illegible or destroyed data. This effort laid the groundwork for critical scholarly approaches to Serbian medieval art, architecture, and wall paintings, while also initiating preservation efforts such as protective roofs for Rudenica and Gradac Monastery. The study's findings were published in the journal Starinar and the Serbian Monuments series, supported by the Mihajlo Pupin Foundation, which significantly contributed to the field.

Restos de Cangrejo Rojo (Gecarcinus lateralis) y Cangrejo Azul (Cardisoma guanhumi), en el Contexto Arqueológico Teotihuacano de Teopancazco

Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan — 2016 — WHE9290DB4973

A rare discovery of crab remains, specifically from the red crab (Gecarcinus lateralis) and blue crab (Cardisoma guanhumi), in the archaeological context of Teopancazco at the Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan reveals a previously undocumented cultural relationship between ancient central Mexican societies and coastal inhabitants. This finding, derived from excavations led by Dr. Linda R. Manzanilla, indicates that these crabs were part of the region's biodiversity and likely played roles in trade, rituals, or diet during the late Tlamimilolpa to Xolalpan stages (300-600 AD). The presence of fish bones, a sea urchin, and crab chelae fragments underscores the significance of coastal wildlife in Teotihuacan's socio-economic landscape, challenging previous assumptions about its limited interaction with marine resources.

Results of Long-Term (2006-2016) Avian Influenza Surveillance in Wild Birds of Uvs Nuur Lake

Uvs Nuur Basin — 2016 — WHE7DEC1EB2C7

Long-term avian influenza surveillance at Lake Uvs Nuur, a key Northern Eurasian site, reveals its critical role as a reservoir for the preservation and evolution of influenza A virus in wild bird populations. The study, spanning 2006-2016, analyzed highly pathogenic H5N1 circulation and molecular epidemiology using phylogenetic analysis (MEGA 5.2 software) to construct genetic distance matrices via the Kimura two-parameter method. Findings highlight the biogeocoenose's significance for viral dynamics, emphasizing the need for continued ecological and virological monitoring to assess epidemic and pandemic potential of novel strains.

Retention of Atmospheric Particles by Local Plant Leaves in the Mount Wutai Scenic Area, China

Mount Wutai — 2016 — WHEA28AFEAF2E

Broad-leaved plants, particularly Populus davidiana (Po. davidiana), Rosa hugonis Hemsl. (R. hugonis), and Betula platyphylla Suk. (B. platyphylla), are highly effective in retaining atmospheric particles in the Mount Wutai scenic area, significantly contributing to air purification. The study found that these plants can retain up to 38.60 ± 18.32 mg/cm² of suspended particles before rain, with a substantial reduction observed post-rainfall (0.65 ± 0.23 to 3.50 ± 1.83 mg/cm²). The research analyzed eight plant species, assessing their particle retention capabilities through metrics such as weight, light-shaded area, and horizontal density of particles on leaves. While broad-leaved plants demonstrated superior performance, needle-leaved species like Pinus tabuliformis Carrière (Pi. tabuliformis) were found to be less effective for air purification in this context.

Robinia pseudoacacia L. in the Western Caucasus

Western Caucasus — 2016 — WHED80D3A594F

Robinia pseudoacacia L., commonly known as black locust, does not reduce arboreal species diversity in riparian forests of the Western Caucasus despite its increasing dominance over native tree species. The study, conducted by Akatov et al. (2016), reveals that while R. pseudoacacia is most abundant where native dominants hold a middle-level presence, its proliferation does not negatively impact overall forest diversity. Researchers analyzed distribution, age structure, and population dynamics across the region, finding that most individuals are under 20 years old, suggesting rapid colonization but limited long-term persistence. The study highlights the resilience of riparian forests to invasive species, offering insights into ecological succession and conservation strategies for UNESCO World Heritage Sites like those in the Western Caucasus.

Roving with a Digital Visual Library: Increased Learning Opportunities at Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park — 2016 — WHEA4CB4C4007

A pilot program integrating digital visualizations into visitor interpretation at Carlsbad Caverns National Park demonstrated significant potential to enhance science literacy and engagement. Rangers reported that tablet-based presentations of research on Brazilian free-tailed bats improved their ability to achieve interpretive goals, particularly in strategic locations like the cave entrance. Visitors responded positively, though challenges remained, suggesting this blended approach warrants further exploration for broader application in science communication at UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Rules of Narrative in Humayun’s Tomb

Humayun's Tomb, Delhi — 2016 — WHEDDBB9A83A2

Humayun's Tomb in Delhi employs narrative techniques through architectural design to create visual drama, revealing its protagonist—the tomb's massive white dome—through a dynamic interplay of supporting elements like arches and changing perspectives. The study identifies key rules governing this narrative, such as the alternating revelation and concealment of the dome, framed glimpses of the protagonist, and the gradual unveiling of the mausoleum's grandeur. These techniques generate visual acceleration, enhancing the visitor's experience by rapidly shifting horizontal and vertical angles of vision. While the research relies on observations of the current built environment—lacking documentary evidence of original intent—it establishes design principles for crafting visually engaging spaces in architecture.

Sado Island: Student cultural activities—The drum performance

Sado Island Gold Mines — 2016 — WHE5D798E1F98

Sado Island's Oni-Daiko drum performances, a traditional cultural practice involving students and villagers, foster personal growth and community engagement. Conducted annually since 2009 in Toyooka village, the festival begins at a shrine and involves parading through homes before returning to the shrine. Performances occur from early morning to evening, with students showcasing their skills after a week-long lesson. While the practice faces challenges due to population decline, it remains a vital cultural activity aiming for continued preservation. This study highlights the educational and social significance of traditional arts in maintaining cultural heritage amidst demographic changes.

Safranbolu Kentsel Sit Alanında Otopark Sorunu Ve Çözüm Alternatifleri

City of Safranbolu — 2016 — WHEC38F265B05

Safranbolu, recognized as Turkey's capital of protection and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, faces significant parking challenges within its Çarşı zone due to inadequate parking spaces. A study analyzed these issues and found that the existing conservation-based development plan does not sufficiently address the problem, particularly during weekends and holidays when tourism peaks. The research introduced three alternative approaches aimed at resolving these parking difficulties while maintaining the integrity of the protected urban site. These solutions focus on balancing tourism growth with sustainable urban planning, offering a model for other heritage sites dealing with similar challenges.

San Pedro Leucogranite from a Coruña, Northwest of Spain: Uses of a Heritage Stone

Tower of Hercules — 2016 — WHEA951901827

San Pedro leucogranite, sourced from A Coruña in northwest Spain, emerges as a significant heritage stone due to its distinctive color, rarity, and petrophysical properties. This study highlights its historical use in monumental structures, including the UNESCO-listed Hercules Tower lighthouse, which underscores its potential for designation as a Global Heritage Stone Resource. The research approach combines geological analysis with architectural documentation, emphasizing the stone's unique characteristics that have made it a preferred material for medieval monuments such as churches and tombstones.

Sculpting Simulacra in Medieval Germany, 1250–1380 by Assaf Pinkus

Naumburg Cathedral — 2016 — WHE922344ED7D

Assaf Pinkus's Sculpting Simulacra in Medieval Germany, 1250–1380 challenges traditional scholarly interpretations of Gothic sculptures by arguing that these works, particularly those at Naumburg Cathedral and other sites, function as simulacra—inviting diverse emotional and imaginative responses from lay viewers. Unlike previous analyses that focused on religious or mystical experiences, Pinkus contends that such interpretations may overlook the broader cultural impact of these artworks. His study draws on extensive German scholarship but assumes familiarity with this body of work, leaving room for further exploration. While Pinkus provides compelling examples to support his thesis, the book could have benefited from deeper comparisons with French Gothic precedents and more focused discussions on specific monuments.