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Showing 17201 – 17220 of 30345 publications

Preservation of Heme Derivatives in Vertebrate Fossils from the Messel Pit and Enspel, Germany

Messel Pit Fossil Site — 2019 — WHECBB1A84329

Research at the Messel Pit and Enspel, Germany, reveals exceptional preservation of heme derivatives in vertebrate fossils, offering unprecedented insights into ancient biological molecules. This study demonstrates that heme compounds, critical for oxygen transport and metabolism, can survive fossilization under specific conditions, providing a molecular window into the biology of prehistoric organisms. The findings suggest that these derivatives may serve as biomarkers for paleobiological reconstructions, enhancing our understanding of evolutionary adaptations and environmental interactions in Eocene ecosystems. The study employed advanced analytical techniques to isolate and characterize heme derivatives from fossilized remains, highlighting the potential of organic geochemistry in paleontology.

Pressione turistica sul Centro Storico di Firenze - sito UNESCO

Historic Centre of Florence — 2019 — WHEF827B79CDB

Tourist pressure on Florence's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982, can be effectively managed through participatory mapping and stakeholder engagement. This study introduces an innovative decision-making model that integrates local community perceptions with data on tourist pressure, site status, and impacts. By using web-based mapping tools, the research aims to support controlled and shared management strategies, enhance dialogue among stakeholders, and mitigate negative effects of tourism. The approach is designed to be incorporated into Florence's existing Management Plan, offering a practical solution for decentralizing tourist flows and preserving the site's integrity.

Prevalence and Parasite Composition of Gastrointestinal Parasites in the Endangered Tibetan Antelope (Pantholops Hodgsonii) from the Calving Ground of Hoh Xil Nature World Heritage Site, Qinghai, China

Qinghai Hoh Xil — 2019 — WHEFC024956CA

A comprehensive survey of gastrointestinal parasites in the endangered Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii) on its calving grounds at Qinghai Hoh Xil revealed widespread and diverse parasite infections. The study found that 93% of fecal samples tested positive for nematodes, 36% for cestodes, and an astonishing 99% for coccidian oocysts, with an average of 3.4 parasite species per individual. Coinfections involving five parasite genera were detected in 19% of samples, highlighting the complex parasitic burden faced by this vulnerable species. The high prevalence of Trichostrongylus, Marshallagia, and Eimeria infections suggests these parasites pose significant long-term risks, particularly as climate change increases warmth and moisture in the region. Researchers analyzed 238 fecal samples collected in July 2018 using flotation techniques to identify eggs, oocysts, and nematode larvae, providing critical baseline data for monitoring future health trends.

Prevalence of Early Childhood Caries in Children Aged 1 to 5 Years in the City of Quito, Ecuador

City of Quito — 2019 — WHE5BE1CE118A

Early childhood caries affects nearly 60% of children aged 1 to 5 years in Quito, Ecuador, with the highest prevalence observed in 2- and 3-year-olds. This aggressive dental condition, characterized by rapid tooth destruction and pulp involvement, was found to be more common in boys (53.92%) than girls (46.08%). The study, conducted using a cross-sectional approach with 557 children from childcare centers, employed clinical evaluations and the dmft index to assess severity, revealing a medium-level prevalence aligned with WHO classifications. These findings underscore the significant burden of early childhood caries in Quito, highlighting the need for targeted preventive and intervention strategies.

Prevalence of serum antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in the small Indian mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus) on Amami-Oshima Island, Japan

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2019 — WHE950C419DBF

Researchers detected Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in 10.5% of small Indian mongooses (Herpestes auropunctatus) on Amami-Oshima Island, Japan, suggesting domestic or feral cats may spread this zoonotic pathogen to native wildlife. Using latex agglutination and sucrose density gradient centrifugation, the study identified early-stage infections, with antibody peaks in 7-8 and/or 12-14 fractions. The findings highlight the potential ecological impact of T. gondii transmission among island species, emphasizing the need for further research to mitigate its spread and preserve ecosystem health.

Priority areas for jaguar Panthera onca conservation in the Cerrado

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2019 — WHE1E17A12A30

Approximately 30% of the Cerrado biome is suitable for jaguar conservation, with mean rainfall and land cover being critical determinants of their distribution. Researchers identified 31 high-priority jaguar conservation units covering about 8.5% of the Cerrado (174,825 km²), emphasizing the urgent need for expanded protected areas and sustainable development initiatives. Only 0.4% of the Cerrado (8,345 km²) currently has high environmental suitability for jaguars, with less than 1% of jaguar conservation units overlapping with existing protected areas. These findings highlight the critical role of connectivity between the Cerrado, Caatinga, and Amazon biomes in jaguar conservation, underscoring the importance of strategic conservation planning to mitigate habitat loss from agricultural expansion.

Probing the Fog Life Cycles in the Namib Desert

Namib Sand Sea — 2019 — WHE955862FCBD

Coastal fog in the Namib Desert, often linked to marine stratus advection, exhibits distinct spatial and temporal patterns that extend up to 100 km inland. A 2017 field campaign (NaFoLiCA) revealed that these fog events are characterized by specific meteorological conditions, including cloud base height, liquid water path, and vertical profiles of wind, temperature, and humidity. Using tethered balloons, drones, and radiosondes, researchers captured detailed data during five fog nights, providing insights into the dynamics of fog formation and dissipation. This study highlights the importance of multi-scale observations in understanding the complex life cycles of desert fog.

Producing knowledge about mercury mining: Local practices and textual tools

Heritage of Mercury. Almadén and Idrija — 2019 — WHE2D6F3F5BC0

Research reveals that early modern accounts of mercury mining, such as those by Biringuccio, Agricola, and Barba, were likely derived from textual borrowings rather than direct observation or practitioner knowledge. Analysis of printed works and archival documents from Almadén, a key mercury production site, shows no correlation between these learned treatises and actual local practices. This challenges the assumption that such scholarly texts accurately reflect real-world technical processes, underscoring the risks of using them as historical references. The study highlights the dominance of textual scholarship in knowledge production during this period.

Production innovation and environmental protection in the management of rural landscapes: the UNESCO vineyard landscapes of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato

Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato — 2019 — WHEB343A475DA

The UNESCO-listed vineyard landscapes of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato in Piedmont, Italy, exemplify how sustainable agricultural practices can preserve environmental integrity while enhancing food quality. Research demonstrates that careful land management—balancing production, biodiversity conservation, and landscape preservation—strengthens the historical identity and ecological resilience of rural territories. Unlike conventional agriculture, which prioritizes yield, this model integrates hydrogeological stability, cultural heritage, and formal quality into farming strategies. Findings highlight that farmers play a pivotal role in maintaining high-quality landscapes by avoiding unnecessary compromises, thereby ensuring long-term sustainability. This case study offers actionable insights for global UNESCO sites seeking to align economic development with environmental stewardship.

Produk Pariwisata Berbasis Ekologi di Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago — 2019 — WHED138A03BEB

Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its geological and landscape beauty, faces growing environmental challenges due to rising tourism. A study reveals that the Vietnamese government has implemented strategic measures, including the Strategy on Vietnam’s Tourism Development (2020 Vision) and sustainable development strategies, to mitigate these issues. The Ha Long Bay Management Board plays a pivotal role in managing the site through partnerships with international organizations, local governments, private sectors, and communities. These efforts aim to balance tourism growth with environmental preservation, as outlined in the Action Plan for Preservation of the Ha Long Bay Heritage. The research employs qualitative and descriptive data analysis, drawing from primary and secondary sources, to highlight the importance of collaborative governance in achieving sustainable tourism.

Professional Management on Ecotourism and Conservation to Ensure the Future of Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park — 2019 — WHEC1934E4F77

Professional management integrating ecotourism and conservation is critical to sustaining the ecological integrity and visitor satisfaction of Komodo National Park. The study highlights that effective tourism programs, aligned with ecotourism principles, can positively impact ecosystem sustainability, local communities, and transparency in conservation efforts. Using Principal Components Analysis (PCA), researchers synthesized and tested data from various tourism programs, comparing them to established ecotourism concepts while making field adjustments. A key finding is the need for tourism management to prioritize visitor satisfaction and expectations, ensuring benefits for both wildlife and local populations. This approach aims to secure Komodo National Park's future as a 7th Wonder Natural Heritage site, free from human waste and detrimental impacts.

Projects: Nabil Al-Raee

Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem — 2019 — WHE4C51EBE2DD

A critical retelling of the 2002 siege of Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity highlights the profound social and political impact of cultural resistance during the second intifada. The siege, which paralyzed the city and imposed curfews on tens of thousands, is reimagined through the lens of theater as a catalyst for social change. This approach underscores how artistic expression can challenge occupation and foster resilience in marginalized communities. The Freedom Theatre’s Performing Arts Training Program, led by Nabil Al-Raee, serves as a model for using culture to address systemic oppression, demonstrating its potential to shape narratives of resistance and human rights.

Projekt Qhapaq Ñan: Wyzwania nowego modelu polityki wobec dziedzictwa kulturowego ludów tubylczych

Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System — 2019 — WHE74152F2E76

Qhapaq Ñan, the Andean Road System inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, serves as both a symbol of indigenous cultural heritage and a focal point for contemporary social and political dynamics. This study reveals that its nomination process and subsequent recognition by UNESCO are not merely about preservation but also about the 'politicization' of cultural heritage in Latin America's democratization processes. The research finds that Qhapaq Ñan represents a complex interplay between indigenous rights, multicultural policy principles, and sustainable development. It explores how the trail's management and protection are influenced by ethnopolitical standards, co-management concepts, and relationships between indigenous communities and public institutions. By analyzing these dynamics, the study highlights the potential of cultural heritage to foster social equity while navigating challenges posed by hegemonic power structures.

Promoting Wildlife Tourism on Geotourism Landscape: a Study in Manas and Kaziranga National Parks of Assam, India

Kaziranga National Park — 2019 — WHECE900517E1

A comparative analysis of tourism dynamics in Manas and Kaziranga National Parks, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Assam, India, reveals that wildlife tourism can be effectively integrated with geotourism to enhance visitor satisfaction and sustainability. The study highlights the importance of leveraging the unique geological landscapes and biodiversity of these parks to shift towards more sustainable tourism planning and management practices. By evaluating visitor experiences and ecological impacts, the research underscores the potential for a symbiotic relationship between geotourism and wildlife tourism, aiming to balance conservation goals with recreational and educational values.

Propuesta de lugares de interés geológico de los canchales de la Serra de Tramuntana y Serres de Llevant (Mallorca, Islas Baleares)

Cultural Landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana — 2019 — WHEF1CF2CF4AE

Researchers identify five geologically significant sites in the Serra de Tramuntana and Serres de Llevant (Mallorca) as Lugares de Interés Geológico (LIG), highlighting their unique periglacial features. These canchales, formed by sedimentological and geomorfolical processes, serve as representative examples of insular periglaciarism. The study also links these geological formations to Mallorca's historical ice trade, exemplified by the 'cases de neu' structures located at the peaks of these morphologies. The proposal underscores their scientific and educational value, offering insights into both natural processes and cultural heritage.

Prostitution in Late Medieval Dubrovnik: Legislation, Practice and Prosecution

Old City of Dubrovnik — 2019 — WHE4AABE3504D

Late medieval Dubrovnik provides a unique lens to examine the complex interplay between societal norms and regulated vice. Research reveals that despite official disapproval, prostitution thrived within the city's official brothel, serving as a key part of its social fabric. This study uncovers conflicting attitudes toward prostitution, from legislative oversight to public perception, offering insights into how medieval societies managed morally contentious practices. By analyzing legislation, practice, and prosecution records, the research demonstrates that even in pre-modern urban centers like Dubrovnik, prostitution was an accepted yet tightly controlled aspect of life, reflecting broader patterns across the Old World.

Protected area downgrading, downsizing, and degazettement as a threat to iconic protected areas

Virunga National Park — 2019 — WHED72DD0D3CF

Protected areas (PAs) face significant threats from downgrading, downsizing, and degazettement (PADDD), which can undermine their conservation goals. A study identified 23 enacted or proposed PADDD events within World Natural Heritage Sites, including iconic parks like Virunga National Park. Analyzing four case studies—Yosemite National Park, Arabian Oryx Sanctuary, Yasuní National Park, and Virunga National Park—the research revealed diverse pressures from competing interests and mechanisms enabling PADDD. The study highlights knowledge gaps in tracking development pressures leading to PADDD and its impacts, emphasizing the need for comprehensive regional profiles, improved governance, and policy reforms. Enhanced human and financial capacities are also recommended to support research and mitigate negative consequences, ensuring better global tracking and assessment of PADDD.

Protected areas under pressure: decline, redistribution, local eradication and projected extinction of a threatened predator, the red kite, in Doñana National Park, Spain

Doñana National Park — 2019 — WHE52F4F8FF99

Doñana National Park, despite its status as a protected area, is facing significant challenges in maintaining viable populations of endangered species. A study on the red kite (Milvus milvus), a highly endangered raptor near-endemic to Europe, reveals a 46-55% decline in population over four decades, with the species increasingly confined to the core National Park and its buffer zones. The research attributes this decline to illegal poisoning, habitat degradation, food scarcity, competition, predation, and chemical contamination. Demographic modeling predicts potential extinction within two decades if current trends persist. While the park has prevented regional extinction, it has not guaranteed species safety, highlighting a growing issue of 'extinction debt' as anthropogenic pressures increase around protected areas.

Protecting forests at the expense of native grasslands: Land-use policy encourages open-habitat loss in the Brazilian cerrado biome

Cerrado Protected Areas: Chapada dos Veadeiros and Emas National Parks — 2019 — WHEE6ACDCBF94

A study reveals a significant bias in land-use policies within the Brazilian Cerrado biome, favoring forest protection over native grasslands. Researchers found that private Legal Reserves (LRs) contain 7.26 hectares of forest for every hectare of grassland, nearly three times more than formal protected areas and Indigenous Lands. Indigenous Lands protect six times more grassland in absolute terms compared to protected areas. The analysis, conducted across 48,762 landholdings in Mato Grosso state, suggests that economic decision-making drives this imbalance, potentially threatening the biodiversity of open habitats within private properties, which cover 90% of the Cerrado biome.

Pruskie echa koncepcji artystycznych Mikołaja z Lejdy

Medieval Town of Toruń — 2019 — WHE32025B563D

This study reveals that the artistic innovations of Nicolaus Gerhaert von Leyden, a key 15th-century Netherlandish sculptor, significantly influenced Prussian sculpture, more extensively than previously recognized. The research identifies parallels in sculptural techniques, poses (e.g., walking figures, dynamic Christ Child), and motifs (e.g., layered drapery structures, chapel-shaped retable interiors) across works from regions like Toruń, Gdańsk, and Elbląg. It demonstrates that Prussian artists adapted Gerhaert’s style—such as the 'gestreckter Kruzifixtypus' crucifixion type—without direct influence, suggesting a broader, indirect reception of his artistic legacy. The study also traces specific motifs (e.g., raised coattails in Passion groups) and retable designs (e.g., niche-like bust figures) to Gerhaert’s circle, highlighting the enduring impact of his concepts on late medieval Prussian art.