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Showing 16961 – 16980 of 30345 publications

Martyria

Archaeological Site of Philippi — 2019 — WHEBEEECEFAE5

Early Christian martyr shrines, known as martyria, emerged as significant cultic centers, but their archaeological study is hampered by limited pre-fourth-century evidence. This research bridges the gap between textual and archaeological records, revealing that while early descriptions from Smyrna and Rome provide insight into primitive practices, later fourth-century sites in Rome and Philippi show the expansion of martyria as focal points for Christian worship. The study highlights a caveat: smaller or private shrines may remain invisible to archaeology, suggesting a broader but underdocumented phenomenon.

Material Analysis and Conservation Treatment for Mother‐of‐Pearl Floor Mirror at Daejojeon Hall of Changdeokgung Palace, Korea

Changdeokgung Palace Complex — 2019 — WHECA7666342A

A mother-of-pearl floor mirror from Daejojeon Hall at Changdeokgung Palace Complex, South Korea, was found to be primarily constructed using Dalbergia spp. wood, with later repairs involving Shorea spp., according to material analysis. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy revealed that the varnish used matches lacquer spectra, while X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis identified brass in metal wheels and line decorations, suggesting modern craftsmanship. Prior to conservation treatment, the mirror's structural instability was exacerbated by missing submaterials and foreign surface adhesives. Conservation efforts restored its original appearance using the same wood species confirmed through scientific surveys.

Maternal influence on the development of nut‐cracking skills in the chimpanzees of the Taï forest, Côte d'Ivoire ( Pan troglodytes verus )

Taï National Park — 2019 — WHE7946A031F7

A study on chimpanzees in Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire, reveals that maternal behavior plays a significant role in the development of nut-cracking skills among immature individuals. Researchers found that while direct maternal scaffolding and active nut-sharing did not significantly enhance immatures' nut-cracking efficiency, their skills were positively influenced by their mothers' average efficiency and sharing hammers with them. The study also observed that mothers were more likely to share nuts with sons than daughters, particularly when offspring begged more frequently, with male immatures begging more often than females. This research provides new insights into the ontogenetic pathways of complex tool-use behavior in wild chimpanzees and underscores the importance of naturalistic observations in understanding skill acquisition.

Measuring and Predicting Urban Expansion in the Angkor Region of Cambodia

Angkor — 2019 — WHEEEAEAD7A2A

Urban expansion around the Angkor World Heritage Site in Cambodia, driven by rapid tourism growth and unchecked development, poses significant threats to its integrity. Between 2004 and 2017, Siem Reap's urban area surged by 160%, with 72% of the increase occurring in the buffer zone, leading to the transformation of arable land, forests, and grasslands into residential areas. Using remote sensing and GIS, researchers applied the CA-Markov model to predict that the built-up area will reach 135.09 km² by 2025 and 159.14 km² by 2030, potentially affecting 17 monuments by 2030—up from 9 in 2017. The study highlights the urgent need for intervention to mitigate urban pressure on this globally significant site.

Measuring Hotel Service Quality in Borobudur Temple Using Opinion Mining

Borobudur Temple Compounds — 2019 — WHEDFE9F15C1A

A study analyzing hotel service quality at Borobudur Temple through opinion mining of online reviews reveals that the Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithm outperformed others, achieving the highest accuracy, precision, and F1 score in classifying sentiment across key dimensions like Room, Facility, Surrounding, Employee, and Reliability. Notably, the 'Employee' dimension consistently showed the most positive sentiment among these. This research leverages HOLSERV Plus framework to assess customer perceptions, providing actionable insights for hotels while offering visitors a data-driven way to evaluate hospitality services in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Measuring Landscape Connectivity for Baird’s Tapir Conservation in Fragmented Areas of Calakmul, Mexico

Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche — 2019 — WHEA32E6ADBC7

Research reveals that despite significant forest fragmentation in the Calakmul region, Baird’s tapirs can still navigate through mosaics of forests and agricultural areas. However, landscape connectivity between community territories and the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve has declined, hindering tapir movement outside continuous forests. The study used graphic theory and CONEFOR SENSINODE 2.2 to analyze vegetation cover and land use, identifying critical nodes for connectivity and limited dispersal routes. Findings suggest that while habitats are suboptimal, they remain functional for tapirs. Encouraging farming practices over mechanized agriculture is recommended to mitigate deforestation and habitat loss.

Meat production and maintaining biodiversity: Grazing by traditional breeds and crossbred beef cattle in marshes and grasslands

Hortobágy National Park - the Puszta — 2019 — WHE6C7BD7D579

Traditional cattle breeds play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and habitat conservation values in marshes, outperforming crossbred beef cattle. A grazing experiment in Hortobágy National Park, Hungary, revealed that traditional breeds significantly increased species diversity and Shannon diversity in marsh habitats compared to crossbred cattle. Additionally, crossbred cattle grazing led to a decrease in moisture indicator values in these environments. The study highlights the importance of prioritizing traditional breeds for managing wet alkaline grasslands and marshes to balance agricultural production with nature conservation. This research provides evidence that breed-specific grazing practices can effectively harmonize the needs of both sectors.

Mechanisms of Ash Generation at Basaltic Volcanoes: The Case of Mount Etna, Italy

Mount Etna — 2019 — WHE6861AA3802

A new model for ash generation at basaltic volcanoes, exemplified by Mount Etna, reveals that variations in magma mass flow rate govern the formation of volcanic ash. The study identifies three distinct mechanisms tied to eruptive styles—lava fountains, Strombolian activity, and ash explosions—by analyzing deposit features and ash characteristics from four historical eruptions (2001, 2006, 2007, 2010). It also demonstrates that tachylite magma constitutes a minor proportion of conduit residence time compared to sideromelane, aligning with observed ash composition during lava fountain episodes. This research advances the understanding of explosive basaltic volcanism and offers critical insights for hazard mitigation at similar volcanic systems.

Medicinal Properties in the Diet of Tibetan Macaques at Mt. Huangshan: A Case for Self-Medication

Mount Huangshan — 2019 — WHE88E29CBBCE

Research on Tibetan macaques at Mount Huangshan reveals that up to 24% of their diet consists of plants with significant pharmacological potential, including antiparasitic, antibacterial, and neuroprotective properties. The study analyzed a 50-species food list for the YA1 troop, identifying 12 species that could serve as medicinal foods. While direct benefits remain unconfirmed, the findings suggest these macaques may engage in self-medication to address health challenges such as parasite infections or stress. This study advances understanding of primate dietary behavior and its potential role in maintaining health homeostasis.

Medieval Presence at the Periphery of the Nubian State of Makuria: Examples from the Wadi Abu Dom and the Jebel al-Ain

Gebel Barkal and the Sites of the Napatan Region — 2019 — WHE7418A5CF51

Archaeological evidence from the Wadi Abu Dom and Jebel al-Ain reveals the extent of Christian influence and administrative reach of the Nubian state of Makuria during the medieval period. The study highlights how remote desert regions, including volcanic mountains like Ras ed-Dom, were integrated into the broader political and religious landscape of Makuria. By analyzing topographical settings and material remains, researchers demonstrate that these peripheral areas served as critical nodes for both ecological adaptation and state governance. This challenges traditional assumptions about the spatial boundaries of medieval Nubian civilization, suggesting a more dispersed yet interconnected network than previously recognized.

Meditation Tourism, Buddhist Philosophy in Practice: A Case Study of Lumbini, Nepal

Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha — 2019 — WHE792B8475E0

Lumbini, Nepal, holds significant potential as a global destination for meditation tourism, yet its spiritual and philosophical dimensions remain underutilized by visitors. Research reveals a disconnect between the core teachings of Buddhism—meditation and compassion—and the practices of most tourists, who often overlook these aspects despite visiting Lumbini for religious or cultural reasons. The study highlights that fostering awareness of meditation tourism could yield substantial benefits for individual well-being, social harmony, and national development. By integrating Buddhist philosophy into tourism practices, Lumbini could transform into a premier destination that not only attracts pilgrims but also promotes mindfulness and compassion worldwide.

Medium- and large-sized mammal composition in the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park and adjacent areas, state of Goiás, Brazil

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2019 — WHEE70DFE4AE8

A first-ever assessment of medium- and large-sized mammal diversity in the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park (CVNP) and its surroundings reveals critical insights for conservation. The study found 23 species, with higher richness in both the rainy season and outside park boundaries, highlighting the park's limited effectiveness in preserving biodiversity. Seasonal variations in species composition and frequency were also observed, emphasizing the need for long-term monitoring to ensure viable populations persist. This research provides essential data for future conservation strategies in this underrepresented Brazilian biome.

Memories of Border : The Statue of Uta in Naumburg Cathedral

Naumburg Cathedral — 2019 — WHE9DFB97C401

A 13th-century statue of Uta, located at Naumburg Cathedralchallenges nationalist narratives by revealing a complex, hybridized border culture that defies modern interpretations. Originally forgotten, Uta's memory was politically instrumentalized during the 20th century as a symbol of German identity, obscuring her actual life in the 11th-century Polish-German borderlands, where her family embodied cultural and political fluidity. The study critiques how ideological framing distorts historical realities while highlighting Naumburg Cathedral’s significance as a transnational cultural site, shaped by an anonymous master craftsman who merged Romanesque and Gothic styles. This work underscores the cathedral's role in redefining border histories beyond conquest narratives.

Memory and cultural landscape at the Khami World Heritage site, Zimbabwe: an un-inherited past

Khami Ruins National Monument — 2019 — WHE17704E9AE1

Archaeological research at Khami Ruins National Monument, Zimbabwe, reveals a disconnect between the material remains of ancient Zimbabwean Culture sites and their cultural memory. While studies have extensively documented the physical structures and artifacts, this work highlights that these sites often lack living connections to contemporary communities, suggesting an 'un-inherited past.' The study employs a blend of traditional archaeological methods—such as analysis of material remains—and qualitative approaches to explore how cultural landscapes are remembered or forgotten over time. This dual approach underscores the importance of integrating historical narratives with modern interpretations to preserve and understand the significance of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Mercury mobility in harbour sediments: evidence from selective sequential extraction and short-term microcosm resuspension experiments (northern Adriatic Sea, Italy)

Heritage of Mercury. Almadén and Idrija — 2019 — WHEB6602C2088

Coastal sediments in the Gulf of Trieste, historically contaminated by mercury (Hg) from mining activities in Idrija, Slovenia, exhibit negligible Hg mobility even when resuspended. A study analyzing 16 sediment samples found that Hg is predominantly bound to poorly soluble or insoluble compounds, such as sulfides, with over 98% of Hg remaining in solid form. Short-term microcosm experiments simulating dredging-induced resuspension showed minimal dissolved Hg (DHg) and methylmercury (DMeHg) release, with DHg concentrations stable and DMeHg below detection limits most of the time. The high partitioning coefficient (KD) further confirmed Hg's strong affinity for sediment particles over the dissolved phase. These findings suggest that short-term resuspension events, such as those expected from planned dredging in the Port of Monfalcone, would have a negligible impact on Hg mobility and water column contamination.

Meroe, Sudan. Fieldwork at the Royal Cemeteries of Meroe – A Progress report of the Qatari Mission for the Pyramids of Sudan. The years 2017 and 2018

Archaeological Sites of the Island of Meroe — 2019 — WHE2753CF0B67

A significant milestone was achieved with the completion of architectural and iconographic documentation of the Begrawiya North and South cemetery pyramids at Meroe, Sudan, marking a crucial step in preserving these UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Qatari Mission for the Pyramids of Sudan successfully documented over 1000 ornamented blocks found out of context, advanced conservation strategies for the pyramids and their offering chapels, and initiated sustainable tourism plans. These efforts include improved site infrastructure such as a visitor center and fencing, aiming to balance preservation with educational access.

Mesa Verde National Park Visitor Center

Mesa Verde National Park — 2019 — WHE8F527638A6

Mesa Verde National Park's Visitor Center and Research Facility, designed by ajc architects, successfully integrated reinforced concrete masonry to ensure durability and longevity. The project's success was attributed to meticulous programming and stakeholder engagement, which helped identify and mitigate risks while refining the design. This approach not only preserved the historical significance of Mesa Verde but also set a benchmark for sustainable and resilient infrastructure in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Mesozoic-Cenozoic evolution of the Eastern Kunlun Range, central Tibet, and implications for basin evolution during the Indo-Asian collision

Qinghai Hoh Xil — 2019 — WHE825F4CF9A1

A two-stage development of the Hoh Xil basin, marked by rapid cooling around 20 million years ago, suggests the emergence of a topographic barrier separating it from the Qaidam basin during the early Neogene. This finding challenges the traditional view that these basins evolved independently and supports the Paleogene Paleo-Qaidam hypothesis, proposing they were once part of a single integrated basin. The study integrates geochronological, petrological, and thermochronological data to decipher the growth and uplift history of the Tibetan plateau, revealing crustal shortening in adjacent thrust belts that shaped the plateau's boundaries since at least the early Eocene.

Mesozoic–Cenozoic geological evolution of the Himalayan-Tibetan orogen and working tectonic hypotheses

Qinghai Hoh Xil — 2019 — WHECC377483F6

The Himalayan-Tibetan orogen, formed by the Cenozoic India-Asia collision, provides critical insights into continental suturing processes. This study reveals that its geological framework originated from multiple ocean closures and intercontinental suturing events spanning Triassic to Cenozoic eras. Key findings include phases of southward trench retreat beneath Asian terranes, creating ophiolites and backarc basins during Neo-Tethys subduction (174–70 Ma), followed by Cordilleran-style deformation. The research suggests that the India-Asia collision initiated at ∼60 Ma, though plate reconstructions indicate a spatial mismatch, proposing an alternative scenario where the Gangdese arc rifted southward and collided with India, with backarc basin closure occurring later (∼45 Ma). Post-collision magmatism and tectonic activity, including potassic-adakitic magmatism and exhumation, are interpreted within the context of Indian lithosphere subduction dynamics. The study integrates seismic data, paleomagnetic reconstructions, and stratigraphic evidence to propose a refined tectonic model for the region's evolution.

Metabarcoding diet analysis of snow leopards (Panthera uncia) in Wolong National Nature Reserve, Sichuan Province

Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries - Wolong, Mt Siguniang and Jiajin Mountains — 2019 — WHE67D62DDBEF

Metabarcoding analysis reveals that blue sheep (Pseudois nauremi) constitute the primary dietary component of snow leopards (Panthera uncia) in Wolong National Nature Reserve, Sichuan Province. This study employed a non-invasive metabarcoding approach to analyze 22 confirmed snow leopard fecal samples, providing a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of their diet compared to traditional morphological identification methods. The findings highlight the importance of blue sheep in the diet of this apex predator, offering critical insights into its ecological role within the Qionglai Mountains ecosystem. This research contributes to the broader understanding of snow leopard diet dynamics, which are essential for informing conservation strategies and maintaining ecosystem stability.