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Showing 22301 – 22320 of 30345 publications

Quantifying canopy fractional cover and change in Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve, China using multi-temporal Landsat imagery

Fanjingshan — 2016 — WHE5401631CE3

A study on Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve, China, reveals that anthropogenic activities are the primary drivers of changes in forest canopy fractional cover (CFC) over a 15-year period. Researchers used multi-temporal Landsat imagery and a modified soil-adjusted vegetation index (MSAVI) to quantify CFC, finding that topographical variability affects illumination and thus CFC estimates. Implementing an illumination stratification approach, which selects different closed canopy endmembers based on topography, helps minimize these effects. The analysis, combined with limited high-resolution imagery verification, suggests that most observed CFC changes are likely due to human influences.

Quantifying Heterogeneity in Host-Vector Contact: Tsetse (Glossina swynnertoni and G. pallidipes) Host Choice in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Serengeti National Park — 2016 — WHEB40EB60129

Tsetse flies (Glossina swynnertoni and G. pallidipes) exhibit highly selective feeding preferences in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, despite the presence of numerous potential hosts. While warthogs, buffaloes, and giraffes—found at low densities—were overrepresented in tsetse bloodmeals (up to 15 times more than expected), high-density species like wildebeest and zebra were never recorded as hosts. This study is the first to combine molecular analysis of tsetse diets with simultaneous host density assessments, revealing that specific wildlife species drive the epidemiology of Rhodesian human African trypanosomiasis (rHAT) by maintaining and transmitting Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense.

Quantifying the residual volume transport through a multiple-inlet system in response to wind forcing: The case of the western Dutch Wadden Sea

Wadden Sea — 2016 — WHE1C55536514

Wind significantly influences the residual volume transport through the western Dutch Wadden Sea, a multiple-inlet coastal system. The study reveals that each inlet responds anisotropically to wind, with sensitivity primarily from two preferential directions. Using realistic three-dimensional baroclinic numerical simulations spanning 2009–2011 (over 2000 tidal periods), researchers quantified the effect of wind on both short and long-term scales. The dominant wind direction in the region aligns with the highest conductance for wind-driven transport, opposing tidally driven flows. This results in substantial variability and long-term dominance of wind over residual volume transport, despite storms being episodic events.

Quantitative analysis of the acoustic repertoire of southern right whales in New Zealand

New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands — 2016 — WHED8344EA969

Researchers have identified and quantified the full acoustic repertoire of southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) in New Zealand, revealing 10 distinct call types on their calving grounds in the sub-Antarctic Auckland Islands. Among these, pulsive, upcall, and tonal low vocalizations were most frequent, while a long tonal low call (≤15.5 s duration) and a very high call (peak frequency ∼750 Hz) were documented for the first time. Using Random Forest multivariate analysis on 28 measured variables, the study achieved an 82% accuracy in classifying calls, with maximum ceiling frequency, inflection points, duration, and start-end frequency differences proving most critical. This method offers a repeatable, fast, and objective approach to categorizing right whale calls, with potential applications for passive acoustic monitoring and automated call detection in remote or visually challenging environments.

Quantitative Evaluation of Ecosystem Health in a Karst Area of South China

South China Karst — 2016 — WHEF98F6F0A17

A decade-long study reveals that comprehensive control measures can significantly improve ecosystem health in karst regions, such as the Huajiang Demonstration Area in Guizhou Province. Using a GIS-based mechanism and multi-factor indicator system, researchers tracked spatial and temporal dynamics of rocky desertification (KRD) over 10 years, finding an increase in healthy areas from 3.7% to 8.2%. Despite this progress, unhealthy and middle-health areas still dominated by 2010. The study highlights the effectiveness of integrated KRD mitigation strategies in curbing ecosystem deterioration, offering a model for sustainable management in South China's karst landscapes.

Querns and mills during Roman times at the northern frontier of the Roman Empire (Belgium, Northern France, Southern Netherlands, Western Germany): Unraveling geological and geographical provenances, a multidisciplinary research project

Frontiers of the Roman Empire — 2016 — WHE8F33F79E82

A multidisciplinary analysis of querns and millstones from the northern Roman Empire (1st–4th century CE) reveals the exploitation of at least seven distinct rock types, including sedimentary and volcanic materials sourced from regions such as the Eifel area, Ardennes Massif, and Paris/Northern Sea Basin. Comparative petrographical, mineralogical, and geochemical techniques identified these raw materials, shedding light on their stratigraphic origins and distribution patterns. The study also highlights diversity in mill production (hand-mills vs. mechanical mills) and trade networks, offering new insights into the socio-economics of Gallo-Roman communities and their integration within the Roman Empire's northern frontier.

Questions of Representation in Dalit Critical Discourse

The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur — 2016 — WHEDEFA122027

A symbolic protest at Jantar Mantar, Jaipur, on July 31, 2004, highlighted tensions over literary representation and caste discourse. Members of the Bharatiya Dalit Sahitya Akademi (bdsa) burned copies of Munshi Premchand's novel Rangbhūmi, citing its offensive portrayal of Dalits and potential to perpetuate upper-caste bias among students. The protest stemmed from a decision by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (ncert) to include Rangbhūmi in Delhi's high school curriculum, replacing Premchand's earlier work Nirmala. The bdsa argued that the novel's repeated use of caste-specific terminology, such as labeling the protagonist 'Sūrdas Chamār,' could harm young minds. This incident underscores ongoing debates about representation, education, and social justice in India, particularly concerning Dalit perspectives in literary and academic discourse.

Questions of Representation in Dalit Critical Discourse: Premchand and Dalit Feminism (Chapter 7)

The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur — 2016 — WHE5AAD7BD448

A significant protest against caste representation in literature occurred on July 31, 2004, at Jantar Mantar, Jaipur, when members of the Bharatiya Dalit Sahitya Akademi (bdsa) publicly burned copies of Munshi Premchand's novel Rangbhūmi. The action was sparked by a decision to include the novel in Delhi's twelfth-grade syllabus, which critics argued perpetuated caste bias by repeatedly labeling the protagonist as 'Sūrdas Chamār.' This incident underscores ongoing debates about representation and education, particularly regarding Dalit perspectives. The study examines these tensions through the lens of Dalit feminism, analyzing how literary works shape societal perceptions and the role of educational institutions in reinforcing or challenging caste hierarchies.

R&R at the Intersection of US and Japanese Dual Empire: Okinawan Women and Decolonizing Militarized Heterosexuality

Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island — 2016 — WHE55B6A48DD2

This study reveals how the dual empires of the United States and Japan have shaped Okinawan women's lives, particularly through militarized heterosexuality and tourism. It highlights the ongoing struggle for self-determination in Okinawa, where 34% of Koza remains under US military occupation, contributing to a complex social landscape marked by historical colonization and modern militarization. The research employs critical discourse analysis to unpack the imperial entanglements that persist despite Japan's sovereignty regain post-WWII. It also documents Okinawan resistance efforts, such as the 2014 All Okinawa Council protests against US base construction in Henoko-Oura Bay, which reflect a broader fight for demilitarization and decolonization.

Range extension of Lyriothemis defonsekai van der Poorten, 2009 (Anisoptera: Libellulidae), an endemic odonate in Sri Lanka

Sinharaja Forest Reserve — 2016 — WHE813051639D

Researchers have documented the first-ever range extension of Lyriothemis defonsekai, a Critically Endangered odonate endemic to Sri Lanka. Previously known only from Sinharaja Forest Reserve, the species was believed to be a point endemic. However, recent observations in Yagirala Forest Reserve reveal an immature male and mature females, significantly expanding its known distribution. The study highlights the species' habitat preferences and underscores the importance of targeted conservation efforts beyond its original range. This discovery challenges prior assumptions about its restricted distribution and calls for broader monitoring to protect this vulnerable dragonfly.

Range Extension of Two Bumble Bee Species (Hymenoptera: Apidae) into Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park — 2016 — WHECB3D1CE7DE

Recent research has uncovered the presence of two previously undocumented bumble bee species, Bombus sylvicola and B. vandykei, within Olympic National Park's wilderness regions, marking a significant range extension for these cold-adapted pollinators. Species distribution models revealed that the Olympic Mountains offer high habitat suitability for B. sylvicola, positioning it as an isolated 'habitat island' distinct from its contiguous populations in the Cascade and Sierra Nevada ranges, while showing lower suitability for B. vandykei. The study leveraged range-wide locality records to assess potential conservation priorities, highlighting the sensitivity of bumble bees to environmental changes and underscoring their ecological importance in supporting both wild and cultivated flowering plants.

Ranging, Activity and Habitat Use by Tigers in the Mangrove Forests of the Sundarban

The Sundarbans — 2016 — WHEDD183B0AA5

A tiger population of approximately 76 individuals, with a density of 4.6 tigers per 100 km², was estimated in the Indian Sundarbans using GPS and VHF radio-collars on six tigers (three males and three females). The study revealed that tigers exhibit strong habitat preference for Avicennia-Sonneratia over Phoenix, Ceriops, and barren areas, while avoiding crossing wide water channels (>400 meters), which serve as natural territory boundaries. Tiger activity peaks between 05:00 and 10:00 hours, overlapping with human activity in high-risk zones like Avicennia-Sonneratia and Phoenix habitats along wide channels. The research highlights the vulnerability of tiger movement due to increasing boat traffic and climate-induced sea-level rise, posing a significant threat to population connectivity.

Rapid egg transport following coral mass spawning at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

Ningaloo Coast — 2016 — WHEB271D5D7FE

During the mass spawning event at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia, coral and palolo worm eggs exhibited rapid dispersal within hours of release. Concentrations dropped dramatically from 10^6 to 10^1-10^4 m^-3 for corals and Eunice viridis respectively, with minimal eggs or embryos remaining in the lagoon after 16 hours. This rapid transport was linked to local hydrodynamics and high flushing rates, validated by drifter deployments and plankton sampling over five days post-spawning. The study provides empirical support for a biophysical dispersal model, highlighting the influence of physical conditions on reproductive success in tropical coral ecosystems.

Rare Vegetation Degradation within “Buffer Zones” In Gobustan State National Park, Azerbaijan

Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape — 2016 — WHE6FFD5E51DA

A dramatic decline in rare vegetation cover within buffer zones of Gobustan State National Park, Azerbaijan—a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rock art—has been linked to oil and gas infrastructure development. Research using remote sensing data revealed that while plant cover decreased significantly in buffer zones, bare ground increased sharply, contrasting with slight improvements in the sensitive core area. The study highlights the adverse ecological impact of industrial expansion on semi-arid ecosystems, threatening biodiversity despite protective measures.

Rat eradication comes within a whisker! A case study of a failed project from the South Pacific

Henderson Island — 2016 — WHEB9C588D505

Despite efforts to eradicate invasive rats from Henderson Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the South Pacific, the project fell short by a narrow margin. Genetic analysis revealed that only about 50–80 rats survived the initial baiting with brodifacoum, indicating a near-successful eradication attempt. The study excluded reintroduction as the cause for the rat resurgence and found no signs of resistance to the toxicant in the surviving population. This case study provides valuable insights into the challenges of large-scale invasive species control and offers lessons for future conservation efforts.

Raw material exploitation strategies on the flint mining site of Spiennes (Hainaut, Belgium)

Neolithic Flint Mines at Spiennes (Mons) — 2016 — WHE80DB378547

The Neolithic flint mines at Spiennes (Mons, Belgium) represent one of Europe's most extensive and long-lasting mining operations, spanning from 4350 to 2300 BCE. This study reveals that the site's longevity was enabled by its rich flint resources, favorable geography, and sophisticated mining strategies, which evolved over time. Analysis of stratigraphic evidence and flint production suggests variability in both synchronic and diachronic mining techniques, particularly for standardized axeheads and blades. The research also proposes a hypothesis linking the seasonality of mining activities to the permanent settlement of Michelsberg populations, who combined farming with specialized mining and knapping. Group specialization, social control of resources, and century-old traditions likely sustained Spiennes' dominance in the Mons Basin's raw material supply for centuries.

Razionalità e mistero a Castel del Monte

Castel del Monte — 2016 — WHE953199A467

Castel del Monte, the enigmatic fortress commissioned by Emperor Frederick II of Swabia, embodies rational beauty through its perfect forms and mathematical precision. The structure's design, rooted in concepts like the golden ratio, reflects a deliberate harmony of form, number, and naturalistic detail, symbolizing imperial perfection. While the building's myriad interpretations remain speculative, its aesthetic and symbolic significance stand as a testament to the intersection of art, mathematics, and political power. This study underscores Castel del Monte’s role as a masterful fusion of rationality and mystery, where every element serves both functional and symbolic purposes.

Re-Inventing the Center: Urban Memory, Political Travel and the Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest, Romania

Sacred City of Anuradhapura — 2016 — WHE4426CF16AD

This study highlights the significance of urban stasis and continuity in shaping the physical and cultural heritage of Sri Lanka's sacred cities, particularly Anuradhapura. It reveals how periods of continuous habitation, such as those in Anuradhapura (4 BCE - 11 ACE) and Polonnaruwa (11–13 ACE), led to the accumulation of monumental structures like stupas, palace complexes, hospitals, and reservoirs, which are now preserved by UNESCO. The research spatializes political geography and interprets urban design as a visual or cartographical text, influenced by religio-political tropes such as the mandala. It also traces the evolution of these cities through periods of abandonment due to invasion or drought, culminating in the last indigenous capital at Senkadagala (Kandy). The study employs historical analysis and spatial interpretation to understand the longevity and cultural significance of these urban landscapes.

Recent literature on bryophytes — 119(1)

Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin — 2016 — WHE8053A400B1

Recent research on bryophytes highlights significant advancements in understanding their ecology, conservation, and biological interactions. A study by Muller (2014) documented the moss flora of Potsdam's Sanssouci Park, providing a detailed inventory that contributes to biodiversity monitoring in urban green spaces. Muster et al. (2015) explored 'Sphagnum farming' as a potential conservation strategy for peat bog species, offering insights into sustainable practices for threatened habitats. Na et al. (2015) analyzed Middle Jurassic palynology from Inner Mongolia, linking fossil data to paleobiological and paleogeographical reconstructions. Meanwhile, Nelson et al. (2015) introduced digitization workflows for plant, algae, and fungi collections, advancing herbarium-based research through technological innovation. Other studies, including those by Nishihama et al. (2015) on liverwort regeneration and Novotný & Mudrova (2015) on the rare copper moss Streptocolea atrata, delved into specific species' biology and conservation challenges. Collectively, these works underscore bryophytes' ecological importance while addressing gaps in their study through innovative methods.

Recientes hallazgos epigráficos en Madinat al-Zahra' y nueva onomástica relacionada con la dar al-sina'a califal

Caliphate City of Medina Azahara — 2016 — WHE888D5F0653

Recent epigraphic discoveries at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Medina Azahara reveal significant new insights into the caliphal city's monumental architecture and historical context. The study presents a comprehensive analysis of inscriptions, including previously undocumented onomastic evidence related to the 'Dar al-Sina'a' (House of Industry), which sheds light on the administrative and economic organization of the Caliphate of Córdoba during its 10th-century heyday. Through meticulous documentation and graphical representation, the research reconstructs lost details about the city's craftsmanship, labor systems, and the social hierarchy within this iconic Islamic urban ensemble. These findings challenge conventional interpretations by providing direct textual evidence that contextualizes Medina Azahara's role as a symbol of political power and cultural innovation under Abd al-Rahman III.