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Publications

Showing 17861 – 17880 of 30345 publications

A consistent glacier inventory for Karakoram and Pamir derived from Landsat data: distribution of debris cover and mapping challenges

Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs) — 2018 — WHE280AF67840

A comprehensive glacier inventory for the Karakoram and Pamir mountain ranges, including Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs), reveals that debris-covered glaciers account for 10% of the total glacierized area, with larger glaciers showing up to 20% coverage. This study, contributing to global databases like RGI and GLIMS, mapped over 27,800 glaciers covering 35,520±1948 km² using Landsat data from around the year 2000, combined with ALOS-1 PALSAR-1 coherence images for enhanced accuracy. Challenges such as shadows and debris cover were addressed through manual corrections and uncertainty assessments, providing critical data for modeling glacier dynamics, runoff, and volume changes in High Mountain Asia.

A Diachronic Perspective on the Prehispanic Ceramic Tradition of the Valley of Oaxaca

Historic Centre of Oaxaca and Archaeological Site of Monte Albán — 2018 — WHE19E855860E

A diachronic perspective on the prehispanic ceramic tradition of the Valley of Oaxaca, including Monte Albán, reveals significant temporal expansions and refinements to the pottery record since the foundational work by Caso, Bernal, and Acosta in 1967. Over five decades, fieldwork and analysis have enhanced the original ceramic typology and chronology, providing new insights into pottery production and extending research issues across three millennia. This synthesis of recent developments establishes a robust foundation for investigating shifts in the region's ceramic complex, offering deeper understanding of its cultural evolution.

A discussion on the genus Fomitiporella (Hymenochaetaceae, Hymenochaetales) and first record of F. americana from southern South America

Churches of Chiloé — 2018 — WHE5598EC49ED

Research reveals that the fungal genus Fomitiporella is paraphyletic, with several distinct lineages previously grouped under it. Phylogenetic analysis of 28S and ITS nuc rDNA sequences, combined with morphological and ecological data, identified a well-supported core group within Fomitiporella while distinguishing other genera like Arambarria, Inocutis, and Phellinotus based on traits such as macro and micromorphology or biogeographic distribution. Notably, the study reports the first record of Fomitiporella americana in southern South America, specifically in Patagonian forests and historic churches of Chiloé Island, Chile, where it contributes to white heart-rot decay in standing Austrocedrus chilensis. This discovery expands the known distribution of the species and highlights its role in degrading wooden structures, with implications for conservation efforts.

A envolvente do Convento de Cristo em Tomar: Uma leitura sobre o lugar no tempo para uma proposta de regeneração urbana

Convent of Christ in Tomar — 2018 — WHE38CA5FE480

A comprehensive analysis of the Convent of Christ in Tomar reveals the significant role of its surrounding landscape in shaping its historical identity and architectural character. The study defines a landscape unit by examining the spatial and visual relationships between the monument and its immediate and distant surroundings, tracing transformations from its early occupation to the present day. This approach provides a nuanced understanding of the physical and visual continuities that connect the interiors of the convent with its broader landscape context, offering valuable insights for urban regeneration strategies.

A first confirmed record of the Indian Crested Porcupine Hystrix indica (Mammalia: Rodentia: Hystricidae) in the United Arab Emirates

Wadi Wurayah — 2018 — WHE0D4E3FF2A5

Researchers have documented the first confirmed presence of the Indian Crested Porcupine (Hystrix indica) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking a significant extension—approximately 600 km—beyond its known range in Arabia. The discovery was made through camera trap images captured at two locations within Wadi Wurayah National Park (WWNP) between 2015 and 2016, alongside social surveys conducted in nearby villages, confirming long-term occupancy. This isolated subpopulation suggests a previously unrecorded presence of the species in the region, warranting further investigation into its genetic and demographic resilience.

A Geotouristic Itinerary: A Proposal for Geotourism and Archaeotourism Development of Lenggong Valley, Perak, Malaysia

Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley — 2018 — WHE2A3A3E3231

Lenggong Valley, Malaysia, holds significant potential as a geotourism and archaeotourism destination due to its diverse geological and archaeological heritage. A proposed geotouristic itinerary connects key geosites in the valley, highlighting their scientific, cultural, aesthetic, and recreational values. This itinerary aims to enhance conservation efforts while attracting visitors year-round by emphasizing the locations' accessibility, geological features, historical significance, and available facilities. It serves as an educational tool for various levels, including university courses, and can be followed by both experts and non-geologists with guidance from volunteers. The initiative seeks to foster sustainable geo-archaeotourism development, leveraging the valley's unique geodiversity.

A global spatially explicit database of changes in island palaeo‐area and archipelago configuration during the late Quaternary

Archipiélago de Revillagigedo — 2018 — WHEECB8ABE54E

A groundbreaking global database, PIAC, reveals how cyclic sea level fluctuations during the late Quaternary have dynamically reshaped island palaeo-geographies, challenging the focus on static conditions like the Last Glacial Maximum. This spatially explicit dataset tracks changes in 178 islands across 27 archipelagos, including the Revillagigedo Archipelago, with a 1 km² resolution over the last 35 kyr (and up to 140 kyr). By integrating high-resolution bathymetry and sea level data, PIAC provides unprecedented insights into island fusion and fission events, crucial for understanding insular biodiversity distributions and human settlement patterns. The accompanying R functions enable further customization, allowing researchers to explore additional islands, time steps, or higher resolutions. This work bridges gaps in global palaeo-environmental data, offering a robust tool for studying the interplay between sea level changes and ecological or archaeological processes.

A Greek Gospel from the sacristy of the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius no. 28 (Greek 11)

Architectural Ensemble of the Trinity Sergius Lavra in Sergiev Posad — 2018 — WHECA0B19BEB7

A rare and previously understudied Greek Gospel manuscript from the 12th century, part of the Byzantine artistic tradition, has been identified within the collection of the Trinity Sergius Lavra in Sergiev Posad. This illuminated codex, housed in the Russian State Library, features four miniature portraits of the Evangelists (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) alongside decorative initials and illustrations. Unlike other works from this period, it lacks comprehensive artistic analysis, with existing descriptions primarily dating its creation to the 12th century. The manuscript's script belongs to the Chicago-Karahissar group, a significant but under-explored category of Byzantine manuscripts. This discovery highlights the Lavra's historical and cultural significance while contributing to broader research on Byzantine paleography and illumination.

A historical perspective on the life cycle of a tourist activity: dolphin watching in Brazil’s Fernando de Noronha archipelago

Brazilian Atlantic Islands: Fernando de Noronha and Atol das Rocas Reserves — 2018 — WHE70A68CA182

Dolphin watching tourism in Brazil's Fernando de Noronha archipelago has stagnated alongside the overall development of the destination. This study reveals that while boat-based dolphin watching is more popular due to its capacity to accommodate three times more tourists than land-based options, the latter offers greater educational value and lower environmental impact, presenting potential for growth. The research applies the Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC) framework to analyze the historical development of this activity, identifying key stages that shaped its trajectory. Findings indicate that both dolphin watching and the archipelago's tourism are currently in a stagnation phase, with land-based watching emerging as a viable alternative for future growth.

A hoard of Nilotic nacreous shells from Egypt to Jericho (Early Bronze II, 3000–2800 BCE): Their finding, content and historical archaeological implications

Ancient Jericho/Tell es-Sultan — 2018 — WHEE6BEBAE8B9

A significant archaeological discovery at Tell es-Sultan, ancient Jericho, reveals a hoard of five Chambardia rubens shells, native to the Nile, dating back to the Early Bronze Age II (3000–2800 BCE). These shells, found in a dwelling unit, provide tangible evidence of trade and cultural connections between the Southern Levant and Egypt. Chemical analysis and Scanning Electron Microscopy confirmed the presence of Manganese Dioxide, an inorganic compound used as makeup in ancient Egypt and sourced from Sinai ores. This finding supports the role of international luxury goods trade in the urban rise during this period and suggests the emergence of a ruling elite influenced by Egyptian culture at Jericho.

A holistic ethical system of architecture in the time of globalization: between Dubai and the Medina of Tunis

Medina of Tunis — 2018 — WHE9299F995C2

Globalization has significantly transformed contemporary cities in the Islamic world, leading to a Westernized architectural identity that often overlooks traditional Islamic values and aesthetics. This study argues that architects and researchers can reclaim and reinvest these values in modern urban design, serving as an intermediary between global trends and local heritage. By comparing Dubai and Tunis, it highlights the ethical dimensions of architecture while advocating for a holistic approach that integrates Islamic principles into contemporary design practices.

A hybrid routing protocol for underwater acoustic networks

Portovenere, Cinque Terre, and the Islands (Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto) — 2018 — WHEF511EDA2EF

A hybrid routing protocol, MPR-Light, significantly improves the efficiency and energy consumption of underwater acoustic networks without compromising performance. By integrating the robustness of flooding solutions with the relay selection strategies of Multi-Point Relay (MPR), this approach reduces network overhead while maintaining or enhancing packet delivery ratios and end-to-end latency. Field trials conducted off the coast of Palmaria Island, Italy, demonstrated that MPR-Light outperforms traditional protocols like MPR and Enhanced Flooding (EFlood) in real-world conditions, offering a scalable solution for reliable underwater communication.

A late medieval or early modern light gun barrel from the Castle Museum in Malbork—typology, technology of manufacture and identification of the smelting process

Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork — 2018 — WHE0EF00C2375

A light gun barrel from the Castle Museum in Malbork, Poland, dating to the late 15th or early 16th century, provides new insights into medieval metallurgy. The study reveals that the barrel, originally part of a handheld gun and later repurposed as a cannon, was made using the direct (bloomery) smelting process. This conclusion is supported by metallographic examinations and slag inclusion analysis with multivariate statistics, which identified the metal's composition as unevenly carburized soft steel (c. 0.1–0.2% C). The findings contribute to our understanding of early firearm manufacturing techniques in Europe.

A Manuscript of the Last Sultan of al-Andalus and the Fate of the Royal Library of the Nasrid Sultans at the Alhambra

Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada — 2018 — WHE35EABECA87

Contrary to historical belief, the Royal Library of the Nasrid Sultans at the Alhambra was not entirely destroyed by Cardinal Cisneros. A surviving manuscript, attributed to the last sultan of al-Andalus, Muhammad XI (Boabdil), reveals that the royal books were moved to North Africa during his exile. This finding challenges the narrative of their burning and sheds light on Nasrid manuscript culture. The study examines the manuscript's journey through the sultan's life, supported by an edited and translated ijāza certificate—one of the few surviving royal teaching certificates from this period. The research combines historical analysis with textual evidence to reconstruct the fate of the library.

A Material Study on Iron Artifacts Excavated from the Three Storied Stone Pagoda(Seokgatap) of Bulguksa Temple in Gyiongju

Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple — 2018 — WHEA1A931D74D

A material study of iron artifacts from the Three-Storied Stone Pagoda (Seokgatap) at Bulguksa Temple reveals that modern iron was likely used during its 2012 reconstruction. Analysis identified five types of iron—two steels, two white cast irons, and one gray cast iron—with radiocarbon dating suggesting the white cast irons originated between 640–990 CE, while the gray cast iron dates to approximately 30,000 years ago. Despite no historical records of repairs, the study suggests that some components may have been replaced with contemporary materials during later maintenance, complicating precise chronological determination due to the pagoda's lack of stratified layers.

A Method of selecting potential development regions based on GPS and social network models – from the perspective of tourist behavior

Kulangsu, a Historic International Settlement — 2018 — WHE91968C76AA

A novel method for selecting potential development regions in scenic areas, such as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, has been developed by integrating GPS tracking and social network analysis. The study identifies two key types of regions—those near core attractions and those exhibiting clustering behavior—by analyzing the spatial-temporal movements of 312 tourists on Gulangyu Island, a renowned heritage site in China. This approach combines tourist flow structures with inter-regional relationships to provide deeper quantitative insights for sustainable tourism planning. Unlike previous research that focused solely on GPS visualization, this method bridges the gap between behavioral data and development strategies, offering a more comprehensive tool for spatial analysis in tourism.

A Methodology for Long-Term Monitoring of Climate Change Impacts on Historic Buildings

Røros Mining Town and the Circumference — 2018 — WHE0F2D131180

A groundbreaking methodology for long-term monitoring of climate change impacts on historic buildings has been established, enabling data-driven decision-making to address decay. The approach, developed through a Norwegian campaign involving 45 medieval structures—including 35 pre-1537 wooden and stone buildings, plus sites in Bryggen (Bergen) and Røros—combines zero-level registration with interval-based monitoring of key indicators. This framework, designed for a 30–50-year span, aims to detect climate-induced decay early, providing actionable insights for preservation efforts.

A model for developing evidence-based health tourism: the case of 'alpine health region Salzburg, Austria'.

Historic Centre of the City of Salzburg — 2018 — WHEEA6F3559C1

This study introduces an integrated conceptual model for developing evidence-based health tourism products, which can effectively position tourism destinations. The model is based on examples of good practice and aims to serve as a framework for future sustainable development in health tourism. It draws from case studies such as 'Hohe Tauern Health' and the 'Alpine Health Region Salzburg,' demonstrating how natural resource-based approaches can be leveraged to create impactful health tourism offerings. The research highlights the potential of evidence-based products to contribute to the long-term sustainability of destinations, offering a practical guide for stakeholders in the tourism sector.

A Model for Late Classic Community Structure at Copán, Honduras

Maya Site of Copan — 2018 — WHE4CEF2FE769

Research at Copán, Honduras, reveals a nuanced understanding of Late Classic Maya community structure through the analysis of Structure 10L-22A. The study proposes that the term 'Popol Na' or 'Popol Otot,' historically translated as 'council house' or 'community house,' reflects the communal and governance functions of this architectural feature. By synthesizing colonial-era accounts, such as those by Diego de Landa and Pedro Moran, with modern archaeological insights, the research offers a model that aligns with earlier observations of Maya social organization, particularly in relation to Kurjack's reconstruction of Dzibilchaltun. This approach bridges historical documentation and contemporary archaeology to elucidate the societal dynamics of Copán during its peak period.

A multianalytical approach for identifying a manganese source for the black pigment of the Chinchorro mortuary palette

Settlement and Artificial Mummification of the Chinchorro Culture in the Arica and Parinacota Region — 2018 — WHE89495C5244

Researchers have identified the likely source of manganese-based black pigment used by the Chinchorro culture for their distinctive mortuary art. Analyzing samples from mummies and manganese-bearing rocks in northern Chile's Altiplano, they found that the Lauca and Huaylas Formations match the isotopic and mineralogical characteristics of the pigment. This suggests the Chinchorro obtained raw materials either through direct travel to the Altiplano or via river transport during seasonal floods. The study employed advanced techniques like scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to trace the pigment's origin, offering new insights into the culture's resource procurement strategies.