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Publications

Showing 17421 – 17440 of 30345 publications

Species Composition and Diurnal Activity Rhythm of Tabanids (Diptera: Tabanidae) at the Ivindo National Park and Its Environs

Ivindo National Park — 2019 — WHEF67424154C

A study conducted at Ivindo National Park (INP) and surrounding areas revealed significant differences in tabanid species composition and diurnal activity between secondary forest and anthropized environments. Tabanids, particularly those of the genus Tabanus, were more abundant in the forest (7.12 per trap/day) compared to village-town sites (0.77 per trap/day), with a peak activity period between 12-14H in INP and 14-16H in anthropized areas, dominated by females. Eleven species of Tabanus were recorded at INP, with T. taeniola being the most prevalent (57.76%), alongside two species of Chrysops and one of Haematopota, which were exclusively found in the park. In contrast, village-town sites hosted five Tabanus species, with T. ricardae dominating (73.91%). The study highlights the ecological differences in tabanid populations between protected and human-altered landscapes.

Spectacular Wealth: The Festivals of Colonial South American Mining Towns

Historic Town of Ouro Preto — 2019 — WHE14CC1881BD

Colonial South American mining towns, such as Potosí and Ouro Preto (Vila Rica do Ouro Preto), used festivals to display wealth, power, and cultural identity. These events, often glorifying the crown and church, also served as platforms for local communities—including creoles, Indigenous peoples, and people of African descent—to assert their own agendas. While European festivals were well-documented, those in Spanish America were sparse until Lisa Voigt's work, which analyzed texts from Potosí (1608–1716) and Minas Gerais (1733–1749). Findings reveal that festivals featured allegorical performances, mock battles, and literary works, blending self-promotion with subtle contestation. For instance, Potosí's 1622 celebrations included a float depicting the mountain of Potosí, critiquing Basque dominance, while Minas Gerais' festivals emphasized piety and local identity. The study highlights the multiplicity of agendas in these events, challenging simplistic interpretations of colonial power dynamics.

Split (Spalato), Croatia

Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian — 2019 — WHE2BBDF7D3F4

Split, Croatia, stands as a testament to resilience and historical continuity. Originally built around the Palace of Diocletian, a Roman Emperor's retreat, the city has preserved its ancient and medieval architecture despite significant damage during World War II. This preservation, coupled with its strategic Adriatic location, makes Split a unique cultural and tourist destination. The study highlights the enduring legacy of Roman and medieval structures, which remain largely intact and attract global attention. This resilience is attributed to both historical fortuitousness and modern conservation efforts, offering insights into the sustainability of heritage sites under adverse conditions.

Spread and impact of goat pox (“sagolay bohonta”) in a village smallholder community around Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India

Kaziranga National Park — 2019 — WHE4454FF0E36

A highly fatal outbreak of goat pox, clinically indistinguishable from the known disease, emerged in villages surrounding Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India, during September and October 2017. The outbreak affected a previously naïve local population due to a trend of avoiding external animal purchases, leading to significant financial hardship for smallholder goat keepers who rely on goats for savings and income. The study, conducted through clinical examinations, interviews, and participatory village meetings, highlighted the role of local grazing practices in both spreading and controlling the disease. Laboratory confirmation was deemed unnecessary due to specific clinical signs. Awareness of the disease and its association with farming practices could offer opportunities for future control measures, enhancing animal welfare and rural prosperity.

Stability and seismic vulnerability of the Stylite Tower at Umm Ar-Rasas

Um er-Rasas (Kastrom Mefa'a) — 2019 — WHECC557ACF76

Research on the Stylite Tower at Umm Ar-Rasas, Jordan, reveals critical insights into its stability and seismic vulnerability, offering foundational data for potential retrofit interventions. The study employed in situ experimental tests, including Schmidt-hammer tests on stone blocks and passive seismic measurements, to analyze soil and structural material properties. Stability was assessed assuming an elastic-perfect plastic behavior in compression for masonry, while a push-over seismic analysis using finite solid element modeling with a Drucker-Prager yield criterion further evaluated its vulnerability. These findings provide essential guidance for preserving this unique historical structure against seismic risks.

Stable Isotope Analysis of Dermis and the Foraging Behavior of Whale Sharks at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

Ningaloo Coast — 2019 — WHE08E0E23A09

Whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia, primarily rely on pelagic primary and secondary productivity over approximately three years, as revealed by stable isotope analysis of their dermis. This study provides new insights into the foraging behavior and diet of whale sharks, a highly migratory species, by comparing isotopic values (δ13C and δ15N) from whale shark dermis with those of potential prey like krill, zooplankton, and polychaetes. The consistency in δ13C values suggests regional foraging ranges across Ningaloo Reef and the western Australian coast, while variability in δ15N values indicates diverse foraging patterns among individuals. Additionally, evidence of 15N enrichment with increasing size in both male and female whale sharks hints at ontogenetic shifts in trophic level or feeding grounds. This research underscores the importance of understanding temporal and spatial foraging dynamics for effective conservation management of this elusive species.

Stedelijk werelderfgoed en de Historic Urban Landscape-benadering in Nederland

Historic Area of Willemstad, Inner City and Harbour, Curaçao — 2019 — WHE0A14FDD501

A key insight from this study is that the UNESCO Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) approach offers a practical framework to balance preservation and development in dynamic urban World Heritage Sites, such as Willemstad, Curaçao. The research examines how urban landscapes—characterized by high spatial dynamics and ongoing changes—face challenges in maintaining their Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) while adapting to modern demands. By analyzing case studies like Rio de Janeiro and the Amsterdam Canal Ring, the study highlights the potential of HUL to reconcile conservation with sustainable development, advocating for its stronger integration into UNESCO’s management strategies. The approach emphasizes ICOMOS’s role in guiding adaptive preservation, ensuring that urban heritage remains both culturally significant and responsive to contemporary needs.

Stochastic Two Species Model with Prey Refuge: an Application to Keoladeo National Park, India

Keoladeo National Park — 2019 — WHE1A9FD7A8EA

A stochastic two-species prey-predator model with prey refuge reveals critical dynamics: predators face certain extinction without prey, while prey populations stabilize between zero and infinity when isolated from predators. The study derives the Radon-Nikodym Derivative for this model, offering new mathematical insights into predator-prey interactions. Asymptotic analysis and moment estimation further quantify these dynamics. Applied to Keoladeo National Park, Indiathe model demonstrates how prey refuges influence species coexistence, providing a framework for understanding biodiversity conservation in such ecosystems.

Stomach contents of the archaeocete Basilosaurus isis: Apex predator in oceans of the late Eocene

Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) — 2019 — WHE3AEF9BDF70

Apex predation in whales is revealed through the first direct evidence of diet in Basilosaurus isis, a late Eocene archaeocete from Wadi Al-Hitan, Egypt. Analysis of stomach contents shows it preyed on smaller whales (juvenile Dorudon atrox) and large fishes (Pycnodus mokattamensis), confirming a predator-prey relationship between the two most frequently found fossil whales in the site. This discovery extends understanding of their paleoecology and highlights Basilosaurus isis as an apex predator, akin to modern killer whales (Orcinus orca) and late Miocene Livyatan melvillei. The study underscores the need for greater attention on whales as apex predators throughout the Cenozoic era.

Stomatal Structure in Solidago L. Species as the Index of their Adaptation Opportunities

Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico), Padua — 2019 — WHE90CEB76AB5

Research identifies stomatal structure as a key indicator of adaptive capacity in Solidago L. species, with higher relative transpiration area (I_ot) correlating to greater invasiveness and expansion potential in secondary habitats. The study analyzed 21 quantitative stomatal characteristics across nine alien Solidago species from Padua's Botanical Garden, revealing three distinct adaptability groups based on I_ot values: high (≥25%), medium (15-25%), and low (<15%). Strategies increasing transpiration—such as larger stomata, higher stomatal density, or expanded leaf/shoot structures—were linked to enhanced adaptive traits. These findings provide a predictive tool for monitoring invasive spread, offering critical insights for managing alien species in natural ecosystems.

Stonehenge and Avebury

Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites — 2019 — WHE504B161B45

Stonehenge, Britain's most iconic prehistoric monument, has been revealed to hold profound significance tied to the seasonal solar cycle and potential ritual, burial, and ceremonial functions. Recent research, including studies on its chronological and structural sequence, has deepened understanding of its complex history. The origin of the bluestones, whether from glacial drift or transported from south Wales, remains a key question. However, Stonehenge's expansion into the UNESCO World Heritage Site—now including Avebury—has sparked controversy over balancing visitor access with environmental protection amid rising traffic volumes.

Streets as Public Spaces: Lessons from Street Vending in Ahmedabad, India

Historic City of Ahmadabad — 2019 — WHE2E2A340B5E

Street vending in Ahmedabad, India, significantly enhances urban vibrancy, safety, and inclusivity by increasing foot traffic, fostering social cohesion, and allowing diverse groups to participate in economic exchange. A study analyzing 4,000 vendors across four time points, combined with perception studies of clientele (disaggregated by gender, income, and age) and spatial relationships with land-use and street hierarchy, demonstrates that street vendors are vital to equitable and dynamic public spaces. This research underscores their role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals 8 (decent work) and 11 (sustainable cities), offering insights for global urban planning.

Structural health monitoring of the Holy Aedicule in Jerusalem

Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls — 2019 — WHE466091B22D

Advanced structural health monitoring of the Holy Aedicule in Jerusalem's Church of the Resurrection reveals critical risks to its preservation, including microclimatic fluctuations due to visitor traffic and local climate, rising damp, seismic hazards, and structural movements post-restoration. The study employs a sophisticated network of sensors—air temperature/humidity monitors, moisture content detectors for masonry, geodetic total stations, and accelerometers—to enable real-time remote assessment and risk analysis. This proactive approach ensures data-driven decision-making for Christian communities involved in the monument's upkeep, balancing sustainability with historical integrity.

Structural Survey and Empirical Seismic Vulnerability Assessment of Dwellings in the Historical Centre of Cusco, Peru

City of Cuzco — 2019 — WHE8FEDBC738D

A significant portion of Cusco's historic center could see reduced seismic vulnerability through targeted retrofitting interventions. This finding emerges from an empirical study that assessed the seismic risk of dwellings in the area using data collected from an extensive in-situ survey. Researchers adapted a methodology previously used for Italian historic centers to account for Cusco's unique structural typologies. The study, conducted by a team including institutions from Italy and Peru, utilized GIS mapping to visualize building statistics and derive fragility curves. These curves were then employed to evaluate the potential benefits of large-scale retrofitting strategies, offering actionable insights for preserving this culturally significant site.

Structure and Architecture of Graves in South East Iran: Ethnic Diversity and Migration in the 3rd Millennium BCE

Shahr-i Sokhta — 2019 — WHE3939956128

Archaeological analysis of graves at Shahr-i Sokhta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southeastern Iran, reveals significant ethnic diversity and migration patterns among its inhabitants during the 3rd millennium BCE. The study identifies at least five distinct geographical origins for the site's population, linked to trade routes connecting Central Asia, Baluchistan, Mesopotamia, and the Indus Valley. Changes in burial alignment and positioning over centuries suggest cultural exchanges and demographic shifts driven by migration along these commercial pathways. The research examines skeletal remains, grave offerings, and tools from the cemetery to reconstruct the complex social dynamics of this ancient society.

Structure and Dynamics of Tree Stands at the Upper Timberline in the Western Part of the Putorana Plateau

Putorana Plateau — 2019 — WHE93DE601895

Research on the Putorana Plateau reveals that forest expansion at the upper timberline, particularly on south- and southwest-facing slopes, is driven by climate warming over centuries. The study found significant changes in the altitudinal position of tree vegetation boundaries, with correlations between trunk diameters and phytomass fractions. By analyzing age structures, diachronous topographic maps, and satellite images, scientists reconstructed historical dynamics of tree stands, highlighting how shifts in climate conditions facilitate forest growth at higher elevations.

Studenica Marble: Significance, Use, Conservation

Studenica Monastery — 2019 — WHEE4244063FF

Studenica marble, a key material in medieval Serbian cultural heritage, was rediscovered through detailed characterization to enable precise restoration of the Virgin’s Church at Studenica Monastery. This 1986 UNESCO World Heritage Site suffered repeated destructions, necessitating the reidentification of its original quarry deposits. The study successfully matched the marble used in the church’s façades and architectural elements, ensuring authentic conservation efforts for both Studenica and Sopocani monasteries. Beyond restoration, the research highlighted the significance of local marble deposits as part of Serbia’s national heritage, advocating for their sustainable preservation under the Studenica Monastery Cultural Landscape Management Plan.

Study of the efficacy of the membranes produced on a laboratory scale for filtration: a proposal to improve the water quality of the hydrographic sub-basin of Ribeirão das Pedras, Diamantina, MG (Brazil)

Historic Centre of the Town of Diamantina — 2019 — WHE196A2141CA

Chitosan-based membranes developed for water filtration demonstrated promising efficacy in absorbing heavy metal ions, offering a potential solution to improve the water quality of the Ribeirão das Pedras sub-basin in Diamantina, Brazil. The study, conducted by Amaral et al. (2019), addresses the environmental impact of population growth and technological development on local water resources, particularly concerning heavy metal pollution from historical mining activities. Researchers prepared membranes using chitosan biopolymer and tested their filtration capacity with water samples collected from the sub-basin. While the membranes showed efficiency in removing pollutants, further investigations are recommended to refine formulations and conduct seasonal sampling for comprehensive assessment. This approach highlights the potential of biopolymer-based filtration systems as a sustainable method for mitigating heavy metal contamination in degraded aquatic ecosystems.

Study of the Influence of Limewash on the Conservation of Islamic Plasterworks through Weathering Tests

Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville — 2019 — WHE579A2E1BA0

Accelerated weathering tests reveal that limewash applied to Islamic plasterworks in Seville's Real Alcázar offers limited protective benefits, particularly against capillary absorption, while showing significant detachment during immersion tests—a behavior not observed in the original structures. The study suggests capillarity tests more accurately simulate real-world conditions for these ornamental elements. Researchers prepared gypsum plaster specimens with compositions mirroring those of the Alcázar's plasterworks, applying limewash layers and subjecting them to cycles of water absorption (via capillarity and immersion) and drying. Despite minimal durability improvements, limewash demonstrated a protective effect in samples with higher water/plaster ratios, highlighting its potential for targeted conservation strategies.

Study on Damage Assessment of Earthen Sites of the Ming Great Wall in Qinghai Province Based on Fuzzy-AHP and AHP-TOPSIS

The Great Wall — 2019 — WHE6DFAAFAA0C

AHP-TOPSIS emerges as the more accurate method for assessing damage to earthen sites of the Ming Great Wall in Qinghai Province, offering a closer alignment with real-world conditions compared to Fuzzy-AHP. This study evaluates 18 earthen sites by integrating their environmental context, material properties, deterioration patterns, and construction techniques. The findings highlight AHP-TOPSIS's potential for broader application in assessing similar heritage sites across Northwest China, providing a robust framework for targeted conservation efforts.