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Showing 22061 – 22080 of 30345 publications

Lübeck’s Burgomaster Jürgen Wullenwever and Denmark

Hanseatic City of Lübeck — 2016 — WHE3C83586011

A controversial figure of the Hanseatic city of Lübeck, Burgomaster Jürgen Wullenwever, emerged during a period marked by religious upheaval and political instability. His involvement in the Count’s Feud, where he pledged allegiance to competing factions while seeking military support against Dutch merchant ships, led to economic hardship and discontent in Lübeck. This study, based on historical documentation collected by Georg Waitz, sheds light on Wullenwever's role and the broader socio-political dynamics of the time. It reveals how his actions exacerbated tensions between the citizenry, Emperor Charles V, and other regional powers, ultimately culminating in his arrest, trial, and execution. The analysis provides a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between political maneuvering, economic shifts, and societal changes during this transformative era.

M.V. Fontana, S.M. Mireskandari, M. Rugiadi, A. Asadi, A.M. Jaia, A. Blanco, L. Colliva. Estakhr Project: First Preliminary Report of the Joint Mission of the Iranian Center for Archaeological Research, the Parsa-Pasargadae Research Foundation and the Sapienza University of Rome, Italy

Pasargadae — 2016 — WHEBC6E6B95F4

Preliminary findings from the Estakhr Project, a collaborative mission involving Iranian and Italian researchers, reveal significant insights into the Islamic period at Pasargadae. The joint effort, combining expertise from the Iranian Center for Archaeological Research, the Parsa-Pasargadae Research Foundation, and Sapienza University of Rome, employed advanced archaeological techniques to uncover new evidence about the site's historical layers. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of Pasargadae's evolution, particularly during its Islamic phase, offering valuable data for conservation and further study.

Macrocyclic marine natural products: leads in the drug discovery process for potential glioma therapeutics

Coiba National Park and its Special Zone of Marine Protection — 2016 — WHE32E6A9272A

Coiba National Park harbors a marine cyanobacterium that produces coibamide A, a unique depsipeptide with potential as a glioma therapeutic. This compound demonstrates exceptional potency and selectivity against glioblastoma cell lines, inducing G1 arrest and triggering cell death in vitro while significantly reducing tumor volume in vivo. Coibamide A also exhibits antiangiogenic properties by decreasing VEGFA and VEGFR2 expression, suggesting it targets the cellular secretory pathway. The study leverages a bioluminescence-based assay to screen compounds that inhibit this pathway, aiming to identify novel therapeutics for glioblastoma multiforme.

Macromammalian faunas, biochronology and palaeoecology of the early Pleistocene Main Quarry hominin-bearing deposits of the Drimolen Palaeocave System, South Africa

Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa — 2016 — WHED0745BB9B0

A comprehensive analysis of the Drimolen Palaeocave System Main Quarry (DMQ) deposits reveals a diverse macromammalian fauna, including rare and significant species such as Megantereon whitei, Lycyaenops silberbergi, Dinofelis cf. barlowi, and Dinofelis aff. piveteaui, alongside hominin remains like Paranthropus robustus and early Homo. The study, based on 826 taxonomically identifiable specimens from over two decades of excavations, provides the first detailed description of non-primate macromammalian assemblages in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Biochronological interpretations suggest deposition occurred after 2.33 million years ago (Ma), with carnivore evidence indicating a range from pre-2.0 Ma to maximally 1.6 Ma. The palaeoecology points to mixed open-to-closed habitats, though specific habitat or age boundaries are not clearly defined.

Madinat al-Zahra' et Sabra al-Mansuriyya

Caliphate City of Medina Azahara — 2016 — WHE1B5ED59577

A comparative analysis of the urbanism and architecture of Madinat al-Zahra' (Umayyad Caliphate) and Sabra al-Mansuriyya (Fatimid Caliphate), two 10th-century administrative capitals, reveals distinct yet parallel political expressions of their respective caliphates. The study highlights how these cities embodied ideological shifts, reflecting changes in power dynamics, religious rites, and architectural traditions. By examining material culture—including urban topography, palatial functions, craftsmanship, and decorative aesthetics—the research identifies common principles underlying 'palatial' or 'governmental cities,' while also underscoring differences rooted in regional influences. This approach challenges traditional, text-based narratives by integrating archaeological evidence to deepen understanding of Islamic statecraft.

Making Megaliths: Shifting and Unstable Stones in the Neolithic of the Avebury Landscape

Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites — 2016 — WHEDD17000A71

Megaliths were not static or inert; their movement and repositioning during the Neolithic period represented a dynamic reconfiguration of the landscape, embodying and disrupting known places. This study challenges the focus on long-distance stone transportation by examining the local acquisition and movement of sarsen stones in the Avebury landscape, Wiltshire, where over 700 megaliths were used to construct ceremonial and funerary monuments. The research reveals that these practices were significant, as evidenced by the subsequent monumentalization of extraction sites, suggesting a profound cultural and symbolic importance tied to stone movement. By analyzing the processes and transformations involved in megalith acquisition, the study offers new insights into the emergent monument types of prehistoric Britain.

Malbork w świetle źródeł w spuściźnie po prof. Karolu Górskim przechowywanej w Bibliotece Uniwersyteckiej w Toruniu

Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork — 2016 — WHE4D8E7C027E

A newly identified collection of Karol Górski’s legacy, preserved at the University Library in Toruń, reveals previously unknown sources that illuminate Professor Górski's scholarly and personal engagement with the Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork. These materials, including correspondence, official documents, and typescript texts, provide unprecedented insights into his post-World War II perspective on the castle’s conservation challenges and his polemic with German scholars regarding the assessment of its 'Polish period' (1466–1772). The collection also sheds light on the broader context of Malbork’s historical documentation, gathered after the war. This research highlights the significance of archival materials in understanding the intellectual debates and preservation efforts surrounding this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Mamíferos no voladores del Parque Nacional Sangay, Ecuador

Sangay National Park — 2016 — WHEFEA00236C8

Sangay National Park (SNP), Ecuador, hosts the highest diversity of non-volant mammals in the Andes of Ecuador and the second-highest in the tropical Andes, with 103 species recorded. The study identified 86 species through extensive fieldwork between 2010 and 2015, including six first-time detections for SNP, such as Chilomys instans and Marmosa rubra, and several endemic species like Caenolestes sangay. Rodents were the most diverse group (36 species). The research combined trapping techniques (Sherman, Tomahawk, pitfall traps) with direct and indirect detection methods, totaling 5,730 trap-nights. These findings underscore SNP's biogeographic significance and its role as a critical biodiversity hotspot.

Mammals of Great Smoky Mountains National Park: 2016 Revision

Great Smoky Mountains National Park — 2016 — WHE4F5C1CB0EC

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the largest protected temperate forest ecosystems east of the Rocky Mountains, harbors 68 mammal species, with four additional probable species. This 2016 revision represents the first comprehensive update in over two decades, incorporating new records, distribution data, ecological insights, and taxonomic revisions. The study highlights significant changes since the 1995 publication, including successful reintroductions of two species (e.g., red wolf) and an unsuccessful one, alongside extensive documentation on mammal traits such as diet, reproduction, hibernation, and predation. Leveraging a vast bibliography, this work provides the most complete synthesis to date on the Park's mammalian biodiversity, underscoring its global ecological importance as both an International Biosphere Reserve (since 1976) and UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 1983).

Management of low-income condominiums in Bogotá and Quito: the balance between property law and self-organisation

City of Quito — 2016 — WHE0DAF4DB5D6

Low-income condominiums in Bogotá, Colombia, exhibit higher maintenance levels compared to those in Quito, Ecuador, despite both cities sharing similar housing policies. Contrary to expectations, self-organization efforts in Bogotá negatively impact perceived maintenance levels (PML), while in Quito, such participation positively influences PML. This suggests that the relationship between formal legal requirements for self-organization and actual maintenance outcomes is more nuanced than initially hypothesized. The study applies Ostrom's Institutional Analysis and Development framework to analyze data from 414 households surveyed in 2014, examining community characteristics, governance structures, and physical environments. It highlights the complex interplay between property law and collective action in shaping urban housing conditions.

Management of Urban Wastewater on One of the Galapagos Islands

Galápagos Islands — 2016 — WHEE2EFFDBE83

A modular, low-maintenance wastewater management system is proposed for Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, to address the growing environmental and health risks posed by inadequately treated sewage. The study highlights the urgent need for sustainable solutions in UNESCO-listed Galápagos Islands, where lava rock terrain limits deep excavation and remote location demands on-site maintainable technologies. The approach integrates Ecuadorian legislation, Millennium Development Goals, and PAHO guidelines, offering a replicable model for developing regions. Challenges include slow implementation due to technical difficulties, but the proposed system aims to balance tourism growth with ecosystem preservation.

Managing for naturalness alone is not an effective way to preserve all the valuable natural features of the Białowieża Forest – a reply to Jaroszewicz et al.

Białowieża Forest — 2016 — WHE6B12AB6478

Strict protection of the Białowieża Forest may not effectively preserve all its valuable natural features, contrary to claims that such management is sufficient. Brzeziecki et al. (2017) demonstrate that long-term trends in tree population densities and size structures—analyzed using data from permanent plots established in 1936—are representative of the entire Białowieża National Park. Their findings challenge the notion that strict protection alone ensures ecosystem diversity, highlighting the need for a more nuanced conservation strategy. By comparing modeled equilibrium distributions with actual data, the study underscores the importance of understanding woodland dynamics to retain the forest's unique value.

Mangrove reforestation: greening or grabbing coastal zones and deltas? Case studies in Senegal

Saloum Delta — 2016 — WHEAE533B7DDF

Mangrove reforestation, while successful in expanding green coverage and gaining international visibility, often fails to enhance biological and cultural diversity or address spatial injustice. A study analyzing environmental narratives and NGO-led reforestation campaigns in Senegal's Saloum Delta and Lower Casamance between 2009 and 2013 reveals that extensive planting of a single mangrove species, Rhizophora mangle, is perceived as 'green grabbing' by local communities. Additionally, carbon tax purchases by industrial conglomerates exacerbate disempowerment. The research underscores the need for more integrated approaches to mangrove conservation, balancing ecological, cultural, and social dimensions.

Mangrove Response to Environmental Change in Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park — 2016 — WHEBBE142460F

Mangrove extent and cover in Kakadu National Park (KNP) exhibit significant fluctuations primarily driven by sea level rise and changes in rainfall, with minimal human disturbance. The study used a 25-year time series of Landsat data to quantify annual changes, identifying a foliage projected cover threshold of ≥30% (~50% planimetric canopy cover) as the most accurate measure for capturing mangrove extent. These findings suggest that natural environmental changes, particularly those linked to climate variability, are reshaping the hydrological regime and potentially impacting the park's internationally significant wetlands.

Manipulated Connectivity in Island Isolation: Maltese Prehistoric Stone Tool Technology and Procurement Strategies Across the Fourth and Third Millennia BC

Megalithic Temples of Malta — 2016 — WHE9211E27E63

Prehistoric Maltese islanders, often perceived as isolated due to their megalithic monuments dating from the fourth and third millennia BC, actually maintained manipulated connectivity with the outside world. Analysis of lithic assemblages from Late Neolithic megalithic structures reveals that despite declining obsidian availability, islanders procured flint from southeastern Sicily. This imported flint was used wastefully within the structures, indicating a disinterest in its limited supply and suggesting control over procurement by powerful individuals. The study suggests that this connectivity was tied to the organization of megalithic monuments, which were spatially connected to fertile plains and anchorage bays, reflecting specific social strategies in a setting of cultural isolation.

Mapping Controversies in Architecture

Sydney Opera House — 2016 — WHE465F78F4EC

A novel methodology, 'mapping controversies,' emerges as a transformative approach to architectural theory and practice. This method transcends traditional divides such as architecture/society or nature/culture by tracing and visualizing the complex networks of actors, concerns, and trajectories surrounding contested urban knowledge. Leveraging digital technologies and computational design techniques, it offers a dynamic framework to analyze ongoing debates, exemplified through case studies like the Sydney Opera House, London's 2012 Olympics stadium, and Cardiff's Welsh parliament. By re-establishing connections between local and global, social and technical dimensions, this approach provides an alternative to critical architecture, positioning architecture at the intersection of human and nonhuman elements. The methodology is adaptable to a broad range of hybrid phenomena, offering a versatile tool for understanding complex systems.

Mapping interactions between geology, subsurface resource exploitation and urban development in transforming cities using InSAR Persistent Scatterers: Two decades of change in Florence, Italy

Historic Centre of Florence — 2016 — WHE64626674D6

A novel application of Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) reveals significant vertical and horizontal urban dynamics in Florence, Italy, over two decades. The study identified 12 macropatterns and 84 micropatterns of surface displacements, highlighting areas of new construction, land subsidence due to groundwater exploitation (up to 30–40 mm/yr), and interactions with underlying geology and slope instability. Notably, heritage assets along planned subway and tramway routes showed stable conditions, with minimal deformation. This baseline characterization offers critical insights for sustainable urban management and future infrastructure projects.

Mapping inundation extent, frequency and duration in the Okavango Delta from 2001 to 2012

Okavango Delta — 2016 — WHED837A6F679

From 2001 to 2012, the Okavango Delta experienced a notable shift in inundation patterns, with maximum annual flood extents increasing after a period of lower flooding. This study, using MODIS satellite data (MOD09Q1 and MOD11A1), mapped inundation frequency and duration with high accuracy (99.4% overall accuracy, kappa coefficient of 80%). A time-varying threshold method leveraging reflectance differences between waterbodies and dry/vegetated soil successfully classified inundated areas while accounting for seasonal changes. The findings reveal a gradual decrease in maximum inundation from 2001 to 2003, followed by a steady rise peaking during 2010–2012, providing critical insights for water resource management and habitat restoration in this vital Ramsar site.

Mapping Long-Term Changes in Mangrove Species Composition and Distribution in the Sundarbans

The Sundarbans — 2016 — WHE3E9874030E

A 38-year study of the Sundarbans mangrove forest reveals significant shifts in species composition and distribution, driven by climate change and human activities. Heritiera fomes and Excoecaria agallocha declined by nearly 10%, while Ceriops decandra, Sonneratia apetala, and Xylocarpus mekongensis saw substantial increases of 12.9%, 380.4%, and 57.3%, respectively. Using Landsat satellite imagery and maximum likelihood classification techniques, researchers achieved accuracies ranging from 72% to 89% across four time points (1977–2015). These findings underscore the vulnerability of this critical ecosystem—essential for carbon sequestration, coastal protection, and biodiversity—to ongoing environmental pressures. The study highlights the need for adaptive management strategies to sustain mangrove resources amid accelerating degradation.

Mapping the path of the biggest fish: The whale shark from the Mexican Pacific side

Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California — 2016 — WHEA8EA8621F2

Whale sharks exhibit distinct size-based segregation and high site fidelity in their movements, with juvenile aggregations predominantly occurring in coastal waters (Los Angeles Bay, La Paz Bay, San Luis Gonzaga, Nayarit, and Coyote Bay), while pregnant adult females congregate in oceanic regions like Espiritu Santo Island, Los Cabos, and the Revillagigedo Archipelago. A 21-year photo-identification study identified 898 sharks, revealing that juveniles (841 individuals) show remarkable fidelity to coastal sites, with up to 61% re-sighted annually in La Paz Bay, while adult females exhibit lower recapture rates. The research highlights the need for regional conservation strategies, as only three of eight studied localities are currently protected.