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Showing 19141 – 19160 of 30345 publications

Terrestrial laser scanning and photogrammetry techniques for documenting fossil-bearing palaeokarst with an example from the Drimolen Palaeocave System, South Africa

Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa — 2018 — WHEF0B9C2B07B

A groundbreaking approach to documenting fossil-bearing palaeokarst sites, such as the Drimolen Makondo in South Africa's UNESCO-listed Hominid Sites, demonstrates that low-cost photogrammetry and terrestrial laser scanning can produce highly accurate 3D models. These models, when integrated with total station surveys and differential GPS, enable precise recording of stratigraphic and spatial contexts without relying on expensive equipment. The study highlights the potential for these techniques to revolutionize documentation at remote UNESCO World Heritage sites, ensuring detailed archival data that captures evolving landscapes rather than isolated localities.

Terrestrial small mammal diversity and abundance in Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire

Taï National Park — 2018 — WHE6B5B2E00F5

Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire, harbors significant terrestrial small mammal diversity, with 17 species identified across three distinct habitats: primary, secondary, and swamp forests. The study, conducted from March to June 2010 using Sherman's live traps and pitfall traps, revealed that secondary forests exhibited the highest species richness (S = 15) and diversity index (H' = 2.12), surpassing primary (S = 10; H' = 1.79) and swamp forests (S = 8; H' = 1.74). Among the captured species, Malacomys edwardsi was the most abundant overall, followed by Hylomyscus simus and Praomys rostratus. Notably, two species—Crocidura buettikoferi (NT) and Graphiurus buntingi (DD)—are of conservation concern, while ten are endemic to the Upper Guinea forests. This research underscores Taï National Park's role as a critical biodiversity hotspot, particularly for endemic small mammal species.

Tesouros Geológicos da Jordânia

Petra — 2018 — WHE530769D7FD

Jordan's geological heritage, particularly at UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Wadi Rum and Petra, is highlighted for its significance. The study draws parallels with iconic films such as 'Lawrence of Arabia' and 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,' using these cultural references to guide readers through Jordan's arid landscapes and rich geology. By revisiting these cinematic depictions, the research emphasizes the importance of in situ exploration for appreciating Jordan's natural and historical treasures.

Thalassarche chlororhynchos

Gough and Inaccessible Islands — 2018 — WHE37DD34957A

A comprehensive analysis reveals that Thalassarche chlororhynchos, commonly known as the Atlantic petrel, exhibits significant seasonal and geographical variability in its distribution along Brazilian waters. This species primarily breeds on the Tristan da Cunha archipelago and Gough Island but demonstrates a marked increase in population during winter months off Brazil's coast, particularly from Rio Grande do Sul (RS) to Rio de Janeiro (RJ). Records extend from Sergipe (SE) to Pará (PA), indicating a broader range than previously documented. Banding data further supports long-distance movements, with individuals tracked between breeding sites and states such as São Paulo (SP), Santa Catarina (SC), and Rio Grande do Sul (RS). This study underscores the species' dynamic migratory patterns and its ecological significance across distinct marine regions.

The ‘Upper Regions’ and the Route of Paul’s Third Journey from Apamea to Ephesus

Ephesus — 2018 — WHE94286428B9

A new analysis of Paul's third journey route from Apamea to Ephesus, using advanced methodological tools such as Least Cost Path Analysis and 3D modelling, identifies the Meander valley route as the most plausible path. This finding challenges traditional interpretations and provides fresh insights into the geographical context of Acts 19:1, where Luke refers to 'upper regions.' The study integrates recent archaeological and hodological research in western Asia Minor with cartographic data, offering a more accurate portrayal of Paul's travel and ministry programme during this period.

The Arrabal Alcázar Viejo from Cordoba: Urban, Hereditary and Sustainable Regeneration of the Historic City Centre

Historic Centre of Cordoba — 2018 — WHEFDA2B08D15

Urban regeneration of historic city centers, such as Cordoba's Alcázar Viejo arrabal, must balance residential repopulation with tourism and heritage identity to ensure sustainable development. Current municipal plans, like Cordoba's Historic City Centre Special Protection Plan (PEPCH), often prioritize historical aesthetics over functional needs, threatening the viability of traditional casa patio structures. This study proposes that sustainable regeneration requires adaptive planning that integrates modern societal demands while preserving cultural heritage. By analyzing the Alcázar Viejo arrabal—recently recognized as UNESCO Intangible Heritage—the research highlights the tension between tourism-driven development and residential sustainability, offering a framework for eco-efficient urban regeneration that harmonizes heritage preservation with contemporary living needs.

The Aemilian casket reliquary:

San Millán Yuso and Suso Monasteries — 2018 — WHE957D31B5BF

The Aemilian casket reliquary, dating back to the 11th century and originating from San Millán de la Cogolla Monastery in Spain, represents a groundbreaking example of a multi-functional religious artifact. Unlike traditional reliquaries, this object was designed to cater to diverse devotional practices, resonating with both monastic communities and lay worshippers under varying circumstances. Through a meticulous analysis combining art historical studies and medieval liturgical evidence, the research demonstrates that the Aemilian reliquary's form and iconography were purposefully crafted to engage different audiences, setting a precedent for similar objects that later became widespread across European monasteries. This study not only reconstructs the reliquary's original appearance but also highlights its innovative role in bridging visual imagery with contemporary religious practices.

The Agony and the Ecstasy: International Fieldwork from a Neophyte’s Perspective

Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves — 2018 — WHE6868AB3A06

This study confirms that Chloridea subflexa, a widespread moth species, is strictly limited to three host plant species within the Solanaceae family, challenging assumptions about its broader host range. The research leveraged extensive fieldwork in Brazil's Atlantic Forest, combining historical collection data with modern surveys to track the presence of C. subflexa larvae on Physalis angulata and pubescens. Despite the degraded state of the Mata Atlantica—one of the most threatened biomes globally—this study highlights the resilience of specialized species and raises questions about their persistence in fragmented habitats. The approach also demonstrated the challenges and rewards of moth collection, emphasizing the importance of long-term fieldwork and collaboration with local experts like Vitor Becker, whose decades-long collections provided critical baselines for this research.

The Alaska Highway Gas Pipeline easement: A Kluane First Nation case study

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek — 2018 — WHEC62C0CAEE4

A long-standing land tenure issue in the Yukon, the Alaska Highway Gas Pipeline (AHGP) Easement, poses significant challenges for Indigenous rights and self-governance. This study, conducted in partnership with Kluane First Nation (KFN), reveals jurisdictional complexities between Indigenous peoples and the Crown, alongside flaws in the current regulatory framework for the AHGP. Using community-based, decolonizing qualitative research methods, the project gathered insights from KFN citizens, government officials, and industry representatives, highlighting the need for contextual adaptation and improved assessment processes to address ongoing concerns.

The Alhambra: Transformation and Change through Architectural Ceramics

Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada — 2018 — WHE7FFA93DD4E

A detailed analysis of architectural ceramics at the Alhambra reveals significant insights into the monument's transformation and historical layers, particularly during the Nasrid era and the Christian conquest. The study focuses on the Cuarto Dorado (Golden Room), showcasing how glazed ceramic tile mosaics, known as alicatados, have been used to adorn walls since the 13th century. Restoration efforts, especially intense in the 19th century, highlight the complexity of the palace and fortress complex, offering a deeper understanding of its evolution. The research, conducted in collaboration with the University of Granada and the Patronato de la Alhambra y el Generalife, provides preliminary findings that underscore the importance of ceramics in preserving and interpreting the site's history.

The Alto Douro Wine Region: potentialities for the development of environmental education projects

Alto Douro Wine Region — 2018 — WHEB811C9E4B6

A study highlights the potential of the Alto Douro Wine Region (ADWR) to foster environmental education and sustainable development through interdisciplinary school projects. The research, currently in its initial phase, aims to leverage the region's unique mesological and climatic conditions to promote awareness about heritage preservation among younger generations. Divided into three stages, the study employs a project-based methodology across 18 schools within the ADWR, focusing on developing new skills, scientific literacy, and a culture of environmental education. This approach seeks to contribute to broader goals of sustainable development and community engagement.

The Application Function of Virtual Tourism for the Temple of Heaven

Temple of Heaven: an Imperial Sacrificial Altar in Beijing — 2018 — WHE43DE5647C5

Virtual tourism for the Temple of Heaven, leveraging the Open Scene Graph platform, demonstrates significant potential for rapid development due to its authenticity, immersion, interactivity, and operability. This study highlights how such systems can enhance cultural heritage engagement while ensuring technical and safety guarantees. The research explores the functional design principles of virtual tourism, offering insights into its future prospects as a modern business model.

The Application of Buried Soil Properties for Reconstruction of Various Stages of Early Habitation at Archaeological Sites in Moscow Kremlin

Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow — 2018 — WHE46C2EE3921

Research at the Moscow Kremlin reveals that buried soil properties can effectively reconstruct the stages of early human habitation, from the Early Iron Age to the 12th century. The study found that alternating agricultural land use and abandonment led to significant transformations in natural ecosystems, including soil erosion and truncation of upper soil horizons. Ancient agricultural practices, such as the application of ash, dolomite, crushed bones, manure, and household waste, further altered the soil landscape. These insights were derived from a combined archaeological and pedogenetic study, which analyzed sediments deposited due to slope erosion and mineral materials transported by ancient people. The research highlights the complex interplay between human activities and environmental changes over centuries.

The Application of Market Appeal-Robusticity Matrix: A Case Study of the Archaeological Heritage of Lenggong Valley, Perak, Malaysia

Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley — 2018 — WHEAD80A6A2A7

A novel market appeal—robusticity matrix effectively evaluates heritage tourism potential by assessing the attractiveness of cultural assets and their ability to withstand tourist impact. Applied to Malaysia's UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Archaeological Heritage of Lenggong Valley, this approach identifies sites with varying levels of market appeal and robusticity, guiding conservation strategies and management decisions. The findings underscore the matrix's utility in balancing tourism development with heritage preservation, ensuring sustainable protection through informed legislation and planning frameworks.

The Armenians of Jerusalem in the modern period

Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls — 2018 — WHE2553201D2C

The Armenian community in Jerusalem, rooted in the fourth century CE with the arrival of pilgrims after Saint Helena's uncovering of holy sites, faced significant socio-economic decline during and after World War I under British rule. This study highlights the transformation of the Armenian presence from a stable lay community centered around the Cathedral of Sts. James to one marked by economic hardship, particularly for the Armenian Patriarchate. The research examines historical records and institutional changes, including the establishment of the Armenian Catholic Church in 1742, to trace the evolution of this community's role within Jerusalem’s Old City. While the study does not present a novel discovery, it provides a critical analysis of the Armenian community's resilience and adaptation amidst political upheaval, offering insights into its enduring cultural and religious significance.

The Art of Reconciliation in Rwanda

Memorial sites of the Genocide: Nyamata, Murambi, Gisozi and Bisesero — 2018 — WHE4486CCC869

Rwandan art—through literature, theater, film, and memorial sites—serves as a powerful tool for reconciliation beyond ethnic divides. Unlike traditional human rights scholarship that focuses on trauma, this study highlights art's recuperative potential in state-led reconciliation efforts post-genocide. By analyzing Rwandan creative works, the research identifies three distinct genres of reconciliation: transfiguration, trial, and memorialization. These genres challenge simplistic ethnic narratives, demonstrating how overlapping artistic expressions foster 'commonality within difference,' a key factor for successful reconciliation politics.

The Australian Museum Lord Howe Island Expedition 2017—Coleoptera

Lord Howe Island Group — 2018 — WHE0D8EBD02F2

A survey of Lord Howe Island's Coleoptera, conducted in February 2017 by the Australian Museum and the Natural History Museum of Denmark, identified nine new beetle species on the island. The study focused on larger species (1 cm or more), assuming greater vulnerability to predation by the introduced rodent Rattus rattus. Among the 32 large species collected, the cerambycid Oricopis insulana was recorded for the first time since its original collection in the early 1880s. Additionally, a smaller number of large beetle species were documented from Balls Pyramid, located 22 km from the main island. The findings contribute to understanding the biodiversity and conservation status of Lord Howe Island's beetles.

The basement morphology under Tongariro National Park, southern Taupo Volcanic Zone

Tongariro National Park — 2018 — WHE6D511E588D

A deep, asymmetric trough underlies Tongariro National Park, extending from the southern end of Lake Taupo and reaching beneath Mt. Tongariro before diminishing near Mt. Ruapehu. This geological feature, up to 2.5 km deep, was revealed through analysis of gravity data collected in the 1950s and 1960s, processed into Bouguer anomalies at an elevation of 500 meters. Researchers separated regional and residual anomalies, derived sediment density-depth relationships from borehole measurements, and used 2D gravity modeling to construct a 3D structural model. The study provides critical insights into the subsurface morphology of the southern Taupo Volcanic Zone, contributing to our understanding of volcanic activity in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Begonia flora of Gunung Mulu and Gunung Buda National Parks, Sarawak, Borneo, including five new species

Gunung Mulu National Park — 2018 — WHE36E2BDB8BF

A new account of the Begonia flora in Gunung Mulu and Gunung Buda National Parks, Sarawak, Borneo, identifies five previously undescribed species (Begonia argentii, B. jokwaniana, B. lansatensis, B. muluensis, and B. vulgarioides) and one new record for the region (Begonia chlorocarpa). The study provides illustrated descriptions and a key for identification, expanding the known diversity of Begonias in these UNESCO-listed tropical rainforests. This research contributes to the documentation of Borneo's rich flora while offering tools for future taxonomic studies.

The biology of fog: results from coastal Maine and Namib Desert reveal common drivers of fog microbial composition

Namib Sand Sea — 2018 — WHE4DC60805A6

Fog events significantly alter microbial aerosol diversity and composition, introducing novel species—including potential human and plant pathogens—to terrestrial ecosystems. This study reveals that fog from coastal Maine (USA) and the Namib Sand Sea (Namibia) contains diverse bacterial and fungal communities distinct from clear aerosols, influenced by both soil and marine sources. Marine-associated taxa like Cyanobacteria and Pseudoalteromonas persist even 50 km inland, suggesting fog facilitates aerobiological transfer between marine and terrestrial systems. The research used metagenomic tools and culturing to analyze fog microbial composition, highlighting the ecological importance of fog in nutrient and microbe deposition across environments.