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Publications

Showing 17801 – 17820 of 30345 publications

Wave transformation over a barrier reef

Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems — 2019 — WHEEDCE9CA7E4

Barrier reefs act as depth-dependent filters for incoming wave energy, significantly reducing its transmission while allowing certain low-frequency standing waves to persist. This finding emerges from a two-month observational and numerical study conducted over the Ouano reef barrier in New Caledonia, which revealed distinct wave patterns, including reflection-induced standing waves and undular bore trains developing over the reef flat. The research combined cross-shore pressure sensor networks with high-resolution velocity profiling to quantify these phenomena, offering critical insights into how barrier reefs modulate wave dynamics—a key factor for coastal protection and lagoon ecosystem stability.

Well Being and Conservation Awareness of Communities around Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Chitwan National Park — 2019 — WHE4F5CA55A40

A study assessing the effectiveness of Community Based Conservation (CBC) programs in Chitwan National Park, Nepal, reveals that local communities around the park enjoy higher economic well-being compared to national averages. Key findings include high awareness among residents about shared park revenues and their link to community welfare, with 79% recognizing revenue distribution and 73.6% associating conservation efforts with improved living conditions. Additionally, over half of the respondents demonstrated knowledge of ecological concepts such as deforestation impacts and large carnivore loss. The research highlights no significant differences in responses based on gender, economic status, or education level. Recommendations for park management include enhancing awareness campaigns to strengthen the connection between shared benefits and conservation efforts, as well as streamlining compensation processes for wildlife-related damages.

What are tourists willing to pay for securing the survival of a flagship species? The case of protection of the Ethiopian wolf

Bale Mountains National Park — 2019 — WHE273CA1F9FA

Tourists visiting Ethiopia's Bale Mountains National Park are willing to pay up to US$5.82 per day for trips that support the protection and increase of the Ethiopian wolf population, a critically endangered flagship species. This willingness to pay (WTP) is significantly higher when the wolf population increases from 200 to a more viable 250, but diminishes for larger increases. Tourists also value expanded protected areas and better access to wolf habitats. The study, using choice experiment surveys and a random parameter logit model, reveals that prior experience with Ethiopian protected areas and encounters with other unique species in the park influence tourists' WTP. These findings highlight ecotourism's potential as a conservation tool for the Ethiopian wolf, driven primarily by its existence value.

What did the Composer Antonio de Ribera Learn from Alonso Pérez de Alba at Seville Cathedral? A New Look at Ribera’s Missa Sine Nomine and Devotional Motets

Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville — 2019 — WHE9239A89542

A new analysis reveals that the sacred music of composer Antonio de Ribera, including his Missa Sine Nomine and devotional motets, bears striking similarities to that of Alonso Pérez de Alba, suggesting significant influence from Alba during their overlapping tenure at Seville Cathedral. While documentation is scarce, Alba's more advanced career position implies he likely mentored the younger Ribera. The study highlights shared contrapuntal language and compositional details but acknowledges limitations due to the small sample size and functional context of the surviving pieces. Additionally, it clarifies Ribera’s biography and corrects attributions, distinguishing his works from those of Bernardino de Ribera.

What’s Wrong with Early Medieval Medicine?

Abbey and Altenmünster of Lorsch — 2019 — WHECA5738F925

Early medieval medicine, as exemplified by the 'Lorsch Book of Medicines' from the 9th century, reveals a blend of empirical and superstitious practices. The text, compiled at the Abbey of Lorsch, begins with a 'defence of medicine,' reflecting the era's complex approach to healing. It incorporates prescriptions from ancient sources like Dioscorides, including the use of bearded vulture entrails for treating colic and stones—a practice that persists despite its lack of clear efficacy or explanation. This study highlights how medieval medical texts often served as anthologies, synthesizing diverse traditions without systematic rigor, underscoring the challenges in distinguishing between scientific and superstitious elements in pre-modern medicine.

Where did the first divorced people live in Paris and its suburbs?

Paris, Banks of the Seine — 2019 — WHEABFE7DC7B2

Divorce rates following France's 1884 reauthorization were highest in the Seine département, with divorced individuals predominantly residing on Paris's Right Bank and its western suburbs. A spatial analysis of 20 arrondissements and 74 suburban municipalities revealed that this distribution correlated with economic structures, social acceptance, and cultural norms, particularly enabling women to live independently post-divorce. The study also noted a marked urban-rural divide, where divorced individuals were less likely to reside in rural areas.

Where the Past meets the Future. The Politics of Heritage in Xi’an

Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor — 2019 — WHEF6F0DBB95B

Xi’an, once the capital of 13 Chinese dynasties and home to the Terracotta Army, faces complex challenges in balancing its rich heritage with modernization. The city’s World Heritage status, achieved in 1987 for the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor and expanded in 2014 to include Silk Roads sites, highlights its historical significance but also reveals tensions between preserving cultural identity and pursuing economic growth. Research by Leah Cheung Ah Li explores how heritage policies navigate these pressures, revealing a dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity. Conducted as part of the International Max Planck Research School 'Anthropology, Archaeology and History of Eurasia,' this study employs qualitative methods to examine the political economy of heritage in Xi’an, offering insights into the broader implications for cities grappling with similar transformations.

Where to Preserve? Evaluating the Integrity Principle for Delineating Protection Scopes of Kaiping Diaolou and Villages

Kaiping Diaolou and Villages — 2019 — WHE3791CC037D

Current preservation efforts at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kaiping Diaolou and Villages may be overlooking critical aspects of cultural value. A quantitative study reveals that existing protection scopes fail to account for the defensive spatial organization of diaolous—multi-story tower dwellings—and their architectural diversity, which are integral to their historical significance. Researchers analyzed 1629 diaolous using GIS-based methods, categorizing them into four defensive region types through principal component and clustering analysis. The findings underscore the need for protection scopes that prioritize both functional distribution and typological integrity, ensuring a more comprehensive approach to heritage conservation.

Why did Acanthus mollis, native to West Mediterranean, become a so relevant artistic and symbolic element arising from ancient Greece?

Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae — 2019 — WHE383A7FED99

Acanthus mollis, a Western Mediterranean plant, became a pivotal artistic and symbolic element in ancient Greek architecture despite not being native to Greece. This study reveals that the Corinthian capital, featuring A. mollis leaves, likely originated from cultural exchanges with colonies like Syracuse, where the species was widespread. The earliest examples, such as those at the Doric Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae (450-425 BC) and the Tholos at Epidaurus (360-330 BC), suggest that Greek architects drew inspiration from cultivated plants or regions like Sicily and Magna Graecia. The research clarifies the species' distribution, noting that A. mollis subsp. mollis is native to Italy, France, and Croatia, while A. spinosus is indigenous to Greece, challenging previous assumptions about its origin in Greek art.

Wild edible plants collected by Hani from terraced rice paddy agroecosystem in Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan, China

Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces — 2019 — WHED31685C1F2

A comprehensive ethnobotanical study identifies 224 wild edible plant (WEP) species used by the Hani people in Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan, China, highlighting their cultural and economic significance. These plants, belonging to 90 families and 170 genera, are integral to local cuisine and traditional practices, with fruits, stems, and leaves being the most commonly utilized parts. The research, conducted through interviews with 186 Hani individuals across four counties from 2014 to 2019, also documents unique preparation methods for certain species like Phyllanthus emblica and Dioscorea subcalva. Analysis of use-value (UV) and frequency of utilization index (FUI) revealed that 20 WEP species are particularly important in daily life. While these plants hold economic potential, the study warns of threats from biodiversity loss and pollution, emphasizing the need to preserve traditional knowledge and agroecosystem health for sustainable development.

Wilderness Fire Management in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park — 2019 — WHE73E5B10CEB

Yosemite National Park's wilderness fire management practices have significantly influenced its diverse ecosystems, ranging from chaparral to alpine environments. Research indicates that the historical policy of fire exclusion has altered natural conditions, while the Wilderness Act mandates preservation of these areas' natural states. Natural fire zones, established by both the US Forest Service and National Park Service, highlight the ecological importance of wildfires in Yosemite's wilderness areas. The 1974 Starr King Fire, ignited by lightning near Mount Starr King, provided critical data on water quality impacts due to its location within a watershed supplying Yosemite Valley.

Wilderness on Woldlife Refuges

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge — 2019 — WHE0C9B71A0E3

The Wilderness Act mandated the review of roadless areas within national wildlife refuges, leading to wilderness designation for 90 refuges, including portions of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. This study highlights how Congress prioritized public use and protection of these areas, ensuring their management plans preserve wilderness character while balancing conservation goals. The research approach involved analyzing the Act's implementation, focusing on its impact on refuge systems and specific sites like Okefenokee, which received special attention for its ecological significance.

Wind energy at remote islands in arctic region—A case study of Solovetsky islands

Cultural and Historic Ensemble of the Solovetsky Islands — 2019 — WHE93A27BE725

A case study on the Solovetsky Islands reveals that wind energy production is significantly higher during winter months due to increased wind speeds and air density. Using 18 years of NASA wind climatology data and computational fluid dynamics simulations, researchers assessed two potential wind park locations, comparing three wake models to understand wind flow physics and turbine wake effects. The study also demonstrated that optimizing the layout of a wind park can enhance annual energy production (AEP). This research provides valuable insights for harnessing wind energy in remote Arctic regions while balancing cultural heritage preservation.

Without management interventions, endemic wet‐sclerophyll forest is transitioning to rainforest in World Heritage listed K’gari (Fraser Island), Australia

K’gari (Fraser Island) — 2019 — WHE67F487B75B

Wet-sclerophyll forests on K’gari (Fraser Island), Australia, are transitioning to rainforest without management interventions. Research tracking three 0.4-hectare plots over 65 years found that rainforest trees recruited significantly faster than endemic wet-sclerophyll species like Syncarpia hillii and Lophostemon confertus, even under varying disturbance regimes (selective logging, fire, cyclones). Only five L. confertus saplings were detected in the smallest size class by 2017, indicating a decline. The study suggests that more pronounced disturbances or active management—such as fire—may be necessary to conserve this unique ecosystem, emphasizing collaboration with Indigenous landowners for effective conservation strategies.

Women of, for, and at the Wall: A Performative Analysis of Gender Politics at the Western Wall in Jerusalem

Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls — 2019 — WHE731908E671

A performative analysis reveals how the Women of the Wall (WoW) and Women for the Wall (W4W) challenge and contest gendered religious practices at the Western Wall, using bodily performances to assert agency and critique traditional norms. The study highlights the impact of surveillance, media, and opposition on WoW's practices, demonstrating how their actions both challenge orthodox standards and expose the complexities of liberal agency in cultural and religious contexts.

Wooden Furniture in Herculaneum

Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata — 2019 — WHE6E0AA78954

Archaeological research at Herculaneum has revealed significant insights into the role and craftsmanship of wooden furniture during antiquity. By analyzing surviving fragments, excavation reports, and architectural evidence, this study reconstructs the form, function, and techniques used in Herculaneum's interiors. The findings highlight how wooden furniture was integral to domestic spaces, with preserved pieces offering a rare glimpse into Roman interior design and craftsmanship. This multidisciplinary approach combines material analysis with contextual clues from house architecture and decoration, providing a comprehensive understanding of furniture's significance in daily life.

World Heritage Canal: Thomas Telford and the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal — 2019 — WHEDE249DCD6F

The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, designed by Thomas Telford, stands as a testament to engineering innovation during the Industrial Revolution. This study highlights its significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, emphasizing its role in transforming transportation and infrastructure in 19th-century Britain. The research examines the aqueduct's construction challenges, such as its elevated height and the use of cast iron, which set new standards for civil engineering. By analyzing historical records and technical documents, the study underscores how Telford's design integrated aesthetic and functional brilliance, influencing canal engineering globally. Its legacy persists in modern infrastructure projects, reflecting enduring principles of sustainability and efficiency.

World Heritage meets Smart City in an Urban-Educational Hackathon in Rauma

Old Rauma — 2019 — WHE5984FDAAB1

A hackathon can serve as an effective innovation contest method for integrating cultural heritage with modern urban development, particularly in UNESCO World Heritage cities. This study demonstrates that dual-focused (urban and educational) hackathons, when designed with clear objectives and collaborative partnerships—such as those involving higher education institutions and local entrepreneur associations—can produce tangible outputs while addressing both academic and public sector needs. The research highlights the importance of intentional design in achieving goals, a factor often overlooked in descriptive hackathon studies. Through a case study in Rauma, Finland—a city aiming to balance its historic Old Town with smart city initiatives—the study provides insights into the process and outcomes of such events, contributing valuable knowledge for both researchers and policymakers.

World Heritage Site as the place for education: the case of the Gango-ji Temple in Japan

Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara — 2019 — WHE50389C59DD

World Heritage Sites serve as dynamic educational platforms, blending tangible and intangible heritage to foster learning. A study on the Gango-ji Temple in Japan's 'Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara' reveals that such sites facilitate social education through interactive experiences. The temple's main hall and exhibition room offer visitors the opportunity to engage with authentic cultural materials, promoting deeper understanding. Staff recommendations suggest a structured approach: studying exhibits for an hour before reflecting in the main hall. This study highlights heritage as an ongoing process where contemporary communities and tourists alike participate in preserving and learning from the past.

World’s First Known Written Word at Göbekli Tepe on T-Shaped Pillar 18 Means God

Göbekli Tepe — 2019 — WHE520CD1EA10

A groundbreaking analysis of Göbekli Tepe, a prehistoric megalithic site in southeastern Turkey, reveals that the T-shaped pillars may represent supernatural beings linked to the concept of 'god.' The study identifies an H-shaped carving on Pillar 18, bracketed by semi-circles, which bears striking resemblance to a Luwian hieroglyphic symbol meaning 'god.' This suggests a symbolic rather than purely practical purpose for such carvings. The research further connects T-shape iconography and an H-like symbol at Göbekli Tepe with Luwian symbols representing 'gate' and possibly bull-associated deities, implying these pillars guarded the entry to the afterlife. The findings propose that celestial imagery of the night sky inspired this theme, which was ritually celebrated by hunter-gatherer pilgrims and later spread across Anatolia, influencing language in the region for millennia.