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Showing 22201 – 22220 of 30345 publications

Ocean Transport Pathways to a World Heritage Fringing Coral Reef: Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

Ningaloo Coast — 2016 — WHEE52413CA99

Research identifies seasonal variations in ocean transport pathways to Ningaloo Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site off Western Australia. Using Lagrangian particle tracking and regional ocean circulation models, the study reveals two primary subsurface water sources: a year-round northeast source and an additional summer source offshore and west of Ningaloo, at depths of 30–150 meters. Transient wind-driven coastal upwelling, onshore geostrophic transport, and offshore eddies influence these pathways. These findings are critical for understanding how materials like nutrients, larvae, or contaminants are exchanged between the reef and surrounding ocean, offering insights into the region's complex ocean dynamics.

Ocurrencia y Tasas de Encuentro de Mamíferos Marinos en las Aguas de la Isla Malpelo y Hacia el Continente

Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary — 2016 — WHEA2D15EB0D1

A decade-long study (2001–2010) of marine mammal sightings around Malpelo Island and its continental waters reveals that the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) is the most consistently abundant species, with stable encounter rates year-round. The research, combining data from four sources, identified seven species near the island—with peak richness in October–November—and 13 during cruises, where humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) dominated (March–April). Humpbacks were seasonally linked to Malpelo, suggesting reproductive use. The study also found species associations with distinct water zones: M. novaeangliae near the continental shelf, D. delphis in intermediate waters, and T. truncatus across both, indicating overlapping populations. This work advances knowledge of marine mammal distribution in Colombian waters, highlighting Malpelo’s ecological significance.

Odysseus and the Cult of Apollo at Delos

Delos — 2016 — WHE49F60A5FBF

A palm tree described by Odysseus at Apollo’s altar on Delos, referenced in Homeric texts and later confirmed by inscriptions, reveals the island's enduring significance as a sanctuary. This study demonstrates that classical authors preserved Archaic traditions about Delos, shaping subsequent perceptions of its cult sites. Material evidence shows that later constructions aligned with these literary descriptions, indicating consistent reverence for the site across generations.

Ogólnopolska Konferencja Naukowa „Z dziejów książki i prasy. Przegląd badań za lata 2013–2015” (Bydgoszcz, 27 listopada 2015 r.)

Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork — 2016 — WHE7FDFED2436

A comprehensive overview of the history of books, libraries, and press from 2013 to 2015 was presented at the national conference 'The History of Books and Press: The Present State of Research' held in Bydgoszcz on November 27, 2015. The conference highlighted significant contributions of past generations to European and Polish culture through a diverse range of topics, including the early days of European Christian culture, its development during the Middle Ages, and its prosperity in the 16th century. Notably, papers focused on the 19th and 20th centuries, such as those examining the Polish specialist press, provided new insights into contemporary cultural dynamics. Additionally, the conference explored the history of libraries, including notable collections like those at the Jagiellonian Library, Malbork Castle, Dominican and seminary book collections, and the Gdańsk Library of the Polish Academy of Sciences. It also delved into the traditions of Polish bookbinders and the book collections in Pomeranian manor houses, offering a nuanced understanding of historical and cultural practices.

Oil Exploitation at Virunga Park as a Threat to the Environment and to Endangered Animal Species

Virunga National Park — 2016 — WHEA24BA38694

Oil exploitation within Virunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and critical habitat for endangered species like mountain gorillas and okapis, poses significant environmental threats. The study highlights the conflict between economic development, championed by the DRC government through oil drilling permits granted to multinational company Soco, and conservation efforts advocated by international organizations such as UNESCO, WWF, and HRW. While the government argues that oil exploitation could alleviate poverty for riparian populations, the research underscores the risks to biodiversity and ecosystem integrity. Using a descriptive approach grounded in bibliographic surveys, the study employs dialectic analysis to weigh these opposing perspectives, emphasizing the urgent need to balance development with environmental preservation.

Old Field Communities and Restoration Potential at Mammoth Cave National Park, USA

Mammoth Cave National Park — 2016 — WHEC6C47B91B0

Old fields within Mammoth Cave National Park, USA, have shifted from the desired oak and hickory-dominated ecosystems to conifer-dominated stands due to historical agricultural land use and fire exclusion. This study found that both above-ground species composition and seedbank diversity in these old fields differ significantly from adjacent areas targeted for restoration. The research compared species dominance in old fields with that of desired future condition areas, identifying Juniperus virginiana and Pinus virginiana as dominant conifers. Management strategies proposed to restore the park's ecological balance include thinning treatments and reintroducing historic fire regimes, aiming to shift the composition back toward oak and hickory dominance.

On Safety Assessment and Base Isolation of Heavy Non-structural Monolithic Objects

Ferrara, City of the Renaissance, and its Po Delta — 2016 — WHEDA4EFFE5AF

Research reveals that heavy non-structural monolithic objects, such as ancient marble decorative pinnacles, pose significant seismic risks to world heritage structures. The study introduces a method for assessing the safety of underlying masonry structures under seismic excitations and evaluates ground motion amplification due to these objects. Focusing on eleven marble pinnacles atop a three-arched city gate in Ferrara, Italy, the findings highlight the potential danger to human lives and substantial loss to cultural heritage during earthquakes. The approach combines safety assessment techniques with base isolation strategies to mitigate seismic vulnerabilities in historic constructions.

On show from Sicilian deeps

Archaeological Site of Carthage — 2016 — WHEDF325B2319

A significant archaeological discovery from the seas around Sicily has shed new light on the Battle of the Egadi Islands, a pivotal naval engagement in 241 BC where Rome secured control over the Tyrrhenian Sea from Carthage. The exhibition 'Travelling Europe' showcases key artifacts from this battle, highlighting their historical and strategic importance. This finding underscores the transformative impact of underwater archaeology on our understanding of ancient maritime conflicts and the geopolitical dynamics of the Mediterranean during the Punic Wars.

On Site Investigation and Health Monitoring of a Historic Tower in Mantua, Italy

Mantua and Sabbioneta — 2016 — WHE059D10EE3D

A study on the historic tower in Mantua, Italy, reveals that low-cost vibration-based structural health monitoring can effectively detect abnormal behavior and damage in heritage structures. Following the 2012 Italian seismic sequence, researchers installed a dynamic monitoring system with accelerometers and temperature sensors to assess the tower's condition. Over 15 months of data collection, they identified how changing temperatures influenced modal frequencies and pinpointed potential structural issues, demonstrating the method's utility for preventive conservation and maintenance of historic towers.

On the Benefit of Larynx-Microphone Field Recordings for the Documentation and Analysis of Polyphonic Vocal Music

Upper Svaneti — 2016 — WHEFA36528244

Larynx-microphone recordings of body vibrations during singing effectively isolate individual vocal contributions in polyphonic music, capturing pitch, intonation, and intensity while minimizing interference from other singers. This innovative approach, tested in a field study at UNESCO World Heritage Site Upper Svaneti (Georgia), demonstrates its practicality under real-world conditions. Researchers analyzed 20 Svan songs performed by two trios, confirming that larynx-microphone recordings provide unique data not achievable through traditional audio methods. The findings validate the technique as a valuable tool for documenting and analyzing complex vocal traditions, offering new insights into the structure and performance of polyphonic music.

On the Limits to Manage Air-Quality in Glacier Bay

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek — 2016 — WHE749E27E6FD

Cruise-ship emissions dominate air quality in Glacier Bay National Park, contributing 60–80% of daily mean SO2 and NO2 concentrations below 1 km height on days with visits and up to 40% even without recent visits. A study using WRF/Chem simulations revealed that while these emissions significantly influence pollutant levels—particularly in stagnant weather conditions—their interaction with other sources, including distant pollutants, varies by altitude and location, with the strongest effects observed in cruise-ship berthing areas. Despite anthropogenic origins for all coarse particulate matter, visibility is primarily limited by meteorological factors. The findings highlight both constraints and opportunities for managing air quality and visibility in this UNESCO-listed region.

On the Relationships among the Sanskrit Text of the Bodhisattvapiṭaka-sūtra and Its Parallel Chinese Translations and the Tibetan Translation:

Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, Lhasa — 2016 — WHEB4695BB3D2

A Sanskrit manuscript of the Bodhisattvapiṭaka-sūtra, preserved at the Potala Palace in Lhasa, reveals that while its content closely aligns with three parallel translations (Chinese by Xuanzang and Fahu, and Tibetan), they likely do not share a common source. Comparative analysis of chapter divisions and thematic elements suggests Xuanzang’s translation diverges significantly from the other versions, which appear more closely related. This finding challenges assumptions about direct textual lineage among these translations.

On the Symmetry of the Central Dome of the Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal — 2016 — WHE210049DCD8

Despite its renowned perfection and symmetry, the Taj Mahal's central dome exhibits subtle imperfections that challenge its reputation for flawless design. A study revisits both appreciations and criticisms to analyze these flaws, revealing deviations in symmetry that are often overlooked by observers. The research employs a detailed examination of the dome's external structure, combining architectural analysis with historical context to discuss potential reasons behind these imperfections. This work contributes to a deeper understanding of the Taj Mahal's design intricacies, offering insights into the craftsmanship and precision of its construction.

Opera as Social Showcase: Rituals of “Magic Mirrors” at the Margravial Opera House in Mid-Eighteenth-Century Bayreuth

Margravial Opera House Bayreuth — 2016 — WHE01CB36288B

Court opera, exemplified by the mid-eighteenth-century Margravial Opera House in Bayreuth, functions as a social showcase and ritualistic communication tool. This study reveals how Wilhelmina of Bayreuth and her husband Frederick leveraged opera to establish and reinforce social and political relationships. By analyzing operatic rituals through anthropological frameworks—particularly Victor Turner's concept of 'magic mirrors'—the research demonstrates that court opera was not merely an artistic endeavor but a deliberate institution designed to reflect and shape societal dynamics, power structures, and cultural identities.

Optimization of a Coastal Environmental Monitoring Network Based on the Kriging Method: A Case Study of Quanzhou Bay, China

Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China — 2016 — WHE0BA2CEA0F2

A new approach to coastal environmental monitoring, using the Kriging method and geographic information systems, significantly improves precision by 32.9% while expanding the network from 15 to 24 sites in Quanzhou Bay, China. This optimization enhances water quality assessment for parameters like COD, DIN, and PO4-P, addressing gaps where existing data fails to accurately reflect current conditions or support effective policy-making. The study analyzed over four years of monitoring data (2009–2012) using the Trophic State Index, demonstrating how advanced spatial analysis can refine coastal management strategies for pollutant reduction in similar semienclosed bays.

Ordovician shallow-marine tidal sandwaves in Algeria – the application of coeval outcrops to constrain the geometry and facies of a discontinuous, high-quality gas reservoir

Tassili n'Ajjer — 2016 — WHEB80EDAE2B7

A high-quality, discontinuous gas reservoir interval in the Tiguentourine field of Algeria's Illizi Basin has been characterized through comparison with coeval outcrops in Tassili n'Ajjer. The study reveals that this thin (<12 m), shallow-marine sandstone unit—unresolvable on seismic data and variably developed subsurface—exhibits tidal sandwave geometries with wavelengths >100 m, documented via Landsat imagery and outcrop analysis. These findings explain the reservoir's patchy distribution and high exploration risk by linking facies variations to modern marine analogs. The research bridges subsurface reservoir modeling with surface exposures, offering critical insights for predicting this challenging target in Ordovician proglacial settings.

Origin of Japanese White-Eyes and Brown-Eared Bulbuls on the Volcano Islands

Ogasawara Islands — 2016 — WHECFAC2EE513

A genetic analysis of Japanese white-eyes (Zosterops japonicus) and brown-eared bulbuls (Hypsipetes amaurotis) on the Ogasawara Islands reveals distinct evolutionary pathways for these species. The study found that the Bonin population of white-eyes, previously thought to be endemic, shares haplotypes with other island groups, suggesting it is a hybrid of introduced populations rather than an independent lineage. In contrast, brown-eared bulbuls exhibit unique haplotypes on both the Volcano and Bonin Islands, indicating distinct geological and temporal origins. The research highlights the evolutionary significance of these populations and emphasizes the need to restrict interisland transfers to prevent genetic introgression. This work provides critical insights into the biogeography and conservation priorities for land birds in the Ogasawara Archipelago.

Origini ed evoluzione del sistema centralizzato ad Arslantepe: dal tempio al palazzo nel IV millennio A.C.

Arslantepe Mound — 2016 — WHE9A45AFA0BB

Recent discoveries at Arslantepe Mound reveal that the site's highly centralized political and economic structure, evident by the end of the 4th millennium BC (Period VI A), evolved independently from Mesopotamian influences. The study identifies a massive ceremonial building from the mid-4th millennium (Period VII) with a tripartite layout resembling Mesopotamian architecture but featuring exclusively local materials and characteristics, devoid of Uruk influence. This structure, likely a temple or ceremonial site, was used for redistribution under administrative control, as indicated by mass-produced bowls and clay-sealings. The development of Arslantepe's Period VI A society, marked by the first known 'palace' complex in the Near East, is interpreted as a local evolution rather than emulation of foreign communities, highlighting the site's originality within Greater Mesopotamia.

Orthoptera (Insecta: Tettigonioidea, Pyrgomorphoidea, Acridoidea) of Kafa Biosphere Reserve, Bale Mountains National Park and other areas of conservation interest in Ethiopia

Bale Mountains National Park — 2016 — WHEB291844F25

A comprehensive annotated checklist of 51 Orthoptera taxa, including four newly discovered species—Peropyrrhicia attilioi n. sp., P. keffensis n. sp., P. semiensis n. sp., and Coryphosima danieli n. sp.—has been documented in the Kafa Biosphere Reserve, Bale Mountains National Park, and surrounding conservation areas of Ethiopia. This study also revises the taxonomic status of two previously described species, Peropyrrhicia cooperi and P. scotti, confirming their validity. The research contributes significantly to the understanding of Orthoptera diversity in Ethiopia, highlighting the region's ecological importance while identifying new species that may be critical for conservation efforts.

Osteoarchaeological Studies of Human Systemic Stress of Early Urbanization in Late Shang at Anyang, China

Yin Xu — 2016 — WHE458589BE5E

Extensive systemic stress exposure was documented among non-elite populations during the Late Shang Dynasty (ca. 1250–1046 B.C.) at Yin Xu, suggesting early urbanization exacerbated health disparities and contributed to societal collapse. Analysis of skeletal remains from two burial contexts—lineage cemeteries and refuse pits—revealed high frequencies of enamel hypoplasia (80.9%), cribra orbitalia (30.3%), and osteoperiostitis (40.0% in adults), indicating severe childhood stress, frailty, and adult morbidity. Notably, females from refuse pits showed significantly elevated levels of cribra orbitalia and osteoperiostitis, potentially reflecting gender inequality compounding urbanization-related stressors. The study employed osteological markers to assess physiological disturbances linked to urban crowding, sanitation decline, and resource scarcity, providing evidence that social stratification intensified these burdens.