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Publications

Showing 18101 – 18120 of 30345 publications

Chartres Cathedral

Chartres Cathedral — 2018 — WHE79F00BD1F3

Chartres Cathedral is revealed as a monumental narrative of Christianity through its architecture and art. The film explores the cathedral's construction, particularly focusing on the 'masters of the compasses' and unknown craftsmen who built it. Professor Keith Critchlow's analysis provides new insights into medieval cathedral building techniques and the sacred motivations behind these structures. While the documentary offers limited architectural details, it excels in interpreting the symbolic meaning of Chartres Cathedral's sculptures and stained glass, presenting a comprehensive history of Christianity embodied in stone and glass.

Chemical and mineralogical investigations of lime plasters of medieval structures of Hampi, India

Group of Monuments at Hampi — 2018 — WHE2451086822

A groundbreaking analysis of the medieval lime plasters at Hampi, India, reveals the presence of aragonite and vaterite—polymorphs of calcite—that significantly influence the plaster's crystallization due to self-healing processes driven by wet-dry cycles and magnesium. This discovery sheds light on the durability and degradation mechanisms of these historical materials, with increasing solubility of metastable calcite leading to water dissolution and loss of plaster. The study employed advanced techniques such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF), petrological microscopy, granulometric analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to characterize the mineralogical, micro-structural, and chemical composition of the plasters. Granulometric analysis indicated the inclusion of granitic aggregate grains, suggesting medium transportation before deposition in a fluvial river basin. Petrological and SEM studies further identified essential minerals like quartz, orthoclase, plagioclase, clay components, chlorite, and cristobalite, with the latter two potentially originating from the river sand of Tungabhadra. These findings provide crucial insights for tailoring compatible lime plaster for future conservation efforts at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Chemical compositional analysis of polychrome pottery in the northern Casas Grandes area (a.d. 1200-1450)

Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes — 2018 — WHE46C1DC996A

Geochemical analysis of polychrome pottery from the archaeological site 76 Draw, located on the border of the Casas Grandes and Salado regions (A.D. 1200-1450), reveals that Ramos Polychrome vessels—key to the religious system of the Casas Grandes culture—were produced at multiple locations, including near Paquimé and possibly at 76 Draw itself. This finding extends the known influence of the Casas Grandes interaction sphere northward into southern New Mexico, supported by evidence such as roasting ovens, obsidian sourcing, shell artifacts, and bird burials. Additionally, Gila Polychrome vessels at the site were traced to a single production source in the Mimbres Valley, indicating cross-regional trade and cultural exchange during this period.

Chemical features of atmospheric particulate matter in longmen grottoes

Longmen Grottoes — 2018 — WHE23422F4F00

Atmospheric particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution at Longmen Grottoes is significantly exceeding safe limits, particularly during winter, with coal burning identified as a primary source. The study reveals that PM2.5 in the area is acidic, contributing to environmental damage and corrosion of the grottoes' surfaces. High linear correlations between organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) suggest shared pollution sources, while zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), and chromium (Cr) are prominent heavy metal contaminants. Researchers analyzed PM2.5 concentrations using whole-sample techniques, assessing water-soluble ions, carbonaceous substances, and heavy metals to uncover these chemical features.

Chemical Forms of Mercury in Pyrite: Implications for Predicting Mercury Releases in Acid Mine Drainage Settings

Heritage of Mercury. Almadén and Idrija — 2018 — WHE117D316805

Research reveals that mercury (Hg) within pyrite—a common metal sulfide—exists in distinct chemical forms depending on its geological origin, significantly influencing mercury release dynamics in acid mine drainage. Using high energy-resolution X-ray absorption spectroscopy, scientists identified that Hg in coal-derived pyrite and sedimentary rocks occupies different structural sites compared to hydrothermal ore deposits. Notably, epigenetic pyrite from Carlin-type gold deposits contains up to 55% of its total Hg as metacinnabar nanoparticles, while Idrija-type mercury deposits feature a mix of divalent, substitutional, and elemental (liquid) Hg forms. These findings provide critical insights into predicting environmental pathways of mercury released during oxidative dissolution of pyrite in mining-impacted watersheds, offering potential for targeted control strategies to mitigate mercury contamination.

Chesil Beach at Portland, Dorset: Recovering from the winter 2013/14 storms

Dorset and East Devon Coast — 2018 — WHEC93CC3A032

Chesil Beach, a 18-mile-long shingle barrier beach and iconic feature of the Dorset and East Devon Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site, demonstrated remarkable resilience following severe storm events during winter 2013/14. The study presents new quantitative data on the post-storm recovery rate of the beach at Portland, offering unprecedented insights into its dynamic response to extreme coastal conditions. This research contextualizes the impacts within a long history of flooding, erosion, and landslides that have shaped unique coastal defenses in this area. It highlights the effectiveness of recovery efforts by coastal risk management authorities to restore compromised defenses, providing valuable lessons for managing similar vulnerable sites.

Chewing Lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera) from Migratory Birds of the Curonian Spit

Curonian Spit — 2018 — WHE0F7F0FC735

A comprehensive study of chewing lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera) from migratory birds on the Curonian Spit, conducted between 2008–2009 and 2017, identified 35 species across 2010 birds representing 65 species. Notably, this research uncovered 11 species new to the Russian Federation and 29 species new to the Northwest of Russia, along with two novel host records: Menacanthus eurysternus from Carduellis carduellis and Ricinus frenatus from Carduellis spinus. The study highlights the rich biodiversity of chewing lice in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, contributing significantly to regional entomological knowledge.

Children’s Graffiti in Roman Pompeii and Herculaneum

Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata — 2018 — WHE6E63938D74

Children’s graffiti from Roman Pompeii and Herculaneum offer rare insights into the lives, interests, and social dynamics of Roman children. Unlike adults, who left behind material culture such as tools or jewelry, children’s presence is primarily documented through ephemeral graffiti—short inscriptions often found in public spaces like Pompeii’s Grand Palaestra, a youth-associated area. Analysis of these graffiti reveals patterns in their subject matter, reflecting the activities, relationships, and daily encounters that shaped childhood experiences. The study highlights how children engaged with peers, caretakers, and their environment, while also shedding light on the broader social context of Roman education and play.

Ciencia y transmedia: binomio para la divulgación científica. El caso de Atapuerca

Archaeological Site of Atapuerca — 2018 — WHEEC0ECF1F3B

Atapuerca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Burgos, Spain, has demonstrated the effectiveness of transmedia strategies in scientific dissemination. While lacking a formalized plan, its communication approach leverages all available resources to create an expansive 'Atapuerca Universe.' This model empowers prosumers—individuals who both consume and produce content—to play a central role by sharing, adapting, and generating new materials. The study highlights how this bottom-up engagement complements top-down efforts from producers, showcasing the potential of transmedia narratives to enhance public understanding and participation in scientific projects. This case underscores that structured transmedia approaches can significantly amplify the reach and impact of scientific communication beyond traditional boundaries.

Circulation of Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, Romania

Danube Delta — 2018 — WHE75BC3CC2DF

A study in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, Romania, revealed significant circulation of Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens, with higher prevalence of D. immitis (4.53%) compared to D. repens (1.09%) in mosquito pools across four trapping sites. The research, based on a longitudinal study involving 240,572 female mosquitoes collected between April and September 2014, identified Anopheles maculipennis as the most significant vector for both parasites, with estimated infection rates (EIRs) of 0.206 and 0.066 per 100 specimens for D. immitis and D. repens, respectively. Additionally, 30.56% of randomly selected dogs tested positive for these parasites in 2016. The findings suggest constant transmission throughout the observation period and underscore the need for systematic monitoring to implement effective surveillance and control measures.

Cities in the Gulf

Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah — 2018 — WHEF89756870A

Historic urban centers in Gulf cities, such as Jeddah, face existential threats from rapid growth and modernization, risking the erosion of their cultural identities. This study examines whether these resilient historic cores can endure in the context of contemporary globalized Gulf cities. Focusing on Dubai, Jeddah, and Doha, it explores strategies to preserve vanishing cultural identities amid post-oil-era urbanization. The research employs a comparative approach, analyzing the impact of rapid development since the 1950s on historic cityscapes and their social significance.

City as Hezar-tu

Medina of Tunis — 2018 — WHED92184F026

This study introduces 'Hezar-tu' as a conceptual tool to analyze spatial relations within historic urban fabrics, focusing on the medinas of Fez, Isfahan, and Tunis. It reveals how these ancient city cores preserve premodern traditions—cultural values, sociospatial practices, and symbolic meanings—that persist despite modern urban encroachment. The research employs De Certeau's dual framework of 'map' (objective spatial description) and 'tour' (subjective experiential narrative) to highlight the coexistence of historical continuity and contemporary transformation in Islamic urban landscapes.

Civil engineering heritage: country profile – Italy

Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura — 2018 — WHECAA044A22E

Italy's civil engineering heritage, post-unification (1861/1870), showcases significant advancements in iron, steel, and reinforced concrete structures. Notable achievements include the 150 m arch railway bridge over the River Adda (Paderno, 1886) and urban arcades in Milan, Genoa, and Naples. The paper highlights early applications of reinforced concrete, such as the Risorgimento Bridge in Rome (1911), and iconic structures like Pier Luigi Nervi’s Olympic domes (Rome, 1960). It also covers post-World War II reconstructions, including the Autostrada del Sole viaducts (1956–1964) and Morandi’s Polcevera Viaduct (Genoa, 1966). The study emphasizes the importance of preserving these structures while distinguishing them from archaeological heritage. It concludes with a list of conservation organizations and resources for further exploration.

Cladistic classification of Mecyclothorax Sharp (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Moriomorphini) and taxonomic revision of the New Caledonian subgenus Phacothorax Jeannel

Lord Howe Island Group — 2018 — WHEE286BAD754

A cladistic analysis reveals that the 15 species of Mecyclothorax Sharp native to New Caledonia form a monophyletic lineage, designated as the subgenus Phacothorax Jeannel. This includes three previously known species and 13 newly described ones, expanding the taxonomic understanding of this group. The study identifies five distinct subgenera within Mecyclothorax, each with unique geographic distributions, including a widespread nominate subgenus found across multiple island groups in the Pacific. Biogeographic analysis suggests that Phacothorax likely colonized New Caledonia around 6 million years ago, post-dating Gondwanan fragmentation and Oligocene submergence events. The research also highlights the role of flight wing loss in shaping island faunas and explores the functional complementarity of male and female genitalic structures in sister species, contrasting with more stable mate recognition systems observed in highly sympatric species swarms like those on Haleakalā volcano, Maui.

Clashing Symbols in Timbuktu

Timbuktu — 2018 — WHEB2CEC883D4

Timbuktu, once celebrated as a center of African Islamic heritage, became a focal point for ideological conflict between traditionalists and extremist groups. The study highlights how the city's historical significance, symbolized by its manuscripts and shrines, attracted both preservationists aiming to revive Timbuktu's cultural legacy and jihadists seeking to enforce a 'pure' form of Islam. Between 2012 and 2013, extremist actions threatened this heritage, underscoring the tension between religious orthodoxy and local cultural practices. The research contrasts these ideologies while advocating for a nuanced understanding of religion that embraces cultural diversity.

Classification of steppe vegetation in the eastern Pamir Alai and southwestern Tian-Shan Mountains (Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan)

Tajik National Park (Mountains of the Pamirs) — 2018 — WHE21F8D67744

Researchers have identified and classified 11 distinct steppe communities in the eastern Pamir Alai and southwestern Tian-Shan Mountains, with seven of these representing new associations. These communities are grouped into five alliances and three orders, contributing significantly to the syntaxonomical scheme for this region. The study used a combination of sampling techniques, including relevés and statistical analyses like TWINSPAN, DCA, and CCA, to explore environmental predictors such as altitude, organic topsoil content, and longitudinal position. This work advances the understanding of the geographic transition between western Asiatic and central Asiatic subregions, highlighting the borderland between the classes Astragalo microcephali-Brometea tomentelli and Cleistogenetea squarrosae.

Clay funerary figurines from tombs MMA 1151 and MMA 1152 in Sheikh Abd el-Gurna

Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis — 2018 — WHE19E55C929D

A Polish archaeological team uncovered nine distinct types of clay funerary figurines, or ushebtis, from two Middle Kingdom tombs (MMA 1151 and MMA 1152) in the Sheikh Abd el-Gurna necropolis, revealing insights into late-phase tomb reuse during the first millennium BC. The figurines—comprising six baked clay and three unbaked types—challenge traditional assumptions about funerary workshop practices in Thebes by demonstrating regional diversity in manufacturing techniques. Their distribution patterns suggest localized production centers, contributing to ongoing debates on craftsmanship specialization in ancient Egypt's necropolis.

Climatic Signal in Earlywood and Latewood in Conifer Forests in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, Mexico

Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve — 2018 — WHE7CEFEFFC3A

Tree ring analysis reveals that the growth of conifer species Abies religiosa and Pinus pseudostrobus in Mexico's Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve is highly sensitive to seasonal climate variations. Precipitation during late autumn (October-December) and spring (January-May) positively influences their growth, while higher mean maximum temperatures negatively impact it. Notably, A. religiosa shows greater sensitivity to temperature changes compared to P. pseudostrobus, with its earlywood and latewood growth positively correlated with monthly minimum temperatures. The study suggests that future warmer and drier climates could severely reduce the growth of A. religiosa, potentially threatening the overwintering habitat of the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus L.). This research underscores the vulnerability of these conifer forests to climate change, highlighting their ecological importance.

Cloud-Based Flora Repository System with Geo-Location Mapping for Mt. Hamiguitan Sanctuary Exploration

Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary — 2018 — WHEFB99681FFE

A cloud-based flora repository system with geo-location mapping has been developed to enhance the exploration and conservation of Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its unique pygmy 'bonsai' forest. This innovative system, accessible via a mobile application named HAGO (Hamiguitan-Go), allows users to geotag plant species encountered during hikes using their smartphone's GPS and camera, storing verified images and details in an online repository. The application also enables users to locate specific plants on interactive maps, facilitating both tourism and research while supporting conservation efforts. The system leverages participatory sensing to collect data, though further development and field experiments are needed for full functionality.

Coastal dune dynamics along the northern Curonian Spit, Lithuania: toward an integrated database

Curonian Spit — 2018 — WHEDE41D2C98C

A groundbreaking study on the Curonian Spit reveals that mid-Holocene dune activity was localized and likely lasted only a few centuries, challenging previous assumptions about longer-term dynamics. Researchers integrated ground-penetrating radar (GPR), magnetic susceptibility surveys, radiocarbon dating of palaeosols, and infrared optically stimulated luminescence (IR-OSL) dating to reconstruct aeolian landscape evolution. This approach also addressed potential biases in IR-OSL dating due to soil-forming processes, offering a more accurate timeline. The study extends dune dynamics records back to the mid-Holocene, providing insights into the interplay between climate shifts, forest fires, and human activity. These findings advance our understanding of coastal dune systems and their sensitivity to environmental changes.