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Showing 15061 – 15080 of 15962 publications

The Vernacular Journey: Railway Travelers in Early Pahlavi Iran, 1925–50

Trans-Iranian Railway — 2015 — WHEF2906D442D

Railway travel in early Pahlavi Iran (1925–50) was not a unifying experience but a fragmented one, reflecting the diverse social, cultural, and ethnic divisions of Iranian society. Middle-class travelers used the railway space to assert their class identity while distinguishing themselves from others, driven by a desire for a homogeneously Europeanized nation. The study analyzes how journalists constructed the railway traveler as a symbol of modernity before 1938 and how, in the 1940s, the railway became a microcosm of Iran's heterogeneity, compelling travelers to seek national cohesion through extensive travel. It combines discourse analysis with spatial practices to reveal the complex social dynamics of early Iranian railway culture.

Three new species of Begonia endemic to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Palawan

Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park — 2015 — WHE3C594EBAEC

Researchers have discovered three new species of Begonia endemic to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, highlighting the unique flora supported by its limestone habitats. This finding underscores the biodiversity richness and the importance of protecting this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study employed field surveys and morphological analyses to characterize these new species, demonstrating that significant botanical diversity remains undocumented even in well-studied areas.

Three new species of Trigonospila Pokorny (Diptera: Tachinidae), from Area de Conservación Guanacaste, northwestern Costa Rica, with a key for their identification

Area de Conservación Guanacaste — 2015 — WHE7B7F972143

Researchers have identified three new species of Trigonospila flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) from the Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG), Costa Rica, bringing the total known in the New World to ten. These discoveries—Trigonospila edwinbermudezi, T. uniformis, and T. josemariamoragai—were made through a comprehensive study integrating morphological analysis, photographic documentation, life history data, and molecular evidence. The study also describes the previously unknown male of Trigonospila panamensis. All species were reared from ACG caterpillars during an ongoing inventory of caterpillar-parasitoid interactions across dry, rain, and cloud forests, contributing to biodiversity documentation in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Thrust-fault architecture of glaciotectonic complexes in Denmark

Møns Klint — 2015 — WHEFD38120812

A glaciotectonic complex affecting comparable rock units to those at Møns Klint was recently recognized in seismic sections from Jammerbugten in the North Sea, providing a unique opportunity for comparative studies of upper and lower structural levels in thin-skinned thrust-fault deformation. The study highlights the importance of the décollement zone, located 50 to 100 meters below sea level, which separates undeformed bedrock from displaced thrust-sheet units. While structures above sea level at Møns Klint are well-documented, those below remain poorly understood and require further documentation despite previous modeling efforts.

Tourism in Bangladesh: Present Status and Future Prospects

Historic Mosque City of Bagerhat — 2015 — WHE4FEBAC055B

Bangladesh's tourism sector, particularly its UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Historic Mosque City of Bagerhat, contributes significantly to its economy, accounting for 4.4% of GDP, 3.8% of employment, and 1.5% of investment in 2013. Despite hosting around 600,000 tourists in 2012, the country faces challenges in positioning itself as a major global tourist destination. The study highlights Bangladesh's diverse attractions—rivers, coasts, archaeological sites, and religious places—and identifies factors that could bolster its tourism potential. By analyzing current trends and economic impacts, the research suggests strategic improvements to enhance Bangladesh's appeal for both domestic and international tourists.

Tourism Object Benchmarking : Borobudur Temple And Historic City of Ayyuthaya

Historic City of Ayutthaya — 2015 — WHE476947EBEA

Benchmarking analysis between Borobudur Temple (Indonesia) and the Historic City of Ayutthaya (Thailand) reveals key performance gaps that could enhance tourism outcomes. The study, based on surveys of 100 Indonesian tourists familiar with both sites, identifies disparities in economic, satisfaction, sustainability, and organizational indicators. Findings suggest that leveraging Ayutthaya's strengths—such as its reputation for large-scale Hindu temples and ASEAN prominence—could improve Borobudur Temple's visitor experience and economic benefits for local communities. The research employs accidental sampling via online questionnaires to assess performance against predefined standards, offering actionable insights for local authorities to refine services and attract more tourists.

Towards Governance or the Management of Cultural Landscapes

Hallstatt-Dachstein / Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape — 2015 — WHE066D0FE1AE

Effective governance of cultural landscapes, such as Austria's Hallstatt-Dachstein / Salzkammergut World Heritage region, requires integrating natural and cultural heritage into regional development while addressing the complex interplay between stakeholders, including local inhabitants, visitors, businesses, farmers, and civil society. This study highlights the need for a balanced approach that considers both vertical (politics, administration) and horizontal (private sector, civil society) dimensions of governance to sustainably manage these landscapes. The research employs a qualitative analysis of regional planning cultures and legal frameworks, offering insights into how regions can harmonize heritage preservation with economic and social development.

Tracing and tracking wastewater-derived substances in freshwater lakes and reservoirs: Anthropogenic gadolinium and geogenic REEs in Lake Paranoá, Brasilia

Brasilia — 2015 — WHEC942AE40CA

A significant increase in anthropogenic gadolinium (Gd) in Lake Paranoá, Brasilia, between 2012 and 2013, was detected, serving as a tracer for wastewater-derived substances such as pharmaceuticals. This finding highlights the potential of rare earth element (REE) geochemistry as an inexpensive method to monitor water quality, particularly for reservoirs like Lake Paranoá, which may serve as future drinking water sources. The study analyzed total and dissolved REE and uranium concentrations during dry and wet seasons, revealing distinct M-type lanthanide tetrad effects and large positive Gd anomalies, with the latter likely originating from wastewater treatment plant effluents due to the use of Gd-based contrast agents in medical imaging. Additional inputs, such as aeolian or fluvial sources, may contribute to the observed Ce anomaly.

Trade of the most popular Indigenous fruits and nuts, threats and opportunities for their sustainable management around the Ivindo National Park (INP), Gabon

Ivindo National Park — 2015 — WHE2C7335B3FB

A study on the trade of indigenous fruits and nuts around Ivindo National Park (INP), Gabon, reveals that Coula edulis, Irvingia gabonensis, and Dacryodes buettneri are the most sold species, with I. gabonensis fetching the highest prices and serving as a significant income source for sellers. Despite their importance, sellers acknowledge resource decline driven by logging, climate change, and unsustainable harvesting practices. The research, based on semi-structured interviews with 79 market sellers near INP, highlights the need for innovative mechanisms to regulate demand and sustainably manage these resources. It also underscores the role of social factors like marital status and ethnicity in trade participation and suggests further studies on quota-based harvesting approaches.

Traditional Chinese ecological wisdom and its practical meaning: a case study of the river system in Lijiang Old Town

Old Town of Lijiang — 2015 — WHED0809782A1

Lijiang Old Town's river system exemplifies the enduring practical value of traditional Chinese ecological wisdom, demonstrating how ancient principles can address modern environmental challenges. The study reveals that the town's design—rooted in harmonious coexistence with nature—effectively mitigated water pollution and improved water quality through innovative practices like street washing, bridge market culture, and water conservation folklore (e.g., three-hole wells). By integrating these traditional methods into contemporary management, Lijiang achieved significant improvements: sewage treatment rates surged from 45.2% (2008) to 86.82% (2012), and downstream water quality upgraded from 'worst grade V' (2010) to 'grade III' (2014). The research highlights the resilience of ecological wisdom in modern sustainability efforts, offering a blueprint for balancing urban development with environmental stewardship.

Trophies of War: Representing ‘Summer Palace’ Loot in Military Museums in the UK

Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing — 2015 — WHEC8F1FB8EBB

British and French troops looted and destroyed the Yuanmingyuan (Summer Palace) during the Second Opium War, dispersing over a million imperial artifacts globally. This study reveals that military museums in the UK continue to display these artifacts, framing them as 'trophies of war' rather than acknowledging their cultural significance or the context of their acquisition through conflict. The research analyzes how five UK military museums represent these objects, highlighting the complex narratives constructed around China's imperial heritage in such institutional settings.

Two new species ofSaurichthys(Actinopterygii: Saurichthyidae) from the Middle Triassic of Monte San Giorgio, Switzerland, with implications for character evolution in the genus

Monte San Giorgio — 2015 — WHEE9D142FD58

Two new species of the iconic Triassic fish genus Saurichthys have been identified from the Middle Triassic Besano Formation at Monte San Giorgio, Switzerland: S. breviabdominalis, distinguished by its elongated operculum and reduced abdominal region, and S. rieppeli, notable for its block-like haemal arches and unique fin structures. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that S. rieppeli occupies a basal position among Alpine Triassic saurichthyids, supporting hypotheses of convergent evolution in scale reduction within the genus. Meanwhile, S. breviabdominalis forms a monophyletic group with local congeners, suggesting sympatric divergence—a finding that sheds light on ecomorphological divergence and resource partitioning in Triassic marine ecosystems. The study leverages detailed morphological analysis to elucidate character evolution and ecological adaptations in saurichthyid fishes.

Ultrasonic Waves and Strength Reduction Indexes for the Assessment of the Advancement of Deterioration Processes in Travertines from Pamukkale and Hierapolis (Turkey)

Hierapolis-Pamukkale — 2015 — WHEFC2C802B6B

Frost and sulfur dioxide (SO₂) are the most detrimental factors to travertine durability, significantly accelerating deterioration when the stone is already weathered. This finding comes from geomechanical research on Turkish travertines from Pamukkale and Hierapolis, which introduced quantitative indicators—ultrasonic waves index (I Vp) and strength reduction index (I Rc)—to predict long-term structural degradation under environmental stress. The study tested resistance to salt crystallization, SO₂ exposure, frost, and high temperatures, following European standards. Results highlight that these indices can effectively forecast the rate of destructive phenomena, offering a tool for assessing travertine longevity in architectural applications.

UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lenggong Valley, Malaysia: A Review of its Contemporary Heritage Management

Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley — 2015 — WHEEB7F7A450D

Contemporary heritage management at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lenggong Valley, Malaysia, prioritizes archaeological conservation over social, historical, and aesthetic values. A systematically coded content analysis reveals limited stakeholder participation, with decision-making largely controlled by governmental agencies. The study evaluates the Conservation Management Plan (CMP) across five dimensions: legislation, management strategies, implementation, stakeholder involvement, and integration of local values. Findings indicate a need for more inclusive and balanced approaches to heritage conservation that incorporate diverse perspectives.

Unravelling core microbial metabolisms in the hypersaline microbial mats of Shark Bay using high-throughput metagenomics

Shark Bay, Western Australia — 2015 — WHEE7B33D23F6

Shark Bay's hypersaline microbial mats, potential analogues of Earth's earliest ecosystems, exhibit unique metabolic pathways not found elsewhere. A first-of-its-kind shotgun metagenomic analysis revealed that these mats are dominated by Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria, and Bacteroidetes, with distinct microbial community structures compared to Highbourne Cay (Bahamas). Notably, Shark Bay mats feature alternative non-rubisco-based carbon metabolism pathways, such as the reductive TCA cycle and 3-hydroxypropionate/4-hydroxybutyrate cycles, which are absent in other studied ecosystems. Additionally, evidence suggests novel nitrogen and heavy metal cycling processes involving arsenic, mercury, copper, and cadmium. Archaea, highly represented here, may play critical roles in ecosystem function, highlighting Shark Bay's microbial mats as unique and complex ecosystems warranting further study.

Urban Economies and Spatial Governmentalities in the World Heritage City of Antigua, Guatemala

Antigua Guatemala — 2015 — WHEBF31C3EEBC

A new mobile form of street vending has emerged in Antigua, Guatemala, due to changes in municipal regulations and policing priorities. This study examines how spatial governmentality—both horizontal and vertical—shapes the economic practices of Maya street vendors within the UNESCO World Heritage City's sociopolitically constructed spaces. By applying Foucault’s concept of 'governmentality,' the research reveals that these governance dynamics influence why certain street economies persist while others evolve, offering insights into the interplay between urban regulation and informal economic adaptation.

Urban Heritage, Development and Sustainability

Hoi An Ancient Town — 2015 — WHE9EBA83DA0F

A critical disconnect exists between UNESCO's urban heritage frameworks and local development priorities, particularly in balancing conservation with economic growth. The study examines case studies from Hoi An Ancient Town (Vietnam) to Laos, Mozambique, and Hong Kong, revealing how top-down heritage management often clashes with grassroots needs. It highlights the potential of stakeholder involvement and adaptive strategies—such as the 'Historic Urban Landscape' approach—to reconcile conservation with development sustainably. Research combines qualitative analysis of policy implementation, community narratives, and urban planning challenges to propose actionable frameworks for preserving intangible cultural heritage while addressing poverty and displacement.

Using DNA Barcodes to Identify Road-Killed Animals in Two Atlantic Forest Nature Reserves, Brazil

Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves — 2015 — WHEC755920006

A groundbreaking study demonstrates that DNA barcoding is a highly effective tool for identifying road-killed animals, particularly in fragmented habitats where morphological identification is challenging. Researchers analyzed 222 vertebrate samples collected along the BR-101 highway in Brazil's Discovery Coast Atlantic Forest Reserves, successfully identifying 62 different species, including several threatened or vulnerable ones such as Pyrrhura cruentata and Puma yagouaroundi. The most frequently encountered roadkill species were Molossus molossus (a bat), Didelphis aurita (an opossum), and Trachycephalus mesophaeus (a frog). However, the study noted a significant gap in reptile identification due to limited reference sequences in databases like BOLD. This research not only sheds light on the impact of road mortality on biodiversity but also highlights the potential of DNA barcoding as a critical tool for road ecology studies.

Vibration Frequencies Extraction of the Forth Road Bridge Using High Sampling GPS Data

The Forth Bridge — 2015 — WHEB64AD4B757

A novel method using high-sampling GPS data successfully extracted vibration frequencies from the Forth Road Bridge, revealing distinct frequency responses under different loading conditions. The study demonstrated that GPS can reliably capture 3D deflections and accurately extract structural frequencies, with height displacement time series providing more stable results than lateral displacements. Key frequencies of 0.105 Hz and 0.269 Hz were identified from both lateral and height data, correlating well under ambient circulation, strong wind, and trial loadings with two 40-ton lorries. This approach offers a robust tool for real-time structural monitoring.

Vienne et l'opéra impérial baroque. Un système, une symbolique

Historic Centre of Vienna — 2015 — WHE8564708230

During the reign of Leopold I (1658) to Charles VI (1740), Vienna emerged as a pivotal center for Baroque Italian opera, leveraging its status as the capital of the Holy Roman Empire. The study reveals that imperial operatic performances were not merely artistic expressions but part of a structured system designed to glorify the Habsburg dynasty. These performances, characterized by their exceptional quality and symbolism, drew from antique and Christianized mythologies, reinforcing the dynasty's historical mission through deliberate staging. The research identifies three key pillars supporting this system: the poeta Cesareo, the composer, and the stage designer, all contributing to a cohesive narrative that integrated music, drama, and visual artistry to serve imperial propaganda.