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Publications

Showing 15621 – 15640 of 15962 publications

Strategies and Challenges of Tourist Facilities Management in the World Heritage Site: Case of the Maritime Greenwich, London

Maritime Greenwich — 2012 — WHECC6051C7EC

A significant gap exists between tourists' expectations and their satisfaction with facilities at the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site (MGWHS), highlighting critical areas for improvement without compromising its architectural and natural aesthetics. Key issues include sanitation, resting places, catering, accessibility for disabled individuals or parents with infants, and multilingual directional signage. The study employed a qualitative research method, specifically an explanatory case study, relying on primary data collected through semistructured interviews to identify these deficiencies and propose solutions. This research underscores the importance of balancing tourist facility management with the preservation of UNESCO World Heritage Site integrity.

Study on 3D Laser Scanning Measurement and Visual Expression Application in Suzhou Classical Gardens

Classical Gardens of Suzhou — 2012 — WHE86A86065EF

3D laser scanning technology emerges as a powerful tool for the accurate measurement and visual expression of Suzhou's classical gardens, offering significant potential for preserving their rich cultural heritage. This study demonstrates that such technology can capture detailed cloud data and process it into precise digital representations using AutoCAD software. By achieving high-fidelity 3D visualizations, researchers have shown that this method not only facilitates the documentation of garden architecture but also contributes to the long-term protection of these intangible cultural assets. The findings underscore the importance of integrating advanced digital techniques in heritage conservation efforts.

Su Nuraxi di Barumini: materiali ceramici dalla capanna 144

Su Nuraxi di Barumini — 2012 — WHECD99121AE4

A detailed analysis of ceramics from Room 144 at the UNESCO-listed Su Nuraxi di Barumini site suggests that this nuragic structure, dated to the Late Bronze Age II, primarily functioned as a kitchen. The study, based on excavation data from Lilliu (1951-1956), identified a high proportion of pottery linked to fire control and food preparation, supporting the hypothesis that Room 144 served this specialized purpose alongside other functions. Comparative analysis with published nuragic materials refined its chronological placement, contributing new insights into the functional organization of nuragic villages during this period.

Subsistence Whaling and the Norse Diaspora: Norsemen, Basques, and Whale Use in the Western North Atlantic, CA. AD 900–1640

Red Bay Basque Whaling Station — 2012 — WHE33CCE3825C

Between the 16th and early 17th centuries, Basque whalers established a network of whaling stations along the Strait of Belle Isle, with Red Bay as their primary hub. They harvested an estimated 20,000 to 40,000 whales, primarily right and bowhead species, capitalizing on the abundant marine resources brought by the cold Labrador Current. This subsistence whaling venture marked one of North America's earliest large-scale entrepreneurial efforts, blending Norse diaspora influences with Basque maritime traditions. The study reconstructs this historical whaling practice through archaeological evidence and documentary records, revealing its economic significance and ecological impact during a pivotal period in Atlantic history.

Sustainable Hospitality and Tourism as Motors for Development

Sundarbans National Park — 2012 — WHE3BEF025D80

Sustainable tourism can drive development while preserving biodiversity, as demonstrated by global case studies. The research highlights successful models such as community-based ecotourism in the Amazon and eco-lodges that integrate conservation with economic growth. It explores innovative approaches like integrated circuits for sustainable tourism planning, eco-retrofits in vulnerable regions (e.g., Sundarbans), and stakeholder perspectives in protected areas (e.g., Masai Mara). Key challenges—such as balancing luxury with sustainability or addressing rural ethnic tourism development—are also addressed. The study combines qualitative analyses of diverse projects, including private-communal partnerships, restoration preferences, and volunteer tourism models, to derive actionable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders.

Técnicas Arqueométricas Combinadas Aplicadas al Análisis de Diseños de Alfarería "Tricolor" de Quebrada de Humahuaca, Jujuy, Argentina

Quebrada de Humahuaca — 2012 — WHEA04E3796CF

A combined application of archaeometric techniques has revealed significant insights into the design patterns of tricolor pottery from Quebrada de Humahuaca, Argentina. The study identified distinct stylistic elements and manufacturing processes that provide a deeper understanding of the cultural and technological practices of ancient societies in the region. By analyzing surface designs on ceramic fragments using advanced methods, researchers were able to trace the evolution of pottery styles and their potential symbolic or functional significance. This approach offers a novel way to interpret archaeological data, bridging gaps between material culture and historical context.

Temples et marques du pouvoir romain en Arabie romaine

Ancient City of Bosra — 2012 — WHE53C5E7D6D4

This study reveals that the Nabataeans, following the peaceful annexation of their kingdom by Rome in 106 AD, maintained architectural and religious autonomy despite Roman dominance. While Roman sanctuaries were established in Decapolis cities like Amman and Jerash, the Nabataeans integrated Graeco-Roman imagery into their temples while preserving Semitic worship practices. The research analyzes how this dual tradition—marked by both Roman influence and Nabataean continuity—reflects a strategy of cultural preservation and religious freedom within the newly formed Roman province of Arabia. The study also highlights the construction or embellishment of local sanctuaries, such as those in Khirbet edh-Dharih and Wadi Ramm, alongside the elevation of Petra to metropolis status, suggesting a complex interplay between Roman administrative power and Nabataean identity.

The 27–year decline of coral cover on the Great Barrier Reef and its causes

Great Barrier Reef — 2012 — WHEA3BA038109

A 27-year decline in coral cover on the Great Barrier Reef, from 28.0% to 13.8%, was driven primarily by tropical cyclones (48%), crown-of-thorns starfish predation (42%), and bleaching (10%), resulting in a mortality rate of 3.38% per year. Despite this decline, the northern region remained stable, and reefs demonstrated substantial recovery potential at 2.85% per year without these stressors. Reducing crown-of-thorns starfish populations through improved water quality and alternative control measures could mitigate further decline, but only if climate conditions are stabilized to curb increasing losses from bleaching and cyclones.

The case study of the Pátio dos Carrascos at the Convent of Christ. Archaeological record of the recovery project

Convent of Christ in Tomar — 2012 — WHE3748E5A8D6

Archaeological excavations at the Pátio dos Carrascos, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Convent of Christ in Tomar, revealed significant insights into the site's construction and reuse phases. The study, conducted in July 2010 as preliminary work for a restoration project, utilized advanced methodologies including traditional drawings, rectified photography, and point cloud extractions to document all excavation stages with precision. These techniques enabled the post-production of detailed records, capturing the evolution of the site's architecture across multiple phases. The findings contribute valuable data for conservation efforts and computational analysis, enhancing our understanding of this historic monument's architectural history.

The coexistence of Baird's tapir (Tapirus bairdii) and indigenous hunters in northeastern Honduras

Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve — 2012 — WHE0623AC9AD3

Indigenous hunters in northeastern Honduras play a crucial role in the survival of Baird's tapir (Tapirus bairdii), despite hunting rates exceeding sustainable levels. The study, conducted over four months within the Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve, mapped hunting zones and interviewed community members to understand tapir harvesting patterns. Findings reveal that tapirs persist near communities due to the presence of unhunted forest areas and anthropogenic habitats created by shifting cultivation. This suggests that indigenous hunters may contribute positively to tapir conservation across its range, challenging assumptions about human-wildlife conflict in endangered species management.

The Contribution of IslamicWaqfto Managing the Conservation of Buildings in the Historic Stone Town of Zanzibar

Stone Town of Zanzibar — 2012 — WHE29796EB60E

A resilient management system rooted in Islamic waqf traditions effectively shields historic buildings from external threats, ensuring their long-term survival. This study examines the Stone Town of Zanzibarwhere waqf structures provide financial and operational frameworks that adapt to economic, political, and human pressures. By analyzing waqf's governance, financing, and maintenance practices, researchers found that its ability to evolve with prevailing conditions acts as a critical safeguard against degradation. Unlike conventional conservation models, this approach emphasizes proactive protection over reactive maintenance, offering a sustainable blueprint for preserving cultural heritage.

The dialectics of functional and historical morphology in the evolution of a city: the case of the Stone Town of Zanzibar

Stone Town of Zanzibar — 2012 — WHE964BEB42E4

A study of the Stone Town of Zanzibar reveals that its axial street structure has remained a consistent force shaping urban functions despite significant historical and socio-political changes. The research found that the town's syntactic centrality, analyzed through Space Syntax techniques, evolved in distinct phases but maintained a diffused pattern influencing current land use, ownership, building classifications, and streetscape elements. This dialectical relationship between history and function offers an enriched methodology for understanding urban morphological processes, bridging historical specificity with generic spatial analysis. The findings contribute to both urban theory and historical research by emphasizing the interplay between design and power politics in traditional cities.

The effects of climate change on people in the Andes: melting glaciers mean drought, tension and conflict for Peru’s mountain people in and around Huascarán National Park

Huascarán National Park — 2012 — WHEDCC6B4DA02

Peru's Cordillera Blanca, home to the indigenous Quechua-speaking people and Huascarán National Park, is experiencing severe societal impacts due to climate change, particularly from melting glaciers. This study highlights that Peruvians face disproportionate consequences compared to other regions, yet there is a scarcity of information on human responses or societal effects in developing mountain areas. The research focuses on the tension and conflict arising from drought conditions caused by glacier retreat, offering insights into the complex interplay between environmental change and community dynamics in vulnerable regions.

The first microbeam synchrotron X-ray fluorescence beamline at the Siam Photon Laboratory

Ban Chiang Archaeological Site — 2012 — WHE2B731C6E24

A groundbreaking microbeam synchrotron X-ray fluorescence (µ-SXRF) beamline at the Siam Photon Laboratory has demonstrated its capability to distinguish elemental distributions on ancient pottery from Ban Chiang. This advancement leverages synchrotron radiation focused to micrometer precision using an X-ray capillary half-lens, enabling non-destructive analysis of cultural heritage materials. The beamline, initially designed for deep X-ray lithography, was adapted for µ-SXRF and synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction (SXPD) through strategic modifications, including the installation of a Si(111) crystal and specialized end-stations. Performance testing on Ban Chiang pottery confirmed the technique's ability to resolve elemental surface profiles with high precision, marking a significant leap in archaeological material analysis.

The first record of living “Fossil” species (Laonestes aenigmanus) in Phong Nha - Ke Bang, Quang Binh province, Vietnam

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park — 2012 — WHE6635470AFB

Researchers confirm the presence of Laonestes aenigmamus, a living 'fossil' species thought extinct since the Miocene, in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam. This discovery extends its known range from Hin Nam No National Biodiversity Conservation Area (Lao PDR) to central Vietnam, marking it as the sole surviving member of an ancient rodent family. The study identified four specimens through morphological and skull analysis, proposing the Vietnamese name 'Truong son Rat' (Annamite Rat). Threats include hunting and forest destruction, with urgent conservation action recommended due to its limited distribution and ecological significance.

The Giant Stelae of Aksum in the Light of the 1999 Excavations

Aksum — 2012 — WHEB7779473F3

1999 excavations at Aksum, Ethiopia, revealed the original foundation of Stela 2—later removed to Rome in 1937—enabling its precise re-erection in 2008. The study also challenged long-held assumptions about the design, construction, and destruction of Aksum’s three giant stelae, offering new insights into their historical significance.

The hypogeal necropolis with domus de janas at Birgusa, Corraile – Thiesi (SS)

Funerary Tradition in the Prehistory of Sardinia – The domus de janas — 2012 — WHE255FB51A1D

The hypogeal necropolis at Birgusa, Corraile (Thiesi, Sardinia) stands out as the largest domus de janas grave complex in its region, featuring eight monumental tombs and a natural cave. These structures, dating back to the 5th–4th millennium BCE during the San Michele Ozieri culture, exhibit architectural consistency with other necropolises in the area while incorporating unique symbolic and monumental elements linked to burial cult practices. The site's strategic location on the Corraile plateau (480 m asl) suggests its significance within a broader settlement context. This study highlights the necropolis's role in understanding Neolithic funerary traditions, burial symbolism, and cultural continuity in central Sardinia.

The LanceletAsymmetron lucayanumComplex in Cocos Island National Park, Pacific Costa Rica

Cocos Island National Park — 2012 — WHE48131284C0

Researchers document the first occurrence of the lancelet Asymmetron lucayanum complex in the eastern Pacific, specifically within Cocos Island National Park. This discovery is significant as it expands the known distribution of this circumtropical species, which was previously unrecorded in the region. The study, conducted during a benthic survey, analyzed taxonomically significant characters such as myotome count and gonad placement to confirm the identification. Lancelets were found in subtidal sandy bottoms (5–42 m) with slightly gravelly, poorly sorted sediment. This finding contributes valuable baseline data for understanding marine biodiversity in this remote and ecologically important site.

The making of Jerusalem's ‘Holy Basin’

Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls — 2012 — WHE954128FFBC

Jerusalem's 'Holy Basin,' a geographical zone encompassing the historic Old City and containing sites sacred to Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, has been significantly shaped by Western conservation practices and Romantic landscape perceptions introduced during the 19th century. This study reveals how these imperialist influences, first implemented by the British, have not only altered Jerusalem's urban fabric but also redefined its historic parts' role in modern planning. While the Holy Basin is now central to contemporary political discussions and conflict narratives, this research focuses on its historical development, highlighting the profound impact of Western conservation practices on the city's understanding and integration.

The Maned Wolves of Noel Kempff Mercado National Park

Noel Kempff Mercado National Park — 2012 — WHEB44D316226

Maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) exhibit unique territorial behavior and seasonal activity patterns, with home ranges varying from 40–123 km² and strong seasonal variations in land use. GPS-collar data revealed that adult maned wolves travel an average of 14 km/night during dry months and 7 km/night in wet months, with activity being sharply nocturnal in the dry season but partly diurnal in the rainy season. The study also found that females hold territories into which males move to form pairs, while young males emigrate. Young females often stay on natal territories as presumed helpers, acquiring the territory upon the disappearance or death of adult females. Dental disease was identified as a major cause of morbidity, with extreme tooth wear observed by 8 years old. Habitat loss and drought-related resource loss are significant conservation threats to the species in Noel Kempff Mercado National Park, Bolivia.