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Showing 16221 – 16240 of 30345 publications

Cahokia: Urbanization, Metabolism, and Collapse

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site — 2019 — WHEF6688D9D2E

Cahokia, the largest pre-Columbian city north of Mexico, experienced a dramatic collapse in the 12th century A.D. that left its sustaining region abandoned for centuries. Research suggests environmental degradation, likely due to intensive societal metabolism and public works, rendered the area unsuitable for settlement. The study examines key factors such as urbanization trends, elite growth, rural population dynamics, and environmental changes in the American Bottom to understand Cahokia's decline. By analyzing these interconnected elements, the research provides insights into the fragility of complex societies facing resource strain.

Caliphs, Elites, and Servants in the Qaṣr of Madīnat Al-Zahrā’ in the Light of Its Residential Architecture

Caliphate City of Medina Azahara — 2019 — WHE6604381DCC

Archaeological analysis of the Qaṣr of Madīnat Al-Zahrā’ reveals distinct residential categories among its inhabitants, identifying four key groups: the caliph and heir, high state functionaries, domestic supervisors, and servants. This finding sheds light on the social hierarchy and daily life within this 10th-century Caliphal city. The study focuses on the 'private' sector of the palace complex, using architectural evidence to differentiate roles based on living quarters and functional spaces. By examining spatial organization and structural features, researchers uncover how power dynamics were reflected in residential design, offering new insights into Umayyad governance and elite culture.

Cambodian and Thai Political Actors Interest in Preah Vihear Temple Border Conflict in 2008-2011

Temple of Preah Vihear — 2019 — WHE20426C9281

Border conflicts between nations can be significantly influenced by the domestic political interests of key actors, often serving as tools for maintaining or gaining power. This study highlights how the 2008-2011 Preah Vihear temple dispute between Cambodia and Thailand was exploited by political leaders in both countries—Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen (CPP) and Thailand's Prime Ministers Abhisit Vejjajiva (PD) and Yingluck Shinawatra (Pheu Thai Party)—to advance their domestic agendas. Unlike previous analyses that focused on descriptive or chronological accounts, this research shifts the narrative by emphasizing the strategic use of international disputes for domestic political gain, offering a fresh perspective on conflict dynamics in interstate relations.

Can a Garden be the Place of Cultural Integration? Sacral Aspect of Contemporary Garden Exhibitions in Germany

Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin — 2019 — WHE13FE894CE5

Garden exhibitions in Germany serve as significant spaces for cultural integration, with sacral elements playing a pivotal role. These exhibitions, including 13 exhibition areas from eight events (such as the IGA and BUGA), incorporate religious and cultural references in various forms—ranging from large-scale green temples to small chapels and theme gardens. The study reveals that sacral aspects are integral to human life, fostering social cohesion and preserving cultural traditions. This recognition underscores the importance of religious motives in contemporary garden exhibitions, demonstrating their ability to function as both temporary landscape accents and permanent landmarks. By analyzing these exhibitions, the research highlights the enduring relevance of faith and religion in shaping community identity and landscape design.

Carbon Flow for Plankton Metabolism of Saco do Mamanguá Ría, Bay of Ilha Grande, a Subtropical Coastal Environment in the South Brazil Bight

Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity — 2019 — WHEE331AB4B39

In the subtropical coastal waters of Saco do Mamanguá Ría, part of Brazil's Bay of Ilha Grande, autotrophic plankton production does not balance the ecosystem’s carbon metabolism. Research reveals a persistent net community production deficit—ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 mg m⁻² d⁻¹—suggesting heterotrophic respiration exceeds primary production. The study proposes that nano-heterotroph grazing on bacteria may offset this imbalance, a finding applicable to broader meso-oligotrophic Brazilian shelf waters. The investigation analyzed photosynthetic carbon fixation and plankton metabolism over time, employing field measurements and ecological modeling to quantify carbon flow dynamics.

Caridina biyiga sp. nov., a new freshwater shrimp (Crustacea: Decapoda: Atyidae) from Leichhardt Springs, Kakadu National Park, Australia, based on morphological and molecular data, with a preliminary illustrated key to Northern Territory Caridina

Kakadu National Park — 2019 — WHEB0940AF9E0

Scientists have identified Caridina biyiga, a new species of freshwater shrimp from Leichhardt Springs, Kakadu National Park, Australia. This discovery is notable for its distinctive morphology, including unique features such as the dactylus of pereiopod 5 and the absence of a comb-like row of spiniform setae typical of the genus Caridina. Molecular analysis using mitochondrial 16S rDNA and COI gene fragments revealed genetic distances of 5.1–6.0% and 10.4–15.1%, respectively, supporting its classification within the 'thermophila' group of Caridina species. The study also provides a preliminary key for identifying Northern Territory Caridina species and highlights the conservation significance of Leichhardt Springs and its aquatic fauna.

Caridina malanda, a new species of freshwater shrimp (Crustacea: Decapoda: Atyidae) from the Wet Tropics World Heritage area, north–eastern Queensland, Australia

Wet Tropics of Queensland — 2019 — WHE5755E54313

Researchers have identified a new species of freshwater shrimp, Caridina malanda, within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area in north-eastern Queensland, Australia. This discovery was made through integrated molecular and morphological analyses of specimens from the Atherton Tablelands, revealing that C. malanda is distinct yet intermediate to three known species: Caridina zebra, C. confusa, and C. spinula. The study provides a key for identifying this species alongside its congeners, along with insights into its distribution, ecology, and conservation significance in the UNESCO-listed region.

Carl Ritter von Ghega – 2018 Surveyor of the Year

Semmering Railway — 2019 — WHED5327B526B

Carl Ritter von Ghega, an Austrian engineer of Albanian descent born in Venice, was honored as the 2018 Surveyor of the Year for his groundbreaking contributions to geodesy and engineering. His most notable achievement, the Semmering Railway—a project deemed impossible at the time—was later recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1998. This paper examines von Ghega's professional trajectory, educational background, and significant works, including the Borovnica Viaduct in Slovenia. Through historical analysis and technical documentation, it highlights his enduring impact on the engineering profession, cementing his legacy as a pioneer in railway and structural innovation.

Carnivore Parvovirus Ecology in the Serengeti Ecosystem: Vaccine Strains Circulating and New Host Species Identified

Serengeti National Park — 2019 — WHE84198071FE

A groundbreaking study on carnivore parvovirus ecology in the Serengeti National Park (SNP) reveals that feline parvoviruses are endemic among wild carnivores, with new host species identified, while canine parvoviruses predominantly circulate in domestic dogs. Notably, vaccine-derived virus strains were detected for the first time in naturally occurring populations of domestic dogs, underscoring the importance of epidemiological research. The study also found limited evidence of transmission between wild and domestic carnivores, suggesting a complex interplay between these viral strains in the ecosystem. Researchers employed molecular techniques to analyze samples from both wild and domestic carnivores, providing critical insights into parvovirus dynamics in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Carved in stone

Heart of Neolithic Orkney — 2019 — WHED1E9A2CD71

Stone monuments in Orkney, from Neolithic to Norse times, reveal a complex interplay between cultural memory and ritual practice. The study highlights how the Norse inhabitants of Orkney integrated earlier Pictish and Neolithic stone heritage into their own material culture, particularly through the carving of crosses on medieval churches—a practice that sacralized space for religious rituals. Inscriptions in stone provide key evidence of this ambivalent relationship with the past, where stone both commemorates history and shapes the landscape's emotional and economic significance. Maeshowe, a Neolithic chambered cairn roofed in stone, serves as a tangible example of how Norse settlers encountered and interpreted these ancient structures. The research underscores Orkney's stone heritage as a living legacy, reflecting successive cultural constructions while remaining central to its identity.

Case Study 4

City of Valletta — 2019 — WHE5F15A82FF3

A hybrid cooling strategy successfully integrated into the Malta Stock Exchange demonstrates that architectural integrity can be preserved while addressing thermal comfort in exposed urban environments. The study, based on the conversion of a 19th-century garrison church in Valletta, shows how passive and active cooling techniques can coexist without compromising the building's historical and aesthetic qualities. The approach involved collaboration between architects (Architecture Project) and environmental consultants (Brian Ford and Associates), leveraging the site's strategic location—overlooking Grand Harbour—to optimize natural ventilation while mitigating overheating in a high-exposure setting. Completed in 2003, this case study offers a model for retrofitting heritage structures with modern climate-resilient solutions.

Catastro, sitios reales, bienes y rentas del rey en el siglo XVIII = Cadastre, Royal Sites, Goods and Rents of the King in the 18th Century

Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville — 2019 — WHE75C3F09690

Historical cadastral records often excluded royal sites, but the Ensenada cadastre of the 18th century uniquely documented these special places alongside the Crown's goods and rents. This study reveals that even minor Royal Sites—such as the Alcázar in Seville, the Royal Alcazares, and the Alhambra—were systematically recorded, along with other royal properties in Toledo, Seville, and Granada. By analyzing this overlooked data, researchers provide new insights into the spatial distribution and economic significance of royal assets during a pivotal period of Spanish history.

Catastrophic decline and subsequent conservation management of the Critically Endangered Fatu Hiva Monarch Pomarea whitneyi in the Marquesas Islands (French Polynesia)

Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands — 2019 — WHE0C98A5DABF

A critical shift in the conservation trajectory of the Critically Endangered Fatu Hiva Monarch (Pomarea whitneyi) on Te Henua Enata (Marquesas Islands) reveals that while rat predation was initially assumed to be the primary threat, feral cat predation—particularly targeting juvenile birds—has emerged as the limiting factor for population recovery. Despite significant efforts since 2010, including enhanced trapping methods and increased effort in 2016–2017, the species remains on the brink of extinction. However, a promising development is the observed zero mortality among monarch chicks, fledglings, and immature birds during this period, suggesting that targeted cat control may be yielding positive outcomes. This study underscores the need for continued vigilance in predator management to prevent extinction and to establish a viable population capable of repopulating the island post-eradication or facilitating translocation efforts.

Causes of adult mortality in two populations of New Zealand sea lions (Phocarctos hookeri)

New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands — 2019 — WHE5C69A09449

Infectious disease, particularly tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium pinnipedii, and conspecific trauma are the leading causes of adult mortality in New Zealand sea lions (Phocarctos hookeri), an endangered species endemic to New Zealand. The study, which analyzed 136 sea lions across two populations—one on remote Enderby Island and another recolonizing the mainland—revealed that these factors accounted for 37% and 24% of diagnosed deaths, respectively. Anthropogenic trauma emerged as a significant threat in the mainland population, highlighting the growing risk from human interactions as both human and pinniped populations expand. This research underscores the critical need to manage human-pinniped conflicts to ensure the species' recovery.

Caves of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in Diaries of the Kyiv Metropolita Serapion

Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra — 2019 — WHE02E3E7CF30

Metropolitan Serapion's diaries from 1804–1824 offer unprecedented insights into the state and significance of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra's caves, revealing their role as a central geographical and religious landmark in early 19th-century Kyiv. These diaries, previously understudied, document construction activities, emergency responses, and daily life details, providing a rare firsthand account of the caves' condition and their importance to the city. The study categorizes information into three types: cave conditions, temple constructions above them, and tangential notes, highlighting Serapion's dual role as Metropolitan and archimandrite. His detailed descriptions also serve as early touristic guides, emphasizing the caves' enduring but unexplored historical value.

Cellulomonas telluris sp. nov., an endoglucanase-producing actinobacterium isolated from Badain Jaran desert sand

Badain Jaran Desert - Towers of Sand and Lakes — 2019 — WHEF73CB0B65E

Researchers have identified Cellulomonas telluris sp. nov., a novel actinobacterium capable of producing endoglucanase, isolated from the Badain Jaran Desert's sand. This discovery was made through phylogenetic analysis, chemotaxonomic characterization, and DNA-DNA hybridization studies, revealing its distinct genetic and biochemical traits. The bacterium exhibits optimal growth at 28°C and pH 7.0, with unique fatty acid profiles and polar lipids that differentiate it from related species like Cellulomonas oligotrophica. Its low DNA-DNA hybridization value (7.1%) and average nucleotide identity (79.8%) confirm its status as a novel species. This finding expands our understanding of microbial diversity in extreme desert environments, particularly within UNESCO-listed sites like the Badain Jaran Desert.

Central Asian köshks from the Islamic period before the Mongol conquest: fortified, semi-fortified or unfortified?

State Historical and Cultural Park “Ancient Merv” — 2019 — WHEF9DEECCBB1

Recent research challenges the assumption that Central Asian köshks, characteristic buildings with corrugated outer walls dating from the 7th to 13th centuries AD, were exclusively fortified structures. While these buildings exhibit features suggesting defensibility, they lack key elements typical of military architecture, indicating a shift in function over time. Unlike earlier pre-Islamic structures that served military roles, Islamic-period köshks primarily functioned as residential spaces. However, the Great Kyz Kala at Merv, Turkmenistan, stands out as an exception, retaining its defensive capacity longer than other köshks, according to findings from the UCL Institute of Archaeology Ancient Merv Project. This study compares defensive elements across different periods to trace the evolution of these structures, providing insights into their dual residential and military roles during the Islamic period.

Central Power and Multi-Cultural Elements at the Norman Court of Sicily

Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalú and Monreale — 2019 — WHEEF6643B14D

Historians' perspectives on the Norman Kingdom of Sicily reveal that while its royal court featured a blend of Arab, Byzantine, and Latin cultural elements, the central power structure underwent significant transformation over time. Contrary to previous interpretations suggesting the kingdom's feudal nature, research indicates it emerged as a negation of feudalism. A consistent aspect throughout the Norman period was the fixed capital at Palermo, where Christian kings were surrounded by Muslims, highlighting the court's multi-cultural dynamics.

Cereal processing at Early Neolithic Göbekli Tepe, southeastern Turkey

Göbekli Tepe — 2019 — WHE22E4A659AD

New evidence from Göbekli Tepe reveals that cereal processing played a significant role at the site during the Early Neolithic period (10th/9th millennium BC). Analysis of starch residues and other microfossils indicates that cereals were not only consumed but also processed in ways that suggest their importance in social or ritual contexts, challenging previous assumptions about the site's primary functions. The study employed multi-proxy analysis, including microscopic examination and chemical characterization, to identify cereal types and processing techniques used by its inhabitants. This finding sheds light on the complex subsistence strategies and cultural practices of one of humanity's oldest known monumental sites.

Ceylon

Ancient City of Sigiriya — 2019 — WHEB7BF02D7D6

A comprehensive exploration of Ceylon's human geography, archaeology, and religious practices reveals the intricate layers of its historical landscape. The book 'Ceylon' (1939) by L. Holden integrates observations on diverse archaeological sites, including Sigiriya, with the island's cultural and colonial history under British occupation. By calibrating these elements, it provides a nuanced understanding of how environmental and human factors have shaped Ceylon's identity over centuries. The study employs a multidisciplinary approach, blending historical records, archaeological evidence, and ethnographic insights to reconstruct the island's past.