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Publications

Showing 17161 – 17180 of 30345 publications

Phytogeographical and sociolinguistical patterns of the diversity, distribution, and uses of wild mushrooms in Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa

Comoé National Park — 2019 — WHED204F1538D

A comprehensive inventory of 68 useful wild mushroom species in Côte d’Ivoire reveals significant phytogeographical and sociolinguistical variation in their distribution and utilization. Dominated by food (56 species) and medicinal (16 species) uses, these mushrooms—ranging from saprotrophic to symbiotic types—show distinct preferences across climatic zones, with the highest diversity (41 species) found in the Sudano-Guinean savanna. Key species like Auricularia sp3, Psathyrella tuberculata, and Termitomyces spp. are widely used, highlighting both ecological importance and cultural value. The study underscores the critical role of protected areas as last sanctuaries for these fungi amid rapid habitat loss.

Pigments and Organic Binders in the Wall Paintings of Chapel “St. Nikolay” in Rila Monastery Catholicon, Bulgaria

Rila Monastery — 2019 — WHE191E773987

A comprehensive analysis of the wall paintings in Chapel 'St. Nikolay' at Rila Monastery's Catholicon reveals the use of traditional pigments and organic binders, providing insights into medieval art techniques in Bulgaria. The study identified a range of minerals such as lapis lazuli, malachite, and hematite, alongside plant-based resins like mastic and dammar, highlighting the advanced craftsmanship and materials used by 19th-century artists. Researchers employed non-invasive analytical methods, including Raman spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, to examine the pigments and binders without damaging the original artwork. This findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the conservation challenges and historical significance of Rila Monastery's cultural heritage.

Pilgrimage Church Of Saint John Of Nepomuk Within Religious Tourism

Pilgrimage Church of St John of Nepomuk at Zelená Hora — 2019 — WHE3839E210F9

A case study reveals that while awareness of Christian pilgrimage sites in the Czech Republic is low, nearly half of respondents expressed interest in participating in such journeys. The Pilgrimage Church of St. John of Nepomuk at Zelená Hora could attract more visitors through targeted promotion emphasizing its role as a pilgrimage destination and by enhancing services for pilgrims. The research, combining quantitative surveys, qualitative interviews, and data analysis, also found that the church's return to the Roman Catholic Church in 2014 has reignited interest in restoring it as a significant pilgrimage site.

Pilot experience of HBIM modelling on the Renaissance quadrant façade of the Cathedral of Seville to support its preventive conservation

Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville — 2019 — WHE9168B0B75B

A pilot project utilizing HBIM (Heritage Building Information Modeling) demonstrates significant potential for enhancing preventive conservation efforts at the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of Seville, specifically targeting its Renaissance quadrant façade. The study, part of a broader research initiative supported by Spain's Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, developed a detailed 3D model integrated with critical information parameters to streamline monitoring and assessment activities. Collaborating with Artyco S.L., the company responsible for the building's conservation, researchers tailored the HBIM framework to align with established preventive conservation methodologies. Early evaluations suggest that this approach could be effectively scaled for future applications, offering a more structured and data-driven strategy for preserving cultural heritage assets. The findings contribute to ongoing discussions on integrating digital technologies in heritage management, particularly within projects aimed at long-term preservation.

Pipe Dreams: Water, Development and the Work of the Imagination in Ethiopia's Lower Omo Valley

Lower Valley of the Omo — 2019 — WHE87D1DCBA2A

Water development schemes in Ethiopia's Lower Omo Valley act as 'technologies of the imagination,' prompting local communities to envision new futures. This study reveals how large dam and irrigation projects, alongside missionary efforts to install safe water supplies, are reshaping intergroup relations and daily life for indigenous groups like the Nyangatom. Ethnographic research demonstrates that these interventions stimulate diverse imaginings among locals, blending aspirations for development with persistent challenges such as access and social dynamics.

Places and Spaces of the Others. A German Reception Centre in Public Discourse and Individual Perception

Town of Bamberg — 2019 — WHE7DD426FC47

Refugee reception centers, often seen as transient 'non-places,' play a significant role in both public discourse and individual perception of migrants. A study focusing on the Bamberg Reception Centre in Germany, which opened in 2015 during a political crisis over asylum policies, reveals that these centers are not just spaces of transit but also dynamic sites where diverse perceptions, coping strategies, and spatial behaviors emerge. Initially housing predominantly Western Balkan asylum seekers, the center's resident composition became more heterogeneous from 2016 onward. The research highlights the fluid nature of such centers, shaped by legal treatment, discrimination, medical care, schooling, and the short duration of stay, reflecting broader social and individual challenges faced by migrants in receiving countries.

Planning and Rehabilitation in Historical Areas and Repercussions on the Tourism and Economic Sectors in Areas of Palestine

Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town — 2019 — WHEE352EDF767

Rehabilitating historical areas, such as the market square in Hebron's Old City, can significantly boost tourism and economic sectors by preserving cultural heritage and promoting traditional industries. This study demonstrates that strategic planning—including the development of tourist paths, organized events, and the preservation of archaeological sites—enhances visitor attraction while addressing economic challenges. However, external control over tourism, such as Israeli oversight in Palestinian areas, limits potential benefits, necessitating regulatory support for sustainable growth.

Planowanie i przebudowa „Nowego Niemieckiego Wschodu”. Generalne Gubernatorstwo: Warszawa (1939–1945)

Historic Centre of Warsaw — 2019 — WHEA0B4AFC093

Newly discovered source materials challenge the assumption of controlled urban development planning for Warsaw during Nazi occupation (1939–1945). Contrary to previous research, there was no official systematic plan for Warsaw, despite its symbolic significance. Mayor Oskar Dengel's private initiative aimed at reducing the population and redeveloping the city as a 'New German City,' but this lacked coordination with Berlin or Cracow. Unlike other occupied cities, Warsaw did not follow the 'New Redevelopment Programme.' Plans by Chief Development Officers Friedrich Papst and Friedrich Gollert in 1942/43 targeted demolition of identity-promoting structures like the Castle, reflecting shifting competencies and a problematic planning atmosphere under National Socialism. This study advances understanding of Nazi urban planning practices in Eastern Europe.

Plasmodium knowlesi and other malaria parasites in long-tailed macaques from the Philippines

Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park — 2019 — WHEDB2B6575B6

A study of long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) in the Philippines revealed high prevalence and diversity of malaria parasites, with Plasmodium inui being the most common (44.2%), followed by P. fieldi (41.1%). Notably, wild macaques from Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP) on Palawan Island showed significant infection rates, including P. knowlesi and other zoonotic species like P. cynomolgi. Mixed infections were observed in 87% of Plasmodium-positive macaques, with variations in prevalence among different sites and troops. The research used nested PCR assays to analyze blood samples from wild and captive macaques across three locations, highlighting the risk of zoonotic transmission, particularly in Palawan.

Pleistocene glacial history of the New Zealand subantarctic islands

New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands — 2019 — WHE8112CCFC61

A multidisciplinary study of the New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands reveals that significant glaciation occurred during Marine Isotope Stage 10 (~384,000 years ago) and a restricted glacial period around 72–62 thousand years ago, rather than at the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). The research, combining geomorphological surveys, sedimentary analyses, dating, and glacier modeling, challenges previous assumptions about LGM glaciation. Findings suggest that despite cooler temperatures during the LGM, high seasonality and low precipitation prevented substantial ice formation. Instead, northward expansion of winter sea ice likely led to reduced precipitation, limiting glacial extent.

Political memory after state death: the abandoned Yugoslav national pavilion at Auschwitz

Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp (1940-1945) — 2019 — WHE51FE49C615

Post-Yugoslav Holocaust remembrance has increasingly focused on delegitimizing Yugoslavia’s communist past, particularly its antifascism, creating ideological space for the rise of populist and extremist movements. This study demonstrates how the abandonment of the Yugoslav national pavilion at Auschwitz reflects a shift in political memory that undermines the ontological security of the new polity, making populism an attractive ideology to exploit insecurity. By tracing the history of the memorial exhibition, the research illustrates how the removal of antifascism from state narratives enables the normalization of fascist ideologies in contemporary politics.

Politics, Patronage and the Transmission of Construction Techniques in Early Medieval Rome, c. 650–750

Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura — 2019 — WHE9CEA9E1F51

A significant shift in Roman construction techniques occurred between the late 7th and early 8th centuries, marking a clear break from ancient traditions. This transition, evident in newly excavated structures on the Palatine and at San Paolo fuori le Mura, reflects changes in patronage mechanisms and control over Rome's built environment during the rise of papal power. The study suggests that after a period of decline under Byzantine administration, early 8th-century popes had to reestablish large-scale construction methods, offering insights into the growth and challenges of Rome's nascent papal government.

Population and Housing Censuses

Historic City of Yazd — 2019 — WHE9C4AAB2401

A comprehensive dataset reveals key demographic and housing statistics for the Historic City of Yazd, Iran. The study captures population distribution, growth trends, and housing characteristics within this UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering critical insights into its urban dynamics. By analyzing census data, researchers provide a detailed snapshot of Yazd's residential landscape, including population density, household composition, and infrastructure. This dataset serves as a valuable resource for urban planners, historians, and policymakers studying the interplay between heritage preservation and modern development in culturally significant cities.

Population dynamics of an invasive bird parasite, Philornis downsi (Diptera: Muscidae), in the Galapagos Islands

Galápagos Islands — 2019 — WHE6AFCEAF016

A study on the invasive parasitic fly, Philornis downsi, in the Galápagos Islands reveals that female flies can persist even when bird hosts are scarce, challenging previous assumptions about their population dynamics. The research, conducted between 2012 and 2014 at dry lowland and humid highland sites on Santa Cruz Island, found that female flies remained active year-round, with a significant proportion inseminated and gravid, indicating continuous breeding cycles. Male fly catch rates declined outside bird breeding seasons, suggesting host availability is a key regulator of their population. Overall, fly numbers were higher in drier habitats, potentially due to greater host or resource availability. The study also suggests that P. downsi populations are multivoltine and governed by simple density dependence, with female numbers likely regulated by the availability of bird nests with nestlings. These findings highlight the vulnerability of already threatened Galápagos bird species, which may be further exacerbated by unknown reservoir hosts or behavioral changes in the parasite.

Population genetics reveals high connectivity of giant panda populations across human disturbance features in key nature reserve

Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries - Wolong, Mt Siguniang and Jiajin Mountains — 2019 — WHE5876CF5BA9

A surprising lack of genetic isolation was found among giant panda populations within the Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries, despite significant human disturbance. Researchers analyzed 539 fecal samples from Wolong Nature Reserve using tetra-microsatellite markers, identifying 142 unique genotypes and estimating a population size of 164 individuals (95% CI: 153-175). Contrary to expectations, no significant genetic boundaries were detected, even across the national road G350 that bisects the reserve. This suggests higher connectivity than previously assumed, likely due to high migration rates, including confirmed road-crossing events. The study highlights the importance of maintaining habitat corridors for gene flow preservation amid increasing development and tourism threats.

Population growth of an endangered pinniped—the New Zealand sea lion (Phocarctos hookeri)—is limited more by high pup mortality than fisheries bycatch

New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands — 2019 — WHE06A97242C9

Population growth of the endangered New Zealand sea lion (Phocarctos hookeri) on Campbell Island is primarily constrained by high pup mortality, not fisheries bycatch. A precautionary Potential Biological Removal (PBR) analysis revealed that current bycatch levels—even with a strong male bias (98%)—remain below sustainability thresholds, particularly after mitigation measures were implemented. Population Viability Analysis (PVA) modeling further supported this, indicating that reducing pup mortality, such as through ramp installations in wallows to prevent drowning, could significantly boost population growth. While long-term research is needed for more precise demographic data, the study underscores the critical need for ongoing conservation efforts focused on pup survival and bycatch mitigation, alongside robust observer coverage to ensure accurate annual estimates.

Population structure and spatial ecology of Kordofan giraffe in Garamba National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo

Garamba National Park — 2019 — WHE9107C5978A

Garamba National Park harbors one of the last isolated populations of Kordofan giraffe, with urgent conservation action needed to protect its remaining 45 individuals. This study reveals that the population is female-dominated and adult-heavy, with a limited distribution concentrated in the park's south-central sector. Surprisingly large home ranges, averaging 934.3 km² using autocorrelated kernel density estimation (AKDE) and 268.8 km² using traditional kernel density estimation (KDE), were observed despite the park's high humidity. The research employed GPS satellite collars and direct observations from September 2016 to August 2017, utilizing Continuous-Time Movement Modeling (CTMM) to analyze distribution patterns and movement dynamics. These findings highlight critical insights for informed conservation strategies.

Population trends of Spectacled Petrels Procellaria conspicillata and other seabirds at Inaccessible Island

Gough and Inaccessible Islands — 2019 — WHE3C2375EB7E

A significant decline in the population of Spectacled Petrels (Procellaria conspicillata) and other seabirds at Inaccessible Island was documented, raising concerns about the long-term viability of these species. The study, conducted over a decade, used long-term monitoring data to assess population trends, breeding success, and demographic changes in key seabird species. Researchers found that while some species showed resilience, others exhibited alarming declines, likely due to environmental pressures such as climate change and invasive species. This work underscores the need for targeted conservation efforts to protect these vulnerable populations within UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Populations of the coral species Montastraea cavernosa on the Belize Barrier Reef lack vertical connectivity

Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System — 2019 — WHE82408BF4E9

Populations of the coral species Montastraea cavernosa on the Belize Barrier Reef exhibit strong genetic differentiation between shallow (10 m, 16 m) and deep (25 m, 35 m) zones, indicating a lack of vertical connectivity. This finding suggests that these populations have been historically isolated despite being part of a broader metapopulation. The study used nine polymorphic microsatellite loci to genotype colonies from four depth zones across two marine reserves—South Water Caye and Glover's Reef. Results revealed distinct genetic structures, reinforcing the need for management strategies that conserve coral populations across all depth zones, particularly in mesophotic regions, which may serve as critical larval sources for broader reef ecosystems.

Portrayal of Woman in the Cave Paintings of Ajanta

Ajanta Caves — 2019 — WHE8B8E381E37

Ajanta Caves, a collection of 30 rock-cut Buddhist temples near Aurangabad, Maharashtra, showcase a unique artistic tradition from the 1st century BC to the 7th century AD. Unlike conventional perspective-based art, Ajanta paintings depict figures in their entirety through horizontal bands, with backgrounds at the top and foregrounds below. This study highlights the portrayal of women in these cave paintings, emphasizing their significance within this classical Indian art form. The research likely involved analyzing the visual representation, compositional techniques, and cultural context of women depicted in the caves. Ajanta's serene location, overlooking the Waghora River, may have influenced its artistic flourishing, offering insights into Buddhist monastic life and artistic expression during this period.