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Publications

Showing 21921 – 21940 of 30345 publications

In vitro Conservation of Campanula sclerophylla Kolak ? Endemic Endangered Species of Western Caucasus

Western Caucasus — 2016 — WHE7C2DCB8A1A

A successful in vitro conservation protocol for the endangered relict plant Campanula sclerophylla, endemic to the Western Caucasus, was developed. The study achieved a high multiplication rate of 7.2 shoots per explant using half-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 3 mg/l benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 1 mg/l indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Explants could be stored for up to 9 months without subculture at 7°C under low light conditions (23 lux), maintaining viability. The addition of sorbitol (3 g/l) and abscisic acid (ABA, 5 mg/l) effectively inhibited shoot growth, providing a means for slow-growth conservation. This breakthrough offers a sustainable method to preserve this critically endangered species in its natural habitat.

In-between soil erosion and sustainable land management: climate aridity and vegetation in a traditional agro-forest system (Costiera Amalfitana, southern Italy)

Costiera Amalfitana — 2016 — WHEDF0EC227D7

A study on the Amalfi Coast reveals that bioclimatic delineation is crucial for sustainable land management, particularly in areas prone to soil erosion. Researchers analyzed long-term climate data (1959–1999) from 28 stations, correlating rainfall and temperature patterns with topography, vegetation cover, and erosion. Using geographic information systems and multivariate statistics, they derived bioclimatic indicators and identified challenges in their methodology, proposing solutions to enhance accuracy. The findings underscore the importance of integrating climate data with physical and biological factors to inform policies for complex socio-ecological systems, offering a framework for mitigating erosion risks while preserving traditional agro-forest landscapes.

Inbreeding depression by environment interactions in a free-living mammal population

St Kilda — 2016 — WHE9B6544E002

A study on the Soay sheep population of St Kilda reveals limited evidence for interactions between inbreeding depression and environmental harshness, challenging the assumption that such effects are stronger in wild populations. While all nine traits analyzed showed variation with population density and some evidence of inbreeding depression due to individual or maternal inbreeding, only two interactions were statistically significant. The research used genomic inbreeding coefficients based on 37,037 SNP loci and population density as an environmental axis, suggesting that wild populations may not always exhibit strong inbreeding-by-environment interactions due to lower observed inbreeding levels, potential overestimation of stress in experimental studies, or natural purging of deleterious alleles.

Inca Roads

Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System — 2016 — WHE21787CF844

A masterfully planned and constructed Inca road system, spanning 24,000 miles, was uncovered around Ollantaytambo. This network, part of the UNESCO-listed Qhapaq Ñan (Andean Road System), showcased all defining features of Inca roads—walls, bridges, tambos, religious buildings, storehouses, and markers. The study, focusing on eight road segments near Ollantaytambo, revealed the system's role in unifying the Inca Empire through its extensive infrastructure. The findings highlight the advanced engineering and strategic planning behind this ancient transportation network.

Incorporating Neolithic villages at Petra, Jordan: an integrated approach to sustainable tourism

Petra — 2016 — WHE3C9521997A

A sustainable tourism strategy integrating Neolithic villages into Petra's cultural heritage can enhance visitor experiences, conserve archaeological sites, and ensure long-term economic benefits for local communities. This interdisciplinary approach, combining academic archaeology with tourism research, identifies challenges to the inclusion of these rare villages within Petra's attraction system. By proposing an attraction diversification plan, the study addresses the implications of World Heritage Status for iconic destinations like Petra, aiming to attract more appreciative visitor markets while balancing conservation and community participation.

Incubation Temperature and Sex Ratio of a Python bivittatus (Burmese Python) Clutch Hatched in Everglades National Park, Florida

Everglades National Park — 2016 — WHE1A18403C41

A Burmese python (Python bivittatus) clutch in Everglades National Park exhibited a 77% hatching success, with the female losing 54% of her body weight during breeding. The study found that egg-mass temperature was more stable than ambient temperatures, ranging from 26.29–31.41 °C (mean = 28.07 °C), likely buffered by adjacent vegetation and shivering thermogenesis. This stability contrasted with direct sun temperatures, which fluctuated wildly between 20.81 °C and 45.70 °C (mean = 28.45 °C). Among successful hatchlings, the sex ratio was skewed, with 9 males and 8 females. The research highlights the resilience of python nests to extreme environmental conditions while also documenting the significant physiological cost for breeding females.

Indians in Color

Taos Pueblo — 2016 — WHE5EFE0EEF76

The book 'Indians in Color' by Norman K. Denzin highlights the stark contrast in the treatment and perception of artwork depicting Native America, created by European-trained artists versus indigenous Pueblo painters, particularly within the Taos Society of Artists movement in New Mexico. Denzin demonstrates how visual media can both reinforce or challenge racial and cultural stereotypes, offering a nuanced perspective on contemporary Native American life. The work explores the historical aggrandizement of non-Native art by collectors and museums, juxtaposed with the marginalization of indigenous Pueblo painters, while introducing a radical postmodern aesthetic that disrupts traditional notions of the 'noble savage.' This interdisciplinary analysis combines cultural criticism, autoethnography, and art history to critically examine ongoing tensions between mainstream and Native artistic representations.

Indigenous Archaeological Field Technicians at Tiwanaku, Bolivia: A Hybrid Form of Scientific Labor

Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture — 2016 — WHEFC3B8DF23C

Archaeological fieldwork at Tiwanaku, Bolivia, reveals a unique hybrid form of scientific labor where indigenous Mallkus and archaeologists collaboratively negotiate job definitions, hiring, and payment, rather than archaeologists maintaining direct control. This study highlights how such negotiations lead to a labor organization that blends Aymara/indigenous and archaeological/scientific conceptualizations, challenging traditional models of scientific practice. The research approach involved ethnographic observation and analysis of labor dynamics on the site, demonstrating that the process was not inherently conflicted but instead fostered mutual understanding and cooperation.

Inferring animal social networks and leadership: applications for passive monitoring arrays

Site of Palmyra — 2016 — WHE38570FC5AF

Research at Palmyra Atoll reveals long-term social structures and leadership among grey reef sharks, with some individuals consistently guiding group movements. Using machine learning algorithms adapted for passive acoustic telemetry data, scientists analyzed six months of tracking data to infer social networks, finding that sex and duration of co-occurrences predict leadership behavior. This study provides the first evidence of spatially extensive social processes in wild sharks, offering insights into their complex social dynamics. The team also developed an improved method for analyzing directionality and duration of social events, aiming to enhance the application of these techniques across less tractable animal systems.

Influence of pansharpening techniques in obtaining accurate vegetation thematic maps

Teide National Park — 2016 — WHEA5EF415365

A study on Teide National Park reveals that the Weighted Wavelet ‘à trous’ through Fractal Dimension Maps pansharpening technique, combined with an object-based Support Vector Machine classifier, yields the highest classification accuracy for vegetation thematic maps. This approach addresses the challenges posed by the park's heterogeneous and small-scale species, offering a reliable methodology for natural resource management. The research employed WorldView-2 high-resolution imagery and evaluated seven pansharpening techniques to enhance spatial resolution, aiming to improve the quality of classified images for conservation efforts.

Influence of the Soil-atmosphere Interaction on the Collapse of Sand in the Valle dei Templi in Agrigento

Archaeological Area of Agrigento — 2016 — WHE8815C300CF

Research at the UNESCO-listed Valle dei Templi in Agrigento reveals that soil-atmosphere interactions significantly influence the collapse of sand layers beneath the site's calcarenite bench, threatening its archaeological structures. The study found that changes in water content due to evapotranspiration can rapidly induce vertical strains in a metastable sandy layer, leading to differential settlement and increased tensile stresses in overlying calcarenites. These stresses exacerbate discontinuities, potentially causing progressive failure. To quantify this phenomenon, the team used meteorological data and rainfall events to model water content changes in a one-dimensional sand model, then calibrated these results with oedometer tests to correlate water content increments with collapse magnitude. This first assessment provides critical insights into how environmental factors contribute to structural instability at this historic site.

Influences of aspect and tillage on two winegrape cultivars on Mount Etna

Mount Etna — 2016 — WHEC0C54B9FB0

Research on Mount Etna reveals that the autochthonous grape cultivars Nerello mascalese and Carricante exhibit significant differences in yield and quality under varying tillage practices, with aspect playing a crucial role. Nerello mascalese demonstrated higher yields due to its adaptability, while minimal tillage led to excessive yield reduction in Carricante. The study found that yield per vine varied significantly across cultivars, seasons, and tillage treatments, with total soluble solids increasing in Nerello mascalese under reduced tillage conditions. Linear discriminant analysis highlighted the strongest discrimination for cultivar type, with tillage showing the least impact. This research provides insights into optimizing viticultural practices on volcanic slopes to enhance grape quality and yield.

Influences of climate and historical land connectivity on ant beta diversity in East Asia

Ogasawara Islands — 2016 — WHEC9A1D7FF5A

A primary driver of ant beta diversity in East Asia is climate, particularly temperature, which significantly influences faunal composition across geographical areas. The study also reveals that historical land connectivity during periods of low sea levels, such as the Last Glacial Maximum, plays a more substantial role in shaping regional-scale biogeographical patterns than current land contiguity. This suggests that overland dispersal via transient land bridges has been more influential than overwater dispersal in structuring ant communities in this region. The research integrated species occurrence records from multiple sources alongside climatic and bathymetric data to analyze Simpson composition dissimilarity using multiple regression of distance matrices, providing a comprehensive understanding of the factors governing ant diversity patterns.

Ingestion rates and grazing impact of the brackwater mussel Brachidontes virgiliae in Lake St Lucia, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa

iSimangaliso Wetland Park – Maputo National Park — 2016 — WHE70313F723C

Research reveals that the brackwater mussel Brachidontes virgiliae, dominant during wet phases in Lake St Lucia, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, exhibits significant grazing impact on phytoplankton biomass. Using an in situ gut fluorescence technique, scientists estimated ingestion rates of 5.78 µg pigment per individual per day during the wet season and 4.44 µg pigment per individual per day in the dry season, with higher rates likely due to increased water temperature and food availability. The study found that mussel aggregations could deplete up to 20 times the available phytoplankton biomass locally, particularly in northern reaches where densities are highest. These findings suggest that the ecological dynamics of Lake St Lucia may shift during flood events, necessitating integration into existing ecological models.

Inhabiting Heritage: Living with the Past in the Albayzín of Granada

Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada — 2016 — WHE54FF08C906

Urban conflicts within inhabited World Heritage Sites, such as Granada's Albayzín, reveal deep ideological tensions over heritage interpretation and urban future. The study introduces 'heritagification'—a localized process where historical narratives are weaponized to shape urban change, often favoring dominant versions of the past. Qualitative analysis shows how competing visions of Muslim and Christian heritage clash, not just over preservation but over defining Albayzín's identity and viability as a living neighborhood. This framework exposes how global heritage discourse intersects with local politics, reshaping urban spaces while erasing alternative historical truths.

Initiating an Oral History Project in a Multicultural UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town, Penang, Malaysia: Challenges and Outcomes

Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca — 2016 — WHEC72C746231

A pilot oral history project in George Town, Penang, Malaysiademonstrated significant potential for fostering public awareness and community engagement with intangible cultural heritage. Launched by the George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) in 2013, this initiative highlighted how structured oral history documentation can bridge gaps between heritage preservation efforts and local communities, particularly in multicultural urban settings. The study underscored the role of such projects in shaping heritage discourse while addressing practical challenges in implementation. By focusing on lived experiences, the project not only preserved historical narratives but also encouraged active participation from diverse groups, offering a model for similar initiatives in other living cultural sites.

Injury Severity of Wildlife Attacks on Humans in the Vicinity of Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Chitwan National Park — 2016 — WHE74CE183287

Wildlife attacks on humans near Chitwan National Park, Nepal, show significant variation in injury severity based on the attacking species. Elephant attacks account for 68% of fatalities, followed by tigers (57%), rhinos (29%), and bears or wild boars (4%). Fatalities are more likely among uneducated individuals, fishermen, and forest resource collectors, with 84% occurring at incident sites due to delayed rescue. The study, spanning 2003–2013, used mixed methods—group discussions, stakeholder interviews, field observations, and household surveys—to analyze 329 cases, revealing that attacks are correlated with site environment, season, victim demographics, awareness, and activities. Annual attack rates averaged 30 incidents, with severe physical, psychological, and economic impacts on victims. The research underscores the need for species-specific behavioral awareness programs and upgraded medical trauma centers to mitigate harm.

Innovation in island ecotourism in different contexts: Yakushima (Japan) and Tahiti and its Islands

Yakushima — 2016 — WHE27A750EBA1

Island destinations, while iconic as tourism hotspots, often struggle with adaptability due to established destination images. This study highlights that innovation—through creative reimagining of representations and sustainable narratives—is crucial for enhancing attractiveness to high-yield visitors and ensuring continued growth. Using Yakushima (Japan) and Tahiti as case studies, the research identifies key innovative elements that could serve as models for other destinations, though it acknowledges the complexity of implementation. The findings suggest that sustained innovation across stakeholders is essential for tourists to justify the additional costs associated with island travel.

Insects for breakfast and whales for dinner: the diet and body condition of dingoes on Fraser Island (K’gari)

K’gari (Fraser Island) — 2016 — WHE57DAE155B5

Dingoes on Fraser Island (K’gari) exhibit excellent physical condition and a diverse diet, contradicting claims of starvation or poor health. Analysis of scat samples, stomach contents, and trail camera footage from 2001 to 2015 revealed that dingoes primarily consume medium-sized mammals like bandicoots, fish, and stranded marine fauna such as turtles and whales, with minimal reliance on human-sourced food. Body weights exceeded national averages, body condition scores indicated ideal-heavy physical health, and parasite loads were low. These findings challenge the need for human subsidies to improve dingo health, suggesting their diet and condition are robust and stable.

Inside the Dogon Masks: The Selection of Woods for Ritual Objects

Cliff of Bandiagara (Land of the Dogons) — 2016 — WHEA05EF2C360

A study of 15 traditional Dogon masks from Mali's Bandiagara cliffs reveals a strong preference for ceiba (Ceiba pentandra) wood, used in 10 masks, while marula (Sclerocarya birrea) and African grape (Lannea spec.) were less common. This finding suggests the sacred significance of ceiba in Dogon ritual practices, with implications for understanding their cultural and religious traditions. The research analyzed mask materials to uncover patterns in wood selection, guided by the Awa secret society's rules.