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Showing 18281 – 18300 of 30345 publications

Dynamic Analysis of Mangrove Forests Based on an Optimal Segmentation Scale Model and Multi-Seasonal Images in Quanzhou Bay, China

Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China — 2018 — WHE1F8D9BC933

From 1990 to 2017, mangrove forests in Quanzhou Bay Estuary Wetland Nature Reserve expanded by 2.48 km², primarily converting from mudflats and Spartina, despite threats like climate change, sea-level rise, aquaculture development, and Spartina invasion. The study employed an optimal segmentation scale model combining object-oriented classification, decision trees, and visual interpretation using multi-seasonal Landsat images (1990–2017) to monitor mangrove dynamics. It demonstrated that conservation efforts, such as reforestation projects and Spartina control, significantly aid mangrove restoration and succession. This approach offers a robust framework for government policies to protect mangrove ecosystems effectively.

Dynamic characteristic of the forth road bridge estimated with GeoSHM

The Forth Bridge — 2018 — WHED0DB0DE4F2

Researchers have successfully used GNSS and Earth Observation technologies to extract dynamic characteristics of the Forth Road Bridge, demonstrating their potential for structural health monitoring. The study revealed that lateral movements are primarily driven by wind loading, while vertical displacements under normal traffic loads can reach 0.3 meters. The first natural frequencies of the bridge's middle span were identified at 0.065 Hz (lateral), 0.15 Hz (longitudinal), and 0.104 Hz (vertical). These findings highlight the effectiveness of GeoSHM in assessing operational conditions, offering a valuable tool for bridge owners.

Early Animal Management Strategies during the Neolithic of the Konya Plain, Central Anatolia: Integrating Micromorphological and Microfossil Evidence

Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük — 2018 — WHE82B7A8AA07

A groundbreaking study reveals significant chronological and contextual variations in Neolithic human-animal interactions on the Konya Plain, Central Anatolia. By integrating micromorphological, phytolith, and calcitic dung spherulite analyses of midden deposits from three neighboring sites—Boncuklu, Pınarbaşı, and Çatalhöyük—the research uncovers distinct herding practices, dietary strategies, and ecological adaptations among early Neolithic communities. At Boncuklu, middens show well-defined areas with substantial omnivore fecal matter, while Pınarbaşı deposits indicate repeated dung-burning events linked to neonatal ovicaprine remains, suggesting spring birthing. Late Neolithic levels at Çatalhöyük exhibit complex sequences of fuel burning and diverse plant remains, including cereals and reeds, alongside declining ruminant coprolites. This multi-proxy approach provides unprecedented insights into the ecological diversity and animal management strategies of Neolithic societies in Central Anatolia.

Early Christian Sarcophagi Outside of Rome

Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna — 2018 — WHEF1CF6D4926

A distinct group of early Christian sarcophagi, carved from local marble between 400–500 CE in Aquitania (western France), stands out for its deviation from Roman styles and craftsmanship. Unlike Rome’s dominant export-driven production, these sarcophagi reflect regional artistic traditions, offering rare insight into provincial adaptations of Christian iconography outside imperial centers. In contrast, Ravenna’s surviving sarcophagi—imported from Constantinople—are fewer in number but of higher quality, contrasting with the coarsely executed and often fragmented remains found in Constantinople itself. The study highlights a shift in burial practices across the Eastern Roman Empire, where church construction and decoration overshadowed individual grave monuments after the 4th century, leading to a scarcity of figural sarcophagi in favor of cross and ornamental motifs.

Earthquake sequence in the NE Lut, Iran: observations from multiple space geodetic techniques

Lut Desert — 2018 — WHE2F08F2B0B8

A groundbreaking analysis of the 1936–1997 earthquake sequence in Northeast Lut, Iran, reveals that surface displacement fields from historic earthquakes can be measured using subpixel correlation of optical and SAR images. The study found that the 1979 Mw 7.1 Khuli-Boniabad earthquake, which ruptured two main segments (total rupture ∼ 60 km), and the Mw 7.2 Zirkuh earthquake, which broke three segments (total rupture ∼ 125 km), both had a mean slip of 2.5 meters. Additionally, it successfully measured offsets up to 2.60 meters for the 1979 Mw 6.6 Korizan earthquake, marking the first time such displacements were retrieved from optical correlation for a small historic earthquake. The differences in rupture patterns are attributed to fault maturity, with the Dasht-e-Bayaz fault being less mature than the Abiz fault. This study demonstrates the potential of historical optical imagery for retrieving surface displacements from past earthquakes, extending the temporal range of observations beyond modern geodetic techniques.

Eastern Sigillata at Sardis: Evidence for a Local Industry

Sardis and the Lydian Tumuli of Bin Tepe — 2018 — WHECD6B9C8118

Research at Sardis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Turkey, reveals the existence of a local Eastern Sigillata B industry during the 1st and 2nd centuries c.e. This discovery challenges previous assumptions that all such pottery was produced exclusively in the Great Meander Valley. Using wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis, scientists identified unique name stamps on vessels at Sardis, distinguishing them from those of the main production center. The study provides evidence for a localized ceramic industry, offering insights into its mechanisms and timing while contributing to our understanding of Roman-era craftsmanship in western Asia Minor.

Ecological Wisdom and Inspiration Underlying the Planning and Construction of Ancient Human Settlements: Case Study of Hongcun UNESCO World Heritage Site in China

Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui – Xidi and Hongcun — 2018 — WHEBF85EE8840

Hongcun, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in China, exemplifies ecological wisdom in human settlement design by integrating natural systems into its planning and construction. This integration enhances ecosystem services such as microclimate regulation, rainwater runoff management, water conservation, and aesthetic landscape engagement. The study validates the Human-Natural Intergraded Ecological Planning (HNIEP) model, demonstrating how Hongcun's unique approach fosters harmonious coexistence between humans and nature through rational use of ecosystem structures and processes. These findings offer valuable insights for contemporary urban and rural planning, emphasizing the importance of coupling human activities with natural ecosystems to promote sustainable development.

Economic Aspects of Wine Tourism Sustainability at a UNESCO World Heritage Region of Upper Middle Rhine, Germany

Upper Middle Rhine Valley — 2018 — WHE8486BB6ABE

A study on the Upper Middle Rhine Valley reveals that sustainability significantly influences wine purchasing decisions among visitors. The research highlights the high yearly volatility of wine tourism demand and the strong awareness of the region as a premier wine destination, despite culture and education being lesser travel motivations. It also identifies mode of arrival as an indicator of economic and environmental sustainability. Using data from 400 visitors at St. Goar-Loreley, the study demonstrates that integrating sustainability into broader destination management is crucial for enhancing the authenticity of sustainable wine tourism and protecting the region's natural and cultural resources. The findings advocate for innovative approaches that balance heritage, wine, and tourism to align with contemporary traveler expectations.

Economic Impact of a Heritage Policy on Residential Property Values in a Historic District Context: The Case of the Old City of Quebec

Historic District of Old Québec — 2018 — WHE3B48DECB42

A heritage policy and urban landscaping project in the UNESCO-listed Old City of Quebec had mixed effects on residential property values. While properties closest to the reorganized street saw no significant price impact, those located 150 to 450 meters away experienced a decline in value. This study highlights the complex relationship between heritage policies and urban development, using a difference-in-differences (DID) estimator based on a hedonic repeated sales approach to isolate these effects. The research provides insights into how proximity to such projects can influence property values, offering valuable data for policymakers and urban planners.

Economic Valuation of Cultural Heritage: Application of Travel Cost Method to the National Museum and Research Center of Altamira

Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain — 2018 — WHE7A0E68B454

The annual economic value of the National Museum and Research Center of Altamira, which houses a replica of the UNESCO-listed Cave of Altamira, is estimated to range between 4.75 and 8.00 million euros per year. This assessment was derived using the Travel Cost Method (TCM), a technique rooted in demand theory that correlates recreational site visits with travel costs. The study applied two distinct TCM approaches to model visitor demand, providing a critical tool for evaluating investment decisions related to the museum's operations and future projects.

Écrire l’histoire des abbés du Mont Saint-Michel2. Robert de Torigni, ses outils, ses sources et sa méthode de travail

Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay — 2018 — WHE93052D87DA

Robert de Torigni's chronicle of the abbots of Mont-Saint-Michel is revealed to be built upon multiple layers of older annals, including Pascale Annals from the Bec and three key Mont Saint-Michel annals composed in 1035, 1116, and 1154. This 'redactional millefeuille' mirrors the architectural evolution of the abbey itself, with successive layers shaping its historical narrative. The study identifies Torigni's method—updating the abbots' catalogue, interpolating pre-existing annals, and creating new ones—as foundational to his work, which then influenced later medieval and modern historians.

Effect of altitude and climate in shaping the forest compositions of Singalila National Park in Khangchendzonga Landscape, Eastern Himalaya, India

Khangchendzonga National Park — 2018 — WHEF7DE077529

A rapid decline in species richness with altitude was observed in Singalila National Park (SNP), part of the Khangchendzonga Landscape, revealing a significant relationship between climatic variables—such as actual evapotranspiration and moisture index—and forest community structure. The study identified 70 woody species across a 1636-meter transect (2000–3636 m asl), with young trees dominating the landscape. Climatic factors, which influence environmental energy availability, were found to shape the park's diverse yet altitude-sensitive forest composition. This highlights how extreme altitudinal gradients and climate drive rapid shifts in biodiversity patterns, offering critical insights for conservation efforts in high-altitude ecosystems.

Effect of barriers and distance on song, genetic, and morphological divergence in the highland endemic Timberline Wren (Thryorchilus browni, Troglodytidae)

Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park — 2018 — WHEAA1F698C22

Mountain passes and distance significantly reduce gene flow between populations of the Timberline Wren (Thryorchilus browni), leading to notable divergence in genetic, vocal, and morphological traits. Researchers analyzed four Costa Rican populations using microsatellites and song recordings, revealing that a lowland mountain pass caused the greatest differences—likely due to reduced gene flow. Cultural drift and female assortative mating, where females prefer songs from their own population, further accentuated these effects. This pattern of divergence, observed over smaller scales than previously documented in Neotropical highland birds, underscores how geographic barriers and limited movement shape evolution in highland species with restricted distributions.

Effect of calcium chloride dipping treatment on quality of Ziziphus spina-christi L. fruits during cold storage

Al-Ahsa Oasis, an Evolving Cultural Landscape — 2018 — WHE0651B62C82

Postharvest calcium chloride (CaCl₂) treatment significantly preserves the quality of Ziziphus spina-christi L. fruits, locally known as Alnabaq, during cold storage at 2°C and 90% relative humidity for up to five weeks. The study found that CaCl₂ dipping, particularly at concentrations of 2% and 4%, maintained fruit firmness and reduced weight loss while decreasing peroxidase activity—a marker of spoilage—compared to untreated controls. Additionally, ascorbic acid content declined during storage, but CaCl₂ treatment mitigated this decline. These findings indicate that CaCl₂ is an effective method for delaying softening and preserving nutritional quality in Alnabaq fruits, a culturally significant plant in the UNESCO-listed Al-Ahsa Oasis landscape.

Effect of Environmental Variables in the Distribution of Tree Species in the Iguaçu National Park

Iguaçu National Park — 2018 — WHE220CC608BF

A study on the Iguaçu National Park reveals that tree species distribution is significantly influenced by environmental variables such as altitude, humidity, soil fertility, aluminum saturation, and clay content. Using Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA), researchers identified specific patterns in how these factors shape vegetation across the park's diverse landscapes, ranging from riverbanks to plateau regions at altitudes between 150 and 750 meters. Notably, some species demonstrated tolerance to environmental variations, a trait common among widely distributed species. This finding underscores the importance of considering multiple environmental variables for efficient forest management and conservation efforts in degraded areas.

Effect of experimental fire on seedlings of Australian and Gondwanan trees species from a Tasmanian montane vegetation mosaic

Tasmanian Wilderness — 2018 — WHE39C6976045

A study on the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area challenges the long-held assumption that Gondwanan relictual species are less fire-tolerant compared to Australian species. Researchers exposed seedlings of five dominant tree species, including the rainforest plant Nothofagus cunninghamii, to simulated wildfire conditions using a propane burner flame for varying durations (0–60 seconds). While most seedlings (93%) were topkilled by fire, resprouting ability was strongly correlated with species identity rather than exposure duration or seedling size. Surprisingly, Nothofagus cunninghamii demonstrated robust resprouting, contrary to expectations, while few eucalypt seedlings recovered. The findings highlight the complexity of fire recovery mechanisms in Tasmanian flora and underscore the need for further research to better understand post-fire resilience in this unique ecosystem.

Effect of Initial Wetting on Smart Water Potential in Carbonates

Stevns Klint — 2018 — WHE2DBED42A18

A significant discovery in carbonate reservoir engineering reveals that initial wettability in carbonates can be established almost instantly through the adsorption of polar components from crude oil, eliminating the need for prolonged aging. The study demonstrates that acidic polar components play a crucial role in altering wettability towards less water-wet conditions, with adsorption occurring most rapidly during the first pore volumes of oil injection. Increasing surface accessibility by reducing initial water saturation enhances this process, highlighting its strong influence on initial wettability. Unlike traditional methods relying solely on aging, this research shows that mixed wettability can be achieved efficiently through immediate adsorption, offering a more time-effective approach for laboratory experiments and potentially improving 'Smart Water' injection strategies in carbonates.

Effectiveness of control measures of Mikania micrantha on grassland: a case study from grassland in Sauraha area of Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park — 2018 — WHEAD43A6B14B

Controlled burning emerges as the most effective strategy for managing grasslands invaded by Mikania micrantha, a pervasive threat to native ecosystems in Chitwan National Park. A comparative study across three experimental sites demonstrated that controlled fire significantly enhanced the coverage and abundance of native grasses compared to manual cutting or no intervention. Researchers established systematic sampling plots within 100 m x 100 m blocks, applying treatments such as controlled fire, manual cutting, and a control (no treatment) to assess their impact on M. micrantha and native grass populations. The findings underscore the superiority of controlled fire in restoring grassland health, offering critical insights for stakeholders aiming to mitigate the spread of this invasive species and inform policy-making for affected grasslands.

Effectiveness of Ecotourism: A case of Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park — 2018 — WHE22A2DFB643

A study on Chitwan National Park's buffer zone program reveals mixed effectiveness of ecotourism in driving community development. While the park's ecotourism initiatives have grown steadily since the late 1980s, research evaluating their impact remains scarce. This study focuses on assessing whether the buffer zone program's community development activities deliver the intended benefits. Using a conceptual framework to guide the analysis, the research aims to determine if ecotourism is yielding desired outcomes for local communities. The findings could inform policies and strategies for more effective conservation and development in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Chitwan.

Effects of fine root decomposition on bacterial community structure of four dominated tree species in Mount Taishan, China

Mount Taishan — 2018 — WHE0797EF6F12

Fine root decomposition rates vary significantly among tree species on Mount Taishan, with broad-leaved species like Robinia pseudoacacia and Quercus acutissima decomposing faster than coniferous species such as Pinus tabulaeformis and Pinus densiflora. This study used high-throughput sequencing to analyze bacterial community structure during decomposition, revealing that broad-leaved species exhibit lower bacterial diversity compared to conifers. The findings highlight how substrate characteristics influence microbial communities, providing insights into ecosystem function dynamics in terrestrial environments.